Then the other virgins also came and said, “Lord, Lord, open for us.”
This saying shows the tragic picture of delayed repentance. The foolish virgins come at the time when the door has already been shut, and they appeal to the Bridegroom, Christ, pleading, “Lord, Lord, open for us.” But their voice comes at the moment when the time of grace has ended. Their repeated appeal shows the panic of the heart and a late awakening, but not the faith that should have been at work beforehand. This suggests that there are moments when prayer no longer opens the door, because it was not voiced in time. Jesus’ word reminds us that salvation is not based on an emotional appeal in the last second, but on continual faith and readiness prepared at the proper time. The door that was open in time is shut not out of mercilessness, but out of justice, showing that each person had been given sufficient time to prepare.