Daily Readings - Sun Nov 12 2017
1 Thessalonians
13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.18Therefore encourage one another with these words.
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
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of preparation, wisdom, and hope. The first reading from Wisdom encourages us to seek wisdom diligently, emphasizing that it is readily available to those who pursue it with love and dedication. This pursuit is not merely intellectual but a way of life that anticipates and reveals itself to the sincere seeker.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians offers comfort and hope, reminding us that our grief over those who have passed is tempered by the promise of resurrection. It assures us that whether we are alive or have fallen asleep in Christ, we will all meet the Lord, highlighting the unity and hope that bind us together in faith.
The Gospel parable of the ten virgins underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance. The wise virgins, with their extra oil, symbolize those who are spiritually prepared for the Lord's return. This parable encourages us to live with the wisdom and foresight that comes from seeking a deeper relationship with God, ensuring we are ready to meet Him whenever He comes.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace wisdom, remain hopeful, and stay vigilant. Just as the wise virgins were prepared, we too should cultivate a life of spiritual readiness through prayer, reflection, and service. Let us find comfort in the hope of eternal life and strive to live each day with the wisdom that guides us toward Christ. May we remain steadfast, knowing that our ultimate union with the Lord is both certain and transformative.