Spiritual Health Check
Saturday 7th November 2020
This parable of the bridesmaids, Matthew 25:1-12, who were excluded from the wedding feast and forced to remain locked out in the dark could easily be understood for regarding their sensible companions as a selfish group in refusing to share their oil with them. To our way of thinking the punishment of having the door of the wedding banquet slammed in their face is too severe. At worst they deserved a reprimand for their last minute rush. However the gospel story is not about forgetting to bring along extra oil for the lamp, but about how we view the invitation extended to us all to take our place in the kingdom of God. We only have ourselves to blame if we fail to arrive or are unprepared when the time comes. Being ready beforehand is what matters most and a last minute hurry to get ourselves into spiritual shape is not to be recommended. If we are to have an eternity of joy we shall have to prepare for it whole heartedly.
Admittance to the banquet of eternal life cannot simply be taken for granted. Christ teaches this parable as a warning because the day of the Lord will come with surprising suddenness like a thief in the night. The gospel brings home the importance of being ready and prepared while we wait, by loving God and our neighbour. When the call comes, what will count are the qualities of character we have developed, not the riches we possess or the fortune we have gathered. Staying awake must be the centre around which our whole being and life rotate.
Fr. Arsenio