Commentary on the Gospel of
Non-sharable Oil
The attitude and behavior of the five wise maidens might appear pretty unchristian. Why didn’t they share a bit of what they had so that everyone would have been able to light their lamps and receive the groom? Weren’t they selfish? Whereas it is true that sharing one’s resources is the Christian way, apparently there are certain things that you simply cannot share, especially in the spiritual realm: one must cultivate them by oneself, with God’s Grace. In spiritual journey, one must walk the path by oneself. One must generate the oil of perseverance and commitment by oneself. Others can only stand by, counsel, and encourage. A spiritual director can only show the way, the directee must do the walking. A friend can pray, exhort, and support another, but the latter must commit oneself personally. No one can live someone else’s life.
