Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five were foolish and took no oil, and five were prudent and carried oil in flasks. When the bridegroom came at midnight, the foolish ones went off to buy oil. Those who were ready went in to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. To the others he said, “I do not know you.”
The lesson began with pretenders: those who believe for a moment, or honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him. It treated the oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the pledge with which believers are sealed. The lamp is the light of good works that glorify the Father. True readiness means living by the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the flesh, and living for Christ, who died for us.