Episode Details

We read in the gospel of the mass today the first story contained in chapter 25 of St. Matthew's gospel. The story goes that there were 10 bridesmaids , 5 were foolish and 5 were wise. What contrasted them was the fact that the wise ones brought extra oil with them to keep their lamps lit as they wait for the bridegroom to arrive. Even when he is late, they had provision for it. They foresaw that possibility. However, the others were foolish because they did not bring extra fuel for their lamps. It so happened that the bridegroom was very late. So, when he actually arrived, those who brought extra fuel were ready to meet him because their lamps ran on the extra oil they foresaw to bring. The foolish ones asked them some but they told them to go to the stores to buy more oil because the amount the wise ones brought was only for their needs. They might not have enough for both. So, they left and the groom arrived and entered the wedding feast. And the door was shut. The foolish ones arrived and were not let in anymore. All this story is to remind us to be ready for death when we meet our Lord who will judge us. Let us be ready with that extra oil. This fuel could refer to our good deeds, or our being in the state of grace, and so forth. We need these to be able to enter Heaven.