“But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” – Matthew 25:5-13 . “What happens to the virgins is not a surprise; for it is an extension to what they did on earth. The wise virgins are blessed with the new life, as a life of partnership and unity that they practiced on earth. The wise ones enjoy the new inward life as a life of partnership and in unity with the Groom, but they live out of the doors even when they are on earth, and even if they have the appearance of the life of worship and preaching as well. At this point, he who has chosen to enter with Christ to live for eternity, has the right to see him in eternity, face to face. Whereas he who has accepted to stay outside, will not be able to see the Lord as a Groom, and to enter his eternal wedding with him, since he is far away from the kingdom.” – Fr. Tadros Malaty