Keeping Vigil

Got a first-hand look at what the biblical reception for the bridegroom entailed. I came upon a family lined up to welcome the son who had just gotten his driver's permit. The anxious excitement was electric and jumping through the younger siblings standing side-by-side in the back driveway.

Smiles turned to worried glances over to mother when the vehicle was not forthcoming. But then the herald, "Here he comes!". Now, all eyes were fixed on the triumphant return of the young driver-prospect. Cameras were clicking while neighbors were cheering the happy arrival.

And then, something peculiar to little ones standing in the path of overpowering force - they ran away.

The Oriental tradition of a bridegroom delaying his appearance for the wedding is different from our more common experience of waiting on the bride. The bridegroom's tardiness was a test of fidelity on the part of the merrymakers.

Would they keep vigil after the initial excitement of the occasion waned? Would they stay focused through a night of general exhaustion in order to witness the particular embrace of love? Would they run towards or away from the challenge of the Son's overwhelming coming in glory?

When the lamps are long extinguished and the tiki bar is no longer serving refreshment, the faithful Friend is keeping vigil - not because of any extraordinary personal traits or noteworthy accomplishment. No, the true friend of the biblical bridegroom is more like the volunteer fire company whose fire truck raced directly into the middle of an inferno.

When the firefighters were later recognized for their steadfast determination and presented with a monetary reward from the community, the fire chief remarked, "Thank God, now we can get the brakes on the fire truck fixed!"

Perspiration is to passion as perseverance is to fidelity.