NOTES for Mat 25:1-13
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. |
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. |
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: |
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. |
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. |
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. |
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. |
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. |
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. |
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. |
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. |
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. |
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. |
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The meaning of this parable is expressed in the final words: "Watch." But all ten virgins became drowsy! So the point is not simply to avoid drowsiness. Each of us has periods of spiritual relaxation and lack of gatheredness, for not everyone is able to burn in spirit all the time. Rather, the point is that, besides the burning lamp of faith, a person needs to have a certain "reserve of strength," a kind of spiritual resource that will help him, if needed, get up from his knees and trim the fading lamp.
This is not about some special strength, genius, or vigor. All these are gifts that only God can give. But there is something that depends chiefly on us: faithfulness, honesty before ourselves and God, and the desire to be with Him no matter what.
Readings for 25 May 2026
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