“Do You Have an Illuminating Spirit?” – Matt 25:1-13 – November 9, 2008
Over the years I have worked with hundreds of couples who are having trouble with their relationship. When they come to me they are generally in some crisis. Rekindling love in a relationship requires hard work. It includes an investment of time and energy. It never ceases to amaze me that we will change the oil in our automobiles every 3,000 miles and get regular tune ups, but almost no one takes the time to “tune up” or “change the oil” in their relationships.
When the flame goes out in a relationship it is because the partners have neglected to set aside time for them selves. Since we get so wrapped up in our work, our extracurricular activities and the lives of our children we fail to take time for ourselves. Just as our cars can’t run without fuel, neither can a relationship run without the essential resources that will keep the “flame” burning.
In the parable of the ten maidens there are two groups: the wise maidens, who had sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning, and the foolish maidens, who didn’t take the time to go to the store and buy fuel for their lamps. When the way needed to be lighted for the bridegroom, some were ready while others were not.
In an Eastern culture the bridegroom is often a more important figure than the bride and frequently paid for all the expenses of the wedding. A Jewish wedding had three parts or stages to it. First, there was the formal engagement/betrothal which was almost always arranged by the parents of the future bride and groom. Later (up to a year or more) came the formal religious ceremony in the bride’s home. This was a religious service similar to our wedding service. Thirdly, there was the wedding banquet (feast), generally at night, at the house of the groom and it generally lasted about seven days and could take place right after the ceremony or weeks later. The bridegroom would come to get his bride and they would walk together to the wedding. It was an elaborate affair that cost a lot of money. It was, therefore, a social event to which their friends were anxious to attend. The bride and the groom walked down the street and their bridesmaids would take part in the ‘welcoming ceremony’ by lighting the way with lamps held by the wedding party. It would be a major faux pas for anyone in the wedding party not to be by the road ready to welcome the bridegroom and bride. (Richard A. Todd, Ten Sleepy Women)
The parable of the ten maidens however is not about marriage. The parable is about keeping the flame alive in our spiritual lives. Jesus wants his followers to be ready at all times, reminding us that our first priority is to have an illuminating spirit.
After thirty years of watching television, a husband said to his wife, “Let’s do something really exciting tonight.” Instantly she began thinking of many possibilities; shopping, dining out, etc. “Great!” she said. “What shall we do?” Her husband replied, “Why don’t we exchange chairs.”
That is not what I mean by having an illuminating spirit. In that situation nothing really changed. There has to be an effort to be creative. Perhaps the reason you don’t feel very spiritual is that you are not willing to break your routine. I believe we all have a comfort zone. We don’t like interruptions. We don’t like to go out of our way. Breaking out of a routine requires a little adventure and a little letting go.
The spiritual flame will be rekindled within you when you break away from the ordinary and try something new.
The wise maidens were prepared because they had taken the time to plan ahead. Unlike the foolish maidens they didn’t procrastinate. They kept their lanterns filled with oil, just in case. On the other hand, some folks stockpile resources to the point they are overwhelmed and overburdened. They may be prepared for a rainy day but in the process they can’t move. In other words they aren’t free.
It can be a very ‘freeing” experience when we are prepared. Last summer on our vacation we made arrangements to stay in a motel in advance. We knew we would be getting in late and we didn’t want to take a chance that we couldn’t find a room. As I was checking in there was a man in front of me who was inquiring about a room. “Sorry,” the clerk said, “We are booked.” Since we had a reservation they had saved a room for us. I share this story because there was a time when I would travel without reservations. I specifically remember the time we wre traveling to Williamsburg, Virginia. We had hoped to stay in the Cumberland, Maryland area. When we arrived there was some kind of World War II Veteran’s reunion taking place and there wasn’t a room to be had for over 100 miles. We had to continue driving until we finally found a room in Fredericksburg, Maryland. We were hungry, tired and trust me, that did not help to light a fire in my relationship with my wife.
Our spiritual lives will be enhanced when we spend part of our lives preparing. By being prepared we will be able to withstand a crisis if and when it occurs. Lack of preparation will cause us to panic or fail.
We have a Buckeye tree in our back yard that is very fruitful. Each year we gather up several bushels of buckeyes. But, this year is different. The tree had its usual crop of buckeyes but the squirrels have cleaned the tree completely, apparently storing the buckeyes for the coming winter. Do you suppose they are preparing for a cold, snowy winter? This is the first time this has happened in the eighteen years we have lived here. Perhaps I need to think seriously of doing some extra calking around the windows and stockpiling some firewood for our wood-burning stove. If the winter isn’t bad it won’t hurt to be prepared for the next one.
The parable of the ten maidens is also about purpose. God wants us to have an illuminating spirit. God wants our lives to light up the path of those who are in darkness.
Benjamin Franklin came to the personal conclusion that the lighting of streets would make them safer. He persuaded the citizens of Philadelphia to give street lights a try by hanging a beautiful lantern on a long bracket by his own door. He kept the glass brightly polished and carefully and diligently lit the wick every evening, just before dusk. As people wandered down his street they saw Franklin’s light a long way off. They found its glow friendly and beautiful, but the light also was a point of guidance. Before long, other neighbors began placing lights on their own homes as well. Soon, the entire city was dotted with lights along the streets and the entire city awoke to the value of street lighting. The idea spread and the citizens of Philadelphia became enthusiastic. Later, street lighting became a city-sponsored phenomenon.
In the same way God wants us to be lighting the way for people in darkness. Just as Benjamin Franklin was able to inspire a whole city by putting up a single light, we too can change our community by being a light for God.
God wants us to break away from our routines and give our spirit the opportunity to grow. God wants us to prepare ourselves with faithful planning, thus keeping our spirits refreshed and renewed. God also wants us to be lighting the way for others with our illuminated spirits.
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio