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"The Kingdom of Heaven at that time will be
like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the
groom.
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Five of them were foolish and five were
sensible.
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The foolish ones took lamps with them but no
oil,
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whereas the others took flasks of oil with their
lamps.
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Now the bridegroom was late, so they all went to
sleep.
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It was the middle of the night when the cry rang
out, `The bridegroom is here! Go out to meet him!'
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The girls all woke up and prepared their lamps for
lighting.
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The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, `Give us
some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.'
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`No,' they replied, `there may not be enough for
both you and us. Go to the oil dealers and buy some for yourselves.'
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But as they were going off to buy, the bridegroom
came. Those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the
door was shut.
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Later, the other bridesmaids came. `Sir! Sir!' they
cried, `Let us in!'
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But he answered, `Indeed! I tell you, I don't know
you!'
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So stay alert, because you know neither the day nor
the hour. |
