Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 12, 2017
First Reading: Wisdom 6.12-16
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Psalm 63
1O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.3Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.4I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.5My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.6On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.7Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.9They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth.10They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.11But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.18Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Gospel: Matthew 25.1-13
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.2Five of them were foolish and five were wise.3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'9"'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of preparation, wisdom, and hope. The first reading from Wisdom encourages us to seek wisdom diligently, emphasizing that it is readily available to those who pursue it with love and dedication. This pursuit is not merely intellectual but a way of life that anticipates and reveals itself to the sincere seeker.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians offers comfort and hope, reminding us that our grief over those who have passed is tempered by the promise of resurrection. It assures us that whether we are alive or have fallen asleep in Christ, we will all meet the Lord, highlighting the unity and hope that bind us together in faith.
The Gospel parable of the ten virgins underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance. The wise virgins, with their extra oil, symbolize those who are spiritually prepared for the Lord's return. This parable encourages us to live with the wisdom and foresight that comes from seeking a deeper relationship with God, ensuring we are ready to meet Him whenever He comes.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to embrace wisdom, remain hopeful, and stay vigilant. Just as the wise virgins were prepared, we too should cultivate a life of spiritual readiness through prayer, reflection, and service. Let us find comfort in the hope of eternal life and strive to live each day with the wisdom that guides us toward Christ. May we remain steadfast, knowing that our ultimate union with the Lord is both certain and transformative.