I like happy endings. And yet I recognize that what is a happy ending for one is often not for another. Victory in a game, or a war, or – oh yeah, an election – means defeat for someone else. Not all happy endings have a sad flipside, but many do. So I’m not crazy about the way Jesus’ story of the bridesmaids ends. When the foolish bridesmaids discover their lamps are going out due to insufficient oil, they ask the ones who thought to bring extra to share some, and are told:
“No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.”
I see a crowd outside a popular nightspot, with the bouncer letting in the “cool ones” and keeping out those who are not on the list, not connected. But these bridesmaids thought they were connected. “Check it again,” they cry, “I’m sure we’re on there. We’re bridesmaids! We just had to run and get ourselves some more oil.” But the answer is cold as ice: “I do not know you.”
Is this how Jesus is going to respond to us if we’re late or unprepared? His “punchline” to the story is: “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Is there no room for complacency? No missing the boat? And what about those who never knew about the club in the first place?
This harsh teaching comes up at the end of a few parables, and it’s hard because it's counter to the message of acceptance and grace Jesus so often extended to people. Jesus often seemed to be most harsh with those who should know better – the religious leaders and his own disciples. These bridesmaids represent people who’ve already made a commitment to the realm of God, and there’s no excuse for them not being ready to fulfill their mission.
How do you feel as a disciple of Jesus Christ – prepared? Equipped? Your lamp lit and oil reservoir full?
If not, what do you feel you are lacking? Might you come into conversation with Jesus about that today? Ask him where the resources are, and as you wait for response, think about your circumstances and the people around you. What else do you need, and who else do you need to more fully engage in God’s mission of reclaiming, restoring, renewing?
And If you feel the foolish bridesmaids got a raw deal, and fear you’d be in the same boat, that is definitely something to talk over with Jesus in prayer. Relationships require honest communication.
At the end of The Story, I hope and pray that door stays open to all who come, at whatever hour, as another of Jesus’ stories teaches us. In the meantime, we are invited to trust in God’s mercy and live into the responsibility which Jesus has entrusted to us – always ready to carry the light.
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