They went off

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

"While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.  Then the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:10)

Reflection

Some folks react to this reading with the comment, "How could the master be so cruel as to lock the door?"  Back up a second, take a look at the prior actions of the foolish virgins.  The wise ones told them to go off and buy some oil for themselves.  And they did!  Why?  They ought to have stayed faithful to the bridegroom and awaited his return, oil or no oil.

Lesson:  When we are out of spiritual oil, despondent, weak of faith, other voices tell us to go off and buy faith some other way.  Purchase relief for ourselves.  There's no other merchant or resource we need than Christ himself.  Remain faithful.  Stay in Church. 

Chastised a little, we shall be greatly blessed, because God tried us and found us worthy of himself.