Matthew 25:1-13
Chapter 25
Parable of the Ten Young Women
Five of them were foolish, and five were sensible.
The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil.
But those who were wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
As the bridegroom delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
But at midnight, a cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!’
All the maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps.
Then the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.’
The sensible ones replied, ‘There might not be enough for us and for you. You’d better go to those who sell and buy some for yourselves.’
When the bridegroom arrived, the foolish maidens were out buying oil, but those who were prepared went with him into the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.
Later, the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’
But he replied, ‘Truly, I do not know you.’
So stay alert, for you do not know the day or the hour.
Commentaries
Parable of the Ten Young Women.
This parable, unique to Matthew, describes the situation of those who live between the Lord’s resurrection and his parousia. The kingdom is compared to a solemn wedding celebration. The central message is the importance of being prepared. The foolish young women represent those in the community who lack genuine commitment and are therefore unprepared. “Therefore, stay awake” (13) is a warning to remain constantly faithful and committed to living Jesus’s teachings.