Daily Readings - Fri Aug 31 2018
1 Corinthians
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Matthew
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 encounter two powerful messages that invite us to reflect on our spiritual preparedness and trust in God's wisdom. The First Reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that the cross of Christ, often seen as foolishness by the world, is in fact the power and wisdom of God. Paul emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God, not from human understanding, challenging us to embrace the humility of faith over the arrogance of human knowledge.
The Gospel parable of the ten virgins further underscores the importance of being prepared spiritually. The prudent virgins, who brought extra oil, were ready to meet the bridegroom when he arrived unexpectedly, while the foolish ones were caught off guard. This parable teaches us about the necessity of vigilance and the importance of nurturing our spiritual lives so that we may be ready to meet Christ at any moment.
Both readings call us to a life of trust and preparedness. In a world that often values human wisdom and self-reliance, we are invited to embrace the foolishness of the cross and to cultivate spiritual vigilance. Let us strive to deepen our relationship with God, trusting in His wisdom and being prepared to meet Him in all aspects of our lives. May we remember that true strength and wisdom come from God, and may we always be ready to embrace His plan with faith and humility.