This parable tells me how calling Jesus our Lord and Saviour will not save us. It is about being prepared. And who, pray tell, knows what 'being prepared' means? With my limited knowledge, I can only second guess that it's about following the teachings of Christ with the best we can, using God's gifts of faith and love.

This parable also tells me how short life is. As we know nothing of tomorrow, we have to be prepared. 'Keep watch,' as this Sunday's Reading prods us.

I must admit I am weak in this 'preparation' thing. Most of the time, I am caught unprepared by sudden events, or sometimes even, I allow myself to be unprepared. Take this example: I knew beforehand that the airline only allows up to 40 kgs of check in baggages. Typically Pinoy, I went beyond 40 kgs hoping the airline staff would be kind to turn a blind eye on my five kilo excess. The last time I went home, the airline staff stood his ground and demanded that I either pay KD27 or transfer some of the items to my hand carry bag. And so in front of other passengers, I opened my luggage exposing rows of coffee and shampoo and soaps (I can almost hear them saying: is he opening up a sari-sari store, or something?). It really was embarrasing.

Two lessons here:
1/ If we already know the rules, follow it.
2/ Don't test whether the rule can be bended, because it's not worth it.

More so with the rules of heaven.

Prayers: Have mercy, oh Lord, on my weaknesses. Help me keep your commandments, because without Your loving guidance, I will be lost and wandering.