Getting Ready for the Heavenly Joy
In Matthew 25:1–13, our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us through the parable of the ten virgins—a parable both beautiful and deeply serious, revealing the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. When the Bridegroom came, Jesus said, “Those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10) These simple yet profound words— “those who were ready” —hold the key to our eternal destiny. The wedding feast symbolizes the heavenly joy, the eternal life prepared for those who love God. But to enter that joy, we must be ready. Readiness, however, is not achieved in a single moment. It is a lifelong journey—a way of life that begins with baptism and continues in faith, purity, humility, love, forgiveness, service, perseverance, and watchfulness . Let us reflect together on the qualifications for entering the heavenly joy , as revealed by our Lord in His teachings and affirmed by the saints of the Church. 1. Baptism — The Beginning of New Life Our read...