subversive

This is from a short talk I gave to a group of ministers last week and thought I'd share it here as well.

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom."

-- Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. --

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

-- In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus came to his disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” --

"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

-- a smoldering wick he will not snuff out --

" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' "

-- Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." --

But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived.