Trembling, But Confident

A friend told me that this parable frightened her when she was  little. What if she was foolish and forgot her oil and Jesus abandoned  her and she was cast out into the darkness? 

A teenager told me about a time when she was five years old. She  had come in from playing, and found the curtains drawn and her  darkened house empty. Her parents and siblings were nowhere. She  sat down and sobbed, thinking that the end-times had come. Jesus  had taken them and she had been left behind. 

As the sun grows dimmer and the church calendar draws toward  its close, we hear much about the final judgment. The Jews of Jesus’  day expected Almighty God to declare war on evil at any moment  and hold all people accountable for their deeds. Some of Jesus’  apocalyptic words feel foreboding. Be ready. The end is coming. If  there is “a test,” will I pass it? Am I Christian enough? Might I be  among the foolish, one who has messed up just too many times? 

On the other hand, we might identify with the smart virgins: I am  pious. I say my prayers. I am Christian enough. Perhaps everyone  will “pass” at the end of time, for God is merciful. Might God choose  to hand everyone an “A”? 

Which is it? Well—both—and neither. 

Yes, the end is coming, whether at our own death or at the  conclusion of time. But panic only paralyzes, and presumption  makes us imprudent. In wisdom, how are we to approach the Blessed  One at judgment? Holy fear and a bit of awestruck trembling are  needed. So is the graced conviction that we are profoundly loved and  radically forgiven. Awe and confidence walk together hand in hand.

Consider/Discuss 

• Christian faith is full of paradox. As we prepare for “the end,” how do we  keep a healthy balance between holy fear and graced confidence? Toward  which side do you tend to lean? 
• Should the “wise” virgins give some of their oil to the “foolish” ones?  Should God give everyone an “A” on the final exam? Why or why not? 

Living and Praying with the Word 

Jesus our Bridegroom, you don’t only come in a rush at the end of time. Sometimes you tiptoe in quietly and beckon to us in the depths  of our conscience. We know that our end is coming. Give us a touch  of holy fear to help us heed you now so we are ready then. Do not let  our love grow cold as we wait for you. Come to us, Spirit of warmth,  and keep our lamps burning brightly.