Prepare for What? Blog post #161

Being prepared is the point of the parable Jesus tells about the ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. The bridegroom’s arrival was imminent, so the ten set off to meet him. Five, called the “wise” ones, brought along extra oil for their lamps. The other five, called “foolish” did not. The bridegroom was delayed and the bridesmaids eventually fell asleep. Around midnight, they were awakened that the bridegroom is almost here. 

The unprepared asked the prepared ones to share their oil, but they refused. They are told to go buy some. The bridegroom arrives and the prepared ones are welcomed into the wedding feast. When the unprepared/foolish bridesmaids come back with their oil (they are now prepared, an important point) they are shut out. The symbols are the bridegroom is Jesus and the Second Coming, the bridesmaids are the members of the church. The oil is spiritual readiness and the bridegroom’s delay is not knowing the day or hour of the second coming. The shut door is the final judgment. Seems a little harsh. 

And the point seems to be that you should be prepared because you know neither the day nor the hour. But prepared for what? We know that there was a rush to meet the bridegroom, but we don’t know if the “foolish” ones took different precautions like provisions, shelter, protection against wild animals, etc. All we know is that they didn’t take extra oil for the lamps (unnecessary since he is about to arrive). Also, the “foolish” ones buy oil indicating they are prepared and ready. And yet still are turned away. 

I was unprepared for Tuesday’s Blue Tsunami, surpassing my hopes, but we are preparing to make America great again with kindness, humility, tolerance, hope, and more.

Matthew 25:1–13