Daily Readings - Fri Sep 01 2023
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 invited to reflect on the themes of preparedness and living a life of holiness. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages believers to live in sanctification, avoiding impurity and treating others with respect and fairness. Paul emphasizes that this is God's will for us, and it involves self-control and a commitment to holiness. The Gospel parable of the ten virgins underscores the importance of being prepared for the unexpected return of the Lord. The prudent virgins, who brought extra oil, were ready, while the foolish ones were not, leading to their exclusion from the wedding feast.
These readings complement each other by highlighting the necessity of spiritual preparedness and a virtuous life. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul provides practical advice on how to live a holy life, while the parable in Matthew illustrates the consequences of being unprepared. Both challenge us to examine our lives and ensure we are living in a way that reflects our faith. The context of these readings is clear: they call us to vigilance and holiness, reminding us that our actions have eternal consequences.
In our daily lives, this means being mindful of how we conduct ourselves, both in our relationships and in our personal integrity. We must cultivate spiritual disciplines that keep us prepared for the unexpected, much like the prudent virgins. This preparedness is not about fear but about a deep commitment to living as children of God. As we navigate our lives, let us seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to remain vigilant and steadfast in our pursuit of holiness. May we strive to live in such a way that we are always ready to meet the Lord, whenever He may come.