The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were, and did not take extra oil. But those
who were sensible, took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew
drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight, a cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and
meet him!’ All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps.Then the foolish ones said
to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’
The sensible ones answered, ‘There may not be enough for us and for you. You had better go
to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.
’ When the bridegroom came, the foolish maidens were out buying oil, but those who were
ready went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut. Later the other bridesmaids
arrived and called out, ‘Lord,
Lord, open to us!’ But he answered, ‘Truly I do not know you.’ So stay awake, for you do not
know the day nor the hour.
Reflection:
The attitude and behavior of the five wise maidens might appear pretty unchristian.
Why didn’t they share a bit of what they had so that everyone would have been able to light their
lamps and receive the groom? Weren’t they selfish? Whereas it is true that sharing one’s
resources is the Christian way, apparently there are certain things that you simply cannot share,
especially in the spiritual realm: one must cultivate them by oneself, with God’s Grace. In spiritua
l journey,one must walk the path by oneself. One must generate the oil of perseverance and
commitment by oneself. Others can only stand by, counsel, and encourage. A spiritual director
can only show the way, the directee must do the walking.
A friend can pray, exhort, and support another, but the latter must commit oneself personally.
No one can live someone else’s life.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022