Holy Tuesday: Watching and Waiting

                                            Holy Tuesday

On the Tuesday of Holy Week, the Eastern Orthodox remembers the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids Its theme of expectant preparedness hints at Jesus’ request to his disciples to stay awake with him in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Coming Light – a beautiful hymn, by fourth century church father Saint Ephrem - uses the words of the wise bridesmaids : “Let us light our lamps and go forth to meet Him.”

Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Jesus said ‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 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. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

A Prayer for those in Authority

Lord of the universe,

Help us all to be patient waiters and watchers,

to be faithful in our prayers and in our serving.

Give wisdom to all those who exercise authority.

Help them to put the good of the many first.

Enable them to love truth

and to turn away from the lure of false promises.

Give them the light of your wisdom

to make decisions that serve the people

and keep people safe,

and, help us all to remember

that the one who would be greatest

must learn to be the servant of all;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.