We are approaching the end of the liturgical year which finishes at the Feast of Christ the King. It is only two weeks away. Therefore, the scripture readings in the Mass remind us again and again the importance of staying alert because nobody knows when the end comes, his personal end and the end of the world. Let us not be caught with our pants down.
The gospel reading today is the Parable of 10 Bridesmaids found in the gospel of Matthew only. The setting was a Jewish wedding scene. Wedding must have been the greatest and happiest event for a Jew. Therefore, there was nothing better than the wedding to symbolize the Kingdom of Heaven. This is how the parable begins.
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1).
The Kingdom of Heaven is the major message Jesus proclaimed in his earthly ministry. At that time, Judah was no longer an independent nation. It was conquered by the Roman Empire and became its colony. Of course the Jews desired independence. Therefore, they were eager to hear what Jesus could offer to tell them about the upcoming Kingdom. They expected to hear something about the restoration of the Jewish state. But Jesus had a much bigger vision to tell them --- the Kingdom of Heaven. This idea was brilliant but intangible. Its contents were too difficult to grasp because it is something so unearthly. Therefore, Jesus employs parables to explain this vision which is so difficult to visualize. This time, Jesus wants to tell them that the Kingdom of Heaven will appear at the least expected moment. Therefore, stay alert and prepared for it will suddenly appear at the most unexpected moment.
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour (Matthew 25:13).
This parable is situated after Jesus had explained the end of the world to his disciples and before two more parables about the end of the world. Therefore, there is no doubt that the Kingdom of Heaven refers to the end of the world. However, I think it is also possible to think of it as our personal demise. At the end of the day, when we die, we leave this world. Isn't it the end of the world to us? On the personal level, "the day or the hour" may refer to our death. Nowadays, many people, even young people die a sudden death. Therefore, Jesus' advice is pragmatic. Stay prudent like the five wise bridesmaids for you do not know when you will meet your death which may sudden come when you least expect it. Of course, this interpretation is flawed because there are ten bridesmaids which means the story is about a community. It is not intended to be personal. But there is still personal relevance because each one of us has to face the end as a group and as an individual.
Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
But the wise replied, 'Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' (Matthew 25:7-9)
As a group, should we not support each other? As good Christians, should we not extend our charity and help the needy? Does it mean when the end of the world comes, we may relax our Christian ethics and care only of ourselves and ignore the plight of the others? Therefore, the reply of the wise bridesmaids sounds really selfish, though prudent.
On a second thought, we can easily see that there are things which we have to do ourselves and cannot delegate them to the others. As teachers, we prepare our students to sit for examinations but we cannot do the examination papers for them. We discourage them from copying homework because it is part of their trainings. Like athletes, they must do it themselves otherwise they will gain/learn nothing. This is blatant cheating! Unfortunately, we are living in a world of technological wonders which numb our sense of honesty. Medical technologies have opened up many such opportunities for cheating. From plastic surgeries to duping in sports, they are called enhancements. From surrogacy in child-bearing to tailor-made babies, they are called treatments etc. No wonder we easily overlook the importance of our participation and our responsibilities.
Why are the bridesmaids called wise? In Matthew, "wise" appears for the first time in chapter 7 (forget about the Magi in chapter 2 which some translations render "wise men").
Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24)
Christ is the bridegroom and all of us are the bridesmaids. The bridesmaids are wise because they have prepared well. They listen and do what Jesus has challenged us to do in Matthew 5-7. They have made good use of all the opportunities and potentials God has given them.
Indeed, the whole parable should be read together with chapter 7. There you will find the foolish bridesmaids who hears these words of mine and does not do them (Matthew 7:26). You will also find the famous "Lord, Lord" and "I do not know you" segments (Matthew 7:21-22, 25:11).
But doesn't Matthew 7:7 says that God will always answer our prayers, our needs?
Read more carefully what the foolish bridesmaids did when they returned and found the door shut. They didn't knock! How careful Matthew wrote his gospel!
So, how shall we knock? This is a good question for all of us to meditate. Share with us what God has revealed to you.
Dear Lord, I am wayward and timid. Boost my confidence so that I will be brave enough to put my foot out. Amen.
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