Gospel Reflection on Matthew 25:1-13 with Megan Evans

This week’s Gospel is the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this story, ten virgins take their lamps and go to meet the bridegroom. Five of them take oil for their lamps and five do not. When they hear of the bridegroom’s arrival, the five virgins who did not bring oil or ask the others for oil. They replied: “No, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” While these five virgins are buying oil for their lamps, the bridegroom arrives, and the virgins who are ready to go into the wedding banquet. The ones who fell behind to buy oil are not allowed entry into the wedding. Jesus closes this parable by saying: “Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Through the story of ten virgins, this parable is meant to tell us that we do not know when the Lord’s coming is, so we must stay vigilant. Will we be prepared when the time has come? It also shows that not everyone will be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven. The five virgins who were prepared at the time of the bridegroom’s arrival were welcomed into the wedding. The five who were not ready in time were left behind the closed door and not allowed entry, even though they acquired the oil for their lamps later. It was too late for them. This is why we must be ready at any hour! When the Lord comes, there will not be time to right your wrongs. We must use our time now to prepare for what is to come.

Life throws so many unexpected things at us, but it is reassuring to know that the Lord will return and that we can prepare for his arrival by living out our best lives as Christians.

Megan Evans – Junior