February 26

But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. — Matt 25:10 BSB

Ruskin’s motto was “Today.” It was engraved on a piece of chalcedony that he always kept on his desk. No duty should ever be postponed.

In the parable of the ten virgins, the difference between the wise and the foolish ones was that the wise took care of their duties at the right time, while the foolish put things off. The wise were not caught off guard. They were prepared for their Lord, no matter when He came. The foolish, on the other hand, slept without preparing, and the bridegroom’s arrival filled them with panic.

We can’t prepare for life’s great emergencies in the moment they occur. Faithfulness in our daily duties prepares us for any crisis, no matter how suddenly it arrives.

There is a difference in the gifts and opportunities given to each person, but everyone can find reward by faithfully using what they have. Let’s not forget that the man in the parable was condemned not for committing crimes, but for failing to use what had been entrusted to him.