The Parable of the Ten Virgins

In the parable of the ten virgins, five were wise and five were foolish. This represents two different approaches to spiritual preparation.

In the parable, Christ the Lord is portrayed as the Bridegroom, symbolizing his return to judge the world.

Preparing for the Bridegroom's arrival requires filling our lamps with the 'oil of joy.' This symbolizes spiritual readiness and a life fueled by love.

The wise virgins, representing those who are spiritually prepared, brought extra oil for their lamps. This represents the need for extra spiritual resources.

When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, they asked the wise virgins for some. This symbolizes the inability of the unprepared to draw on the spiritual resources of others.

The Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, is described as the 'rampart of our salvation', meaning she provides protection and intercession.

The Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, is presented as the one who opens the 'gate of mercy', making it possible for us to receive God's grace.

When the foolish virgins asked for more oil, the wise virgins advised them to go to the market and buy some. This suggests that spiritual preparation requires individual effort.

According to St. Ambrose, peace should accompany our entrance into any place, signifying a harmonious and respectful spirit.

In the parable, the Bridegroom rejected the foolish virgins because they arrived late, symbolizing the consequences of unpreparedness for the Last Judgment.