The Gospel for this Sunday provides us with an excellent opportunity to meditate about one of the Four Last Things �" Judgement. The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25.1-13) reminds us that true wisdom is found in being prepared to meet the bridegroom when he arrives. The bridesmaids who had sufficient oil for their lamps were invited into the wedding banquet. The others were locked out because they were not prepared. Our Church teaches that at the moment of death each person will have to stand before the judgement seat of God and give an account. This is called “particular judgment” because it is particular to each person. When Jesus comes again at the end of time there will be the “last judgement” that will reveal to its fullest consequence the good each person had done or failed to do on earth (CCC1039). The image of a lamp that we find in the Gospel parable represents the light of faith. The oil symbolizes what we do to keep the light of faith burning brightly in our lives. To put it simply, being spiritually vigilant is to work at personal holiness. This does not happen naturally because of our sin and human weakness. “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Gospel Matthew 25.1-13
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. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."