Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. Those that were foolish took their lamps but didn’t take any oil with them. The wise, however, took extra oil in containers as well as their lamps.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, ‘Look! The bridegroom is coming! Go out and meet him.

“The virgins woke up, got up, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Share your oil with us; our lamps have gone out.’

“But the wise answered, and said, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and you. Go to the merchant and buy what you need.’ And while they were gone to buy oil the bridegroom came. They that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut.

“Afterward, the other virgins also came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, let us in.’ But he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore, watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man comes.

Mark 13:32-37

“Stay alert! Watch and pray for you don’t know when that time is. The Son of man is like a man making a long trip, who left his house and left his servants in charge. He assigned everyone their tasks and commanded his foreman to watch. You, too, must watch because you don’t know when the master of the house will return, whether at midnight, in the dawn, or later in the morning. Watch so he doesn’t catch you sleeping when he comes. And what I say to you I say to all, watch.