Sunday 15 November 2020
At the end of any of Jesus’ parables we have to make a decision. Here it is – will we be “foolish” or “wise”? In the story the foolish bridesmaids thought they would get away with a certain amount of oil, and if they needed extra, they could sort that out at the last moment. The wise ones brought enough to last whatever the circumstances. It’s one of the teachings Jesus gives us about his return – and this time no longer as a baby but as a reigning king. It’s a warning that, if we think we can sort out our commitment to him at that last moment, it will be too late. Sadly, in the story, the foolish bridesmaids had to rush down to the shops to buy the extra oil, and missed the very event they’d come to celebrate. What about you and me – are we following Jesus now or do we think there will be wriggle room to put things right when he comes?