The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the *bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. The door was locked. Afterwards, the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13, NAB)
(*bridegroom in this instance refers to Christ)This reading reminds me of a couple of things. First off, the Parable of the Ten Virgins. As I have been studying Gothic architecture, this parable is often found displayed within the exterior statuary of Gothic cathedrals. It was a very popular story at the time because it relayed the message of how living a wise and prudent life is rewarded in heaven. At that time, the "fire and brimstone" approach to Catholicism was at its height. People were urged to repent or suffer eternal damnation. However, it is still a timely message in this day and age when we get so caught up in the busy-ness of our daily lives that we sometimes forget to make time for God. We are constantly running, going here, going there…
Another way to look at it would be like packing for a vacation. You try to stuff everything in that you think you may need and figure anything that's missed can be picked up when you reach your destination. However, when you arrive, you find that you forgot something very important (insert your own important item here). The item you left behind, let's say in this instance, was your spending money for trinkets and whatnot. You beg and plead with the other members of your party to loan you some cash, but no one will help. They remind you that you should have made double sure that you brought your money. 😕🤨 Great time to remind you, huh? So, do you get the point of the story? It kind of goes along with my other thought that follows the images. So, keep reading……..
←All ten virgins are seen here, wonderfully displayed in the central doorway of the western portico of St. Fin ←Barre's cathedral in Cork, Ireland.
You can see how the wise virgins have their heads covered as a display of their chastity, holding their flames up. They are on the right side of the bride groom (Christ), the side being associated with strength, virtue and favor. →
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| Five Foolish Virgins |
←The five foolish virgins, on the left side of the doorway.
They are in direct opposition of the wise virgins. The foolish virgins do not have their heads covered and look rather morose for wasting all of the oil for their for their lamps. This side being can be associated with weakness, frivolity and dishonor.
There is much more depicted within the architecture within the portal, but you get the idea. As I've been studying, the pieces are all starting to come together. To learn about one is to learn about the other. 😊💜
So, the next part of this, where Christ says "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.", He is telling us that we must remain vigilant and be prepared because we do not know when He will return. If we waste our energies on foolish or sinful pursuits, we won't have the stamina to maintain our watchfulness and our faithfulness to Him. We need to gently pace ourselves in our quest for Christ. That does not mean we slack off, though. It just means to take your time. Learn ABOUT Him, not just OF Him. Make an honest and concerted effort in your faith. Your arduous journey will be rewarded in heaven. 💜💙😊
Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱
Helpful Links:
https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-virgins/
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/0809-memorial-teresa-benedicta.cfm
Here's the link to my Gothic Art & Architecture Blog:
https://gothicartarchitecture.blogspot.com/
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