Matthew 25:1-13 (The wise and foolish bridesmaids)

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, '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.'

Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Armistice Day, 11th November, was marked for the first time in 1919 at the instigation of King George V. During the Second World War the ceremonies were moved to the Sunday before 11th November in order to minimize disruption to life under difficult circumstances. After the war it was decided to make the second Sunday in November Remembrance Sunday. Over the years marking Armistice Day as well as Remembrance Sunday has gained support. So, there is our history lesson. We have two annual commemorations to mark the ending of war, the establishing of peace and the cost of such conflicts. It is sobering to note another history lesson as we recall how many wars have taken place since WWII. I understand that the British Army has been involved in thirty six campaigns of varying magnitude since 1945. 

Wouldn’t it be great if wars came to an end as a means of resolving conflicts. So many organisations are working to this end, but we all have our part to play. This work begins as soon as a child is born. 

Behavioural scientists tell us that it is easier to smile than to grimace, and we are naturally disposed to do the right thing rather than the wrong. But imagine someone growing up believing that the world is a broken place and that human nature is inclined towards evil. In anxiety they would assume that they had to arm ourselves up to the teeth to defend themselves against the inevitable. If only they were taught that it needn’t be like that. 

Moving on, what do we teach young people as they approach adulthood? Look out for ‘number one’? Success means climbing to the top of the pile, and in doing so you need to trample over other people? In order to succeed, others have to fail? Life is about the survival of the fittest? These are classic points of view, and they are poison. It would be so much better if at a young age we all learnt a healthy way to compete against each other. Somehow we need to teach the lesson of being magnanimous and humble both in triumph and defeat. And then, when it comes to promoting ideologies and debating points of view, there are lessons to be learnt about respect and tolerance. 

The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids reminds us not to let ourselves go but rather each day to dress smart. And yes, it requires discipline to be spiritually and morally well-dressed every day. It is tempting to have off days when we wear the scruffy clothes of selfish ambition when we say ‘me first’ or worse ‘only me’. But let us pray that we are given the strength to rise to a good day every day so that when the Lord comes he will find us and the world at peace and in good order.