Matthew 25:1-13 NRSVue
1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten young women took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom., 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those young women got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11Later the other young women came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.,
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
This is a parable that can be undone by focusing on what seems like "selfishness" in the prepared bridesmaids. I need to ask the help of the Holy Spirit who inspired Jesus to speak in this way to help me to listen and humbly to learn.
Reflection
Jesus tells us that there is a right time and a time when it will be too late. I ask God's help that I may realise what it is I might do now, how I might recognise the approaching bridegroom and welcome him.
Reflection
Jesus, you were in Jerusalem, close to the showdown with your people. Many of
them would be like the foolish virgins, caught unawares by the Messiah. The
wise virgins would be those who recognised and followed Jesus.
Reflection
For me, millennia later, this speaks of the moments of grace and opportunity:
as when a great love comes into my life, or a chance of reconciliation, or an
unexpected blow. It comes unexpectedly, as a shock, and can find me fumbling.
-Lord, give me the grace today to find you in every encounter. Make me ready
to recognise you.
Reflection
The lamp is given us by God and our prayer or time given to God is the oil.
All of God's action in our lives is his gift, but it needs our openness and
welcome. Prayer builds up our 'supply of oil', which can give light and
fragrance to the rest of our lives.
Reflection
There is a time for preparation and a time for action. There is never a time
for carelessness. I ask God to prepare me for the needs of this time.