Er kommt, er kommt, der Bräutgam kommt!

AM Psalm 25 • PM Psalm 9, 15
Joshua 2:1-14 • Rom. 11:1-12 • Matt. 25:1-13

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is vindication for anyone who always brings a book. What’s more foolish than expecting things to happen as scheduled? I recently found myself with a canceled flight and an unplanned seven-hour layover in LaGuardia, where there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth. I didn’t have my clothes, but at least I had a book. “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour”—no matter what the wedding invitation (or boarding pass) says!

My literary preparedness for travel woes aside, I don’t actually recommend identifying with the characters in parables who are, by design, irrational actors irrationally punished or rewarded by an irrational stand-in for God. The ridiculousness of the story’s terms tells us we’re in Parable Land where God upsets our expectations for what is fair. The only way to really get a parable is to look at it upside down. Therefore this particular parable is not a referendum on silly optimism or shrewd pessimism. The Wise Virgins are wise because they know God by his foolishness, which is wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). Yes, “der Bräutgam kömmt,” but not when or how the world expects, and it’s better to risk being caught with a full flask of oil in your pocket at a party than to be one of the Foolish Virgins who are perfectly prepared for the party to start on time; it is their worldly wisdom that makes them fools.

[The title is German for “He comes, he comes, the bridegroom comes!” from Bach’s wonderful Cantata 140, which I hum all through Advent and beyond.]

Written by Kathryn Haydon

Kathryn holds a doctorate in Plant Science from the University of Arkansas and currently lives in St. Louis where she works as a food and plant scientist. She is so excited to re-join the St. Paul’s Choir next month at Exeter Cathedral!