In order to recognize and appreciate the great value of the parable Jesus speaks in our reading today, it is important to understand the local customs present at the time of Jesus. In the Book of Jeremiah, we learn something about the nature and importance of Jewish betrothal and marriage.  Three times, in different parts of his book, Jeremiah warns of something that will be taken away, because of the disobedience of the people.  Because of the grave sins of the people, a great source of joy is about to disappear.

In the Book of Jeremiah (chapter 25), the Prophet Jeremiah speaks the words God gave to him, saying: “I will banish  from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth  and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom,  and the voice of the bride” (vs. 10). 

In those days, a wedding was a community affair in which many had a part.  The whole area became alive, with the celebration and joy that came with the wedding. Being betrothed was, in some ways, like being engaged.  It was the first step in the marriage process. When a man became betrothed to a woman, he would give her a wedding ring. He would then begin a process of preparation to receive his new wife into his home.