them were careless while the others were sensible.

The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil. But
those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil. As the bridegroom
delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.

But at midnight, a cry rang out: ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!’ All the
maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps. Then the careless ones said to the
sensible ones: ‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The sensible ones
answered: ‘There may not be enough for both you and us. You had better go to those who
sell and buy for yourselves.’

They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with
him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.

Later the rest of the bridesmaids arrived and called out: ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he
answered: ‘Truly, I do not know you.’

So, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Reflect

I’m a planner. I not only have a Plan B, I usually have a Plan C and D too. I have to-do
lists for both home and work. I’ve even been known to make lists of the lists I need to
make. So you’d think that I’d identify with the sensible bridesmaids. But the point of this
parable is not to encourage us to such physical preparations for anything that might occur.
Jesus uses the sensible bridesmaids to encourage his listeners – and us – to prepare for
his second coming and for our own deaths. It may seem morbid to live with preparation
for death on your mind, but the parable helps to dispel that notion. For a faithful Christian,
death is not a sad moment or an end to all joy. Instead, it is an invitation to join Christ the
Bridegroom at the great wedding feast of the Lamb. As a wedding guest or bridesmaid
would prepare for such an event, getting the wedding clothes and gift ready, so we are
called to prepare our hearts and souls by prayer and penance so that we will be dressed
and ready to be with the Lord forever.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023