Sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The Scripture readings are Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ; and Matthew 25:1-13.

Why did all ten virgins need to have lit lamps? Was it really that important? Apparently, yes. In the parable, not having oil to keep a lamp lit makes the difference between being in the feast and being left out. In fact, according to Jesus, having oil makes a person wise, and not having oil makes a person a moron. That’s literally the word Jesus uses; the word translated ‘foolish’ in our text is the Greek word μωρός where we get our word ‘moron.’

Now is the time to fill your flasks with oil! You do not know how much oil you will need. The five morons realized their foolishness and knew they needed oil as soon as the cry went out. They weren’t surprised at the necessity of oil. Everyone knows they need it. So, get it now. Why, why would you ever think you have enough oil?

The oil isn’t expensive – in fact it’s free! But you don’t have eternity to get the oil. There is a deadline, and you do not know when that deadline will come. Don’t procrastinate. Receive the gift of faith through the ways God has promised to get it. Hoard it. Why would you become complacent and think you don’t need more of God’s Word, God’s mercy, God’s grace, and God’s Sacraments?

Yes, this parable is a warning. Yes, it is a call to endure and persevere because being left outside would be horrific. But. But at the same time let’s all take a deep breath and laugh because we are waiting for a party where there is bliss, gladness, peace, and joy.

When Jesus warns about His coming, He doesn’t tell a parable about ten soldiers – five wise who always kept their swords within reach and five morons who couldn’t remember where they set their weapons down. Then, the enemy attacked, and the five morons were utterly defeated. No. It’s the parable of the ten virgins waiting for a party.

Jesus is coming, and we wait for that day with expectation, hope, and joy.