Introduction to the Book of Wisdom
The Book of Wisdom – also called the Wisdom of Solomon – is deuterocanonical, which means 2nd cannon. They are not considered part of the Protestant or Jewish bibles. They are 7 deuterocanonical books (part of the 46 in the OT). All were part of the first approved bible in 382AD at the Council of Rome.
The Book of Wisdom was written between 50BC-150 BC. The author, whose name is not known to us, was probably a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria, in Egypt. At times he speaks in the person of Solomon, placing his teachings on the lips of the wise king in order to emphasize their value. His has a profound knowledge of the earlier Old Testament writings that is reflected in almost every line of the book, which makes him a preeminent representative of religious learning among the sages of Judaism.
The first ten chapters especially provide background for the teachings of Jesus and New Testament theology about Jesus. Many passages from part of the book, notably Chapter 3, are used by the Church in the liturgy.
Wisdom 6:12-16
Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care; because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude.
Note the personification of Wisdom as a she. Sophia in Greek. Philosophy– love of wisdom.
The Church Fathers had no problem comparing “her” to Christ.
Note that Wisdom is not elusive. She is seeking us. But note that we must also be seeking her!
“Whoever watches at the dawn…” = “seeking early” – refers to rising early in the day to pray. Wisdom awaits those who start their day with God.
Comparison with Proverbs (older/author Solomon) is that in this book, Wisdom comes to earth, to wherever we are, just like God does with Jesus Christ.
Gospel connection – being vigilant in our prayer and relationship with God compares to the 5 vigilant wise virgins.
Context of Gospel
Matthew is very Jewish, so always look for heavy Jewish context.
Review Jewish marriage: the marriage begins with the contract, usually signed by the fathers. Although the marriage is legal at that point, there could be up to a year before the couple lived together as they prepare (man builds their house, etc.). When the wedding ceremony finally begins, it often lasted up to 7 days. On one night, there is a procession where the bride and groom are carried to their house and delivered to the inner chamber, where the marriage is consummated.
Today’s parable is about the Judgement Day and the Kingdom of God. The groom is Jesus Christ and we, the Church, are his bride. We are the groom’s best men, the bridesmaids (10 virgins), the guests, etc. It is the night of the ceremony, and the groom is late...
Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’
But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
In all Jesus’ parables, there are “twists,” which are things that don’t make sense. These indicate that something is going on, there’s a different meaning involved.
Q: What is the first “twist”?
A: The 5 wise virgins refuse to give the other 5 virgins any of their oil. This is a twist because that isn’t normal and Jesus’ audience would notice that immediately.
Q: The oil must represent something else. What?
A: The oil represents good/charitable works. Jesus coming late means we don’t know when Judgement Day will arrive, but when it does, it will be too late to run out and accomplish good works. This interpretation was from the beginning. Note:
“They have lamps by reason of good works. Of these, the Lord says in Matthew 5:16, ‘Let your works shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven.’” – Augustine, Sermon 93.2
Q: Is there a second “twist”?
A: Yes. When the 5 foolish virgins arrive, the groom doesn’t let them in and says he doesn’t know them. This would be unheard of!
Q: What is the meaning?
A: Jesus doesn’t know them because they did not follow his commandments to love one’s neighbors. Our faith in God and our love for God is demonstrated by our love of others. Remember when Jesus was asked about getting into heaven:
‘Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous answered Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matt 25:34-40)
Usually, parables have a final statement, a kind of “zinger” that tells you the secret of the parable. The Jews called this the “Nimshaw.”
Q: What was the Nimshaw of the parable?
A: Yes: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Jesus is saying don’t wait to change your life. If you make a habit of praying and doing good works all the time, you will be like the 5 wise virgins when He comes.
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