#parable of the 10 virgins

[oncedelivered]

You Don't Know the Day or the Hour

This is the 19th in a series of excerpts from What Every Christian Should Know About the Return of Jesus, released by High Street Press and available at Amazon.com.  In the previous column, we looked at a first-century Galilean wedding as the context for Jesus’ parable of the 10 virgins. Jesus tells the parable to prepare his followers for what’s ahead. After his imminent suffering, death, and…

[eve-ate-the-right-fruit]

Could the parable of the 10 virgins be read as showing the pitfalls of an individualistic mindset?

Are there no "mom friends" among the 5 "wise virgins?" Nobody thought to bring more oil than just what she herself needed? Couldn't a lamp give light to more than just one woman? However we account for it, the bridal party is cut in half because ALL the virgins, "wise" and "foolish," are focused only on providing for themselves.

The reality of the kingdom of heaven is that not everyone will be able to sustain themselves on their efforts alone. That is why we come together as communities, so nobody has to.

[delicatevenus]

William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, artist, and mystic whose work fused spirituality with vivid, symbolic imagery. His 6° Sagittarius Sun drove his lifelong pursuit of truth and meaning, while his Cancer Moon at 12° brought a deep emotional resonance, drawing him to explore humanity’s hidden inner worlds. With his Moon close to mine at 9° Cancer, as well as his Sun opposite my own at 10° Gemini, and near my Jupiter in Sagittarius at 10°, I feel a unique connection to his vision and his ability to portray suffering and hope with rare and tender insight. Blake’s work often challenged conventional beliefs, questioning humanity’s role in the universe and its connection to the divine.

Pictured are some selected works by William Blake

1 - “Hecate” or “The Night of Enitharmon’s Joy”

3 - “The Nativity”

4 - “The Lovers’ Whirlwind”

5 - “Eve Tempted by the Serpent”

6 - “Satan Watching the Endearments of Adam and Eve”

7 - “The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins”

8 - “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell”

[nerdygaymormon]

Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the 10 Virgins

Something about this parable and how we teach it has always felt off to me. We tell this story as one of scarcity. We teach the story as though the bridegroom doesn’t have enough grace for all of us. 

That doesn’t fit with a Jesus who turned 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes into enough to feed 5000 people and even had leftovers. The gospel is one of abundance, there’s enough blessings for all.

My church often teaches that this is a story about the Last Days. We need to carefully work hard to squirrel away enough oil over our lifetime and guard it because we can’t share with others and they can’t share with us. Nobody can share their testimonies with us, we have to gather our own. If that’s the case, then why do we gather together to worship, why is the Sacrament a communal activity, why do we have a monthly testimony meeting at church?

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For a refresher, here’s the parable as relayed in the King James Version:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

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I like the way that Nadia Bolz-Weber updates this parable to our modern day:

It feels like Jesus is saying the Kingdom of God is like a bad dream where I’m supposed to go pick someone important up from the airport like . . . Dolly Parton, but I forget to fill my gas tank and then I’m idling outside baggage claim for so long I doze off and then when Dolly Parton finally texts she’s almost there, my car starts beeping that it’s nearly out of gas but then I realize the dude in front of me has a gas can strapped in the back of his monster truck and I ask if he can help me out but he just points to the overpriced gas station outside the airport and in a panic I use the fumes in my tank to get there but then when I’m filling up my Subaru I see Dolly Parton drive off in the passenger side of the dude’s F150 and she doesn’t even return my wave -  like she doesn’t even know me. 

So stay alert. The kingdom of God is like that.

Nadia follows this with questions, what are we supposed to learn from this story:

That we should not rely on others? That we should not give to those who ask of us? I mean, that would be weird wouldn’t it, if Jesus just suddenly took back everything he said about generosity and self-giving and instead gave us a parable about how we should be stingy and self-reliant?

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Nadia provides an alternative interpretation to the story. The bridesmaids are foolish, not because they didn’t bring extra oil or because they fell asleep, but because they listened to the other bridesmaids. Some of the ‘wise’ bridesmaids said you can only greet the groom if you’ve already met your needs. Those foolish ones are made to feel ashamed. 

The foolish bridesmaids didn’t trust that the light of those around them could be enough to guide them. Light from a lamp doesn’t only shine for the person holding it. Others can see the light and can see the path being illuminated. Yes, if everyone had their own light then they could see better, but it doesn’t mean only those with the light can see and everyone else is blinded by darkness. 

