“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” – Matthew 25:2-4
Be ready, you told us, Jesus,
over and over. Watch the fig trees.
Watch for floods. One will go,
one will be left. Do your work.
Fuel your lamps. Invest your talents.
Care for the sick, imprisoned, and needy.
Over and over: “Be ready.”
Be ready to shine. Be ready to care.
Be ready to share. Be ready to welcome.
Be ready to celebrate. Be ready to help.
Be ready. Be ready. Be ready.
But.
Jesus, for how long?
If the groom had been on time,
ten glowing lamps would have
illuminated him along the way.
Not five.
How long? How much extra fuel
will keep my lamp alight to welcome you?
How much investment of my talents?
How many welcomed, visited, assisted?
How long, belated bridegroom Christ?
How long?
Just so you know I know: the only source
to feed the lamp of human light, the only
place to fill the soul is you, O God.
Is you.
If I am to endure to shine before you,
fill my lamp, O God, my flasks and barrels.
Only with your aid will my light shine
today, tomorrow, and in days to come.
A poem/prayer based on Matthew 25:1-13, the Revised Common Lectionary Gospel Reading for Year A, Proper 27 (33).
Photo by Eric Anderson. I know it’s of a tealight candle, not an oil lamp, but I like this picture.
ordainedgeek 
The repetition and the turning point of the “But” is very effective. The “How long?” section reminded me of the Iona song “How long, O Lord” based on Psalm 13.
I love Iona music! I don’t remember that song consciously, however. I wonder if it’s been waiting in the back of my memory? Be that or no, reminding you of Iona is a high compliment. Thank you.
I might have guessed both Eric and Maren are Iona fans – I knew Maren had been there. That song is in the volume Heaven Shall not Wait p.32
How long also made my think of the same Iona song, based on my visit there last year, but blessed to me is my often demand for lamp and flask and barrel!
As I was writing it I was struggling to find the word for a pottery container, and couldn’t remember the word, “jar.” I’m glad I went with “barrel.” It’s closer to what I feel I need.