Daily Readings - Thu Aug 31 2017
1 Thessalonians
7Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Matthew
42"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.43But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.44So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.45"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?46It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.47I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.48But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,'49and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.50The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.51He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of living with faith, preparedness, and love. The First Reading from 1 Thessalonians highlights Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians, expressing joy in their faith and praying for their continued growth in love and holiness as they await Christ's return. This passage underscores the community's perseverance amidst challenges and Paul's desire for their spiritual well-being.
The Gospel from Matthew 24 emphasizes Jesus' teachings on vigilance and faithfulness. Through the parable of the servants, Jesus illustrates the consequences of being prepared or complacent. The faithful servant, diligent in duty, is rewarded, while the complacent one faces judgment. This serves as a call to live each day with purpose, mindful of our responsibilities and the unexpected nature of Christ's return.
Connecting these readings, we see a common theme of preparedness and steadfastness. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians and Jesus' parable both encourage us to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ. This means being faithful in our duties, treating others with kindness, and seeking holiness. The moral lesson is clear: our faith should inspire us to live actively, not passively, embracing each day as an opportunity to serve and love, ready to face God's judgment with confidence and grace. Let us strive to live with purpose, guided by faith and love, ever-vigilant and prepared for whatever comes our way.