I am Catholic. Whoops, lost a few readers there. This blog post is going to be a bit contrary and critical to the teaching of the Church. Whoops, lost a few more.
I was at a loss as to what to write today. This morning at Mass, however, I was moved to write about what I had heard. The Gospel was taken from Matthew 25:
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten young bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and the other five were foolish. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t bring oil for them. 4 But the wise ones took their lamps and also brought containers of oil. 5 “When the groom was late in coming, they all became drowsy and went to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 But the foolish bridesmaids said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps have gone out.’ 9 “But the wise bridesmaids replied, ‘No, because if we share with you, there won’t be enough for our lamps and yours. We have a better idea. You go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were gone to buy oil, the groom came. Those who were ready went with him into the wedding. Then the door was shut. 11 “Later the other bridesmaids came and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us.’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep alert because you don’t know the day or the hour.
This parable seems so very un-Christian to me. I get the point of the parable, about being ever-vigilant, to always be ready. But shouldn’t those bridesmaids who had abundant oil shared even just a little of their oil? Sure, the “wise” bridesmaids didn’t have enough and were afraid of running out, so, maybe they weren’t as wise as everybody thinks. Also, they could easily have shared just enough to light the way until the groom came.
Another thing I am taking from this is I’m allowed to have 10 wives. I wonder how many husbands women are allowed. Hopefully the same number, because I’d be tired. Happily so, mind you. I have a couple of people in mind if this really is the case.