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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.” Matthew
25:1–2
The “ten virgins” in this parable refer to the bridesmaids who were
following Jewish tradition by going to the home of the bride to
await the coming of the groom for a wedding. This parable is one of
a few parables Jesus told that emphasizes the importance of being
vigilant in our Christian walk. As the parable goes on, we are told
that the groom was delayed and that the bridesmaids fell asleep.
Upon waking, the foolish ones had no more oil for their lamps and
had to leave to get some more. When they returned, they discovered
that the groom had already arrived and that the door was locked.
They then knocked and said, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But
the reply came to them, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.”
And they missed out on the wedding celebration.
Traditionally, the “oil” has been understood as a reference to
charity. The message is simple. As we prepare to meet our Lord in
Heaven, it is not enough to make the claim that we are Christians.
We must also produce the good fruit of charity by our actions.
Faith must result in charity, otherwise it is not true faith at
all.
This parable should be taken seriously. We should use it as a
regular source of examination of our lives in regard to the charity
we have...or do not have. When you look at your life, can you point
to regular acts of charity that flow from your love of God and are
bestowed upon others? Charity is not based on your preferences in
life. It’s not based on what you feel like doing. Charity is always
selfless and sacrificial. It always looks toward the good of the
other. How much charity is alive in your life? Jesus clearly told
this parable because He was aware of many who professed a faith in
God but did not live the love of God. It’s very easy to live our
lives day in and day out, doing what we do because of our personal
likes or dislikes. However, it is very difficult to foster true
charity within our souls and to regularly choose to love others
because it is good for them.
We must work to foster charity, first, in our thoughts. Critical
and condemning thoughts must be eliminated, and we must strive to
see others as God sees them. Charity must also direct our words.
Our words must be encouraging of others, kind, supportive and
merciful. Our actions become charitable when we become generous
with our time, go out of our way to serve and are diligent in the
ways we express our love of others.
Reflect, today, upon the high calling you have been given to live
an active and manifest life of charity. Spend time reflecting upon
what charity truly is. Have you allowed yourself to become guided
by a more secular and selfish form of “love?” Do you act more out
of selfish preferences than out of self-giving and sacrifice? Do
you truly build people up and witness the love of God to them? Try
to answer these questions seriously. This parable spoken from our
Lord is much more than a story. It is truth. And the truth is that
some will arrive at the day of judgment without the necessary “oil”
for their lamps. Take our Lord seriously and examine your life of
charity. Where you are lacking, become fervent in your mission to
change. In the end, you will be eternally grateful you
did.
My loving Lord, You showed us all that true love is selfless and
sacrificial. You came to this world to serve and to give Your
sacred life for us all. May I open my life more fully to Your love
so that Your love may also affect and direct every relationship I
have. Fill me with the gift of charity, dear Lord, so that I will
be fully prepared for the day of my particular judgment. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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Featured image above: The Parable of Wise and Foolish
Virgins by Peter von Cornelius, via Wikimedia Commons
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