November 2023: Mass Readings and Resources

November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints, which is also called All Saints Day. On this day we remember all who were servants of the Lord while here on earth. We ask that they pray for us so that one day we might join them in heaven.

November 2 is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). On this day we pray for loved ones who have departed this earth.

In the gospel for Friday of the 30th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus asks the Pharisees and scribes whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not.

St. Charles Borromeo came from a wealthy family. He is known for his work implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent and creating seminaries to educate priests. He is also known for his care for the sick and dying during a plague.

The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A are a call to humility and holiness. This Sunday we could discuss authenticity, holiness, and caring for one another. Here are some ideas.

In the gospel for Monday of the 31st week in Ordinary Time, Jesus turns the tables and tells us to welcome the poor and weak rather than the rich and strong.

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 31st week in Ordinary Time, Jesus speaks of the importance of responding to the invitation to the Kingdom of God. Too many times, our response is just excuses, excuses.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 31st week in Ordinary Time, Jesus speaks of hating our fathers and mothers. Does Jesus really want me to hate my parents. No!

This Lateran Basilica feast day commemorates a building which is called the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The early Christians gathered quietly in their homes. But when the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, the followers of Jesus no longer feared persecution. Constantine donated a family palace to the Church and it became the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

In the gospel for Friday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus points out that people deal with worldly matters more prudently than they deal with spiritual matters.

St. Leo the Great was a fifth century pope. He was dedicated to the service of the church. During his papacy, he worked for Church unity. He also refuted several heresies

In the gospel for Saturday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells a parable to demonstrate that we should use our gifts and talents responsibly. These are given to us to build the Kingdom of God.

St. Martin of Tours was a 4th century soldier in the Roman military. He lived during a time when Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire. He was a catechumen – one being instructed in the Catholic faith in preparation for baptism. He refused to continue fighting after his baptism. I am the soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight.

The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us to always be alert and ready. Some themes for this Sunday include being ready in our spiritual lives and the gift of wisdom

In the gospel for Monday of the 32nd week in ordinary time, Jesus speaks of forgiveness and faith. These are themes which our Lord returned to over and over again.

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus reminds us that we are servants. We should do what is expected of us.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus heals ten lepers. But only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 32nd week in Ordinary Time, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Kingdom of God. He warns us not to go running here and there looking for it.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a princess who was known for her charity. She married at the age of 14, but became a widow just six years later. She was greatly attracted to the philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi.

In the gospel for Saturday of the 32nd Week on Ordinary time, Jesus tells the Parable of the Dishonest Judge. If this corrupt man can hear the plea of the widow, then how much more will God respond to the cries of his people?

The readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A are a call to do the work of the Kingdom of God with the gifts we have been given. Stewardship is clearly a theme for this weekend Stewardship is clearly a theme for this weekend. Another option is authenticity and appreciating the gifts we have been given.

In the gospel for Monday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time, a blind man calls out to Jesus and Jesus asks him what he wants. The blind man wants to see. Jesus heals him.

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus. When Jesus notices him, Zacchaeus repents of his selfish behavior.

In the gospel for Wednesday of the 33rd week in Ordinary time, Jesus tells the parable of the ten gold coins. Those who increase what they have been given are given more, while the one who does nothing with what he has been given loses it.

In the gospel for Thursday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time, Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, for they did not recognize the Lord in their midst.

This feast day commemorates 117 Vietnamese martyrs who died between 1820 and 1862. Persecution of Christians was severe during this time period. Missionaries were banned in Vietnam and Christians were required to deny their faith.

In the gospel for Saturday of the 33rd week in Ordinary Time, the Sadducees ask Jesus a trick question about resurrection. Jesus replies with an answer based on faith. God is the God of the living.

The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A tell us that the kingship of Christ is one of a caring master who longs for us to live together in harmony in his kingdom. This would be a good weekend to focus on the corporal works of mercy and justice for the marginalized in our society.

In the gospel for Monday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus notices a poor widow who gives two small coins to the temple treasury. She is giving all she has, not her surplus.

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 34th week in ordinary time, Jesus speaks of the end times. This things of this world will not endure.

In the gospel for Wednesday of , Jesus warns that his followers will be persecuted and required to testify. But he will give wisdom in speaking.

St. Andrew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Simon Peter. Jesus called them from their fishing boats and promised to make them fishers of men.