‘Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.’
Mat_25:1
Amongst our Blessed Lord’s words of warning, this parable holds a very conspicuous place.
I. The virgins chosen.—They were chosen for the particular purpose, to swell the triumph of the bridal train. Is it not true that the choice has fallen upon us? The whole human race, by virtue of the Incarnation, has received this splendid vocation, but to us Christian men and women, to us Church people, there has come the personal, the individual call. Why is it that men are often so dissatisfied with their lot in life? It is simply because they forget their true calling, their true dignity.
II. All went forth.—They all went one way, there Was no difference between them. And is not that so with us? We have all set forth upon that journey. The priest at the altar, the layman in his office, the sinner that shuns the light, and the saint that illumines the world, have all gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. There is no turning back. How important it must be that we should be ready to meet Him when He comes? Are you?
III. They went forth in the night.—And so it is with us. We go forth to meet the Bridegroom, and it is through the night of toil and sorrow. It is true that the Church, reflecting the light of the Sun of Righteousness, guides us on our way and gives us light enough, light enough if only people will be satisfied to receive that light that Jesus Christ brought into the world and has left with His Church. Yet the light we have here is as nothing compared with that light that no man can approach unto, to which He has called us in His mercy.
