Bible Study
Bible Study
Matt Zemanek
Fr. Geoffrey Plan
Fr. Bryan Kulawa
Larry
Broding
Word-Sunday
by Larry Broding
GOSPEL: Faith and Example
1ST READING: Wisdom, the Key to Leadership
PSALM: Morning Prayer
2ND READING: Hope in the Resurrection
Like the young Jews who heard these words, we, too, should seek wisdom as our guide to leadership. The comfort it brings far outweighs gains from turf battles or displays of ego. When we act wisely, we act for the good of all, not for the self.
Look upon the leadership in your community and church. How is that leadership exercised? With wisdom? How have you exercised leadership? How wise have you been in your dealings with others?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
ave you ever noticed that activities done first thing in the morning become easily acquired habits, while those activities done later become sporadic? Wise people “front load” their day, so those activities they deem important will be accomplished. Of course, a wise person limits the number of activities in the morning, so they don’t conflict with demanding time schedules.
What does the wise Christian do first thing in the morning? The obvious answer is prayer. But is the prayer merely habitual reaction or is it a deeply felt yearning for God that day?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
As the liturgical year comes to an end, we focus our attention to the return of the risen Christ. And to those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. We who live in Christ, whether alive or dead, hope in his final appearance. Then, death will not be an end or even a transitional state. It will be destroyed. But, even more important, we will be united with the Lord in ways unimaginable.
If you could plan your own funeral, how could you encourage hope in the resurrection?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
Bulletin Insert Edrianne
Ezel
Study Guide
by Edrianne Ezel
Questions for Small Groups
Discussion Questions
Vince Contreras
Fr. Frank Bird, SM
First Reading
The Book of Wisdom was written to share the beauty of Jewish ‘wisdom’ different from Greek ‘wisdom’. For Greeks, wisdom was the result of hard human study and work. Jewish people understood wisdom as a feminine aspect of God and a gift ‘received’. At dawn was the favoured time for prayer. During the day ‘the gate’ was a place of gathering for elders making legal decisions and where city trade took place. Do you love, seek, watch, pray into the night for… wisdom? v17 continues: wisdom begins with the sincere desire for instruction. What would you like ‘instruction’ in? Who could you ask for help?
Second Reading
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is one of the earliest letters in the New Testament. In contrast to the belief that death was the very end, our Christian faith rests on a certain hope. Use your imagination to enter Paul’s picture of the final day. Why do you think scripture refers to this as a ‘great and terrible’ day?
Gospel
In the ancient Middle – East, the complete wedding celebration would take up several days. The first stage involved the fathers of the couple discussing and arranging the contract and legal matters between the two families. The Groom would then arrive to the Brides house to take her home. It was not known how long the various discussions would take. Guests at the Groom’s house were frequently ‘waiting’ as a result of delays. You can imagine the surprise with the Groom and Bride arriving at midnight! Jesus uses this image for his ‘return’. The Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King (November 20) as if it was the ‘return’. What would you do if Jesus returned in 2 weeks?
The Bridesmaids and ‘oil for their lamps’ is symbolic of being ‘ready’. ‘Oil’ equals readiness. It cannot be ‘shared’. Spiritual preparation cannot be done by someone else. There is the striking image of a ‘locked door’. Cries to ‘open the door’. A negative response. The parable draws us in. We are left with self accusation: will I be ‘ready’? In what way does this parable challenge you?
SOURCE: Living the Word resources are created by Fr Frank Bird a Marist priest and Mrs Bev McDonald, ACSD, distributed by Marist Laity Auckland, NZ
Kieran J.
O’Mahony, OSA
First Reading
The human quest for Wisdom is matched by Wisdom’s quest for humani- ty. It is not all our effort, but rather a grace from God.
Have I found the right rhythm of life which is favour a reflected life, with time for prayer and meditation?
To know the gift of God, I have to desire it with my whole self.
Second Reading
What has been my own experience of grieving? Did my faith/hope help me in a wholesome way to get through the pain of loss?
