“Masqueraders” (Detail), 1875-78, Raimundo De Madrazo Y Garreta. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metrolpolitan Museum of Art Store
“Fool-hearty and fancy free…let not a care in the world trouble me…”
“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” Psalm 14:1
April Fool’s Day is approaching. I think of it as a day full of jokes, pranks and lighthearted fun. What appears to be real is actually fake; it is hard to take anyone seriously. It is easy to be fool-hearted and fancy free on such a day…after all, it’s all in fun isn’t it? It is on April Fool’s Day… but when the jokes are played out and it’s time to take off the disguises and reveal our true selves…What lies behind the mask you wear? Will it bring you joy or cause you to despair ?
As I contemplated these questions as they relate to “real life,” I was reminded of what happened in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, found in Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 25:1-13):
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go out to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Taking it easy and having carefree fun certainly is not a bad thing. In fact, it is essential and it provides a healthy balance to our daily lives. As life will have it, however, things do not always go as planned. Like the five foolish virgins in the parable, letting our guard down, not preparing for what may lie ahead, may cause undue hardship which can devastate us. Life is a precious gift to be enjoyed…no one can predict the future. When challenges come your way, when there is no smiling mask to hide behind to make light of a serious situation…will you have what it takes to see you through?
“Fool-hearty and fancy free…for only a time that way we can be…but wisdom knows a better way. How will you prepare your heart today?” Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
Peace to you,
Felecia
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Nice story, but annoys me that the bridegroom was “a long time coming”, he should have been more sympathetic to the 5 virgins who were late…but that would have made for a different tale.
I see your point, but I think the bridegroom delayed his coming in order to give as many guests a chance to arrive as possible…he was waiting for all to come, not wanting anyone to be left out…compassion on his part. The foolish virgins were responsible for their being left out…it was their own negligence that caused them to be late and miss their opportunity to join the rest of the wedding guests. They were given the same amount of time as everyone else, as well as shown the same compassion as all others. Should the bridegroom show extra favor towards them? I think not…it was their own laziness that foiled them. Hmmmm, I suppose there are thousands of views regarding this parable…no wonder there is much controversy over such situations in the real world as this still today.
Peace and love,
Felecia