Things have not changed all that much since St Paul's day. Some people still think that the cross is foolishness and a sign of weakness, while others are completely indifferent. But to those who accept and understand it, the cross becomes the instrument and symbol of salvation. The cross is God's wisdom, and through this symbol of suffering and weakness, God shows us what He thinks of human claims to brilliance and wisdom.

The parable today is about ten virgins waiting for a delayed bridegroom. Five are sensible (bring extra oil) and five are foolish (bring only the lamp and no reserve). When the foolish ones ask to borrow oil, the sensible ones deny them. This seems unloving on the surface. The oil represents a personal, sustained relationship with Christ, the bridegroom. Spiritual readiness, with an intimate relationship with Christ, is non-transferable. One cannot piggyback on someone else's prayer life, faith, and relationship with Christ.

Therefore, be like the sensible virgins who personally hold the oil of Christ-relationship, and be sustained by it. And at the same time, be fools for Christ who believe the cross is power. Because on the last day, when human cleverness runs out, only our relationship with Christ and our faith will remain.