1ST READING
There
is a paradoxical reality attached to the Gospel. For example, the death
of Jesus on the cross is a victory over sin, not a defeat of goodness.
Paul tells us that he is not an eloquent speaker. This does not matter
when it comes to the Gospel. The Gospel performs its work of conversion
in the hearts of men and women. Let us never forget the truth of the
power of the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 1:17-25
17 Brothers
and sisters: Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the
Gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. 18 The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside. 20 Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish? 21 For
since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through
wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the
proclamation to save those who have faith. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24
but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
P S A L M
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11
R: The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 10 The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. 11 But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. (R)
GOSPEL
We
have been warned that God can come calling at the most inconvenient of
times. Today’s parable reminds us to be prepared for any and every
eventuality. It does not cost us much to be prepared, just a little time
and organization. It is a great burden to respond generously if we are
not prepared.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Be vigilant at all times and pray, that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Jesus
told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like
ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, 4 but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 Since the
bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But
the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 While
they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready
went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. 11 Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ 12 But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
think: It does not cost us much to be prepared to answer God’s call, just a little time and organization.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
____________________________________
God’s special verse/thought for me today_
_____________________________________
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Isaiah 41-44
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