Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/489

 must light  them  to  the  other  world,  and  they  have  no time  to  buy  it  with  works  of  penance. " They  shall  return at  evening,"  says  royal  David,  "and  they  shall  suffer hunger  like  dogs." (Ps. lviii.  7.)  Then  sinners  will  be denied  that  spiritual  food  which  they  neglected  to  receive during  their  lives. "Therefore, whilst  we  have time  let  us  do  good." (Gal. vi.  10.)

II. "Now, while  they  went  to  buy,  the  bridegroom came,  and  they  who  were  ready  went  in  with  him  to  the marriage;  and  the  door  was  shut." (Matt. xxv.  10.) Ponder how  important  it  is  to  be  ready  at  the  hour  on which  eternity  depends. The wise  virgins  entered  with joy and  mutual  congratulation;  "  everlasting  joy  shall  be upon  their  heads:  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness, and  sorrow  and  mourning  shall  flee  away.  (Is.  xxxv.  10.) The  brightness  of  their  lamp  will  be  a  hundred  times  increased from  the  light  of  the  bridegroom's  countenance. The  flame  of  their  sincere  charity  will  blaze  with  inextinguishable lustre  during  the  whole  long  day  of  eternity. Who  would  not  wish  to  spend  that  day  in  such company!

III. "But at  last  came  also  the  other  virgins,  saying, Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us." They asked  to  be  admitted  by words,  but  their  deeds  did  not  entitle  them  to  admittance. " For  not  every  one  that  saith  to  me,  Lord, Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven." (Matt, vii. 21.)  Prepare,  therefore,  by  works,  and  not  by  words only, for  the  coming  of  the  bridegroom. Ponder the terrors comprehended  in  those  words,  "  I  know  you  not; and  take  care  that  they  be  not  addressed  to  you.