10 Nov
Sun
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
(Psalter Week IV)
Wis. 6:12-16
Ps. 62:2,3-4,5-6,7-8
1 Thes. 4:13-18
Mt. 25:1-13
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The human body needs rest: indeed, God gave us a commandment to rest, to keep holy the Sabbath day, the day of rest. Yet it has long been our human experience that sleep can make us vulnerable, and so human beings throughout the ages have taken precaution to safeguard themselves while sleeping. This need for vigilance has then penetrated into other areas of human life, so that we realise that we should at times forego rest, even well-deserved rest, if we are to attain to certain goals. The notion of watchfulness became the Church's practice of keeping vigil. The First Reading for today's celebration suggests that the attainment of wisdom is a worthy objective for which we might keep vigil. In Jesus' parable, entry into the Messianic banquet requires vigilance on our part. The first reading and the Gospel come together in the person of Jesus, for Jesus is both the incarnate wisdom of God and the Bridegroom.

The Psalmist also keeps vigil, meditating through the night watches on the mystery of God. His vigilance and meditation are marked by desire and longing, for these are necessary to turn mere wakefulness into a religious vigilance.



Lord Jesus, keep our hearts vigilant and expectant in hope as we long for Your coming.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
For widows and widowers who often feel the pain of loneliness, that they may find comfort and support in the Christian community.
Elaboration

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