The Bridegroom Delayed

 

Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13

The first generation of Christians were convinced that the Lord Jesus would be returning imminently at any day for his second coming and judgment of the world.  The entire New Testament speaks to this strong belief.  As this first generation began to pass away and Jesus had not come, this led to a great crisis of faith.  They had been convinced of this reality, and yet it was not happening.  What is more, Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed, Christians were being expelled from synagogues, and now subject to Roman persecution. 

In this context today’s story of the ten virgins makes sense.  The bridegroom was delayed in his return.  Some of them no longer had any oil for their lamps.  Jesus would not be returning; there is no point any longer to keep watch.  But suddenly he does appear and now they are without lighted lamp to meet him.  They have lost the light and warmth of charity for others, and now the Lord is here.  Is there time to run to the merchant and acquire some? Perhaps not. 

The question of Jesus’ second coming by now should no longer be an item of perseveration for us, and yet it is.  We will face our own individual deaths and meet the Lord more surely, and regardless we should always have the light and warmth of charity present within us because it has been lit within us by God.  We need only keep it fueled with prayer, sacramental life, and good deeds of love and mercy.