32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
8th November 2026
Lectionary Readings: Wis 6:12-16; Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13
Theme: Be Prepared
The gospel parable of the wise and foolish virgins lends itself to allegorical interpretation. Both Jewish and Christian scholars use the image of a bridegroom coming to meet the bride, but in different ways. The idea has its roots in Exodus 19:17, “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God”. Rashi reads this as Moses acting like a best man escorting a bride, “The Shekhinah came toward them as a groom going out to meet the bride.” This image is a favourite one in midrashic literature, e.g. “And Moses went forth and came to the camp of the Israelites, and he aroused the Israelites from their sleep, saying to them: Arise ye from your sleep, for behold, your God desires to give the Torah to you. Already the bridegroom wishes to lead the bride and to enter the bridal chamber” {Pirque R. Eliezer 41:7).
The bridegroom for whom Matthew’s community were waiting when he wrote his Gospel, forty or more years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, was the risen Christ, the Son of Man. In the preceding chapter Matthew has a number of references to this, e.g. “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (24:30) and “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour” (24:44). But he had not returned at the time of writing. The delay in the bridegroom’s arrival is the key element in the parable and Matthew is at pains to encourage his community not to lose hope, not to give up waiting. The Jewish Midrash also recognises a delay in the coming of the Messiah, “However, in the days of the Messiah, it will be marriage, as it is stated: ‘For your Husband is your Maker’ ” (Shemot Rabbah 15:31).
In the parable Matthew contrasts two groups of people, the wise and the foolish. The fact that both groups went to sleep makes verse 13 “Keep awake therefore…” seem awkward. But the Greek word translated “awake” can also mean to “take heed” lest through lack of readiness some disaster occurs. “Keep watch” might be a better translation.
As for bringing oil, both groups did this, but the foolish virgins did not bring enough. The issue is preparedness. One group was prepared, the other not. For us, as for Matthew’s community, there is a delay in the coming of the Reign of God. So how to prepare? Klyne R. Snodgrass sees the delay as filled with the mission of the Church. “Readiness is an attitude, a commitment, a lifestyle”, living in ways that are faithful to the values of the Kingdom in the firm belief that eventually God will put things right.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. Has this reflection changed your understanding of the parable in any way? Discuss its possible meaning with others.
2. Share with someone else ways in which you are preparing for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Bibliography: Carson D.A. Commentary with the NIV Matthew, Mark, Luke v.8 (Grand Rapids MI: 1984); Sefaria Library, www.sefaria.org; Snodgrass, K.R. Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Grand Rapids MI: 2008); Strack H.L. & Billerbeck P. A Commentary on the NT from the Talmud & Midrash v.1 (Bellingham WA: 2022).
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Kevin L. McDonnell cfc, Australia, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2003, 2004, 2005
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