Daily Readings - Fri Aug 27 2021
1 Thessalonians
1Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.2For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.3It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
Matthew
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 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.