REFLECTIONS TODAY
Gospel • Matthew 25:1-13
The parable of the Ten Virgins points to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time.
Matthew alludes to Jesus as the “bridegroom,” to the community of God’s faithful (the Church) as the “bride,” and to the joy of God’s Kingdom as the “wedding banquet.”
The ten virgins (Greek parthenoi) are the “bridesmaids” who wait at the groom’s residence for the arrival of the wedding party. The time of arrival is uncertain as arrangements between the parties of the groom and the bride are being finalized.
This interlude represents our life-time of “waiting” before we appear before the Lord for judgment. Those who are vigilant and ready are considered “wise” (phronimoi), whereas those who are neglectful and unprepared are deemed “foolish” (mōrai).
In his Address to the General Assembly of the Italian Conference of Secular Institutes, Pope Francis invites them to live the “mysticism of encounter” with the ability to hear, and to listen to other people. “You are like antennas ready to receive the smallest innovations prompted by the Holy Spirit.”
Likewise, the Holy Father encourages them to continue their journey with rapid and joyful steps: “...led by the Spirit, never unyielding, never closed, always open to the voice of God that speaks, that opens, that leads us and invites us to go towards the horizon” (Homily, 18th Day of Consecrated Life, 2014).
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.