The parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13)

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The Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.

When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

But at midnight there was a cry: ‘The bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise ones: ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ The wise ones replied: ‘No, there might not be enough for us and for you. Go rather to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom arrived.

Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. Later the other virgins arrived, saying: ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’

But he replied: ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”