ISB ~ Matthew 25 v1 - 13

The parable of the Ten Maidens emphasizes the need for watchfulness (25:13). Its story line centers on a Jewish marital custom:following the period of betrothal, the groom would lead a procession to bring his new wife to their home, and they would celebrate a week-long banquet with family and friends. Here the bridegroom (25:6; 9:15) arrives to begin the joyous procession and take his wife to the marriage feast. Unprepared and without oil (25:3), the foolish maidens are excluded from the celebration (22:1-14) while the wise participate fully. Likewise, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared: the moment Jesus brings judgment on Jerusalem is unknown, as is the time of his Second Coming as Judge (CCC 672, 796). See note on Mt 1:18.

• Morally (Origen, St. Hilary): awaiting the bridegroom signifies one’s uncertain life-span—no one knows the hour of his death and judgment. The lamp is Christian faith, while the oil represents good works; thus faith without works is useless (Jas 2:17). Souls must prepare for their personal encounter with Christ (bridegroom) by loving God and neighbor (Mt 25:35-40; 1 Jn 3:7), since those lacking good works will be shut out of heaven’s banquet.