Matthew 25:1-13
The Ten Virgins
Matthew 25 · shown in the Douay-Rheims
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Read Matthew 25:1-13 in the NABRE onlineThen shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.
Reflection
Half of them brought oil and half assumed there would be time. Readiness is something you cannot borrow at the last minute.
The Ten Virgins
All ten sleep — the difference is not vigilance but preparation. The lamps burn on what was gathered long before the cry at midnight.
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