Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 27, 2021
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8
1Therefore, concerning other things, brothers, we ask and beg you, in the Lord Jesus, that, just as you have received from us the way in which you ought to walk and to please God, so also may you walk, in order that you may abound all the more2For you know what precepts I have given to you through the Lord Jesus3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication4that each one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor5not in passions of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God6and that no one should overwhelm or circumvent his brother in business. For the Lord is the vindicator of all these things, just as we have preached and testified to you7For God has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification8And so, whoever despises these teachings, does not despise man, but God, who has even provided his Holy Spirit within us
Psalm 97
1This is to David, when his land was restored to him. The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. Let the many islands rejoice2Clouds and mist are all around him. Justice and judgment are corrections from his throne3A fire will precede him, and it will enflame his enemies all around4His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. The earth saw, and it was shaken5The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, before the face of the Lord of all the earth6The heavens announced his justice, and all peoples saw his glory7May all those who adore graven images be confounded, along with those who glory in their false images. All you his Angels: Adore him8Zion heard, and was glad. And the daughters of Judah exulted because of your judgments, O Lord9For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. You are greatly exalted above all gods10You who love the Lord: hate evil. The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner11The light has risen for the just, and joy for the upright of heart12Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, and confess to the memory of his sanctuary
Gospel: Matthew 25.1-13
1"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the groom and the bride2But five of them were foolish, and five were prudent3For the five foolish, having brought their lamps, did not take oil with them4Yet truly, the prudent ones brought the oil, in their containers, with the lamps5Since the bridegroom was delayed, they all fell asleep, and they were sleeping6But in the middle of the night, a cry went out: ‘Behold, the groom is arriving. Go out to meet him.7Then all those virgins rose up and trimmed their lamps8But the foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give to us from your oil, for our lamps are being extinguished.9The prudent responded by saying, ‘Lest perhaps there may not be enough for us and for you, it would be better for you to go to the vendors and buy some for yourselves.10But while they were going to buy it, the groom arrived. And those who were prepared entered with him to the wedding, and the door was closed11Yet truly, at the very end, the remaining virgins also arrived, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.12But he responded by saying, ‘Amen I say to you, I do not know you.13And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that guide us toward living a life aligned with God's will and being prepared for His coming.
First, from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul urges the community to live a life of sanctification, avoiding immorality and injustice. He emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should strive to live with integrity, treating others fairly in all dealings. This letter serves as a moral compass, reminding us that our actions should reflect our commitment to God.
In the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus teaches the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the importance of preparedness. The five wise virgins, with their extra oil, symbolize those who are spiritually ready for the Lord's return, while the foolish ones miss the opportunity due to their lack of preparation. This parable underscores the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness in our daily lives.
Both readings converge on the theme of preparedness and virtuous living. Paul's call to moral integrity and Jesus' parable on readiness remind us to live each day with purpose and mindfulness. As we navigate our daily lives, we are encouraged to maintain integrity in our actions and to cultivate a deep spiritual life, ensuring we are always prepared to meet the Lord.
The moral lesson here is clear: living a life of holiness and being prepared for God's presence is essential. Let us embrace these teachings, striving to live with integrity and spiritual vigilance, so that we may be ready whenever God calls.