Daily Readings - Thu Aug 27 2020
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
In today's readings, we hear Paul's heartfelt greeting to the Corinthian church, where he expresses gratitude for their spiritual enrichment and confidence in their faith. He reminds them of the grace they've received and encourages them to remain steadfast as they await Christ's return. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants to emphasize the importance of vigilance and preparedness for His second coming. He warns against complacency and urges His followers to be responsible stewards of their talents and resources.
Both readings highlight the themes of faithfulness and readiness. Paul's letter to the Corinthians underscores the gifts and graces they've received, while Jesus' parable in Matthew serves as a reminder to use these gifts wisely and remain spiritually alert. The connection between the two lies in the call to live with purpose and responsibility, recognizing that our actions have eternal consequences.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. Are we using the talents, time, and resources God has given us in a way that honors Him? Do we remain vigilant, keeping our hearts and minds focused on eternal truths? The moral lesson here is clear: faithfulness and stewardship are essential. We must live each day with intention, knowing that our commitment to God will be reflected in how we manage His gifts. Let us strive to be faithful servants, prepared to meet the Lord whenever He comes, living in a way that aligns with His will and values.