Dear Family of God,

What does lighted lamp symbolize in our Gospel this weekend? Who is the Bridegroom? And who are the ten Virgins?

All members of the Church are symbolized by the ten virgins in our Gospel. Half are foolish because they did not bring extra oil for their lamps; the other half are wise enough to carry flasks of extra oil. The bridegroom arrives when the foolish virgins are out, and the door is locked.

The foolish virgins cry out: “Lord, Lord open the door for us.” Not only does the Bridegroom not open the door, but he also says to them, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” This response sounds harsh to modern ears, but it highlights an essential part of the lesson: Being ready for the Lord is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. Hence, Jesus concludes the parable with a warning: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The Bridegroom is the Christ. We are all awaiting his arrival. We can understand the symbol of oil as representing good works, all that keeps the flame of our life of faith alive while we wait. Because our own good works and interior life is the unique responsibility of each person, the oil that sustains it cannot be shared. Every one of us is called to strive for holiness, putting our love for God into practice in good works done for others. Good deeds, acts of charity, are precious oil!

St. Augustine commented about what the oil or lamp symbolized. He said, “They are both virgins, and yet half are rejected. It is not enough that they are virgins but that they also have lamps. They are virgins by reason of abstinence from unlawful indulgence of the senses. But they have lamps because of good works.” Of these good works the Lord says, “Let your works shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16). Again, he said to his disciples, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35).

May Our Lady help us to keep our love for God burning by our good deeds.

Yours in Christ through Mary Immaculate.

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