Ten bridesmaids went out

Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps at the ready, 

Waiting the bridegroom to come.

Of these, five were clever to bring extra oil, 

While five were not so, and brought none. 

The bridegroom delayed, their alertness was stayed

And all fell asleep on the ground.

Then at midnight there came a great shout: "Be awake now

And see that the bridegroom has come."

 

Those bridesmaids awoke to that cry in the dark

And reached for their lamps so to see.

But, oil running out, five their lamps could not trim,

While five were as bright as could be.

"O sisters, we pray, help us be on our way,

And give us some oil, would you please?"

But the five would not so: "We will not! You must go!

We will not share our oil all for free."

 

Five bridesmaids went searching for dealers of oil

And five for the bridegroom did wait.

While five were away, lo! the bridegroom did come;

The five who were gone came back late.

They begged at the door, "Let us in, we implore!" 

But these five were all turned away, 

For the bridegroom replied, "Truly, I do not know you,

And I will not open the gate."

 

Five bridesmaids did feast and make merry at banquet;

Five were left out in the cold.

The word calls them "wise" who brought oil for their lamps

And "foolish" the five who brought none.

So keep your lamps full; go where God's call does pull, 

Hear God's word and wisdom and grace.

But find mercy for those who have fallen behind 

And do not leave them out in the cold. 

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, October 2023, after Matthew 25:1-13

MUSIC: Tune SAMANTHRA, American folk melody

 

Starting a hoped-for set on the three parables of Matthew 25. Perhaps my discomfort with the parable shows up in the last verse. Oh, well. (Note that as is often the case with these folk

melodies, the tune may be public domain, but any arrangement/accompaniment you may find, especially in a hymnal - like Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal #77, is probably under copywright. Report appropriately.)