First Reading Wisdom 6:12-16
Wisdom will come to those who seek it.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 63:2,3-4,5-6,7-8
Our souls are thirsting for God.
Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
(shorter form: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
God will raise all those who have died.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, teaching his disciples the importance of being prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
Background on the Gospel Reading
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means to be prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. This week’s reading follows a series of warnings and predictions by Jesus about the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that the exact day and time cannot be predicted. He teaches the disciples that they must remain vigilant so that they will not be caught unprepared.
When thinking about the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, it is important to consider the first-century wedding traditions of Palestine. Scholars tell us that it was the custom of the day for young maidens—friends and family members of the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to her new home.
As with many of Jesus’ parables, several levels of interpretation are possible. In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus warn against following the example of the Pharisees and scribes. If read in the context of early Christianity’s struggle to define itself against Pharisaic Judaism, this parable is a continuing critique of Judaism. It suggests that the Jewish leaders were like the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Jesus, the bridegroom of Israel.
In the chapter preceding this parable, however, Jesus warns about the destruction of Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man. When read in this context, today’s parable is a warning to the Christian community to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the Son of Man who will return at the end of time. This interpretation is supported by the reference to the delay of the bridegroom. The Christian community for whom Matthew wrote this Gospel was coming to terms with the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would not be fulfilled within their lifetimes. The question remains for us to ask ourselves, Are we ready to receive Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him?
May 31 - The Solemnity of Pentecost: Transformation
May 24 - Ascension of the Lord : Call to be witnesses
May 17 - Sixth Sunday of Easter: An invitation to love
May 10 - Fifth Sunday in Easter : Jesus is the Way
May 3 - Fourth Sunday in Easter : I am the Gate
April 26 - Third Sunday in Easter : God who walks with us
April 19 - 2nd Sunday in Easter : The Doubting Thomas
April 12 – Easter : New Life in Christ
April 10 - Good Friday : Cross - the sign of God's love
April 9 - Holy Thursday : Divine Surrender
April 5 - Passion Sunday : Marching with Jesus
March 29 - Fifth Sunday in Lent : He is our Life
March 22 - Fourth Sunday in Lent : Spiritual Blindness
March 15 - Third Sunday in Lent : Living Water
March 8 - Second Sunday in Lent : Transfiguration
March 1 - First Sunday in Lent: Overcoming Temptation
February 23 :
February 16 :
February 9:
February 2 :
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