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Catholic Sunday Scripture Study, 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
11/3/2011 10:44:35 PM
November 6, 2011
First Reading:
Wisdom 6:12-16
12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
13 She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.
14 He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.
15 To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding, and he who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,
16 because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalm 63:2-8
R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
For your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
I will remember you upon my couch,
and through the night-watches I will meditate on you:
You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Second Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14
13 But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first;
17 then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;
4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
7 Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
9 But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.'
12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overview of the Gospel:
* As we get closer to the liturgical season of Advent, the Gospel readings are beginning to stress the themes of vigilance and preparation. Since last Sunday’s gospel, we have skipped over Matthew chapter 24, the so-called “Olivet Discourse” delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. In this discourse, he prepares his disciples for, primarily, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans some 40 years later and, by allegorical extension, prepares all Christians for his Second Coming at the end of time.
* Jewish weddings typically took place in the evening, though the exact time was kept secret. Prior to the ceremony the groom would go to the bride’s home and lead her, along with the villagers, in procession to the wedding. The virgins in this story were waiting for the groom and were probably bridesmaids who had the responsibility to prepare the bride to meet the groom, lighting the way with their lamps.
* Christ is often referred to in Scripture as “the Bridegroom” (Mark 2:19-20; John 3:25-30), while the Church is often referred to as his Bride (Revelation 21:2, 9-10; 22:17).
* According to the Church Fathers St. Gregory and St. Augustine, the lamps in this story may stand for “the light of faith”, while the oil stands for “the oil of good works”.
QUESTIONS:
* In the 1st reading, for what are we to “keep vigil”? What are the rewards for doing so?
* In the 2nd reading, St. Paul refers to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time when all who are in Christ (beginning with those Christians who have left this life before us) will be caught up to be with him in heaven forever. Why should these words bring us comfort?
* How does the parable in the Gospel relate to Matthew 24? To the coming Advent season?
* In what way were the ten girls alike? How were they different? What unexpected event takes place (verses 5-6)? With what embarrassing consequence (verse 8)?
* Why is vigilance and personal readiness so important to Jesus’ listeners? In regard to the end of each of our lives? To the Second Coming?
* Who are you most like in this story? Why?
* What is the “oil” that keeps your “lamp” lit? How can you keep it replenished?
* At the final wedding banquet (Revelation 19:6-9; 21:2-4), which side of the door will you be standing? Why?
First Reading:
Wisdom 6:12-16
12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her.
13 She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her.
14 He who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for he will find her sitting at his gates.
15 To fix one's thought on her is perfect understanding, and he who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care,
16 because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalm 63:2-8
R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
For your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
I will remember you upon my couch,
and through the night-watches I will meditate on you:
You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Second Reading:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14
13 But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first;
17 then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:1-13
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;
4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
7 Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
9 But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.'
12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overview of the Gospel:
* As we get closer to the liturgical season of Advent, the Gospel readings are beginning to stress the themes of vigilance and preparation. Since last Sunday’s gospel, we have skipped over Matthew chapter 24, the so-called “Olivet Discourse” delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. In this discourse, he prepares his disciples for, primarily, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans some 40 years later and, by allegorical extension, prepares all Christians for his Second Coming at the end of time.
* Jewish weddings typically took place in the evening, though the exact time was kept secret. Prior to the ceremony the groom would go to the bride’s home and lead her, along with the villagers, in procession to the wedding. The virgins in this story were waiting for the groom and were probably bridesmaids who had the responsibility to prepare the bride to meet the groom, lighting the way with their lamps.
* Christ is often referred to in Scripture as “the Bridegroom” (Mark 2:19-20; John 3:25-30), while the Church is often referred to as his Bride (Revelation 21:2, 9-10; 22:17).
* According to the Church Fathers St. Gregory and St. Augustine, the lamps in this story may stand for “the light of faith”, while the oil stands for “the oil of good works”.
QUESTIONS:
* In the 1st reading, for what are we to “keep vigil”? What are the rewards for doing so?
* In the 2nd reading, St. Paul refers to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time when all who are in Christ (beginning with those Christians who have left this life before us) will be caught up to be with him in heaven forever. Why should these words bring us comfort?
* How does the parable in the Gospel relate to Matthew 24? To the coming Advent season?
* In what way were the ten girls alike? How were they different? What unexpected event takes place (verses 5-6)? With what embarrassing consequence (verse 8)?
* Why is vigilance and personal readiness so important to Jesus’ listeners? In regard to the end of each of our lives? To the Second Coming?
