Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsMatthew 25

Virgins.

These virgins five wise, and five foolish, signify that in the Church militant there be good and bad: which bad shall be shut out at the later day, although they have lamps (that is faith) as the other, ^◦ because their lamps are out, that is, their faith is dead without charity and good works to lighten them Greg. ho. 12.

• ◦ Good works necessary.

Lamps.

These lamps lighted, be good works, namely of mercy, and the laudable conversation which shineth before men. Aug. ep. 120. c. 33.

Oil.

^◦ This oil is the right inward intention directing our works to God's glory, and not to the praise of ourselves in the sight of men. Aug. ep. 120. c. 33.

• ◦ Right intention.

With usury.

Usury is here taken for the lawful gain that a man getteth by well employing his goods. When God giveth us any talent or talents, he looketh for usury, that is, for spiritual increase of the same by our diligence and industry.

That which he seemeth to have.

^◦ He is said to have God's gifts, that useth them, and to such an one God will increase his gifts. He that useth them not, seemeth to have, rather than hath them. and from him God will withdraw that which before he gave.

• ◦ We must use God's gifts.

Separate.

^◦ Lo here is the separation, for in the Church militant they lived both together. As for Heretics, they went out of the church before, and separated themselves, and therefore are not to be separated here, as being judged already.

• ◦ Good and bad in the Church.

Come ye. 41. Get ye away.

^◦ It is no incongruity that God should say, Go into everlasting fire, to them that by their free will have repelled his mercy: and to the other, Come ye blessed of my Father, take the kingdom prepared for you, that by their free will have received faith, and confessed their sins and done penance. Aug. li. 2. act. cum Fel. Manich. c. 8.

• ◦ Heaven is the reward of good works, and Hell of the contrary.

You gave me.

Hereby we see how much alms-deeds and all works of mercy prevail towards life everlasting, and to blot out former sins. Aug. in Ps. 49.

Gave me not.

He chargeth them not here that they believed not, but that they did not good works. For such did believe, but they cared not for good works, as though by dead faith they might have come to heaven. Aug. de fid. & op. c. 15. & ad Dulcit. q. 2. to. 4.