We Can Relate - The Rev. Joyce Keeshin

Sermons from the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

We can certainly relate to these foolish bridesmaids. I mean, I certainly can. In the busyness of our lives, not always are we able to think three or four or five steps ahead. Not always are we able to consider all of the additional planning we need to have in mind. Particularly in the busyness of our lives, we may be hustling through each day. We may be realizing we don't have a meal covered or we don't have time for a project or time for something for work or school. We may need to figure out how we're going to take care of a family member or provide transportation to a soccer match. or how we're going to work in a commitment we've made in this community. We find ourselves scrambling to get back on track. We may reach out to others for help, and they may be scrambling too. So, life can be messy. So, we can relate to foolish bridesmaids. But what about the wise bridesmaids? They were clearly not willing to share their oil, not willing to function as a community with the others and give others advice that sends them away and ultimately keeps them out of the banquet. Doesn't this fly in the face of so many of Jesus's teachings of sharing what we have of loving our neighbor as ourselves? We may be able to relate to these wise bridesmaids on those times, those occasions when we find ourselves really prepared and on top of things. And possibly not impressed by those who are kind of straggling in at the last minute with work half done like we have done ourselves on many occasions.