When we look at the Gospels and the messages conveyed, they contain many parables that Jesus used to teach his disciples and those who followed his teachings.  The Gospel of Luke contains twenty-four parables with eighteen being unique, the Gospel of Matthew contains twenty-three parables with eleven being unique, the Gospel of Mark contains eight parables with two being unique. The Gospel of John contains no parables.
Jesus was reared in the Jewish faith. The society used parables liberally for teaching purposes. It was the standard of the time. Parables helped the people to think about the truths they taught. They caught the peoples’ attention, for everyone liked to hear a story. It is more easily remembered than rules and regulations therefore an effective teaching tool. The stories are taken from everyday life, so you think they would be easily understood.

Not so, for Jesus did not expect people to fully understand the meaning at first glance. At times he had to explain the story to his apostles, for there was some confusion about the exact point of the story. Something just did not fit or had a strange concept. The parable made the people think more deeply about the story and its meaning. That is just what Jesus wanted. To have the story raise more questions than answers and see beyond the obvious. All of Jesus’ teachings, his parables and their meanings became clear to his apostles and disciples at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit opened their minds to all the truths. Then they remembered and incorporated them into their Gospels and Epistles. Two thousand years later, these parables continue to fascinate us.

The parable about the ten virgins, in today’s Gospel reading from Matthew, is that type of story. Its origins are from the first-century Palestinian custom of a bride going in procession with attendance to meet the bridegroom and partake in the wedding banquet. In the context of Jesus’ teaching, it is a continuation of his message, to be prepared for the last judgement. At which time the wicked will be condemned and the just will receive salvation and partake of the heavenly banquet.

Jesus is the bridegroom and the ten virgins represent the people of God. The parable points out that all must be prepared when the bridegroom arrives. They must have sufficient oil, an item that can represent good works. Good works like justice, mercy and fidelity that all believers should profess. Those virgins who do not have sufficient oil, good works, will be excluded from the wedding banquet, that is, the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The deeper meaning gleaned from parables can lead us into self-examination. Take for instance another parable, the Prodigal Son. In some sense am I the prodigal son or his self-righteous older brother? In the story of the Good Samaritan, have I been lax in how I treat my neighbors? With prayer do I act like the Pharisee, without fault, putting on a show, or do I humble myself like the tax collector, who admits he is a sinner and asks for forgiveness. The parables of Jesus, for whatever else their purpose, seem to be aimed at encouraging this type of reaction in the hearers and readers.

Many hear or read these parables on a regular basis, but how many take the time to understand and respond to our Lord’s invitation. How many people take an inventory of their lives and ask themselves.  Am I living up to tenets of the faith? Am I performing spiritual and corporal works of mercy? Does the life I profess within me match the person I am outwardly to the world?

My friends, now is the time to prepare ourselves and ask God to help us in our daily lives. We cannot withstand the forces of the world without God’s help.  Will we have enough oil stored in order to join in procession with the bridegroom to the wedding feast?