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.