3rd Advent 2022, Get to Work

3rd Advent

Matthew 25:1-13

Burnand

The kingdom in the heavens will be like ten maidens who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. But
five of them were dull of soul, and five were alert and prudent. The foolish took their lamps without taking any oil with them. The wise ones took flasks of oil for their lamps. Now, because the bridegroom was a long time coming, they all became drowsy and were sleeping. But in the middle of the night, the call went up, "Behold, the bridegroom! Go forth to meet him!"
Then all the maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out."

Burnand

But the wise ones said, "No, the oil would not be enough for us and you as well. Rather go to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves." And while they were away buying, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready to receive him went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.

Afterward, the other maidens came also and said, "Lord, Lord, open to us!"
But he replied, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you."

So be alert of soul, since you do not know the day or the hour.

3^rd Advent
December 11, 2022
Matthew 25:1–13

In Jesus' time, it was the custom that a procession of bridesmaids accompanied the groom to the bride's house to meet his bride. The procession lit his way. In the story, half of them have stocked extra oil, and half have not.

Thomas Cooper Gotch

One might be inclined to fault the prudent ones for not sharing. Are they being selfish? No, in this instance, they are providing not just oil but foresight. They know that by dividing the oil, no one's light would last for the whole journey. And then everyone would be in the dark, unable to continue, and the marriage could not take place. This is not the moment for charity. It is the moment to be fully and wisely prepared to contribute to a strong collective effort in meeting the Bridegroom.

This story is a metaphor for the Divine Marriage of the Son of God and the collective soul of humanity. Nevertheless, the oil of prayer and spiritual light can only be acquired individually. One can only prepare one's own capacities for the Divine Marriage. One cannot do so for others. What is required in this case is not charity but foresight, spiritual preparation, and readiness. Last-minute preparations will not suffice.

We are resting, waiting in the darkness, not knowing when the wedding will take place. But come it will. And so we must prepare ahead of time to be ready.

In the words of Epictetus:*

It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.
 
Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.
 
"Caretake This Moment," in Epictetus: The Art of Living a New Interpretation by Sharon Lebell.