Holy Tuesday is a day for teachings and final moral instructions. On this day the priests and the Jews listen for the last time to the teaching words of the Son of God in the temple. There, Jesus Christ gives an example of how to give charity – not just offering what is surplus and unnecessary to us, but, like the poor widow in the Gospel, being ready to give everything to help those in need.
Christ also tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins, who were waiting for the Divine Bridegroom – five wise ones, who had clean lamps and enough oil to keep their flames burning, and five foolish ones, who also had clean lamps but forgot to take oil with them. They represent human souls at the threshold of the Heavenly Kingdom, and the oil in the lamps symbolizes almsgiving and all good deeds. The parable reminds Christians to kindle in their souls faith, hope and love, but also charity and virtue in anticipation of Christ.
On Great Tuesday, the Church also recalls the Parable of the Talents, urging the faithful to work and develop the talents with which God has gifted them, in order to be of service to others through their abilities.
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