Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Wise Bridesmaids Will Keep Watch And Stay Prepared For The Coming of The Groom

25 “At-that-time^[a], the kingdom of the heavens will be-like ten virgins, who, having taken their lamps^[b], went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Now five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ For the foolish ones, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them. ⁴ But the wise ones took oil in jars with their lamps. ⁵ And while the bridegroom was delaying, they all became drowsy and were sleeping. ⁶ And in the middle of the night, a shout has come— ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and put their lamps in-order. ⁸ And the foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us from your oil, because our lamps are going-out^[c]’. ⁹ But the wise ones responded, saying, ‘There will not by any means ever^[d] be enough for us and for you. Go instead to the ones selling and buy for yourselves’. ¹⁰ And while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came. And the prepared ones entered with him into the wedding-celebrations. And the door was shut. ¹¹ And later, the other virgins also come, saying, ‘Sir, sir, open for us’. ¹² But the one, having responded, said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know^[e] you’. ¹³ Therefore, keep-watching, because you do not know the day nor the hour.