Access denied; the parable of the ten virgins – Friday, 21st Week in ordinary time – Mt 25:1-13
The reason why the parable of the wise and foolish servants is followed by the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids or virgins, is simply to reiterate a point; the need for readiness for the day of the Lord. These two parables form part of a series of four Matthean parables that illustrate the Parousia and the final judgment.
Matthew, like the Old Testament prophets, employs nuptial imagery to describe the relationship between God and His people (remember the book of Hosea). Clearly the ten bridesmaids are representatives of the disciples whose love grows dim because of the delay of the Parousia (the second coming of Jesus).
The parable which is more of an allegory, employs a number of images that Matthew’s community would have been most familiar with. The Nuptial imagery was further heightened by the banquet imagery, symbolic of messianic banquet at the end times when the blessed would share a meal with the Messiah. Then there was the imagery of the ‘bridegroom,’ symbolic of Jesus Himself.
Wonderful reflection. I will at need each mass expecting the Lord to return esp on a Sunday
I am confused. Did Matthew make up the parable to generate the excitement of the parousia or is the parable told by Jesus
Edith, I am afraid I wont be able to answer the question in detail. What you need to understand ( as you will read in the next few days in the gospel of Luke ) the evangelists were not writing a narrative of the life of Jesus as much as they were communicating their post resurrection faith experience. Hence the evangelists were communicating theology more than history.
I am preparing to offer our first Womens Retreat for our parish, and I happened upon this website by way of the image of the ten virgins. I then learned of pottypadre and chuckled my way to your notification list. God bless you for following your heart. I am inspired by your website.
Wow! Father warner, What a lovely explanation on our lord’s 2nd coming.where we have to wait for our Sunday mass.its very interesting . Where my heart burns to receive him daily and hear him speak daily in the WOG.🙏 I am amazed father with today’s explanation.God bless you always🙌
Very beautiful explanation with the Nuptial imagery.
However, I personally feel The Bridegroom ( Jesus ) Whom we ( the brides await ) is always present and available to the wise who can SEE HIM with their FAITH.
And just like we would behave when in a passionate relationship, dream & daydream of all kinds of intimate possibilities and ofcourse BE PREPARED – PREPARE for same, likewise when we have fallen in LOVE with HIM, our behaviour would very likely be similar – ie, of being deeply involved in doing what HE LIKES MOST…ie ALL that HE has taught us and EXPECTS of us…
God Bless You Fr. Warner 🙏🙏
Brilliant!!! reflection Father. Thank you. I did not realise that post resurrection Jesus loved his Sunday apperance too😀. Father you have truly built our excitement as we attend the Sunday mass with an eager waiting of our Lord’s parousia. God bless you Father. You have cleared the clouds of doubt and confusion with regards to this parable of the ten virgins. I am definitely going to use the Sunday mass bit to teach our children the importance of Sunday mass and why it should be more than just a mundane ritual. 🙏