Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
Every time I look up the parable of the ten bridesmaids, I seem to find something else that causes me to struggle with it. The bridegroom, Jesus, is late! It caused the bridesmaids to fall asleep and some lamps maybe to go out. Then, the bridesmaids who were savvier and had extra oil refused to give some to those who did not. When the bridegroom, Jesus, finally arrives, he denies the now distressed bridesmaids. Blessed are the poor in spirit, huh? What about being merciful? I guess this is the nature of allegories. They challenge our conventional thinking and send our neurons to the weight room. Why was it so important to keep the lamps going in the first place?
Bridging Faith 