Nov 18, 2023

Readings:
Proverbs 31:10–13, 19–20, 30–31
Psalm 128:1–5
1 Thessalonians 5:1–6
Matthew 25:14–30

The day of the Lord is coming, Paul warns in today’s Epistle. What matters isn’t the time or the season, but what the Lord finds us doing with the new life, the graces He has given to us.

This is at the heart...

Nov 11, 2023

Readings:
Wisdom 6:12–16
Psalm 63:2–8
1 Thessalonians 4:13–17
Matthew 25:1–13

According to marriage customs of Jesus’ day, a bride was first “betrothed” to her husband but continued for a time to live with her family. Then, at the appointed hour, some months later, the groom would come to claim her,...

Nov 4, 2023

Readings:
Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10
Psalm 131:1-3
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12

Though they were Moses' successors, the Pharisees and scribes exalted themselves, made their mastery of the law a badge of social privilege. Worse, they had lorded the law over the people (see Matthew 20:25). Like the priests...

Oct 28, 2023

Readings:
Exodus 22:20–26
Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51
1 Thessalonians 1:5–10
Matthew 22:34–40

Jesus came not to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it (see Matthew 5:17). And in today’s Gospel, He reveals that love—of God and of neighbor—is the fulfillment of the whole of the law (see Romans...

Oct 21, 2023

Readings:
Isaiah 45:1,4–6
Psalm 96:1,3–5, 7–10
1 Thessalonians 1:1–5
Matthew 22:15–21

The Lord is king over all the earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm. Governments rise and fall by His permission, with no authority but that given from above (see John 19:11; Romans 13:1).

In effect, God says to every ruler what...