If you had light and another didn’t, wouldn’t you offer to have them walk with you and let your light guide the way? And wouldn’t we want someone to do that for us if our light ran out?

The person who cried out that the bridegroom is coming, how did they know this? The bridegroom must have a lamp which could be seen from afar. The foolish ones didn’t trust that the light of Christ was enough. They didn’t believe the groom would offer to hold out his light where they could see it. 

In an effort to fix their situation, they missed the wedding banquet. Is the bridegroom calling them foolish because they listened to the other bridesmaids and doubted him and his goodness?

The bridegroom said “I know you not,” because they hadn’t come to him with their situation but rather wanted to be independent of him. Are we too busy trying to be self reliant that we don’t have time for Christ?

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The part of the parable that really cuts is when they are knocking on the door and the person inside says “I know you not.” Do we really think someone who is seeking Christ will be turned away? 

These aren’t people who can’t be bothered, they aren’t off engaged in other questionable activities. These are folks who show up and have a lamp FULL of oil, they’re where they are supposed to be because they are seeking the groom.

Someone shows up to church and is willing, is seeking, is following, and Christ is going to turn them away?

The focus is on what they are lacking. We all are lacking, is that what we should focus on, that we aren’t good enough for Christ, He won’t want to see us?

Maybe the parable is saying instead of trying to solve everything on their own, if the foolish bridesmaids approached the groom, he could’ve solved this, that he can meet our shortcomings.

They didn’t have faith that the bridegroom would let them in if they didn’t provide their own oil. They didn’t believe he would welcome them to the feast. Instead they believed the groom had no mercy or grace to offer them.

The way I’ve always heard this parable taught, we believe the assumptions presented by the bridesmaids without questioning if this is really what the groom requires.

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We are all sinners, we all fall short of perfection, none of us can save ourselves no matter how much “oil” we’ve gathered. In the parable, they all are awaiting the bridegroom with lamps full of oil and are looking for him. As they wait, all of the bridesmaids fell asleep. 

When the call came, they all responded to the call that the bridegroom is approaching by trimming their lamps, but they’ve waited so long for the groom that their lamps go out. 

I wonder if having our lamp go out is akin to when people face hard things in life and their faith falters, or to having some doubts. Everyone deals with hard things.

Those with extra oil refill their own lamps and tell the others that they won’t share and to go away and solve their own problems. In the LDS Church, we might use the phrase to go be “self reliant.”

When the ‘foolish’ bridesmaids show up to the banquet, the door is closed. The parable doesn’t indicate who closed it. It does not say that the bridegroom closed the door, locking everyone else out. It never is taught that the groom is keeping them away. In fact, the bridegroom wanted them to be part of the procession and to attend the banquet, they were invited guests.

Rather than a parable of hope in the ability of the Lord to save, I usually hear it presented as a fear-based warning that you better not be a ‘foolish’ one who wasn’t prepared and didn’t do enough. 

I think we are all foolish in the exact same way as the foolish ones in this parable. They fell for the belief that they were lesser and not wanted, and then they leave. The “wise ones” made the others feel this way. My experience is it’s other believers, other church goers, who act as gatekeepers and make us feel ashamed that we fall short.

It’s not included in this parable, but I think the promise that the first shall be last and the last shall be first should be a warning to the “wise ones.” How would they want to be treated if they were “last,” and they should start treating everyone that way because one day you may be last. 

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Why are Christians commanded to worship together? Why is community so important? Nobody can do this all on their own. We need to borrow oil. We need the light given by another’s lamp. If we only provide for ourselves, what is the point of building a community?

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My queer application is that I think most Christians would view queer believers as “foolish” and we need to go away and get ourselves fixed and in line with how they think we should be, only then are we welcome to come back. They think queer people won’t be invited to the great banquet of the Lord.

Do we listen to those who say Christ’s blessings aren’t enough and queer people will be excluded? Do we believe there’s no mansions awaiting us in heaven? Do we believe God made us queer and then rejects us for being queer? 

It is no wonder most queer people leave the church. It’s a place full of rejecting messages to queer people. The gospel is often not presented as good news but instead as a way to clobber queer people.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Parable of the Potter

1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down at once to the potter’s house; there I will reveal My words to you.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, working away at the wheel. 4 But the jar that he was making from the clay became flawed in the potter’s hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do.

