Antiphona 4

Matthew 25:10 records the decisive moment of the Ten Virgins parable. The 'prudentes' (wise/prudent) are those who prepared with sufficient oil. The verb 'intraverunt' (entered) marks the irreversible transition - once inside, the door closes. 'Ad nuptias' (to the wedding) indicates the eschatological banquet of Apocalypse 19:9. At Vespers, as evening comes and wedding feasts traditionally began, this antiphon assures that the virgin martyrs entered with the Bridegroom - their preparation proved sufficient, their lamps burned bright, the door opened to them.