Daily Readings - Thu Aug 31 2017
1 Thessalonians
7for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,13so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Matthew
42Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.45"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?46Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.47Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.48But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,'49and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,50the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know51and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will 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.