Daily Readings - Fri Sep 01 2017
1 Thessalonians
1Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.2For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;4that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;6that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.7For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.8Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Matthew
1"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.3For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.5As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.6But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'7Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.8And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'9But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'10And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.11Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'12But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'13Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the importance of living with purpose, integrity, and spiritual preparedness. In the first reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul urges the early Christians to live in a way that pleases God, emphasizing the need for holiness and moral integrity. He reminds them that their calling is to sanctification, which involves avoiding sinful behaviors and treating others justly. This passage is set in the context of a young Christian community striving to live according to the teachings of Christ, even as they faced challenges from the surrounding pagan culture. Paul’s words are both a reminder and a warning: living a virtuous life is not optional for those who follow Christ.
The Gospel parable of the ten virgins further underscores the theme of preparedness. Jesus tells the story of five wise virgins who were ready to meet the bridegroom with enough oil for their lamps, while the five foolish ones were unprepared and missed the opportunity to enter the wedding feast. This parable is part of Jesus’ teachings on vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Kingdom of God. The delay of the bridegroom symbolizes the unknown timing of Christ’s return, and the oil represents the spiritual resources we need to sustain us in our faith journey. The foolish virgins, who failed to bring extra oil, remind us that spiritual complacency can lead to being left behind.
Together, these readings call us to live with intentionality and mindfulness. St. Paul’s exhortation to holiness and the parable of the virgins both emphasize the importance of being prepared to meet God at any moment. In our daily lives, this means cultivating virtues, avoiding sin, and nurturing our relationship with God through prayer and good works. Just as the wise virgins kept their lamps burning, we must keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ, ensuring that we are spiritually prepared for whatever comes our way. Let us not grow complacent or distracted by the world, but instead strive to live as children of light, ready to welcome the Lord whenever He comes.