32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Mass Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – Wisdom 6:12-16: “Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”
- Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 OR 4:13-14: “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.”
- Gospel – Matthew 25:1-13: “The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.”
Themes for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us to always be alert and ready. The first reading speaks of seeking wisdom and being ready for her at dawn. The psalm reminds that union with God is our truest desire. The second reading tells us that death is not the end and that we will rise in Christ Jesus. And in the gospel Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five who were ready when their master arrived and five who were not.
- Being spiritually ready
- The gift of wisdom
- The role of women in society and in the Church
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
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Resources for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
A Prayer of Longing for God
This prayer expresses a longing for God and a true desire to be close to Him. It is based on Psalm 63, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins – Reflection and Questions
This reflection will help youth understand the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this parable, Jesus asks us to be prepared and ready.
Homilies and Reflections for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Could You Use Wisdom?
Jeff Cavins explains that we all can use wisdom in our everyday lives. He explains the difference between knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Prepare to Die!
Don’t worry, Fr. Mike Schmitz isn’t hunting you down. He’s just offering some advice for our spiritual journey. When we’re caught up in life, it’s easy to forget that it’s going to end someday. So, will you be prepared?
The Wise and Foolish Virgins
From Bishop Robert Barron. How do we wait? That is the question addressed by Jesus’ parable for today. While we wait for the second coming of the Lord, we should keep our lamps stocked with oil, that is to say, we should pray, study, love, do the works of mercy, and keep vigil. In so doing, we are ready for the arrival of the Bridegroom.
Members of the Wedding
From Scott Hahn. 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, leading her family and bridal party to the wedding feast that would celebrate and inaugurate their new life together.
God Is Looking for Us
Also from Bishop Barron. Our first reading for this weekend from the book of Wisdom might easily slip past or through your mind, but it shouldn’t. It articulates what is arguably the central principle of biblical revelation: what is called the primacy of grace.
More Thoughts for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Lady Wisdom
Wisdom is depicted as a woman in scripture. She is shown to be intelligent and thoughtful. But she is also shown as an object of desire. This can lead to reflection on the many ways women are viewed in our society. And how we ourselves view and interact with women.
The Ten Virgins
In this parable, the virgins (or bridesmaids) are waiting for the groom. Some are ready when he arrives and some are not. All fall asleep, but at least the wise ones bring enough oil. It seems cruel that they do not share what they have with the others. But it is important not to read too much into this detail. They simply want to be completely prepared when the groom arrives.
Reflection Questions for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- How do I view the women in my life?
- Where do I seek wisdom?
- What can I do to be more prepared for the coming of the Lord?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
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