Parable of the Ten Virgins
瑪竇福音 25:1-13
在瑪竇福音中耶穌一連三個比喻,都是提醒我們一件事:為人子第二次來臨作好準備。
新郎是比喻耶穌基督,那十個等待迎接新郎的童女就是教會,進入婚宴就好比進入天國;我們在祈禱中常念:「願祢的國來臨」,但沒有人知道耶穌再度來臨並帶我們進入天國那日子何時會來。就是因為不知道,所以耶穌提醒我們總有些人因見祂遲遲還未回來,就態度變得鬆散,沒有遵從天主的教誨來生活。耶穌將會對這些人說:「我不認識你們。」就像那五個糊塗的童女雖然帶了燈,卻沒有足夠的油,新郎到來時想請求別人幫助已是不可能。
因此,我們要聽從耶穌的提醒,時常醒悟並作好準備,否則錯過了迎接新郎的時間,後悔也就來不及了。
「你們應當時時醒寤祈禱,為使你們能逃避即將發生的這一切事,並能立於人子之前。」(路21:36)
Matthew 25:1-13
In the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus used three parables to warn us one thing: be prepared for the second coming of the Lord.
In the parable of the ten virgins, the bridegroom is Jesus Christ, the ten virgins waiting for bridegroom is the church, and entering into the wedding feast is entering into the kingdom of heaven. In the Lord’s prayer we often pray, “Thy kingdom come,” but no one knows when will Jesus come again and take us into His kingdom. And because we don’t know, while there’s still some time to wait, Jesus warns us that some people would take things easy and fail to live out God’s teachings. And He’ll say to them, “I do not know you.” Just like the five foolish virgins who brought the lamps but not having enough oil, even if they try to seek help from others, it’ll be too late and the door will be locked in front of them.
Therefore, be always prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival, then no matter when He arrives, we’ll be ready for Him and be able to enter His kingdom with Him.
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)