Monday, First Week of Lent 2012 - Parable of the 10 Virgins

Matthew 25

 ¹Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.

    ²And five of them were foolish, and five wise.

    ³But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them:

    ⁴But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps.

    ⁵And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.

    ⁶And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him.

    ⁷Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

    ⁸And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.

    ⁹The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

    ¹⁰Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.

    ¹¹But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us.

    ¹²But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.

    ¹³Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

 

 Meditation:

 

We all know this Parable well!  BE PREPARED - is the moral of this parable!  Sounds easy enough - but as is usually the case, it sounds easier than it is!  After all, what is this parable telling us to be prepared in?  It doesn't specify.   So, with God-given wisdom, it may be best to prioritize what we want to be sure we are prepared in!  Let's start with Spiritual necessities and then move into the Temporal Needs both Personal and Family!

 

Spiritual:

 

Do not play with Spiritual Fire!  Like Christ said, when you mean YES, say Yes and when you mean NO, say No!   Our job here on earth is to KNOW, LOVE, and SERVE God with all of our Being!   Translated to:  Know what you believe, Why you believe it,  Live what you believe, Go forth and commune with society in all Christ-like Charity!  

 

Temporal:

 

Be prepared - so you don't have to rely on others as much when the unexpected happens! 

 

It really does sound simple.  And if you break it down for yourselves and what is right for you and your family into small easy steps - it really is that easy! 

 

May the Blessings of this Lenten Season be with you as you strive to always BE PREPARED!