Ten Virgins

Inspiration:

Ten women decide how to respond to opportunities in their lives. Who will be wise, who will be foolish?A symbolic take on the classic tale of ten women warned to prepare for a bridegroom, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/25?lang=eng&id=1-13, which was written for our day. Some of the women listened and were wise, bringing plenty of oil for their lamps, while others listened but did not think things through. They were foolish.Readers often judge these women and lump them into clear and discrete boxes, seeing the story as a tale of extreme contrast and “I told you so’s”. But realistically, there was likely little difference between these women (and really, the story and lessons apply to men as well as women). One day may find any of them being more prepared, listening and obedient than another. However, on this day, when it mattered, only some listened, thought, and carefully prepared. All had been invited and had shown up with their lamps, but only half had spent a lifetime filling their vessels with the preparatory oil of testimony. Though the groom arrived late, half of the women had enough oil, or faith, to let their lights shine, to properly greet him, and to be welcomed into the feast.These similarities among the women are illustrated in the closely mirrored imaging on both sides of the central vessel representing the pure testimony of The Savior, and in the reflecting water beneath them. Those with no oil asked the others to share theirs, who must have ached, like all caring people, when there was not enough to go around. We can love, share, and invite all day, but no amount of good intentions from others can brim vessels which can only be filled by each owner’s good works and faith.

Subject: Bible Stories and Women Of Faith

Medium:

Shape: Horizontal

Colors: Gold