Daily Readings - Fri Aug 26 2022

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 profound lessons about wisdom, preparedness, and faith. 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 of God. Paul emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God, not from human understanding. This message challenges us to trust in divine wisdom, even when it seems counterintuitive to the world around us. The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the importance of being prepared for the unexpected return of the bridegroom. The five wise virgins, with their lamps trimmed and oil in supply, exemplify readiness and vigilance. This parable teaches us that our faith requires active engagement and preparedness, not complacency. Just as the foolish virgins were unprepared, we too must ensure that our spiritual lives are not found lacking when the time comes. Both readings converge on the theme of spiritual preparedness. Paul urges us to embrace the "foolishness" of the cross, recognizing it as God's wisdom. Matthew's parable calls us to be vigilant, ensuring our spiritual reservoirs are full. In our daily lives, this means nurturing our faith through prayer, reflection, and service. Let us not be like the foolish virgins, caught off guard, but rather like the wise, who are ever-prepared to meet the Lord. May we embrace God's wisdom and remain steadfast in our readiness for His coming.