DAILY- HOMILY

September 1, 2017 – FRIDAY, 21st Week in Ordinary Time

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1 Thes 4: 1 - 8 / Mt 25: 1 - 13

FROM THE FIRST READING:          1 Thes 4: 1 - 3

     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. This you do, but try to do still more. You know the instructions we gave you on behalf of the Lord Jesus: the will of God for you is to become holy and not to have unlawful sex.

GOSPEL READING: 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 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

     In the first reading today Paul reminds us to lead holy lives, in a way that pleases God. He also gives more specific instructions about family life and the relationships between husband and wife.

     In the Gospel reading, in the parable about the bridesmaids, five sensible and five careless and foolish, preparing for the arrival of the bridegroom for the wedding banquet, Jesus wishes to remind us to be always ready and prepared.

     As we prepare for the coming of the Son of Man, we do not know when he will come: "regarding that Day and that Hour, no one knows when it will come, not even the angels, not even the Son, but only the Father." (Mk 13: 32)

     The lesson of the parable for us is very clear: be ready. Have enough oil. Be like faithful servants ready to give a proper accounting of our lives and of the proper use of the gifts and talents given to us. Be ready that the Lord would recognize and welcome us.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     JAYSON P. ROBLES

     JOEL N. PRAUN

IN MEMORIAM (†) 

     BENSON DY CHUA (DEC. 15, 1945 ·SEPT. 1, 2000)

     ELLEN YOUNG DY (AUG. 19, 1928 ·SEPT. 1, 1998)

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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