Our future communion with those who have died can be a great consola- tion. Has that been my experience?
Nowadays, we are very aware of the need to support and encourage each other in difficult time? Where do I find support? Do I myself support others?
Gospel
While the parable has clear end-of- time applications, it can also be applied to any moment of grace. It reminds us that moments of grace come unexpect- edly, and we need to be awake to receive them. Recall times when you were alert for such a moment. What were the con- sequences for you?
Grace can also be disturbing. We can be coasting along in life and suddenly an opportunity or a graced moment arrives and we are shaken out of our routine in order to respond. Perhaps you can recall both moments when you were unpre- pared and moments when you were able to respond. What lessons have you learned from such experiences?
We may be tempted to judge the wise virgins as being selfish for not sharing with the others, but perhaps Jesus is teaching us that there are some things that other people cannot provide for us. We have to acquire them ourselves. What qualities in life do you see as the essential oil that you must provide for yourself?
SOURCE: Hearers of the Word
Anne Osdieck
First Reading
How is wisdom different from knowledge? Does either one enable you to see beyond the surface of things into their depths? Where do you think wisdom is most needed in your life? Can you think of any area of life on earth that does not need some wise knowledge now?
Second Reading
Is there anything you would do differently if you thought your own “end time” was soon to come?
Gospel
Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. What kinds of things would you do to make sure you were one of those “who were ready”? have compassion on the sick? the homeless? the planet? victims of prejudice? When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”?
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
Fr. Clement
Thibodeau
Gospel
How can we best honor the vocation and the ministry of our priests without placing them on some pedestal that will put them outside the reach of the community they are meant to serve? Do priests and deacons and bishops need to be above the community of the faithful in order to exercise an effective leadership? Is there some way they can be among the people and still be effective leaders?
Can you describe a Christian community where the clergy are truly acting in persona Christi when they preside at the liturgy and are still being humble members of the assembly? How can we preserve our authentic tradition of having the leaders represent Christ without their having to assume positions of privilege outside the rank-and-file?
Do you think some men have become priests primarily because they felt it was a way to rise above the other members of their family? Do you suppose that there are fewer priests today partly because the role of priest is not so honored any more in society? If we were to dress the priests up again in all their former finery, cassocks, and surplices, do you think we would have more vocations to the priesthood?
Christian Action
Pray for priests. Pray for your parish priest(s). Talk to a priest in a supportive way about his vocation in the Church. Tell him how much his ministry means to the Church. Tell your family, your children, what the ordained priesthood means to you and to the whole Church.
SOURCE: Portland Diocese
Fr. Eamon Tobin
First Reading
What verse, idea or image in the readings spoke to you most? Why?
What is your definition or description of wisdom? How can we grow in wisdom?
Second Reading
How differently would you live your life if you knew that you had only six months to live?
Gospel
What can help us to remain vigilant for the Lord’s comings into our lives?
Name one thing today’s Gospel says to us that we disciples of Jesus need to heed and act on.
Responding to God’s Word
Share with the person next to you one way you can act on this week’s readings. Suggestion: This week, be more vigilant and attentive to how God may be trying to get through to you in the events and encounters of your daily life.
SOURCE: Ascension Catholic Parish, Melbourne, FL
Kay
Murdy
Kay Murdy
Together with God’s Word
Together with God’s Word
32nd Sunday of Year A
TO LOVE: Am I wise or foolish in my service to the Lord?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, fill me with your grace so that I may be prepared to meet the Lord.
Matt
Zemanek
St. Timothy Catholic Church, Laguna Niguel, CA
Matt Zemanek
Fr. Geoffrey
Plant
Fr. Geoffrey Plant
Fr. Bryan
Kujawa
Fr. Bryan Kujawa
Click on image to view Fr. Bryan’s playlist. Each week he posts three videos. You can switch between them by clicking on the upper right hand corner once video starts playing.
FIRST READING & PSALM
2ND READING
GOSPEL