When Jesus states the unpredictability of his return in the parable of the ten virgins, our death on earth will likely be unpredictable as well. And when our final day arrives, there will be no time left to “fill our lamps” with oil in preparation for eternity in heaven.

Like the foolish virgins, a last-minute effort to prepare for Christ’s coming may not be enough for him to welcome us into his kingdom. It will require cultivation of our spirituality and holiness throughout our lives to receive his welcome, not a catch-up effort at our 11th hour.

Our spiritual preparation for both our death and Christ’s Second Coming cannot be put off. To say to ourselves, “I’m going to start living for Christ more fully as soon as I straighten out my affairs, get a new job, retire, move away or join a new church” exhibits the same folly as the foolish virgins who decided to act too late.

The code Jesus sets for us in his Beatitudes must frame our conduct. We must keep our spiritual lamps filled 24/7, unlike the foolish virgins who professed their faith superficially with partially filled lamps unsupported by authentic love and devotion to him. 

They chose hypocrisy over wisdom just like the false prophets in Matthew 7:22 who said, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?” They were the fool’s folly who couldn’t stay the course.

So let us pray that we continually strengthen ourselves to stay the course and be welcomed one day to God’s finish line as we hear him say, "Well done, faithful servant.”  

Reflections on the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13