No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it… 1 Corinthians 10:13.

It is incredibly harmful to be distracted from God. As Christians, we consider God to be the master of our ship. You begin attempting to navigate your boat after losing sight of your skipper. This can also lead to trials, sin, missed opportunities, and blessings, guiding you in the wrong direction. You begin to feel anxiety and worry when you can no longer see your captain. You start to believe that I am alone in this. Your commander pledged to lead and assist you, but instead of concentrating on Him, you began to focus on the enormous waves and the other sailors around you. Being diverted from God is getting easier and easier as technology develops. Sin may bring distraction from God, but that isn't always the case. Life and getting caught up in the world are the fundamental causes.

Technology encourages our reasons for getting distracted; in the year 2022, there are so many distractions: TV, iPad, Phone, websites, social networks binging on shows, and so much more that it doesn't leave little time for things of the Father. You are so busy with the Kids, even school in some cases.

Remember, Distractions can be defined as "things that turn your attention from what you wish to concentrate on." And Satan wants this for us. Satan adores Christians who are distractions. Regardless of what it is, he doesn't care. He merely seeks to turn our focus on God's things. Some would say the evil one keeps us distracted and makes us think we have all the time in the world, well, do we?

Let's look and study.

One of the best tools at the Devil's disposal is a distraction; in his mind, as long as you don't involve Christ in your life in an accurate and meaningful way, his job is done. When I say significant, I mean just like how you interact with a natural being that you desire a relationship. You know, talking to them, spending time, depending on them, etc. Think about the verse where Christ mentions rejection that you should go away. I didn't know you. Have you ever thought about it what you did wrong for such a declaration?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity!' Matthew 7:23 

 

 

While waiting for the Bridegroom, the foolish virgins neglected to get ready for the long night that lay ahead. In today's hectic environment, it is simple to prioritize many needs, ambitions, social engagements, and everyday tasks over time spent developing our connection with Christ. Our existence on earth is comparable to the night the virgins waited for the Bridegroom. It will soon come to an end, and the night will give way to our meeting with the Bridegroom in all his absolute holiness and splendor. At that time, we shall be assessed on whether we were smart or foolish in our preparation, just like the foolish virgins were. Do we maintain our commitment to our faith by participating in a life of prayer and worship in the center of the Church, by receiving the sacraments, and by developing a close relationship with Christ?

The long night causes tiredness to develop. Distractions, immorality, and complacency all contribute to spiritual sleepiness, where we lose awareness of Christ's presence and the critical need to remain awake.

You Need Oil to Be Ready for His Coming.

The second point to highlight from the parable of the ten virgins is what it takes to be ready for his coming. As we mentioned earlier, the most significant part of being ready is being filled with the Holy Spirit. By the way, this requires more than just Sunday morning. It's what you do during the rest of the days of the week that matters the most. Your growth in Christ will happen most outside of the Church. This is where you prepare your heart to be ready for Jesus' coming. Clearly, the ones who took extra oil were prepared and ready for his coming. Those who didn't were not. So even though they looked prepared in reality, they weren't ready for the Bridegroom. This is how it will be when Jesus returns. Unfortunately, many will look prepared because they have lamps, but they won't be prepared because they have no oil.

Not only his coming but your final decision before your final breath

In our story, we notice that the virgins get tired and fall asleep. In the Bible, falling asleep can also be a reference to dying. After they fell asleep, they were awoken by a cry that rang out. When that cry came, those who were ready went into the banquet with the Bridegroom, and those who were not ready got locked out. This is a picture of the rapture. Consider what Paul said in Thessalonians. You may notice some parallels.

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord, himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever." – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

In conclusion, turn your focus on Jesus Christ. Make him the main focus of your life. This requires more than just an intellectual belief in Jesus. It is a new way of life and denotes a fundamental shift in priorities through remorse. It's a mindset of self-entrust in Christ when you completely surrender to him. It means the practice of prayer, devotion, diligence, preparation, participation in the life of the Church's worshipping community, and receipt of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession. Because as Paul stated, only those still alive and left will be caught up together to meet Him. Stay Focused!