D. While the main point of the parable has to do with the importance of preparedness, various specific elements carry obvious allegorical significance (see Lambrecht). Thus the bridegroom is Christ, his coming is the delayed parousia, the wise and foolish virgins are faithful and unfaithful disciples, and the final scene symbolizes the eschatological judgment. On the other hand, one almost certainly goes too far in concluding that torches symbolize good works and that this provides the “interpretive