Daily Readings - Fri Aug 27 2021
1 Thessalonians
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.
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 are presented with two powerful messages that guide us toward living a life aligned with God's will and being prepared for His coming.
First, from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul urges the community to live a life of sanctification, avoiding immorality and injustice. He emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should strive to live with integrity, treating others fairly in all dealings. This letter serves as a moral compass, reminding us that our actions should reflect our commitment to God.
In the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus teaches the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the importance of preparedness. The five wise virgins, with their extra oil, symbolize those who are spiritually ready for the Lord's return, while the foolish ones miss the opportunity due to their lack of preparation. This parable underscores the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness in our daily lives.
Both readings converge on the theme of preparedness and virtuous living. Paul's call to moral integrity and Jesus' parable on readiness remind us to live each day with purpose and mindfulness. As we navigate our daily lives, we are encouraged to maintain integrity in our actions and to cultivate a deep spiritual life, ensuring we are always prepared to meet the Lord.
The moral lesson here is clear: living a life of holiness and being prepared for God's presence is essential. Let us embrace these teachings, striving to live with integrity and spiritual vigilance, so that we may be ready whenever God calls.