Some people are punctual, like me. Others never arrive at any meeting or appointment on time. Is that good or bad?

There's an expression among us, which used to be very common around here, that defines good practice. It's “English punctuality”.

Far from wanting to radicalize or be extreme about punctuality, we need to rationalize the need for it.

If you're late for a flight, you may miss it, unless it's also late. This has already happened to me, although against my will. After all, unforeseen events happen, like a traffic jam.

Likewise, those who arrive to board a bus or metro journey, etc.

Who hasn't seen what happens to those who are late for the ENEM or the entrance exam? They lose the chance to compete for a place at university.

And there is a delay already predicted by Jesus, which will happen to the “foolhardy virgins”, who will not be able to enter the marriage supper with the Lamb. Let's transcribe what will happen.

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five foolish. The foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. And when the bridegroom tarried, they all shivered and fell asleep. But at midnight a cry was heard: Here comes the bridegroom, go out to meet him. Then all the virgins got up and prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps go out. But the wise answered and said: Let it not be that we and you lack, but go to those who sell it, and buy it for yourselves. And when they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut. Then the other virgins also came, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us. And he answered and said, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:1-13.

Although the text doesn't mention a delay, it does say that the foolish or reckless virgins (corresponding to negligent churches) fell asleep like the others, but without being prepared. Because there is a time for that. And if that time is lost, there will be no way to recover it.

I suggest you also read my texts “Woe to these women”, “Get up women” and “The madness of these women”, published on my Recantodasletras channel - oliprest.

So don't delay in being prepared as a church, there's time for that. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the supper planned for the wise virgins.

Guarulhos-Sp, 23/01/2025

Oli Prestes
Missionary

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