The Roman Catholic Parish of Notre Dame in Houston, Texas shared a note from the deacon on Nov. 8.

“The storms from this past summer remind us that preparedness is the key to surviving nature’s worst,” Deacon Frank wrote. “Early warning alarms, future weather forecasts, all are part of alerting us to potential disaster. But we must act if we are to come through the storms safely.”

In the parable of the five wise and five unwise virgins, Jesus tells us that we must always be prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. While all were awaiting the return of the bridegroom, only some prepared in the necessary ways for his arrival. Those who failed to prepare themselves, found that when the time came, they were left in the darkness. 

“The wise hear the word of God and put it into practice every day. Even though there may be a delay in Jesus’ ultimate return at the end of time, for the wise they are ready even when they are at rest,” Deacon Frank wrote. 

Pope Francis similarly has recommended that we always be living with an active faith, not just one that we keep in our spare time, but one that defines our lives. 

We are asked to consider, through the parable of the virgins, if we are prepared for the return of Jesus and our resurrection, or if we are simply procrastinating in our usage of time. 

“It’s imperative that we live in a constant state of readiness. The delay of the bridegroom didn’t dampen the spirits of the wise virgins, they were always prepared either awake or asleep. We too must have that same mindset. The Lord will return for us,” Deacon Frank wrote. 

Let us be ready when he comes back and eagerly await his return with trimmed and freshly filled lamps.