“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
But the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. The wise virgins' provision: extra oil in flasks alongside their lamps. The additional oil communicates the preparation for the unexpected delay — the wise have anticipated the possibility that the bridegroom might be later than expected.
Church Fathers on Matthew 25:4
Hom. lxxviii, In the foregoing parable the Lord set forth the punishment of the man who beat, and was drunk, and wasted his Lord’s goods; in this He declares his punishment who profits not, and does not prepare for himself abundantly the things of which he has need; for the foolish virgins had oil, but not enough.
'Then,' because all this discourse is concerning the great day of the Lord, concerning which He had been speaking before.
By 'the kingdom of heaven' is meant the present Church, as in that, 'The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend.' [Matt 13:41]
Read all 58 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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