32nd Sunday - Fr. Leo
“Justice and peace shall kiss” (Ps 85:11)
The five prudent virgins in today’s parable planned ahead. They had enough oil to greet the bridegroom when he came. Their prudence is rewarded by being able to present themselves to the man looking for a bride. Much different are those who ran out of oil and missed the opportunity to present themselves.
It gets interesting when the virgins without oil ask those who have oil to share. They answer, “no, go buy oil for yourselves.” Their response is the recognition that there are consequences for our choices and our behavior. A painful lesson will be learned by these careless virgins. They will miss an opportunity now, but hopefully they will learn from their experience so that the next time, they will have enough oil to be present for the grooms arrival.
Some might argue that it was not very nice of the virgins with oil not to share. Others might complain that it is the bridegroom’s fault. Why was he so late, blame him. So it is refreshing to hear a “no” that calls for responsibility. Something we need in our world. And we must understand that saying ’no' isn’t being less than compassionate. It may in fact be tough love.
Yes, Justice and peace need to kiss, as referred to in Psalm 85 verse 11, but justice with love is not a denial of justice. We need to understand this, lest our love becomes enabling and not true love at all. There needs to be a balance. I think today’s gospel affirms the necessity of teaching responsibility. The pain of missing the mark can become a source of wisdom that guides us to a better future. Our first reading this morning encourages us to seek Wisdom which is, “Resplendent and unfading”! (Wisdom 6:12) She is more valuable than silver and gold.