Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 12 November 2023 Homily for 12 November 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Wisdom 6: 12-16
Beauty Described!
Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. (12)
God is love, mercy, and wisdom! If we desire wisdom, we must seek God first! “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mt. 6:33)
The reading here also states that Wisdom is found by “those who rise early to seek her”. (v.14) We are to make a sincere effort in searching for her, by organizing and placing ourselves in a position of receiving her. We are further advised to fix our thoughts on her and be vigilant so that we may hear her counsel and “be free from care.” (v.15)
“She graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.” (v. 16)
We must be conscious that God the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our thoughts, right from the moment we awaken through the day until we rest for the night. It is important to be sensitive to his voice – the voice of wisdom. Every time we bend our wills to his soft leads, we will realize how near Wisdom is to us!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2-8
The Feast of Life!
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; (5-6)
Mighty kings and warriors have been known to diligently seek after God and his wisdom. Those who have joyfully and willingly worshipped the Lord have been blessed in abundance always.
Alleluia, Amen, Alleluia!
Second Reading: First Thessalonians 4: 13-18
Hope Lived!
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. (13)
During this month especially, when we remember our near and dear departed family members and pray for all the souls in purgatory; this verse comes as a soothing message. Through Christ Jesus who died and rose from the dead, we have the promise of eternal life and the hope of meeting our loved ones in the next life. Therefore, we must not be overwhelmed with grief and sorrow at this departing but we are filled with hope of a new life in Christ Jesus forever. We surely must grieve and express our sorrow in losing our loved ones, while here on earth. But we cannot remain lost in despair of missing them forever. Also, when we depart from here we too remain in the hope of meeting our loved ones left behind.
Hence we look forward to life here on earth in wisdom, hope, and joy. In Jesus Christ, Amen!
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13
Recess to Repent and Rebuild Faith!
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (13)
The Kingdom of Heaven will be exactly as it is written here, spoken by God! We are in the period where “the bridegroom was delayed”. (v.5) Have we become “drowsy and (have) slept.”?! Where can we fill our flasks of faith and hope? This time gap we have been blessed with is our one opportunity! Is our flask of faith enough to tide over looming darkness? Our Lord awaits us, in the priests at the confessionals! Our Lord awaits us in the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Eucharist, where our lamps can be washed and refilled with an overflowing oil of faith. Let us trim our lamps first and not be bogged down or distracted by “the foolish bridesmaids” around! Let us listen to the shout of wisdom as she calls out at this midnight hour! Let us be brave in following what she tells us to do!
Let us return to our churches, to our confessionals, to the Holy Eucharist, to the Blessed Sacrament, and the Holy Bible, the word of God! Let us return with repentant and contrite hearts to our Lord. For he may yet let us in!
In Jesus’ mighty and matchless name, Alleluia, Amen, Amen, Amen!
