S19 E6 - Sacred Elements: Oil

In this episode, we continue our series on sacred elements as we explore the significance of oil as a symbol of intimacy with God, anointing, and preparation for the Bridegroom. Mary broke open her costly perfume and poured it all out at Jesus' feet, holding nothing back. We talk about the beauty of that kind of love, the posture of gazing up into the face of the One who loves us, and why a heart given entirely to Him is never wasted. We also share how to keep our lamps filled as we wait for the Bridegroom and why no one can lend us the oil that comes from our own time with Him. The same Spirit who anointed us at our baptism longs to fill us again with the oil of His love, so that our lamps are burning bright when the Bridegroom comes.   Heather's One Thing - Make Me A Bethany by Jesus Image Sister Miriam's One Thing - The New Translation from the Liturgy of the Hours (Find Ascension's Version Here) (Find Word on Fire's Version Here) Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - The Spirit of the Liturgy of the Hours by Fr. Boniface Hicks Michelle's One Thing - Italian Gnocchi Soup and the Auburn vs Georgia game   Journal Questions: Where is the Lord drawing me into deeper intimacy? How can I love God more extravagantly? What parts of yourself are you holding back from the Lord? How can I make space in my life to fall more in love with God? What places of my heart are dry and in need of encounter?   Discussion Questions: What are you attached to other than God that pulls you away from a deeper relationship with Him? How might God be inviting you to break from routine and love Him more generously? When have you seen an outpouring of intimacy with the Lord draw others (or yourself) closer to Jesus? What is bearing fruit in your life and in the lives of those around you? What are you filling your life with while you wait when it feels like Jesus is delayed?   Quote to Ponder: "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'  Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'  'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'  But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:1–13)   Scripture for Lectio: "Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.  Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was fil