Lamps are lit

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102125.cfm

After reading today's Gospel many times over, both today and in the past, I think that I realized that there is something more important than vigilance in this passage. 'Gird your loins and light your lamps' it says. I think as I have read on in the past, I have zoomed past this to read about the servants being ready in the second and third watch - seems like vigilance will be needed.

I blew right by it. Before you can be vigilant about it, you have to light your lamp. What does it take to light our lamps, and for what purpose. To really understand this we need to go back to the Old Testament and promises that God made to Abraham. Among the promises of numerous descendants, becoming a great nation, and taking possession of the promised land, God also tells Abraham that his descendants will be a light to the nations. What does this mean?

This means that, like a lighthouse, they will draw those who are on the sea of spiritual danger toward the light of a Savior, the Christ. This role is filled primarily by Jesus, but then by the twelve apostles who stand in the place of the twelve tribes. Following them, this task falls to each and every Christian. So, Christian, how do you light your lamp? You don't. You let Him light it.

See how Jesus has lit a light in your life, allow yourself to see what He has done in your life, allow yourself to appreciate His gift of forgiveness, allow yourself to be joyful. It is this joy that you will share as a light for others. Sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small. Sometimes by sharing your story, sometimes by listening to someone else's. Your lamp is lit, let it shine!