“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

In the parable of the ‘Ten Virgins’, the foolish ones brought the lamp, but not the oil.

The ‘foolish virgin’ is similar to the guest who did not dress in wedding garments, in the parable of the King’s wedding.  They both received an invitation and they both attended – only they were not well prepared.

The ‘oil’ and the ‘wedding garment’ are symbols for works of charity.  When in the future God calls upon us, and if at that time we are still living lives of hate and retribution, then we shall be unfortunate.

Jesus invites us to always be ready, but at the same time he wishes for us not to worry about tomorrow.  The implication is that if we know how to carry out God’s will in the present moment by caring about each other, then that is the best preparation we can make for ourselves.