Daily Readings - Fri Aug 27 2021
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
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.