November 12, Ordinary 32A (Matthew 25:1-13)
Even the wise bridesmaids have limited vision.
There is no doubt. It is better to build one’s house on a rock than on sand, better to be the servant who is placed in charge of the estate than the one who is punished when the householder returns, better to be ready than not.
It is better to be wise than foolish. But sometimes it is tough to tell the difference.
Few people would choose to identify with the five foolish women in the parable of the ten bridesmaids. When their lamps sputter out, they have no means to light the path for the bridegroom. They assume that oil for their own lamps is the most important thing, so they run off in the middle of the night to buy more. This decision removes them from the scene just as they are called to do their part: to remain with the bridegroom as he enters into the feast.
