Daily Readings - Fri Sep 01 2017
First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8
1 Thessalonians
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Gospel - Matthew 25.1-13
Matthew
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
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.