Reflections
November 6, 2011
MANILA, Philippines — 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.”
Reflection:
The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins. We usually praise the
wise and ridicule the foolish, thinking there is no place for the
foolish. But the introduction of the parable says that God’s kingdom is
with both the wise and the foolish. They are both in God’s kingdom. They
highlight and challenge each other.
A couple had two sons. The elder was a popular varsity player who
brought fame and fortune to the family.
The younger son was sick with
the Down syndrome, and the couple spent most of their time and
hard-earned money on the younger son. The couple confessed that, true,
the elder son brought them contentment and pride, but taking care of the
younger son gave them character and defined their family.
A mother I know had three responsible and wonderful sons. She also
had an only daughter who was a vegetable from birth. She loved and
adored her sons. But she cared more for her daughter although she could
never respond to her. In fact, the mother claimed that her luck improved
when this daughter was born to her.
The daughter taught them to love
more.
We all have our foolish side, though we boast only of our wiser
angle. It is our foolish element that dares us to let go and let God!
Be daring this weekend!
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