St. Monica – Pray for us! – 

This is a story about ‘divine delay’ not only at the end of our life but all throughout our life. It is a reminder that God does not function according to our clocks and calendars. We cannot put the Almighty on a time schedule. But like those five sensible bridesmaids, we had better be prepared to wait, because no one can predict the day or the hour when the groom will arrive. No one can predict when our prayers will be answered. Divine delays are an expression, not of rejection, but of love. If somehow we can see that, our flame of faith will not go out. We will have the extra oil that enables us to rekindle it and keep it burning during those times when we need it most.