Jesus said, "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, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."    

Toward the close of the movie, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," Prince Caspian tells Aslan, the God-figure in the movie, that he does not think that he is ready to lead the Kingdom of Narnia. He said it because he knew how difficult a task it was. Aslan's insightful answer was: "It is for that very reason that I know you are." Because Caspian knew that he had shortcomings, Aslan knew that he would make a good ruler. When the person in charge knows that he/she has weaknesses, he/she will work to acquire what is necessary to be ready. Only then can one lead. 

Being ready and prepared before doing difficult tasks has always been one of the most important characteristics of a leader. Since accepting the role of leadership always carries with it the possibility of not being prepared, true leaders will always be interested in preparing themselves as much as they can.

Specifically, in Jesus Christ's mind, if people desired his kingdom, they had to be prepared to do what was necessary to obtain it. In Jesus' story of the wedding feast in the Gospel, what was necessary was that the virgins bring enough oil so that they would have it when they needed it. What was necessary for Caspian in the movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," was the knowledge that he was not automatically a leader. Recognizing that he was not ready, he would prepare himself with whatever it would take to make him ready. Such was Aslan's insight as he told Caspian to begin his leadership. 

No one is ever really ready to be a leader. When people think that they are, often their own inadequacies overpower them. Before people accept the responsibilities of leadership, they must have the mindset that they are not ready to be a leader because only then will they look to others for help. Only then will a person lead well.

THOUGHT
 
PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son wants us to be ready in his kingdom. As we work in your kingdom now, give us the grace to always be prepared to meet you when you come. Be with us, we pray. 

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America