Why the 5 bridesmaids were foolish
SOMETIME ago, a news item in the US related about how burglars broke into a New York firm. This wouldn’t have raised eyebrows at all since the incident took place in notorious New York. What made it amusing was that it happened to a company that manufactured burglar-proof glass windows!
* * * “It never occurred to us,” said the president of the firm, “to put our own burglar-proof glass in our own door.”
The story shows how oftentimes we take things for granted and how wanting we are in preparedness. This is likewise highlighted in this 32nd Sunday’s parable of the ten bridesmaids (Mt. 25, 1-13).
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The 10 bridesmaids are watching and waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. The ritual requires the bridesmaids to escort the bridegroom to the wedding celebration. But the bridegroom comes late. So the bridesmaids doze off.
At midnight a call is made “to come out and meet him.” The bridesmaids rise and trim their oil lamps. But the lamps are sputtering. * * * Five of the bridesmaids have the foresight to bring extra oil; five did not. The five who are prepared to keep their lamps burning are able to enter the wedding place with the bridegroom, whereas the five, who are unprepared and have rushed off to buy oil, are unable to enter.
* * * Jesus’ parable sounds as a warning against cramming or last-minute improvisation whether in one’s work or spiritual life. Those who don’t heed God’s call and who lack foresight will find themselves shut out. The message is a fitting sequel to our celebration of All Souls’ Day.
* * * We should live wisely. We should not be concerned only with our present day-to-day needs but have an eye on our ultimate end. And let’s not prepare for it in the last minute. To do so is like starting to pack up when your bus is already in front of your house to fetch you.
* * * Once there was an aging wealthy man who lived alone and began to make preparation for his demise. He bought a memorial plan along with an expensive coffin. Then he executed his last will and testament. Not too long after, he died of heart failure. This man made provision, but it was for his body only and none for his soul. * * * Jesus reminds us to be like the wise virgins. Already now, he tells us: “Store up treasures in heaven.” (Mt 6,20). By “treasures” Jesus refers to our good works and the faithful observance of the will of God as summed up in the 10 Commandments: “Honor your father and mother… thou shalt not kill… commit adultery… steal.
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In his parable of the Last Judgment (Mt 25,31ff.), Christ stresses to do good works. “When I was hungry you gave me to eat, sick and in prison and you visited me…Enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Clearly then, our acts of charity are also our “passport” to heaven.
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How much have you done for people in need--or, have you done anything at all, minding only in making money and self-enjoyment? Live in such a way that in your last moment you may not have cause to regret – much like the foolish bridesmaids in Jesus’ parable.
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