Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 7:22b-8:1: Wisdom, a holy and pure spirit, pervades all with clarity and goodness. As God's reflection, she renews, dwells in the holy, and surpasses all in beauty and power.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Philemon 7-20: Paul, expressing joy in the recipient's love and hospitality, urges them to welcome back Onesimus, now not just a servant but a beloved brother in Christ.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 119: The Lord's word stands eternal, unchanging through generations, sustaining creation and providing light and understanding, guiding and deserving of eternal praise.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 146: The Lord delivers justice, feeds the hungry, frees captives, heals, and uplifts the downtrodden, while thwarting the wicked and reigning eternally.
• Gospel - Luke 17:20-25: Jesus explained to the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God's arrival isn't outwardly observable nor can it be pinpointed. He cautioned his disciples about future false claims of seeing the Son of Man, advising against pursuit. He compared His eventual, unmistakable return to a lightning bolt crossing the sky, preceded by suffering and rejection by his contemporaries.

For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

Luke 17:24

• The Kingdom of God is Within: Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not a physical realm to be observed externally but is an internal, spiritual reality. This emphasizes the internal transformation and spiritual awareness necessary to be part of God's Kingdom.
• The Unexpected Nature of God's Kingdom: Jesus points out that the coming of the Kingdom of God will not be heralded with observable signs, suggesting that God's work often happens in unexpected ways and times. It encourages vigilance and readiness in faith.
• The Second Coming of Christ: The passage foreshadows the second coming of Jesus, indicating that it will be evident to all. This theme underscores the Christian belief in Christ's return and the final establishment of His Kingdom.
• Suffering of the Son of Man: Jesus speaks of His impending suffering, connecting the glory of the Kingdom with the path of suffering. This theme highlights the Christian understanding of redemption through suffering, and the necessity of the Cross in the salvific plan.
• Urgency and Readiness: Jesus’ words about the suddenness of the Kingdom’s coming instill a sense of urgency and the need for constant readiness. It is a call to live in a state of spiritual alertness, always prepared for God’s unfolding plan.
• Discernment in Faith: The comparison to lightning stresses the importance of discernment in recognizing spiritual truths. Just as lightning is unmistakable, so should the recognition of spiritual realities be clear to those in faith.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time from Luke 17:20-25, we encounter Jesus's profound teachings on the coming of the Kingdom of God. He emphasizes that the Kingdom is not a spectacle to be observed or a physical location to be sought out; rather, it is among us, intertwined with our daily lives.

This message resonates deeply with the human tendency to seek tangible proof of spiritual truths. We often yearn for clear, undeniable signs of God's presence and action in our lives. However, Jesus invites us to shift our focus from external searches to internal transformation, guiding us to recognize that the Kingdom of God is unfolding within and around us in subtle, yet impactful ways.

Reflecting on this passage, we can see a mirror of our own struggles in faith. The desire to exchange knowledge for faith, to hold tangible proof of our beliefs, is a common challenge. We often find ourselves chasing after the latest theories or ideologies, hoping to grasp something concrete. Yet, Jesus's words remind us that faith is not about certainty in the traditional sense; it is about trust and surrender.

The Kingdom of God is not something to be grasped firmly with our minds, but rather something to be lived and experienced through a relationship of trust and love with Jesus. It's a call to let go of our intellectual grasp and to open our hearts to the mystery and beauty of faith.

In our journey of faith, we are reminded that whatever hinders our relationship with Jesus must be relinquished. This could mean letting go of certain habits, prejudices, or even our need for intellectual certainty. The challenge is to fully believe in Jesus, to trust Him with every fiber of our being. It's not just about accepting doctrines or following moral precepts; it's about a radical trust in Jesus, believing that He is actively working in our lives, even when His presence isn't overtly manifest. This level of trust requires a deep inner conversion, a willingness to let go of our control and to embrace the mystery of faith.

This gospel passage invites us to a deeper introspection and spiritual renewal. It challenges us to examine what aspects of our lives are obstructing our relationship with Jesus. Are we too caught up in seeking intellectual certainty that we miss out on the experience of living in the Kingdom of God here and now? This period offers us a chance to renew our commitment to trust in Jesus, to embrace faith not just as a set of beliefs, but as a dynamic and transformative relationship with the living God. In doing so, we open ourselves to the true experience of the Kingdom of God, which is already among us.

Prayer

Jesus, teach me to put all of my trust in you. When you come, let me have what really matters: faith. Amen.

Word on Fire: Embracing Transformation

Bishop Robert Barron interprets the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, which warns of the unexpected coming of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. He explains that this event is not solely good news because it demands a radical transformation: anything in life that opposes Jesus, who embodies life, truth, and the way, must be relinquished. The coming of Christ necessitates the abandonment of false truths and ways, urging us to fully surrender our lives to Him and renounce all that contradicts His teachings. This perspective highlights the profound spiritual preparation required as we anticipate the Lord's second coming.

USCCB Reflection: From Command to Companionship

This USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 draws a parallel between the maturation of children in decision-making and the spiritual growth of Christians. It illustrates how parents guide their children in discerning right from wrong, often overriding their choices for their betterment.

