"Then 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. (Mt 25:1-13)
The wise people are ever ready. They may also fall asleep. But ready to move on as soon as the bridegroom comes. They also fell asleep and that is not the main concern. They fell asleep because of the delay in the arrival of the bridegroom. They were ready at the appointed time. If the bridegroom has come at that time they would not have been sleeping. The delay made them sleep but they were ready.
The foolish people have also come for the function but they were not ready and prepared for the function. Those who accompany the bridegroom are supposed to have had their lamps ready and with oil. These people have come without preparation. Entry into the place of celebration is considered only on this account: they should be ready at the time of arrival.
The bridegroom is late. This is not to blame the bridegroom; rather this is to say that the bridegroom arrival is not known to anyone. Neither the foolish nor (even) the wise is able discern the arrival of the bridegroom. It is hidden from the knowledge of the people. He comes at night because that is the time when no one will expect the arrival of the bridegroom. Precisely because of this all fell asleep. Be awake and ready.