5 The word of the Lord came to me: 6 “House of Israel, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay?”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, house of Israel. 7 At one moment I might announce concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will uproot, tear down, and destroy it. 8 However, if that nation I have made an announcement about turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the disaster I had planned to do to it. 9 At another time I announce that I will build and plant a nation or a kingdom. 10 However, if it does what is evil in My sight by not listening to My voice, I will relent concerning the good I had said I would do to it. 11 So now, say to the men of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring harm to you and make plans against you. Turn now, each from your evil way, and correct your ways and your deeds. 12 But they will say, ‘It’s hopeless. We will continue to follow our plans, and each of us will continue to act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

Deluded Israel

13 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:

Ask among the nations, Who has heard things like these? Virgin Israel has done a most terrible thing. 14 Does the snow of Lebanon ever leave the highland crags? Or does cold water flowing from a distance ever fail? 15 Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to false idols that make them stumble in their ways on the ancient roads and walk on new paths, not the highway. 16 They have made their land a horror, a perpetual object of scorn; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and shake his head. 17 I will scatter them before the enemy like the east wind. I will show them My back and not My face on the day of their calamity.

Plot against Jeremiah

18 Then certain ones said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah, for instruction will never be lost from the priest, or counsel from the wise, or an oracle from the prophet. Come, let’s denounce him and pay no attention to all his words.”

19 Pay attention to me, Lord. Hear what my opponents are saying! 20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your anger from them. 21 Therefore, hand their children over to famine, and pour the sword’s power on them. Let their wives become childless and widowed, their husbands slain by deadly disease, their young men struck down by the sword in battle. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. 23 But You, Lord, know all their deadly plots against me. Do not wipe out their guilt; do not blot out their sin before You. Let them be forced to stumble before You; deal with them in the time of Your anger. — Jeremiah 18 | Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 6:6; Leviticus 26:32; Deuteronomy 29:19; 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Samuel 13:13; 1 Samuel 15:33; 1 Samuel 19:4; 1 Kings 9:8; 2 Kings 17:13; Nehemiah 4:5; Job 5:13; Job 27:21; Psalm 35:7; Psalm 48:7; Psalm 52:2; Psalm 59:5; Psalm 63:10; Psalm 106:45; Psalm 119:85; Psalm 140:5; Isaiah 29:16; Isaiah 57:10; Isaiah 57:14; Isaiah 62:10; Isaiah 66:8; Jeremiah 1:10; Jeremiah 2:10-11; Jeremiah 7:3; Jeremiah 19:1; Jeremiah 31:28; Lamentations 3:59; Amos 9:11; Matthew 20:15; Acts 26:20; Romans 9:20-21

Jeremiah 18 Chapter Summary

Key Passages in Jeremiah 18

1. Under the type of a potter is shown God's absolute power in disposing of nations. 11. Judgments threatened to Judah for her strange revolt. 18. Jeremiah prays against his conspirators.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

26th July >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

on

Friday, Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time.

Friday, Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Friday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Jeremiah 3:14-17 Come back, my disloyal children.

Come back, disloyal children – it is the Lord who speaks – for I alone am your Master. I will take one from a town, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and these shall feed you on knowledge and discretion. And when you have increased and become many in the land, then – it is the Lord who speaks – no one will ever say again: Where is the ark of the covenant of the Lord? There will be no thought of it, no memory of it, no regret for it, no making of another. When that time comes, Jerusalem shall be called: The Throne of the Lord; all the nations will gather there in the name of the Lord and will no longer follow the dictates of their own stubborn hearts.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Jeremiah 31:10-13

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

O nations, hear the word of the Lord, proclaim it to the far-off coasts. Say: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him and guard him as a shepherd guards his flock.’

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, has saved him from an overpowering hand. They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion, they will stream to the blessings of the Lord.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Then the young girls will rejoice and dance, the men, young and old, will be glad. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console them, give gladness for grief.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Gospel Acclamation James 1:21

Alleluia, alleluia! Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. Alleluia!

