Daily Readings - Thu Aug 25 2022
1 Corinthians
1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours:3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.5For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--6because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.8He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
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 hear St. Paul expressing gratitude for the Corinthian church, acknowledging the grace and spiritual gifts they have received. He emphasizes their unity in Christ and their calling to holiness. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the importance of vigilance and faithfulness, using the parable of the servants to illustrate the need for preparedness for His return.
Both readings remind us of the importance of living with purpose and integrity. Paul highlights the gifts we have been given and our call to live as saints, while Jesus warns us to be ready for the unexpected, trusting in God's faithfulness. These teachings encourage us to remain faithful and responsible in our actions, knowing that our decisions have consequences.
In our daily lives, we are called to live with integrity and trust in God's strength. Let us embrace our responsibilities, remain vigilant, and trust in God's plan. By doing so, we live with purpose, ready to face whatever comes our way, secure in the knowledge of God's faithfulness and love.