Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 30, 2019
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4.1-8
1Furthermore 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.2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:6That 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.7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Gospel: Matthew 25.1-13
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 reminded of the importance of living a virtuous and prepared life. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to live in sanctification, avoiding impurity and treating others justly. This letter, written by Paul, emphasizes that our actions should reflect God’s will, focusing on holiness and respect for one another. The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the ten virgins, where five were prepared with extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were not. This parable highlights the necessity of spiritual preparedness, as the unprepared virgins were unable to join the bridegroom upon his unexpected return.
Both readings stress the importance of readiness and righteous living. In Thessalonians, Paul urges believers to live in a way that honors God, avoiding sinful desires and treating others with fairness. Similarly, the parable of the virgins teaches us that spiritual preparedness is essential, as we do not know when we will be called to meet the Lord. The prudent virgins, with their extra oil, symbolize those who are spiritually vigilant and prepared for God’s timing.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are called to maintain a state of spiritual readiness. Just as the wise virgins kept extra oil, we must nurture our faith through prayer, reflection, and good works. This preparedness allows us to face life’s challenges with grace and to be ready for the unexpected. The moral lesson here is one of vigilance and holiness—living each day in a way that pleases God, avoiding sin, and treating others with love and respect. By doing so, we ensure that when the Lord comes, whether at the end of our lives or His second coming, we will be ready to enter into His presence with joy.