Or: cf. Luke 8:15

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart, take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 13:18-23 The man who hears the word and understands it yields a rich harvest.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are to hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the evil one comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the man who received the seed on the edge of the path. The one who received it on patches of rock is the man who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy. But he has no root in him, he does not last; let some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, and he falls away at once. The one who received the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so he produces nothing. And the one who received the seed in rich soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

------------------------------

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Ecclesiasticus 44:1,10-15 Their name lives on for all generations.

Let us praise illustrious men, our ancestors in their successive generations. Here is a list of generous men whose good works have not been forgotten. In their descendants there remains a rich inheritance born of them. Their descendants stand by the covenants and, thanks to them, so do their children’s children. Their offspring will last for ever, their glory will not fade. Their bodies have been buried in peace, and their name lives on for all generations. The peoples will proclaim their wisdom, the assembly will celebrate their praises.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 131(132):11,13-14,17-18

R/ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

The Lord swore an oath to David; he will not go back on this word: ‘A son, the fruit of your body, will I set upon your throne.’

R/ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling: ‘This is my resting-place for ever; here have I chosen to live.

R/ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

‘There David’s stock will flower; I will prepare a lamp for my anointed. I will cover his enemies with shame but on him my crown shall shine.’

R/ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 2:25

Alleluia, alleluia! They looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested upon them. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 13:16-17 Prophets and holy men longed to hear what you hear.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[hiswordsarekisses]

All the interpretations of the parable of the 10 Virgins are so interesting, but they all seemed to me to be missing something and I couldn’t quite figure out what it was.

Recently I heard one explanation which interpreted the oil as fruit. I wanted to test it against scripture because it really fits, so I wanted to share what I found! (I tried to condense as much as possible, sorry it’s so long!)

When we use the Bible itself to interpret the Bible, things begin to amazingly make so much more sense than ever, and things that never made sense before just light up! So I searched all the terms used in this parable to see what they meant in other passages of scripture and it was truly amazing to me.

You can read this entire parable in context in Matthew 25:1-13. I don’t want to make this any longer than it has to be by putting it here, and that way you can test it yourself as you go along (if you wanna!) So here goes….

“THEN THE kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom...”

Lamps are The Word of God:

(You can find other verses as well that support these terms so I have only used my favorites, but I suggest you search them all yourself because you will be so blessed!)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105!)

“Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps…

‭‭

The wise virgins are the ones keeping God’s Word:

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock.” Matt. 7:24

The foolish ones are those who didn’t keep God’s Word:

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house in the sand.” Matt. 7:26

Both the Lamp and the Light I found together in another passage, and having already found that the Lamp is The Word and here it shows me that the Light brings His Word to our understanding and shines out of us, making the fruit of the Word seen.

“For the commandment (the Word) is a LAMP ~ and the “teaching a LIGHT,” and reproofs of discipline are the way of life. Prov. 6:23 and “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬

“but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps….

The Oil is The Holy Spirit producing the organically natural-growing fruit of the genuine-desire of the heart to be obedient:

Command the people of Israel to bring pure oil from beaten olives for the LAMP, that a LIGHT may be kept burning regularly. Lev. 24:2

It’s the times we are pressed with sorrows, trials, and persecution, (the beaten olive) that the light of the Word living through us shines out the brightest, as we stand through it as our faith is tested - making the fruit of His Word in our lives visible to the world.

In Romans 11:17 it says “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree.” it shows us that we are the branches from the olive tree - the olives are our fruit from the tree, and when beaten produce oil.

Fruit is what comes naturally from the inside out.

It’s not manufactured like “works” - it’s organic.

Like an apple tree does not organically grow oranges, so it is that the heart shows the world without even having to work at it, what kind of tree it is.

This is why so many times Jesus explains that we are known by our fruit.

“But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept….And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps… and the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out… “

When God commands us to do things and we do not listen, His voice dims until we can no longer hear it….

As the Bridegroom was delayed, they became drowsy and did not keep the light of the Word continuously burning so they could be ready when He called.

They could not hear Him any longer and they fell asleep.

It’s critically important to keep our desire to keep His Word awake - putting it into the LAMP of His Word so that we don’t run out of the LIGHT which is shining out of us showing who we belong to - showing what kind of tree we are!!!

This is how it makes sense to me:

The 10 Virgins took The Word with them and went to wait for the Bridegroom. (Because Jesus said “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. John‬ ‭8:31‬‬)

If you do a search on the words “if you keep my word” you will find so many verses that will really set this in concrete.

Some versions use the word continue or abide.

