they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight, a cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!’
All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones said to the sensible ones,
‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The sensible ones answered, ‘There may not be enough for us and for you.
You had better go to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.’ When the bridegroom came,
the foolish maidens were out buying oil, but those who were ready went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.
Later the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered, ‘Truly I do not know you.’
So stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
REFLECTION:
For Jesus, wisdom is not some kind of higher knowledge. Rather it is an attitude of someone in deep relationship.
It is prudence marked by sustained alertness or watchfulness. One prolongs watchfulness only for something or someone so significant.
His or her entire life is poured on it. It is like a mother staying awake for what her baby needs overnight.
It is the same with a scientist not losing eye on a subject of experiment—botanists continually watchful over plants,
astronomers continually alert for a new planet, and more. Wisdom is not the knowledge gained by these scientists
from their experiment but their sustained relationship with their beloved subjects.
The five wise maidens desire a relationship with the groom by being part of his party.
At that, they determine beforehand the possible obstacles for that desired participation.
That is the wisdom God asks from all of us.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020