Daily Readings - Thu Aug 31 2017

First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 3.7-13

⁷As a result, we were consoled in you, brothers, in the midst of all our difficulties and tribulations, through your faith⁸For we now live so that you may stand firm in the Lord⁹For what thanks would we be able to repay to God because of you, for all the joy with which we rejoice over you before our God¹⁰For night and day, ever more abundantly, we are praying that we may see your face, and that we may complete those things that are lacking in your faith¹¹But may God our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you¹²And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in your charity toward one another and toward all, just as we also do toward you¹³in order to confirm your hearts without blame, in sanctity, before God our Father, unto the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen

Gospel - Matthew 24.42-51

Matthew

Chapter 24

⁴²Therefore, be vigilant. For you do not know at what hour your Lord will return⁴³But know this: if only the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly keep vigil and not permit his house to be broken into⁴⁴For this reason, you also must be prepared, for you do not know at what hour the Son of man will return⁴⁵Consider this: who is a faithful and prudent servant, who has been appointed by his lord over his family, to give them their portion in due time⁴⁶Blessed is that servant, if, when his lord has arrived, he shall find him doing so⁴⁷Amen I say to you, he shall appoint him over all of his goods⁴⁸But if that evil servant has said in his heart, ‘My lord has been delayed in returning,⁴⁹and so, he begins to strike his fellow servants, and he eats and drinks with the inebriated⁵⁰then the lord of that servant will arrive on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know⁵¹And he shall separate him, and he shall place his portion with the hypocrites, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Sermon

In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of living with faith, preparedness, and love. The First Reading from 1 Thessalonians highlights Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians, expressing joy in their faith and praying for their continued growth in love and holiness as they await Christ's return. This passage underscores the community's perseverance amidst challenges and Paul's desire for their spiritual well-being. The Gospel from Matthew 24 emphasizes Jesus' teachings on vigilance and faithfulness. Through the parable of the servants, Jesus illustrates the consequences of being prepared or complacent. The faithful servant, diligent in duty, is rewarded, while the complacent one faces judgment. This serves as a call to live each day with purpose, mindful of our responsibilities and the unexpected nature of Christ's return. Connecting these readings, we see a common theme of preparedness and steadfastness. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians and Jesus' parable both encourage us to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ. This means being faithful in our duties, treating others with kindness, and seeking holiness. The moral lesson is clear: our faith should inspire us to live actively, not passively, embracing each day as an opportunity to serve and love, ready to face God's judgment with confidence and grace. Let us strive to live with purpose, guided by faith and love, ever-vigilant and prepared for whatever comes our way.