Ok, so Five of them got tired and sidetracked and did not continue in His Word, but the other Five of them did continue in His Word while the waited.

The five who did not keep His Word had soon lost their desire to obey His commands and their love grew cold. (Jesus said “if you love me you will keep my commands” John 14:23) but when we do not continue in His Word our love grows cold and we become tired.

The wise ones were still able to be driven by their love and desire to obey His Word and keep His commands, so it kept them awake. When the Bridegroom was finally arriving there was a loud shout: “Here He comes! Come and meet Him!”

It seems to me that the loudness of the shout shook even the sleeping ones awake because they all arose, but the ones who forgot to keep the light of His Word burning asked the obedient ones to give them some of their “desire to keep His Word” because theirs had burnt out.

The obedient ones could not manufacture that desire to give to them because it’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit to be long suffering and that only comes from continuing in God’s Word.

It had to come from their own hearts naturally from keeping the light of His Word burning!

So they could only have enough for themselves.

They told the foolish ones that they would need to go and buy their own oil. (and this made me think of Revelation‬ ‭3:18: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”‬)

So the ones who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the marriage feast and the door was shut. When the other 5 virgins came back, they said “Lord, Lord, open to us” but He said “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” 😔

This brought to my mind the other passages where Jesus said “I never knew you.” And I remembered that in those passages He again mentions about being known them by fruit.

That is another search you can do of those words “I never knew you” which will confirm that is through our fruit - what is coming out of our lives.

Jesus said you will know them by their fruits.

The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, faith, long-suffering and self control. (Check out Galatians 5:19-25)

❗️But we cannot manufacture these fruits - it is by continuing in His Word that we are transformed because it washes the old us away.❗️

You can Google what the Bible says about being washed by the Word and it will bless your socks off.

Even Jesus said “you are clean by the words I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)

❗️Jesus paid the price for us, and in His eyes we are perfect because, even though we will fail and fall - He knows whether our true desire in our heart is to be obedient to keep His Word, and He knows if we are continuing in His Word.❗️

❗️This can either be a great comfort - or a terrifying alarm to get on our knees and repent and pray for the desire to obey Him - to give Him our will so that He will “work in us to will and to act according to His good purpose!” (Phil 3:13) He said anyone who comes to Him, He will not turn away. (John 6:37)❗️

❗️Colossians 1:22 says that through Jesus’s death He presents you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight, ❗️but the next verse, 23, it says “IF indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel”❗️- this is accomplished by continuing in His Word and being continuously transformed by it “from glory to glory.”

When we exchange our will for His, and His spirit begins to live through us -it produces that genuine, organic, natural desire to keep His Word FOR us. This is not salvation by works - this is the “fruit” of our salvation proving we are His, and proving we love Him. That’s why He said “If you love me, keep my commands.”

This is us taking a step in faith to abide in His Word (where faith COMES from according to Romans 10:17) and the spirit of God Who lives in us creating this desire in response to our faith. ❤️‍🔥

This is what James 2:18 means by “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith BY my works.”

This is also why we are not able to judge each other’s hearts. We can judge actions - whether they are right or wrong according to the light of His Word, but we can never know how far someone has come.

Only God knows.

❗️Clearly this parable is so that we can judge our own fruit coming out of our own heart and not to look at others because we will never know the progress in their heart - that naturally and organically produced “desire by the Holy Spirit to be obedient” to keep God’s Word.❗️

We have to always ask ourselves, “When He comes will He find us ready and waiting? Will He see His fruit growing in us? Will the light of His Word be written in our hearts and burning brightly into the world? Will He know us?”

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.John 14:23

And He will not give up no matter how many times He has to shout loudly to get your attention so you will come back and abide in His Word so that you will continue to grow and shine the light of His Word for all the world to see and glorify Him.

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John‬ ‭6:37-40‬

His Words Are Kisses

[bosses-stay-flawless]

Resurrection Sunday: Lord, you are the Alpha & the Omega, the beginning and the end, the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. I AM GRATEFUL for the things that you have done, continue to do and will do in my life!!!

Jesus taught his disciples many things about the signs of his second coming. Though no man knows the time in which he will come, ( bo, not even the angels in heaven) he made it known that he will come again, and that watchful & preparedness and purposeful are wise actions. There were many similarities and differences between the 5 wise virgins and the 5 foolish ones.

