DAILY- HOMILY

August 28, 2015 FRIDAY, 21TH Week in Ordinary Time

St. Augustine, 

Bishop and Doctor of the Church   

Memorial, White           

1 Thes 4:1 – 8 / Mt 25: 1 - 13

[Born in Tagaste in Africa, St. Augustine (354 – 430), Bishop of Hippo, was one of the greatest doctors of the Church.]

Reading: 1 Thes 4:1 – 3a

For the rest, brothers, we ask you in the name of Jesus, the Lord, and we urge you to live in a way that pleases God, just as you have learned from us. You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the Lord Jesus: the will of God for you is to become holy.

Gospel: Mt 25:1 - 13 

     Jesus said, "This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven. Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were careless while the others were sensible. 

     "The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not bring extra oil. But those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil. As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. "

"But at midnight, a cry rang out: 'The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!' All the maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps. Then the careless ones said to the sensible ones: 'Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.' The sensible ones answered: 'There may not be enough for both you and us. You had better go to those who sell and buy for yourselves.' 

     "They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut. 

     "Later the rest of the bridesmaids arrived and called out: 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' But he answered: 'Truly, I do not know you.' 

     "So, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

Reflection:

     Today's first reading invites us to take a close look at how we live our daily lives. As Christians, early on in life we were taught right and wrong and all about the commandments. St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians about the challenge and command to "become holy."

     The Gospel invites to be wise, to know the ways of the Lord and to be ready all the time. The lesson of the parable of the ten bridesmaids, five "careless" and five "sensible" is simple and clear, to be ready all the time for the coming of the bridegroom: "So, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

     Otherwise one may be left out of the wedding banquet: "Truly, I do not know you." 

     We are reminded of this every time we pray the Hail Mary: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the our of our death." We ask for God's grace and help now and especially at the time we face God. 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     ELIGIO R. REYES

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

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