One of the fascinating and beautiful aspects of the Feast of Nativity is the symbolism of light. Most cities and villages are already shining, especially at night. These lights and decorations remind all, (believers and non-believers), that we are approaching the season of festivities. For us Christians, the symbolism of light focuses our attention on Jesus, the source of all light, the light of the world, (Cf. John 8:12).
This symbolism of light is at the heart of today’s Gospel. To help his disciples deepen their understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus spoke to them using a parable. We are accustomed to this parable of the ten bridesmaids (virgins) five of whom were declared wise and the other five foolish. They were all invited to a marriage feast.
Humanity Invited to a Great Festivity
In the New Testament, Jesus often used the image of a wedding to reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven (Cf. Matthew 22, 1-14). A wedding evokes various things in our minds: colorful dresses, the ambiance of festivity, etc. So, Jesus is telling us that his coming should be a moment of Joy and not sadness. All humanity is invited to this great festivity. To make sure we don’t miss this feast, Jesus invites us to spiritual vigilance.
“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” the son of man (the bridegroom) will come. The issue at stake in today’s gospel is being able to keep awake until the bridegroom arrives. Such an attitude requires strength and wisdom. How can we keep awake today as we wait for Christ’s second coming after more than 2000 years of his first coming? Let’s remember that in the time St Matthew wrote his gospel, Christians were expecting an imminent return of the Lord. Keeping the flame of faith alive was a big challenge for them.
“The bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep,” says Matthew. We can ask here: “Why is the bridegroom’s arrival being delayed? Maurice Zundel, a Swiss theologian said: “The Lord will return when the last human being receives the wedding ring of God and humanity.” In other words, the return of the Lord is subordinated to the “yes” of humanity, the “yes” of each of us to the Covenant of eternal Love the Father had concluded and sealed in his Son Jesus. Divine patience is an expression of God’s unfathomable Love for all. In today’s context where the risk of hopelessness and despair is very high, we can ask ourselves: are we really waiting for the One who is to come again, or are we weary, feeling we have missed the point?
The Arrival of the Bridegroom
After a long delay, the bridegroom finally arrives. The five wise bridesmaids had enough reserve of oil and were able to refill their lamps and move on to meet with the bridegroom. They had the foresight and planned ahead. The lamp and oil stand for Faith and Love. We received the lamp of faith during our baptism and need to keep it ablaze with the oil of Love. The gift of faith is received personally, although in a community of believers. This is what the 5 bridesmaids who were not wise failed to understand.
The love of Jesus for humanity remains the model and source of our Love for God and our fellow human beings. There would be moments when we could feel drowsy. But in as much as we have the oil of Love in our hearts, we will be able to keep the light of faith ablaze. This oil of Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit; the divine presence in us. It is the Holy Spirit who will help us remain vigilant amid world events and not lose hope or sight of what is essential. By looking at the universe with the light of Faith and oil of Love, we keep this balance between knowledge and love, between light and fervor, amid uncertainties of the world we live in.
Absolutely loved this reflection, Father Alex. I also appreciate the symbolism of light this season. The line from Maurice Zundel was striking–I have often wondered if that is why we are waiting for the second coming of Christ. Loved your line, “Divine patience is an expression of God’s unfathomable love for all.” May every soul one day come to declare yes! And what a beautiful image of “the light of faith and the oil of Love.” Thank you for this! God bless.