The voice cries out for the people to prepare a better, easier way for the Lord to return to them.

Here, Jesus warns against complacency.

What spiritual gifts do you contribute to the community of faith?

Imagine God’s face turned toward you with such shining tenderness.

In what ways would you have God reshape you?

Quite often, we do not even recognize the significance of those things we do or do not do to others, but Jesus reminds us that he is there in each of those decisions.

“He has made us and we are his.” This profound truth is so easy to forget when we become overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or despair.

In what ways do you sense the Good Shepherd gathering you in, healing, and sustaining you?

I wonder if this parable is less about wise/foolish or good/bad and more about how we wait.

If Jesus was coming to visit your home, our church, or our community, what parts would you show off to him?