Daily Readings - Fri Aug 30 2024
1 Corinthians
17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize: not through the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ become empty18For the Word of the Cross is certainly foolishness to those who are perishing. But to those who have been saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God19For it has been written: "I will perish the wisdom of the wise, and I will reject the discernment of the prudent.20Where are the wise? Where are the scribes? Where are the truth-seekers of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of this world into foolishness21For the world did not know God through wisdom, and so, in the wisdom of God, it pleased God to accomplish the salvation of believers, through the foolishness of our preaching22For the Jews ask for signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom23But we are preaching Christ crucified. Certainly, to the Jews, this is a scandal, and to the Gentiles, this is foolishness24But to those who have been called, Jews as well as Greeks, the Christ is the virtue of God and the wisdom of God25For what is foolishness to God is considered wise by men, and that which is weakness to God is considered strong by men
Matthew
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 invited to reflect on the themes of wisdom, preparation, and faith. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that the cross of Christ, which may seem foolish to the world, is in fact the power and wisdom of God. Paul emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God, not from human understanding. This challenges us to trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't align with our own expectations.
The Gospel from Matthew reinforces this message through the parable of the ten virgins. The wise virgins, who brought extra oil, were prepared for the unexpected delay of the groom, while the foolish ones were not. This parable teaches us about the importance of spiritual preparedness and vigilance. Just as the virgins needed to be ready for the groom's arrival, we must be ready to meet the Lord at any time.
These readings call us to live with faith and trust in God's wisdom. They remind us to stay spiritually prepared, not relying solely on human understanding but on God's grace. By embracing this wisdom, we can live with the confidence that God's ways are higher than ours, and we will be ready to meet Him whenever He comes.