Parable of the Ten Virgins

‎The Apostles, awed by Christ’s prophecy of earth’s destruction, entreated Him to reveal to them at what date these things should come to pass; but the Master refused, warning them instead, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”

‎Then to show the point of His refusal, to show why it is better for us all that we know not the period of that final ending, He told the parable of the ten virgins. These ten were to be a guard of honor, attending a bride and bridegroom with lighted lamps. But they knew not at what hour or moment the bridegroom would arrive; they had to wait for him. Now five of the virgins were foolish; therefore they took no care of their lamps of honor but spent the hours of waiting in idleness and frolic. The other five were wise, and they tended their lamps, keeping these ever ready. Suddenly, unexpectedly, the bridegroom came. The wise virgins were in no anxiety; with joy, they took their places in the procession, the mighty procession of life and death, and marched onward to the noble feast prepared for them. But the foolish virgins were caught with lamps unlit; they rushed wildly about for oil to rekindle the dead fire. But they were too late. The doors of the wedding feast were closed against them.

‎“And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”