Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 1 September 2028

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.

18 For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God.

19 For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the prudent I will reject.

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe.

22 For both the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness:

24 But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

R. (5) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

2 Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

4 For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.

5 He loveth mercy and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

10 The Lord bringeth to naught the counsels of nations; and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

11 But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever: the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

36 Be vigilant at all times and pray, that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride.

2 And five of them were foolish, and five wise.

3 But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps.

5 And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.

9 The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.

11 But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.

13 Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

God’s wisdom does not usually appear in the form the world expects. The cross looks like weakness and foolishness, yet it is revealed as the power and wisdom of God. The Lord’s faithful work often grows quietly, beyond the reach of human pride and calculation. His counsel stands forever, even when the plans and judgments of nations come to nothing.

The parable of the ten virgins shows what it means to receive this wisdom seriously. All awaited the bridegroom, and all became tired, but only some had prepared enough oil for the delay. Readiness cannot be borrowed at the last moment. Faith must be nourished beforehand through prayer, obedience, mercy, and a steady trust in Christ crucified. The Alleluia’s call to vigilance belongs here: we do not know the hour, so we live each day with our lamps tended and our hearts turned toward the Lord. The earth is full of his goodness, but we must remain awake enough to recognize it and faithful enough to welcome him when he comes.

Lord Jesus, keep me close to the wisdom of your cross when the ways of faith seem foolish or weak in the eyes of the world. Give me a faithful heart that does not depend on appearances, applause, or last-minute effort. Teach me to keep the lamp of prayer burning, to practice mercy, and to persevere when waiting becomes difficult. Help me recognize your goodness in the ordinary gifts of each day, and make me ready to meet you with trust whenever you come. May your grace keep me watchful and faithful. Amen.