Daily Readings - Sun Nov 12 2017

First Reading - Wisdom 6.12-16

Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

¹³But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.¹⁵For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.¹⁶For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.¹⁸Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Gospel - Matthew 25.1-13

Matthew

Chapter 25

¹Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.²And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.³They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:⁴But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.⁵While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.⁶And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.⁷Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.⁸And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.⁹But 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.¹⁰And 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.¹¹Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.¹²But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.¹³Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

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.