Daily Readings - Thu Aug 30 2018
1 Corinthians
1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:3Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;5That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;6Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of grace, vigilance, and faithfulness. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul expresses his gratitude for the Corinthian community, acknowledging the abundant grace they have received in Christ. He emphasizes that they are called to be saints, united with all who invoke the name of Jesus. Paul reminds them that they lack no grace as they await the revelation of the Lord Jesus, who will strengthen them until the end. This passage underscores the richness of God’s grace and the call to live as saints, trusting in God’s faithfulness.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching about the importance of being prepared for His return. Using the parable of the faithful and wicked servants, Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance and prudent stewardship. The faithful servant is blessed for being diligent in his duties, while the wicked servant, who becomes complacent and abusive, faces judgment. Jesus warns that the Master will return at an unexpected hour, and we must be ready. This teaching challenges us to live with mindfulness and responsibility, recognizing that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable for how we use the gifts and time entrusted to us.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to live with purpose and readiness. St. Paul reminds us of the grace we have received and the strength God provides, while Jesus urges us to be vigilant and faithful stewards. In our daily lives, this means living with gratitude for God’s blessings, using our talents and resources wisely, and remaining attentive to God’s presence and will. May we strive to be faithful servants, prepared to meet the Lord when He comes, and may we trust in His promise to strengthen us until the end.