The parable of the ten virgins

JESUS told his disciples this parable: “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.”

REFLECTION COME OUT TO MEET HIM! The five wise virgins are prepared to meet the bridegroom when he arrives, and they join in the wedding feast. On the other hand, the foolish virgins are not ready; the door is locked, and they are refused entrance. Here vigilance does not mean that you are always on your toes and never sleep. The parable itself notes that, because the bridegroom is long delayed, all ten virgins become drowsy and fall asleep. Vigilance means being well prepared like the five wise virgins. They have sufficient supply of oil. They have reason to refuse giving oil to the foolish virgins when asked. They may not have enough for themselves. To be disciples is to be always prepared for the coming of the Lord. He wants us to enjoy every moment of his presence at the wedding banquet. We must match his preparation by our own personal preparations. We plan ahead of time, not move only when it is time. We must be punctual; we cannot be late, otherwise we will not enjoy the whole event.

Jesus comes to you at the Eucharist and in a needy person. Are you ready to meet him?