Awaiting the Bridegroom
The gospel according to Matthew offers us the peculiar yet popular parable of Jesus viz. the parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13). I believe this parable has wonderful insights to offer us as we enter the season of Advent. A Time for Stocktaking “…ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom”. The mention of a bridegroom presupposes an imminent marriage and Advent is a call to all of us (virgins), to prepare ourselves for the coming of that Bridegroom who will soon be wedded to the humanity we all share (cf. Jn 1:14). The preparation of the physical space for the bridegroom is necessary and important but it must never substitute or overshadow a personal preparation of one’s heart and mind. All of us are susceptible of falling into the trap of conjuring up ostentatious celebrations which will demand elaborate preparation and involve much time. In a society awash with consumerism and materialism, it is possible that we will be tempted to adopt a ...