The parable about the 10 virgins is symbolic, 10 representing the church and the individual believer’s journey. 10 set out to meet the bridegroom (Christ) The had to watch and wait during the night (end times) the wise virgins and the foolish all had lamps and oil ( the body is the vessel) the wise had extra oil, ( the Holy Spirit) they all fell asleep waiting) The trumpet (or call came) they all awakened and lit their lamps the wise had extra oil in reserve, the foolish had to run out to get more oil, it would not have been smart for the other 5 to give them of their oil.

The oil represents the power of the Holy Spirit in dwelling in our bodies. Our bodies being made of water, and the oil make up the spiritual nature. In that sense…

Oil and water will not intermingle: the old man is not bettered by the new, nor is the new corrupted by the old. Oil cannot be made to sink beneath the water, but always floats on top; so grace in the believer is indestructible, and at the end it will be seen to have fully triumphed over sin. Oil is a super-eminent liquid, for it will not incorporate itself with anything lighter; it will have the highest place above all other liquids. So the graces of the Spirit are of a superior character as far above the gifts of nature as spiritual blessings excel earthly things. Oil quietens troubled waters, giving relief to a ship in a storm: so grace often subdues the turbulent workings of sin. What a blessed promise is that in Psalm 92:10, “But my horn shalt Thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil”: new supplies of grace, blessed revivings are granted God’s tried people. Yes, there is “oil in the dwellings of the wise” virgins (Prov. 21:20.

[apostlewill]

In the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-10), Jesus instructed them to take oil WITH their lamps, but 5 just took the lamps and not oil. The other 5 took oil in their vessels with their lamps (v.4). At the Midnight cry, the bridegroom came. I remember singing and playing this song back in the college choir, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning; the time is drawing nigh.” THE LORD JESUS IS COMING!

[oncedelivered]

Behold, the Bridegroom Comes!

This is the 18th in a series of excerpts from What Every Christian Should Know About the Return of Jesus, released by High Street Press and available at Amazon.com.  There are well over a hundred parables in the Bible, but the most beloved are the 30-plus parables Jesus shares with us. While he’s not the first to use this form of teaching, Jesus endows his parables with unparalleled originality…

[starstruckkidturtlecowboy]

ON THE ALERT

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 077: Olive Oil

Exodus 27:20 - And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.

The lampstand was the only source of light in the entire sanctuary. God gave a command that the priests must keep the light burning continually day and night. This was so important that “it was to be a statute forever to their generations.” God also commanded that the children of Israel must always keep the priests supplied with pure oil from pressed olives. What was the significance of all this?

Let’s read together Zechariah 4:2-6.

The prophet Zechariah had a vision of the seven branched lampstand next to two olive trees. What is the significance of this vision? Olive trees give olives, which can be used to make olive oil. The light of the lampstand was fueled by olive oil, which symbolized the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read together 1 Samuel 10:1-12; 1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:1; and Luke 4:18.

There is also a connection between anointing oil and the Holy Spirit. When Saul was first anointed to be king of Israel, the Holy Spirit came upon him. Saul started to prophesy with the prophets. David had a similar experience when he was anointed to be Saul’s replacement. Jesus also spoke of the connection between anointing oil and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Let’s read together Matthew 25:1-13 John 14:16-18.

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, what was the difference between the two groups? Both groups were waiting for the bridegroom. Both groups had lamps with them. Both groups fell asleep. However, only the wise virgins carried enough oil with them to last the night.

The olive oil and the continually burning lampstand symbolize our need to always have the Holy Spirit. It is through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can have ultimate victory over sin.

[benevolentwoman]

The Command to Be Rooted in Jesus (Part 2)!!!

As we close, I want to remind you that we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It is up to us to replenish and store up the oil in our vessels. Just as in the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and five were foolish. “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (Matthew 25: 3-4, KJV).

When the foolish asked the wise for some of their oil, they were essentially told to go to the false prophets and others who sell lies to them and to continue to be misdirected. To be misguided, careless, and ill-advised. Becoming ineffective as they were being distracted. Confirmed three times:

1) “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not” (Matthew 25: 41-43, KJV).

2) “But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. Later the others also came, and said, ‘LORD , LORD, open [the door] for us.’ But He replied, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship]” Matthew 25: 10-12, AMP).

