32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 12, 2023
Readings: Wisdom 6:12–16; Psalm 63:2–8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; Matthew 25:1–13
1. Living with Eternity in Mind:
The liturgical readings for this Sunday are vibrant and focused. Let's begin with the Second reading taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17. It offers comfort and hope in the face of death, assuring believers of the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and the eventual reunion of all believers with the Lord. In a world that often seems filled with despair, fear, and anxiety, this passage reminds Christians that while grief is a natural human emotion, it is not without hope. Believers are encouraged to grieve the loss of loved ones, but not in the same way as those without hope. This hope is based on the belief in the resurrection and the second coming of Christ. In practical terms, this means supporting one another in times of loss, providing comfort, and pointing each other towards the hope of eternal life.
The whole month of November each year is dedicated to those people who have gone before us, who have become part of cloud of witnesses. The promise of Christ's return and the resurrection should inspire Christians to live with eternity in mind. This does not mean withdrawing from the world, but rather engaging with it purposefully, with the understanding that their actions have eternal significance. In a practical sense, this can translate into ethical, moral and value-based living, making choices that reflect the values of the Kingdom of God, and being agents of reconciliation and peace.
2. Vigilance and Readiness to grow in the Lord's vineyard:
St Paul invites the Thessalonian community to encourage one another and to have deep hope in Christ's return. Paul tells them to be united for the greater good and thus work towards the common purpose of achieving salvation to all. In a divisive world, Christians can offer a countercultural witness by seeking to live in harmony with one another, fostering community, and being a source of encouragement rather than division. God has endowed each one with his own abilities and strengths, talents and stamina. Hence each one must mutually contribute to the other's growth and development. This will have a lasting effect on peace and harmony. Jealousy and small-heartedness are not the answer to growing in the Lord's vineyard.
St Paul warns of the Lord's return which might be "like a thief in the night!" It means from our part vigilance and readiness must be of utmost importance. In today’s context, it means being mindful of one’s spiritual state, living a life of integrity, and being active in one's faith and service, always prepared for the Lord's coming. It means being happy and making others as well happy. Be nice and make others too nice in your company. There is no other way to make this world beautiful and capable of embracing all into one.
3. Preparedness as resource management:
The Gospel reading taken from Matthew 25:1–13 contains the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which Jesus uses to teach about preparedness for the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as the wise virgins were prepared with extra oil for their lamps, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared. This entails in today's fast-paced world, taking time for prayer, meditation, and reading scripture amidst the busyness of life. In fact, the parable discourages passive waiting and encourages active vigilance. It means living out one’s faith actively and intentionally, and in a practical sense, active waiting involves serving others, pursuing justice, and being stewards of the Earth. This can manifest in evangelism, social action, and living out the gospel in practical ways in everyday life.
We are also living in an age of unpredictability. The things of today, either products or values get changed tomorrow. Our tastes and desires are in constant change. However, we live here and now. Either rubbing our shoulders with each other or not, we are compelled to live in a community or society. There is a personal aspect that each must take responsibility for. The parable ends with the foolish virgins being shut out, symbolizing the gravity of being unprepared. This serves as a sobering reminder that there are consequences to neglecting one's spiritual life. It's a call for self-reflection and a prompt to prioritize one’s relationship with God. The prudent resource management of the wise virgins must serve as a reminder that we must use time, talents, and treasures. Ultimately, faith and preparedness are personal and cannot be transferred in a moment of need.
Questions for self-reflection:
- Wisdom and Discernment: In which areas of my life do I need to practice more wisdom and discernment? How can I better allocate my time, talents, and resources for God's glory?
- Personal Responsibility: Where have I been relying on the faith and preparedness of others rather than developing my own? How can I take personal responsibility for my spiritual journey?
- Spiritual Resources: What are the "oils" in my life that keep my faith burning bright? Do I have reserves of faith and love to sustain me in times of waiting or spiritual darkness?
Take these questions to your time of prayer and meditation, allowing them to guide you into deeper contemplation and conversation with God.
Prayer based on Psalm 63:
O God, in the stillness of this moment, my soul reaches for You. As a parched land thirsts for rain, so my heart longs for Your presence. Your steadfast love is my sustenance; in Your shadow, I find joy and repose. Hold me close, O Lord, that my spirit may cling to You, and in Your embrace, let my soul be at peace. May Your strength be my guide, and Your love be the source of my satisfaction.
In the name of Jesus, who is the living water, I pray, Amen.
Olvin Veigas, SJ
3 comments:
Thank you Fr for the meaningful and enriching reflections. They are very useful for personal spiritual life.
Thank you father, already preparing us to enter the advent season with hope and trust
"Fr. Olvin Veigas, SJ,
Thank you for your profound and inspirational reflections on the word of God. I've spent time reflecting on it and wanted to mention a few sentences that struck a chord with me."
1.The ultimate pursuit of our lives and indeed of every Christian should eco Christs words to His disciples before His ascension.” Peace I leave with you , my peace I give to you . Not as the world gives do I give to you “.
2. Making choices that reflect the values of the kingdom of God , And being agents of reconciliation and peace.
3. Jealousy and small heartedness are not the answer to growing in the Lords Vineyard.
4. Being happy and making others as well as happy. Be nice and make others too nice in your company. There is no other way to make this world beautiful and capable of embracing all in to one.
5. We must use time, talents and treasures ultimately faith and preparedness are personal and cannot be transferred in a moment of need.
Thank you father! May God continue to bless you to spread the good news to all over the world.
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