Jesus’ question, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant?” in the parable of the Faithful Servant (Mt 24:45), should now be read, “Who then is the faithful and wise virgin?” Going by the parable, the wise virgins are those whose eyes are open to what is yet to come; they do not simply live for the day. Christ will return and ask us for an accounting of our life.

The wise prepare for it beforehand. Here, they are symbolized by the five virgins who provide themselves with enough oil. The foolish are those who do not think of the future, do not prepare for it, and miss opportunities given them. They think that conversion is always possible at the last moment, or that they can always rely on others to rescue them from their predicament. Even as we do not know the day or the hour when we will meet the Lord, so we must always be prepared.

We cannot borrow someone else’s faith or grace at the last minute; we must cultivate our own. Like the wise virgins, we must have the foresight to bring extra oil—with spiritual readiness by living in the state of grace, continually nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of love and charity. We must ditch lethargy, laziness, and indifference so that we will not be found wanting when we face the Lord.

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”