Commentary on Matthew 25:1-13 from “First Impressions”

From First Impressions 2023:

Every culture and religion has its own way of celebrating weddings. Each also has its risks getting things wrong. Weddings were a very big deal in Jesus’ day. Even more than now. Then weddings could last the whole week! They might start late, well into the night, because the families had to negotiate the dowry before the wedding could begin. A long negotiating was a compliment to the bride; she was a treasure. Finally, when the dowry was settled, the groom would come and all would go out to meet him. They would need oil. Lots of oil. The feast would begin and, remember, it could last a week!

Christians hearing the parable would liken the bridegroom to Christ. He was expected to return and begin the messianic banquet. They would also liken the foolish girls to less fervent Christians. Christians suffered for their faith and they were tempted to disappointment. Why doesn’t Jesus come and set things right? What’s taking him so long? We are attempted to ask the same questions these days. There’s a lot wrong with the world—so much suffering! Ukrainians, Jews and Palestinians, and let’s not forget young Russian soldiers too. What to do? The parable speaks of vigilance, preparedness and watchfulness; especially in the face of such tragedies.

We must not limit the idea of being ready to welcome the Lord to only the moment of death. That is not what the parable is saying. The kingdom of heaven begins here and now. Christ comes into our life every day, in many ways. But are our eyes and ears open to perceive his presence? Are we alert to welcome him and to respond to his invitation, “Follow me”?

How might we be prepared when he does come? The kingdom of heaven is present when “kingdom activity” is taking place: the hungry are fed, the thirsty given water; the sick and imprisoned visited; homeless given shelter; refugees protected and the oppressed set free. We do not have to wait for death to experience the kingdom of heaven. The bridegroom Jesus comes to us to form us and lead us to the full life which has been made possible by his death and resurrection.

This parable is the second of four stories Jesus tells about how we are to live until he comes. We might conclude from it that the virtuous are those who stay constantly alert. But note that all the virgins “became drowsy and fell asleep,” because the bridegroom was delayed. The difference between the wise and foolish virgins is that the wise ones are prepared and have brought extra oil to see them through their waiting for the bridegroom. He is delayed, but that does not mean that he will not come. It’s only when he comes that the celebrating begins. So, we are being asked to live in hope that what Jesus has promised will come to be, but for now we wait and hope.

The parable contrasts wisdom and folly; being sensible and being silly. It’s an invitation to us. Which would we rather be? Ready, or distracted? The oil is a symbol for readiness, not just at the end of our lives, but now. Ready for any surprise, good or bad, which we must face in our lives. “Stay awake”—Jesus’ advice to us today, especially at the key moments, the turning points, in our lives. Be prepared, be wise, then go ahead. What can help us stay awake, keep us alert to what’s happening in our lives now?

The parable suggests what we already know: we need to learn patience. This is particularly true with God. God keeps us waiting. The bridegroom, Jesus Christ, arrives late and because he does, we might not be prepared. The wise ones in the parable are prepared for the delay. We could enter into the parable and say something like: “I thought I brought enough oil to get me through the wedding. But the bridegroom is in charge, not me. My task is to be ready and prepared, even for the delay.”

We are a fast-moving society. We don’t like delays. They are working on the highway near us and people, myself included, complain about the delay the work causes. I was at a retreat center a while back and the internet was slow. I didn’t like waiting for the information I was looking for on my browser.

So we ask ourselves: what is the oil I have in my lamp as I wait for the Lord to come? What do I need that will sustain me during the delay? As I look around at those who are “awake” in my faith community they seem to sustain themselves by a regular habit of prayer; worship with others; works of mercy; acts of justice and forgiveness. Is it any wonder that the wise virgins cannot share their oil. We cannot share the spiritual reserves that keep us prepared to meet the Lord when he comes.