Dear friends in Christ,

The parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids is one that has long been understood as an instruction in preparedness to avoid the eternal fires of hell. However, these oversimplified interpretations assume a lot – that the story is an allegory, that Jesus is the bridegroom, and that the wise bridesmaids are the ones to emulate. But what if we’re missing a deeper humor and lesson in the story. When we think “Bridesmaids,” our modern brains conjure up images of Bridezilla or the movie Bridesmaids with Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, bachelorette parties in Vegas. But first-century weddings came in a slightly different flavor. You may be surprised to learn what wisdom this story holds when we read it as the original audience would have heard it.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Many blessings,

Pastor Tracy