November 8, 2026

In this homily, Pastor Lesley approaches the parable of the bridesmaids with a different question: Why did the bridegroom refuse to open the door? Rather than focusing only on readiness and extra oil, she invites the church to examine its own welcome. Do we proclaim God’s grace while expecting people to arrive prepared, without doubts, failures, or unfinished lives?

Holding the closed door alongside Jesus’ promise, “Knock, and the door shall be opened to you,” Pastor Lesley challenges the congregation to consider how judgment can stand in the way of mercy. The risen Christ returned to disciples who were themselves unprepared, meeting them with love, teaching, and grace. His example calls us to welcome people where they are, not where we think they should already be.

This message invites us to become a community that opens the door, stands beside those whose plans have fallen apart, and helps those who have run out of oil. The question is not whether someone deserves to enter, but how we will share the mercy Christ has entrusted to us.