The Ten Bridesmaids

Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but no oil with them. The wise ones took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

The bridegroom was delayed. As they waited, all ten became sleepy and fell asleep. Then, at midnight, a cry rang out that the bridegroom was coming, and everyone was told to come out to meet him.

All the bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones asked the wise for some oil, because their lamps were going out. But the wise answered that there might not be enough for everyone, and told them to go and buy some for themselves.

While the foolish bridesmaids were away buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. Later the others came and called for the door to be opened for them.

But the bridegroom answered that he did not know them. Then Jesus gave the meaning of the story: keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man is coming. Are we listening carefully to Jesus and staying ready for him?