Ed. We express our thanks to Fr. McInnes for making this sermon text available.
St George’s East Ivanhoe
Sunday 12th November 2017
8am and 10am
Our readings this week have changed direction – like the ancient Church the Advent themes come ahead of the four weeks before Christmas – instead the end of the Church year focuses on what we call eschatology or the end times.
Clearly St Paul and many in the early church expected a Parousia or second coming of the Lord in their own time. Paul was one of them and in the section of the second reading he addresses that problem – many disciples had been preparing themselves for the Lord’s return – but they had died – what will now happen to them?
This is probably why the gospel parable about the ten bridesmaids was so popular in the early Church – for it too addresses the matter of the coming of the bridegroom in glory, again the theme is about being prepared.
In the first lesson, we are taken back to the days of the conquest of the promised land by Joshua and his supporters. In battle, there is no room for the half–hearted. Joshua’s great speech calls his men to decision time “choose you this day whom you will serve – as for me and my family we will serve the living God”.
So today we are being asked to think spiritually about how prepared are we for the present and all that lies ahead of us – even death.
I was a boy scout for a few years (decades ago) and I am grateful for my time at 7th Northcote, St James Thornbury troop. Our motto in scouting was (of course) “be prepared”. Lord Baden Powell has inspired people all over the world for a long time, in this regard but I believe Jesus’ parable and today’s message asks of us an even deeper array of questions.
It has always struck me as a little bizarre that in Jesus’ story the bridegroom is running so late for his wedding – what could he be doing? There is no mention of the bride and the reception in the end begins at midnight – some 5 bridesmaids being prepared and 5 not so prepared.
Clearly, this is a very different cultural event to Australia in the 21st Century. I have been involved in many weddings – this does not seem consistent with my experience. Sure, bridesmaids can get distracted and delayed – goodness knows why? Even bridegrooms have their troubles – like the one who thought the best man was picking up the suits and now the hire place was shut! Oops!
Obviously, in Jesus’ culture a wedding beginning at midnight is no problem – what would be a problem is a lack of light and the bridesmaids’ wisdom is proportional to their readiness in this regard. Jesus is saying that faith can’t be turned on as it were with the flick of a switch (or oil in a lamp) and that wise preparation takes time – faith is not a commodity that can be shared in an instant – it takes time and effort.
I am reminded of a couple of conversations I have had out in the hustings – visiting people on the parish roll. “I don’t need to go to Church Vicar” said one lady “my uncle was an Archdeacon”. “Really!” said I – and “I’m sorry to disappoint you, his faith (whatever it was) was not transferrable.” Shock horror. Or on another occasion the person who announced “I don’t need to go to Church Vicar – because I don’t sin!” “Really!” said I. “If that is so you are completely correct however, I suspect that – you might like to look at that analysis a bit more closely!”
Being spiritually prepared, having our lamps ready and oil to keep them going is an old-fashioned metaphor but it does ask of us, what are we doing prayerfully to respond to the challenge. Who will you serve? There is a spiritual battle before us and as Paul reminded the Ephesians – put on the whole armour of God. He drew on the image of the Roman soldier – we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, the powers, the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Having done all to stand with –
‘your loins girded with truth, with the breastplate of righteousness, your feet shod with the gospel of peace, above all taking the shield of faith with which to quench the arrows of the evil one, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.’
Pray at all times, keep alert, persevere, make supplication to the saints.
It’s a great image and although I’m more pacifist, than militant – nevertheless it does remind us of the reality of evil in the world and in our own lives – if we are real and honest with ourselves – unlike those parishioners of mine.
In a few short weeks we will be in Advent proper and for 2 Sundays the dominant message of “be prepared” will return – this time the central figure is John the Baptist.
Prepare the way of the Lord – make his paths straight. Christians know that our lives require of us both a corporate and personal response to all Jesus has done for us. We take seriously that we are good citizens, of the highest integrity and morality, that we value justice and mercy – so the battle to be Christlike and ever ready for Christ to come is one that calls us outwardly and inwardly.
It is easy to be distracted – the early Christians were very aware that in Christ they were new creatures. Because of that they seem to have been acutely aware and focussed on letting their light shine in the dark places. Perhaps we have lost that drive, energy and focus. Time has dulled a sense of urgency and we find ourselves drifting.
Our influence and our vocation is 24-7 and is highly valued at work, among friends and the family.
Today’s message is as important in 2017 as ever. Keep alert, be spiritually prepared and take up the necessary array of spiritual defences and equipment for our unique journey.