Thursday Lent 3

‭‭Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly, and five were smart.”

Matthew 25:1-2 MSG

I love that Jesus says both silly (foolish) and smart (wise) people are included in the kingdom.  For many years, I thought the foolish weren’t included because they were not prepared. But today, I see things a little different.

The story goes on. The smart were prepared to stay all night, the silly were not.

‭‭“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

Matthew 25:7-9 MSG

So, the silly ones went out to get what they needed because the smart ones would not share what they had in fear they may run out. Maybe they were wise looking after themselves. Maybe they were greedy looking only after themselves. But we know the wise told the foolish to leave and go get what they needed. Maybe this is why they were foolish, because they listened to the wise. Did they really have to leave? Was it possible to remain even if their lamp flickered out?

‭‭“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

Matthew 25:10-13 MSG

This ending is wild to me. I’m still sitting with the thought of what it actually means.  Parables do not always tell the straightforward truth. It can seem like a riddle as well as an invitation.

The bridegroom was late. This was not the virgins fault. They were part of the wedding party so they could not proceed until he arrived. I wonder if the foolish even needed to leave for more oil? Could it have been enough to remain without oil? Tradition taught that you show up prepared to stay as long as necessary. 

I wonder, what if the bridegroom had been even later? No one would have had oil. Then what? Would they have all stayed, or would all of them leave to buy more?

Jesus says, “Stay alert.” Does this mean stay prepared? Or does it mean stay present? If the foolish ones had stayed,  would they have been locked out?

Either way, the parable begins by including both foolish and wise in the Kingdom.

I believe it is important to stay present,  even if you are not prepared.  We will miss it on some days. Thankfully, we are still included. Both wise and foolish were a part of the wedding party.  The foolish just got missing at the last moment.