In this parable, (Matthew 25:1-13) with bridesmaids, waiting for the bridegroom, the easy reading is wrong.  It doesn’t work.  If we see this as being about…The Second Coming or Heaven after death or the perfect example of Christian community…

Then God is an idiot.

See, the easy reading makes us think two things:

1. We need to prepare for Jesus or God to show up.
2. We’ll get judged as smart or stupid, with the stupid left out.

Does this even sound like God?

Proper 27A, Matthew 25:1-13

Also check out David R. Henson’s sermon here at Religion at the Margins.

Question: 

How then, might we envision the Kingdom of Heaven?