| Pentecost+25 | | Date Created: Nov 03, 2005, 04:48 PM |
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The Gospel reading for this coming Sunday is Matthew 25:1-13.
Jeremias notwithstanding, I think our knowledge of first century marriage customs isn't all that it could be. The point of the parable is clear in any case, fortunately. What we miss by just reading this chunk is that just before it, Jesus has told two parables that relate to this one. The ones at the end of chapter 24 are about being prepared in case the event happens before you expect it, whereas this parable is about being prepared in case the event doesn't happen until way after you expect it.
It's not going to be a popular story to preach from these days. The real Jesus did not emphasise what we like to these days, the importance of living 100% in the present. Instead he emphasised that the decisions you make and the lifestyle you lead has to be with one eye on the future Eschaton, the Return of the King. And secondly, even more painfully, Jesus seems to be saying that some people will be sent away, apparently from behind a closed door, with those awful words 'I never knew you.'
Neither theme is unique to this parable. |
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