Oil, Bread, and Judgment

The earth can be emptied in an hour, and the storehouses of men cannot save them from the Judge. Isaiah shows the whole world brought low: mirth silenced, pride humbled, the land mourning under its inhabitants. In such a day, rank gives no shelter; buyer and seller, priest and people alike stand exposed. Therefore a man must not live carelessly, as though delay were safety.

Jacob’s sons went down for grain because hunger leaves no room for boasting. As Lactantius says, “Our ancestors, who were chiefs of the Hebrews, when they were distressed by famine and want, passed over into Egypt, that they might obtain a supply of grain;” Bodily famine drove them to seek bread; the Lord’s words drive us to seek a better provision before the door is shut. The foolish virgins had lamps but no oil. The slothful servant had his master’s money but buried it. Those at the left hand saw the needy and passed by. In every case, what was lacking was not profession but obedient readiness.

So the church must keep oil in the vessel: prayer, mercy, watchfulness, steadfast labor, repentance without delay. The King whom we await is the same Lord who comes hidden in the hungry, the stranger, and the prisoner. Tatian records the astonishment of the righteous: “Then shall those righteous say unto him, Our Lord, when saw we you hungry, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you to drink?” They did not serve for display, but because mercy had become their habit. Let us therefore fear the wasting of the earth, and more than that, fear an empty soul when the Bridegroom comes.