Two people decided to go for a three-day camping. One went with luggage full of supplies and personal effects that could last for days; the other barely packed anything for a day’s provision. They hiked for hours and trekked a mountain until, exhausted, they decided to put down their gears, unpack, and settle for the night. The area they picked as camping site was ideal—a clearing, water source, and safe. Time to pitch the tent, therefore. The well provisioned one had everything from food and drinks to sophisticated gadget, but no tent. The other had a meager supply of bare necessities including a tent. The night went by with the first camper suffering in the cold and left exposed to the nocturnal elements; the other, although feeling concerned for his companion but helpless as his tent could only accommodate one person, had a comfortable sleep. Second day came, both campers decided to abort their journey and return to base.
How prepared are we for life’s adventure? We plan things out and pursue our aspiration step by step, phase by phase. We go to school, get a profession or a job, build a career, establish a family or choose a vocation, adopt a lifestyle. In our run-up to adulthood and eventually into the twilight of our years, we take detours here and there, occasionally stumble, suffer some pitfalls, but for as long as we have set our sight on some objectives and determined our course of action, our principles and convictions will guide us through the way. Still, having familiarized ourselves with the rugged and unpredictable nature of life, there is no telling how we respond to challenges when they come and survive a storm when it hits our shore.
Jesus’ gospel parable for today speaks of this. Ten virgins (perhaps bridesmaids or lamp bearers) were waiting in the house for the bridegroom. They were asleep when they heard the cry that the bridegroom was on his way. Five of them were running out of oil lamps but could not get some from the other five, for there would not be enough for all of them. They then decided to leave the place in order to get oil for their lamps. While away, the bridegroom arrived and the five who left were locked out.
To prepare wisely, it is important to keep the ‘we’. We cannot insist to mind our own business but this will have repercussion on our team, family or community. The five foolish virgins assumed that they could get oil from others. The other five had enough oil just for themselves, and nothing more to spare. They too assumed that they did not have to give out oil. They got into the wedding feast, but leaving behind their five companions. Their group was split, and their experience of the wedding also changed.
‘Investment’ is the next important thing to becoming wise. To get enough oil stock that will last longer requires foresight and efforts. One must invest time and some resources into it. Investment in this sense refers to our spiritual wealth which demands proper management. Prayer, worship, charity, and service are forms of spiritual investments. Yet, what about our spending habits? How are we doing in the family, business transactions, work ethics, and social issues? Each time we fail in our moral duties and obligations, we are spending away our spiritual resources.
To be wise, sleep or rest is important. The Lord did not criticize the ten virgins for sleeping. But the five of them ran out of oil, not because they fell asleep, but because they failed to plan ahead and bring extra oil. Sleep is essential for our wellbeing, of course. Nevertheless, many of us are overworked and always busy, and are thus sleep-deprived. But even if we have enough time to hit the sack, sleep can be elusive if our minds and hearts are troubled. To be able to sleep soundly and sufficiently, therefore, we need to be more trusting in God’s providential care and truly believe that He is watching over us all the time, our present and our future.
Lastly, to be wise entails endurance. We cannot be living in the bed of roses all the time. We go through ups and downs, and often our mettle will be tested when we are at our lowest ebb. The ten virgins in today’s parable fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom who got delayed in coming. The five of them might be foolish for not bringing enough oil, but they never thought of quitting. They did not believe that the bridegroom was no longer coming. All the virgins waited until the five of them ran out of oil.
At some point, we all run out of oil. At some point, we all need to replenish or recharge. This we must do, but must do it wisely: keep the ‘we’, invest, sleep, and endure. Life is short, we say. But it will be a short, happy, and meaningful life if we are wise.
soysi 
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