Genesis

1 - Yes, I would be ready--but I need to define ready. Ready does not mean that my life is in order or that my relationship with Jesus or others is everything that it could be. Ready, for me, means that He has made all the preparations and I am clinging to his promise to forgive and save me. In that sense, the wedding feast parable in Matthew 22 resonates more clearly. The King made all of the preparations, including providing appropriate clothing. The invitees just needed to show up.

It seems to me that what separated the wise and foolish virgins was not their amount of preparation, but the lack of confidence in the bridegroom shown by those who "needed" more oil. Those were the foolish ones. Their perceived need kept them from being there at the critical moment. It's not about what we bring to greet Him, but what He brings to us. It's not about us--it's about Him.

That said, I haven't found a published biblical scholar who sees this parable that way, so I must have it wrong. If I am in error, I hope that someone will point it out to me. (Comment this)