Tale of the wise and foolish virgin

"Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the son of man is coming" (Mathew 25:13)

Parables are a very powerful tool for meaning-conveying. Jesus told a parable to get his message across to the listeners. Jesus used words to construct pictures that made people draw judgements and pass judgment. The reader deciphers the story's meaning, which enhances its effectiveness.

We learn the value of time from the parable of the wise and foolish virgin. Ten virgins, or bridesmaids, were waiting for the bridegroom to be taken to the wedding by escort. While the five, who were foolish, did not pack oil, the other five carried additional oil to light their lamp. Five of them had oil when the bridegroom arrived, so they went ahead along with the groom, while the other five went off in quest of oil. When they retired, it was already too late.

This parable serves as a warning to everyone who is still unprepared and sleeping in a spiritual state.  At the last second, they scatter like a headless chicken. To ensure that nothing can ever topple the foundation, the faith must be as strong as a pillar. Exam preparation is similar to an aggressive preparation process: if you study hard, you'll pass with flying colours, but if you don't, you'll fail. Since the five wise virgins had a vision and plan, we must have the vision to proceed forward to avoid any obstacles.

There are many opportunities to get lost in the dark in this world we live in. If not for that small light and excess oil that is already in store, it would be easy to be engulfed in the abyss of darkness.