Wis 6:12-16; Ps 62:2-8 r.2; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Matt 25:1-13
The Book of Wisdom was written in Greek, probably in Alexandria during the century before Christ. It seeks to strengthen faith by recalling the ways in which God rewards his people. But our just God also punishes individuals who act unjustly. We must learn wisdom to live justly in accord with God’s justice, and so imitate and be drawn into the life of God.
The Psalm expresses our homesickness for God’s sanctuary, our true home, confident that God will help us overcome all our enemies. Good advice: when our minds are empty, as at night – fill them with thoughts of God.
The parousia, when Christ will return – or be revealed in glory – was expected almost daily by the early Christians. But some believers had already died, so Paul reassures the Thessalonians that they will not “miss out” – they will join everyone else in the resurrection of the dead. Two thousand years later we may now see the parousia at the end of time being anticipated by Jesus revealed to us in every Mass.
Matthew’s gospel links the two readings together: we must live justly every moment of our lives so that we may be ready when the Lord calls us to him. We cannot rely on a last chance to repent.
Psalm Response: For you my soul is thirsting, O God, my God.
(Wis 6:12-16; Ps 62:2-8 r.2; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Matt 25:1-13)