* Who are you most like in this story? Why?
* What is the “oil” that keeps your “lamp” lit? How can you keep it replenished?
* At the final wedding banquet (Revelation 19:6-9; 21:2-4), which side of the door will you be standing? Why?
11/5/2011 9:43:52 PM
* In the 1st reading, for what are we to “keep vigil”? What are the rewards for doing so?
Sure, we are supposed to be vigilant and ever-watchful for wisdom, but it's more than that.
Israelite wisdom differed from the wisdom of other Middle East cultures in that it was modified by its relation of faith in Yahweh. Only Yahweh is truly wise. His wisdom is exhibited in creation. In the Old Testament wisdom appears as a personified accompaniment of Yahweh in His creation as a heavenly being which reflects the majesty and attributes of divinity––-a personification of Yahweh's functions, really.
In short, wisdom is one of the attributes of God. In life's many daily activities, when we are wise and make decisions with God always in mind, we grow in love and service to Him. Every day and each activity we do should be a chance to grow in our relationship with God.
Pity the poor souls (a la "foolish virgins") who merely stumble along in life, going along for the ride, with no plans for their future (or ultimate end!)
The rewards of true wisdom are obvious––-knowing, loving and serving God so that we can be with Him forever in the next world.
"Lord, I pray that those poor souls who merely "get by" each and every day without seeing you, without marvelling at your wonderful creation, who fail to see your love unfolding around them, will be granted wisdom."
11/6/2011 8:45:54 PM
Originally Posted By Cattitude:
November 6, 2011
QUESTIONS:
* In the 1st reading, for what are we to "keep vigil”? What are the rewards for doing so
Already answered by other poster.
* In the 2nd reading, St. Paul refers to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time when all who are in Christ (beginning with those Christians who have left this life before us) will be caught up to be with him in heaven forever. Why should these words bring us comfort?
That there will be rest for the faithfull after this life and into the next.
* How does the parable in the Gospel relate to Matthew 24? To the coming Advent season?
* In what way were the ten girls alike? How were they different? What unexpected event takes place (verses 5-6)? With what embarrassing consequence (verse 8)?
They are all be vigilant for the BrideGroom (Jesus), However, none of us knows the time when He will come therefore we must always be prepared, 5 were not. Hence these 5 were not admitted into the wedding feast.....the Kingdom of Heaven.
* Why is vigilance and personal readiness so important to Jesus’ listeners? In regard to the end of each of our lives? To the Second Coming?
Because we, like the 10 maidens, do not know the day or time that Jesus will return. This return can happen to any of us when our time comes to step from this world into the next.
* Who are you most like in this story? Why?
Depends on the day. Because I'm not always carrying my oil.
* What is the "oil” that keeps your "lamp” lit? How can you keep it replenished?
Our love for God and love for our neighbor. This keeps the light of our faith burning. We keep it replenished by practicing our faith.
* At the final wedding banquet (Revelation 19:6-9; 21:2-4), which side of the door will you be standing? Why?
November 6, 2011
QUESTIONS:
* In the 1st reading, for what are we to "keep vigil”? What are the rewards for doing so
Already answered by other poster.
* In the 2nd reading, St. Paul refers to the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time when all who are in Christ (beginning with those Christians who have left this life before us) will be caught up to be with him in heaven forever. Why should these words bring us comfort?
That there will be rest for the faithfull after this life and into the next.
* How does the parable in the Gospel relate to Matthew 24? To the coming Advent season?
* In what way were the ten girls alike? How were they different? What unexpected event takes place (verses 5-6)? With what embarrassing consequence (verse 8)?
They are all be vigilant for the BrideGroom (Jesus), However, none of us knows the time when He will come therefore we must always be prepared, 5 were not. Hence these 5 were not admitted into the wedding feast.....the Kingdom of Heaven.
* Why is vigilance and personal readiness so important to Jesus’ listeners? In regard to the end of each of our lives? To the Second Coming?
Because we, like the 10 maidens, do not know the day or time that Jesus will return. This return can happen to any of us when our time comes to step from this world into the next.
* Who are you most like in this story? Why?
Depends on the day. Because I'm not always carrying my oil.
* What is the "oil” that keeps your "lamp” lit? How can you keep it replenished?
Our love for God and love for our neighbor. This keeps the light of our faith burning. We keep it replenished by practicing our faith.
* At the final wedding banquet (Revelation 19:6-9; 21:2-4), which side of the door will you be standing? Why?
I'll get back to you on that...
