Daily Readings - Thu Aug 30 2018
1 Corinthians
1Paul, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God; and Sosthenes, a brother2to the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints with all who are invoking the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of theirs and of ours3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ4I give thanks to my God continuously for you because of the grace of God that has been given to you in Christ Jesus5By that grace, in all things, you have become wealthy in him, in every word and in all knowledge6And so, the testimony of Christ has been strengthened in you7In this way, nothing is lacking to you in any grace, as you await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ8And he, too, will strengthen you, even until the end, without guilt, until the day of the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ9God is faithful. Through him, you have been called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord
Matthew
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of grace, vigilance, and faithfulness. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul expresses his gratitude for the Corinthian community, acknowledging the abundant grace they have received in Christ. He emphasizes that they are called to be saints, united with all who invoke the name of Jesus. Paul reminds them that they lack no grace as they await the revelation of the Lord Jesus, who will strengthen them until the end. This passage underscores the richness of God’s grace and the call to live as saints, trusting in God’s faithfulness.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching about the importance of being prepared for His return. Using the parable of the faithful and wicked servants, Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance and prudent stewardship. The faithful servant is blessed for being diligent in his duties, while the wicked servant, who becomes complacent and abusive, faces judgment. Jesus warns that the Master will return at an unexpected hour, and we must be ready. This teaching challenges us to live with mindfulness and responsibility, recognizing that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable for how we use the gifts and time entrusted to us.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to live with purpose and readiness. St. Paul reminds us of the grace we have received and the strength God provides, while Jesus urges us to be vigilant and faithful stewards. In our daily lives, this means living with gratitude for God’s blessings, using our talents and resources wisely, and remaining attentive to God’s presence and will. May we strive to be faithful servants, prepared to meet the Lord when He comes, and may we trust in His promise to strengthen us until the end.