What is the meaning of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins given by Christ Jesus?

This parable likened the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The bridegroom tarried and when he arrived at midnight, only those with oil in their lamps were ready to go with him.

This parable actually refers to the Last Judgment. The bridegroom is the Son of Man proclaimed by Christ. He comes by night, thus at a time when most do not expect and He will not be recognized by most men. One part of mankind (five foolish virgins) will pass by the Truth proclaimed by Him. Reason: they are too indolent to think and too lazy to exercise the necessary care and attention to keep in constant order and readiness the little lamp left to them by the Creator, i.e., their ability to examine and illuminate. They may therefore miss the hour when the Word of Truth comes to them. The other part of mankind (five wise virgins) will recognize the Son of Man and receive His Divine Word, because they continually replenished the oil in their lamps. This means they ensured that their spiritual faculties are ready and therefore can discern the Truth brought to them. So, by using the tools given to them in accordance with Divine Ordinance and with the purity of their faith they were able to take part in the marriage of the bridegroom, that is, in the New Covenant which the Son of Man makes with mankind, through which the gate to Paradise is opened for them.

Please remember the prophecies of the end times that tells us that hand in hand with tribulations, many false prophets and teachers will appear. But bear in mind that it has also been foretold that it is at this same period that the Real One, the Bridegroom will come! All the happenings around us today are pointers that we are actually standing at this momentous period! This parable therefore warns us to remain vigilant, avoiding the comfort that comes with the thought that we already have it all. If we act on this parable inwardly, we will not be confused by the antics of the numerous sweet tongue prosperity preachers and their promises of earthly comfort and illusory miracles.

We should remain ever watchful so that when the Voice of the One sent forth by God reaches us we will be able to heed His Call.

What can we learn from the two criminals that were crucified along with Jesus?

Most people are familiar with the biblical account of two criminals crucified along with Christ. One said to Christ, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” The other reprimanded him with the words: “Do you not fear God? ...we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but Jesus has done nothing wrong.” This penitent thief then pleaded: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

We can liken the 2 thieves to the two types of believers on earth today.
Just like the unrepentant thief, a part of present day believers do not have the true faith. Such believers hold that Jesus can arbitrarily grant them “unmerited favour”. What they demand from their Saviour are arbitrary acts they call “miracles”. They expect to be delivered suddenly from all kinds of earthly difficulties which they themselves often times bring about through their stubbornness and reckless behaviour. These types of believers always approach the Most High with a shopping list whenever they pray to Him. Their faith is all about what they can get from the Lord in the material sense! Some have even stepped over all boundaries by attempting to “command” their Creator, asking Him to prove Himself by doing this or that for them! These attitudes remind one of the insults of the foolish thief who said “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us”. It is just like saying: “if you don’t save us, then you are not the Christ.”

The repentant thief on the other hand (epitomising the attitude of a true believer) recognised humbly that he was in the wrong and was paying for his wrongful behaviour. He did not demand any quick fix to his problem like the other thief. Instead, he pleaded for forgiveness and expressed a yearning for the Heavenly Kingdom. He reminds us of one of the admonitions of Jesus that we seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. Similarly, true believers recognising that they are responsible for their thoughts words and deeds tread the way of repentance and continue in their resolve to do only what accords with the Will of God.

In the end, the foolish thief got nothing while Jesus assured the penitent thief of a place in paradise! So, the decision is ours. There is the path of those who make self serving earthly demands and expect arbitrary actions from the Creator. There is also the path of repentance that pleads humbly for God's forgiveness and strength for spiritual ascent. My wish is that we choose the path of repentance which leads to salvation and redemption.