By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
St. Isidore of Pelusium interprets certain words of Holy Scripture in this manner:
"Two [women] will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left" (Matthew 24:4). This means that many are dedicating themselves to the spiritual life, but with different intentions; some sincerely and steadfastly and others negligently and vainly. The first will be taken into the kingdom of God and the others will be left behind.
What does the prayer of the Cup mean? And why did the Lord pray that this cup of Suffering pass from Him? "O My Father, if this Cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done!" (Matthew 26:42). This means that no one should seek out adversity but when adversity does come, a Christian should accept it and courageously endure it.
Concerning the Five Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25), St. Isidore says: "Indeed, all of them had retained their virginity, but they did not possess the other virtues, especially charity. Virginity alone is not sufficient to enter the kingdom of God. Virginity does not help at all, if the virgin is proud and selfish."
