Newsletter — Thirty Second Sunday of the Year A—12th November 2023
Click here for our latest newsletter
Remembrance Sunday
Our First Reading this week is from Wisdom 6:12-16: Wisdom will come to those who seek it.
The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 63: Our souls are thirsting for God.
This week’s Second Reading is taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: God will raise all those who have died.
This Sunday’s Gospel Reading is from Matthew 25:1-13: Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, teaching his disciples the importance of being prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.
When thinking about the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, it is important to consider the first-century wedding traditions of Palestine. Scholars tell us that it was the custom of the day for young maidens—friends and family members of the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to bring his
bride to her new home.
As with many of Jesus’ parables, several levels of interpretation are possible. In the chapter preceding this parable, Jesus warns about the destruction of Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man. When read in this context, today’s parable is a warning to the Christian community to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the Son of Man who will return at the end of time. This interpretation is supported by the reference to the delay of the bridegroom. The Christian community for whom Matthew wrote this Gospel was coming to terms with the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would not be fulfilled within their lifetimes. The question remains for us to ask ourselves, are we ready to receive Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him?#
REMEMBRANCE DAY PRAYER
God our Father, your Son Jesus gave up His life to free us from the power of sin and death. He showed us that the greatest love is in giving up one’s life for others. Today we remember those who fought and died for our freedom. We ask you to bless and console them together with their families. Help us to understand the sacrifices they made in leaving their loved ones to face the horrors of war. May we never forget their generosity. May your Holy Spirit give us the courage to resist evil in all its forms and show us how to be peacemakers through prayer and action, lest we forget those who fought, suffered and died that we might have the freedom and peace we enjoy today.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Click here for our latest newsletter