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Gospel Reading - The 10 Virgins

¹“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids^a who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ^2-4But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot.

^5-6“So, when the bridegroom was delayed, they lay down to rest until midnight, when they were roused by the shout, ‘The bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!’

^7-8“All the girls jumped up and trimmed their lamps. Then the five who hadn’t any oil begged the others to share with them, for their lamps were going out.

⁹“But the others replied, ‘We haven’t enough. Go instead to the shops and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰“But while they were gone, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

¹¹ “Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Sir, open the door for us!’

¹²“But he called back, ‘Go away! It is too late!’^b

¹³“So stay awake and be prepared, for you do not know the date or moment of my return.[c]

1. Literally, “virgins.”
2. Literally, “I know you not.”
3. Implied.