This is likened to St. Paul's approach to Philemon regarding the return of Onesimus, where Paul, though having the authority to command, instead urges out of love, allowing Philemon to freely choose forgiveness and reconciliation. This reflects the Christian journey, where maturity in faith deepens one's relationship with Christ. As believers grow, God invites them into a fuller life rather than commanding obedience, fostering a relationship characterized by joy, forgiveness, love, mercy, gentleness, and peace. Paul's desire for Philemon to develop such a relationship with Christ mirrors his wish for all believers to experience this depth of companionship with Jesus.

What date is Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Thursday November 14, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday November 13, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 7:22b-8:1: Wisdom's Radiance
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 119: Enduring Word of God
Gospel - Luke 17:20-25: Unseen Kingdom Revealed

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday November 14, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Philemon 7-20: Paul's Plea for Onesimus
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 146: The Lord's Enduring Care
Gospel - Luke 17:20-25: Unseen Kingdom Revealed

In the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, why does Jesus describe the Kingdom of God as not outwardly observable?

In Luke 17:20-25, Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality, not defined by external signs or geographical locations. This teaching encourages believers to look beyond the physical realm and understand that the Kingdom of God is realized through faith, internal transformation, and in living according to God’s will.

What can contemporary Christians learn from Jesus’ caution in the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time about false claims of seeing the Son of Man?

This warning in Luke 17:20-25 from Jesus teaches vigilance against deception and misplaced enthusiasm about the end times. It urges Christians to focus on deepening their faith and understanding of the Gospel, rather than being swayed by sensational claims or speculations about the Second Coming.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, why does Jesus describe the Kingdom of God as not outwardly observable?

In Luke 17:20-25, Jesus explains that the Kingdom of God is not a physical realm or observable in traditional ways, but rather a spiritual reality. This teaching suggests that the Kingdom is experienced through inner transformation and living in accordance with God's will, rather than through external signs.

What does the imagery of lightning in the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time signify about the return of the Son of Man?

The comparison to lightning in Luke 17:20-25 implies the unmistakable and universal visibility of Jesus' return. It suggests a sudden, powerful event that will be evident to all, underscoring the importance of being prepared and remaining faithful to Jesus' teachings.

How does the description of the Second Coming in the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time impact Christian understanding of faith and readiness?

The description in Luke 17:20-25 of the Second Coming as sudden and unmistakable, like lightning, emphasizes the importance of constant faithfulness and vigilance in Christian life. It reminds believers to live in a way that is always prepared for Jesus' return, focusing on faith, service, and adherence to His teachings.

Why is the concept of the Kingdom of God as a spiritual reality in the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time significant for contemporary believers?

Understanding the Kingdom of God as a spiritual reality rather than a physical place shifts the focus to internal transformation and living out the values of the Gospel. Luke 17:20-25 challenges believers to cultivate the Kingdom within themselves through faith, love, and service, thereby impacting the world around them.

What does "perduring" mean in Wisdom chapter 8, the first reading for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

It means lasting a long time or enduring, even lasting forever. It implies a longer time span than enduring.

How does the first reading for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 contribute to the understanding of God's nature?

Wisdom 7:22b-8:1 describes Wisdom as a divine attribute, embodying clarity, goodness, and beauty. It offers a profound insight into the character of God, portraying Wisdom as an integral aspect of the divine that permeates all creation, suggesting that seeking wisdom is akin to seeking a closer relationship with God.

How does Wisdom, as described in the first reading for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, influence a believer’s life?

The portrayal of Wisdom as a divine attribute that renews and dwells in the holy encourages believers to seek wisdom in their lives. This pursuit is not just for intellectual enrichment but for spiritual growth, aligning one’s thoughts and actions more closely with God’s will.

What is the significance of Psalm 119 in relation to the other readings for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Psalm 119 celebrates the eternal, unchanging nature of God’s word. This theme complements the First Reading's focus on wisdom and the Gospel's emphasis on the Kingdom of God as realities that are constant and enduring, transcending time and human understanding.

How can the understanding of God's unchanging word in the responsorial psalms for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 provide comfort in times of uncertainty?

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, Psalm 119's message that God's word is eternal and unchanging offers stability and reassurance. It reminds believers that God's promises and guidance are always reliable, providing a foundation of hope and direction in all circumstances.

What is the central message of Paul's letter to Philemon in the first reading for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, in the context of Christian community?

Paul's letter to Philemon highlights themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and transformation in Christ. He urges Philemon to welcome back Onesimus, not just as a servant but as a brother in Christ, exemplifying how Christian faith transcends social and personal boundaries, fostering a community based on love and unity.

How does Psalm 146 complement the themes in the first reading and the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Psalm 146, with its focus on God's justice, care for the needy, and eternal reign, resonates with the themes of transformation and the Kingdom of God in the other readings. It underscores God's concern for the marginalized, which is reflected in Paul's advocacy for Onesimus and in Jesus' teachings about the nature of God's Kingdom.

What can Christians learn from Paul's approach to Onesimus' situation in the first reading for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Paul's approach in Philemon 7-20 teaches the importance of grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of Christian fellowship. It encourages believers to view each other through the lens of Christ, where social and personal differences are transcended by brotherly love and unity in faith.

What practical lessons can be drawn from the characteristics of God highlighted in the responsorial psalm for Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Psalm 146's portrayal of God as a deliverer and sustainer offers a model for Christian conduct: to seek justice, care for the needy, and work against oppression. It encourages believers to mirror these attributes in their daily lives, contributing positively to their communities and reflecting God's love.