Article July 11, 1964 Issue

"Behold, the bridegroom cometh"

"Our lamps must be maintained . . . in readiness for the coming of the bridegroom"

RICHARD CARVER

Does the night of materiality ever seem long to us and spiritual understanding delayed in coming? No matter how long the night may seem to be, we should not fail to keep our lamps filled with oil, because, if we are patient and faithful, the needed understanding will surely come, perhaps at a time when we may least expect it. The important point is for us to maintain our lamps in a state of readiness.

In Christ Jesus' parable of the ten virgins, the five foolish virgins tried to borrow oil from their five wiser companions when the cry arose, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh" (Matt. 25:6). But the five wise virgins refused to lend any of their oil. They said, "Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." The account continues, "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." Afterward, when the foolish virgins tried to gain admittance, they were met with the rebuff, "I know you not."

In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy defines "bridegroom" as "spiritual understanding; the pure consciousness that God, the divine Principle, creates man as His own spiritual idea, and that God is the only creative power" (p. 582). She also defines "oil" as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration" (ibid., p. 592).

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