Jesus’ Life: Chapter 15 – Jesus’ Ministry Before His Passion
Have you got an extra supply of oil for your house lamp?
Well, at one time it was a very important issue; no oil, no light – inside or outside of your home!
Jesus told this Parable involving oil lamps; the bridegroom symbolised God, and the wedding banquet, death or our judgement day.
Parable of the Ten Virgins
Ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were foolish and five wise. The foolish ones took only their oil-filled lamp while the wise ones took both their oil-filled lamp and an extra flask of olive oil.
The bridegroom was delayed and as they waited, they became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the bridegroom arrived and a shout went out, “Look, the bridegroom is here! Come out to meet him”. The ten virgins woke up and prepared their lamps. However, the foolish ones, realising they didn’t have enough oil to keep their lamps burning, asked the wise ones to give them some oil because they were now running out. The wise virgins refused saying, “There won’t be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves”.
While the five foolish virgins were gone, those who were ready for the wedding banquet, the five wise virgins, went inside and the door was shut.
On the return of the foolish virgins, they called out, “Lord, Lord! Let us in!” But he replied, “I tell you the truth, I do not know you!”
Jesus concluded this parable with the words: “Stay alert because you do not know the day or the hour” – of your death and judgement. (Matthew 25:1-13)
Thought
Hearing loss won’t work as an excuse! Neither will a lack of time to go shopping!
Buy some extra oil today; say a few extra prayers, seek the sacraments, talk to God often, share your life with Him, celebrate your joys and concerns. He awaits your invite, to your daily banquet!
Reflection
Lord Jesus, shower me with your grace so I remain alert at all times and ready to celebrate your glorious return.
Prayer: Abandonment (Charles de Foucauld)
Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you;
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve
and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.
