Gospel in Art: The wise and foolish virgins

The Ten Virgins, Painted by Jorge Cocco Santángelo 2012 © Jorge Cocco Santángelo artist

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 August 2024
Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told this parable to his disciples: 'The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, "The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him." At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, "Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out." But they replied, "There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves." They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. "Lord, Lord," they said "open the door for us." But he replied, "I tell you solemnly, I do not know you." So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.'

Reflection on the painting

The artist we are focusing on today, Jorge Cocco, was born in Argentina in 1936. He describes his painting style as sacro-cubism, because of the sacred subject matter he paints and his incorporation of stylistic elements from Cubism. Cocco simplifies his subjects into basic geometric shapes, allowing us, as viewers, to concentrate on the essential and sacred themes rather than being distracted by an elaborate style of painting. On the left, we see the group of foolish virgins. They appear passive and rather bored. The group of five wise virgins is in the foreground on the right, lively and interacting with each other, joyfully expectant. They also display more joyous colours. The bridegroom is depicted in the background, walking towards the virgins in rays of sunlight.

Today's parable follows the readings we have had so far this week, all focusing on a similar theme: being watchful as we await the return of the Messiah. Weddings are grand occasions, but as we all know, there is a lot of waiting involved: both parties wait a lifetime to find a partner, the planning of the wedding takes time, and on the day itself, guests wait for the bride and groom to arrive, and so on. Jesus uses the context of a wedding to illustrate his point about 'waiting'. The preparation Jesus calls for during our time of waiting for his second coming is one of spiritual readiness. Waiting is challenging, especially in our society which emphasises immediacy.

All ten bridesmaids were waiting. They all had the same opportunity and the same oil lamps. They all could have gathered the oil in time. They all were preparing and waiting for the same wedding; they all had the same bridegroom coming to them... but only five of them took the long-term view and came fully prepared.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-25-1-13-2024-2/