1Thes. 4:1-8 | Ps. 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12 | Mt. 25:1-13

The theme of the readings is that of giving your very best to God each day.  Paul is calling the Thessalonians to move from living the letter of the law to going out and loving God and putting forth the best effort they could in loving each day.  Jesus tells the story of the wise virgins who came prepared with lamps and oil versus the foolish virgins who did not bring the required oil.  The lamp is similar to bringing all the ways we have lived to give honor and praise to God.  Yet as we wait for the coming of God, we run out of steam and faithfulness and become dry in our love for God.  In doing so, we lose sight of our goal and will be caught in a position of not being ready.  Jesus invites us to live each day with joy, love, and completeness.  Thus we will be ready for the moment when God comes to call us home.  We will also recognize those people who come to us and are in need of help.  We will be prepared to give them our love, care and support.

Pray with these readings.  Ask God to help you see how well you live each day.  Check to see if you live the day in awareness of God’s presence and out of love for all who come your way.  Ask for what you need in order to do so.