And 3) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME [you are banished from My presence], YOU WHO ACT WICKEDLY [disregarding My commands]” (Matthew 7: 21-23, AMP).

https://benevolentwoman.com/

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1 “Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,

4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made: ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’

7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, ‘Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.’

9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.’

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us!’

12 But he answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not.’

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods.

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his several ability, and straightway took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them another five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained another two.

18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought the other five talents, saying, ‘Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents. Behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.’

21 His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’

22 “He also that had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents; behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.’

23 His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’

24 “Then he that had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew thee, that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed.

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth. Lo, there thou hast what is thine.’

26 His lord answered and said unto him, ‘Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed.

27 Thou ought therefore to have placed my money with the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with interest.

28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath ten talents.

29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The Sheep and the Goats

31 “When the Son of Man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.

32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations, and He shall separate them one from another as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.

33 And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I hungered, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in;

36 naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye visited Me; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.’

37 Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when saw we Thee hungering and fed Thee, or thirsty and gave Thee drink?

38 When saw we Thee a stranger and took Thee in, or naked and clothed Thee?

39 Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee?’

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.’

41 “Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

42 For I hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink;

43 I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye clothed Me not; sick and in prison, and ye visited Me not.’

44 Then shall they also answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when saw we Thee hungering or athirst or a stranger, or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?’

45 Then shall He answer them, saying, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.’

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” — Matthew 25 | 21st Century King James Version (KJV21) The Holy Bible; 21st Century King James Version Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. Cross References: 1 Samuel 2:10; 1 Kings 2:19; 2 Kings 4:10; Job 31:32; Psalm 45:9; Psalm 49:7; Psalm 112:10; Proverbs 11:17; Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 14:35; Proverbs 28:20; Isaiah 58:7; Ezekiel 18:7; Ezekiel 18:16; Ezekiel 34:17; Ezekiel 34:20; Daniel 12:2; Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 4:2; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:6; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:23-24; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 10:41-42; Matthew 13:12; Matthew 13:24; Matthew 18:23-24; Matthew 19:16; Matthew 19:29; Matthew 21:8; Matthew 21:33; Matthew 24:42-43; Matthew 24:45; Matthew 24:47-48; Luke 13:25; Luke 19:12-13; Luke 19:23; Luke 19:38; John 3:15; John 15:2; Romans 14:6; 1 Corinthians 8:12; Ephesians 5:33; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 6:10; 1 John 5:11

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

26th July >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

on

Friday, Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time.

Friday, Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the feria (Friday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Jeremiah 3:14-17 I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart; all nations will be gathered together at Jerusalem.

Return, rebellious children, says the LORD, for I am your Master; I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently. When you multiply and become fruitful in the land, says the LORD, They will in those days no longer say, “The ark of the covenant of the LORD!” They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another.

At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD’s throne; there all nations will be gathered together to honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, proclaim it on distant isles, and say: He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together, he guards them as a shepherd his flock.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

The LORD shall ransom Jacob, he shall redeem him from the hand of his conqueror. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the LORD’s blessings: The grain, the wine, and the oil, the sheep and the oxen.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Then the virgins shall make merry and dance, and young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrows.

R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 8:15

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 13:18-23 The one who hears the word and understands it will bear much fruit.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

------------------------------

Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First reading Sirach 44:1, 10-15 Their name lives on and on.

Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: These were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; Their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; Through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity for their sake.

And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18

R/ God will give him the throne of David, his father.

The LORD swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.”

R/ God will give him the throne of David, his father.

For the LORD has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”

R/ God will give him the throne of David, his father.

“In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.”

R/ God will give him the throne of David, his father.

Gospel Acclamation cf. Luke 2:25c

Alleluia, alleluia. They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 13:16-17 Many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[bond-servant-of-christ-jesus]

Matthew 3:2

[2]"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 24:29-42

[29]"But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

[30]And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.

[31]And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Parable of the Fig Tree

[32]"Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;

[33]so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

[34]Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

[35]Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

[36]"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

[37]For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.

[38]For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

[39]and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

[40]Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.

[41]Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Be Ready for His Coming

[42]"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 25:1-13

[1]"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

[2]Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.

[3]For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,

[4]but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

[5]Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.

[6]But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. '

[7]Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

[8]The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

[9]But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.'

[10]And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

[11]Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.'

[12]But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'

[13]Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.