To the disciples the significance of this parable must have been greatly heightened because it underlined what he had just been telling them – the need to prepare for his Second Coming in glory to judge mankind.  So the words, “…at midnight there was a shout...” reminded them pointedly of something he had already warned them of, for that shout in the parable is nothing else but the last trump which will herald Our Lord’s return.

When the Second Coming will be, we do not know.  But one thing we do know, and that is, sooner or later (perhaps sooner than later), Our Lord will come to summon us from this world.  So Advent brings before our eyes the fact that “in the midst of life we are in death”.  And this parable is addressed, not to those who have had no opportunity of knowing and obeying the Christian Faith, but primarily to people like you and me who attend holy Church, the Bride of Christ espoused to the Heavenly Bridegroom, as Our Lord pictured himself.