Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 8, 2020

WIS 6:12-16, 1THES 4:13-18, MT 25:1-13

Scripture

For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the cloudsto meet the Lord in the air.

and

Therefore, stay awake, you know neither the day nor the hour.

Our Unplanned Separation Made Me Think

• My COVID perspective
• Last readings of liturgical year focus on the end times
• We prepare for so much in our  lives
• Do we prepare for our final journey?

Tour Group Elevator Experience

• Empire State Building-What if the cables break?

The Second Reading

• Early Christians thought Jesus’ return and the kingdom was right around the corner
• When it didn’t happen like they expected, Paul had to reassure the Thessalonians
• No one will be  left behind

The Gospel

• The Ten Virgins-Some were ready for the bridegroom Christ’s return, some were not
• We don’t know when Christ is coming
• As disciples and stewards, do we have enough oil in our flask to keep our lamps burning?

My Experience as a Deacon

• Some people have a very peaceful death because of a relationship with Jesus and others
• Others are afraid the Lord will not recognize them
• I assured them that God’s mercy would help them to reconcile and renew their relationship with God

We Gather to Give Thanks and Praise

• Let us pray to replenish the oil in our lamps
• Let us keep our lamps lit with a life of prayer, sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation and good deeds
• May our flasks be filled with oils of compassion, mercy, patience, sympathy, forgiveness, justice and equality, dignity and respect
• What type of oil is in your flask?

Questions for Reflection

• What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
• Do you anticipate a peaceful passing? Is your relationship with God good?
• What type of oil is in your flask?

Live Connected

• Spend time with God this week reflecting on your preparedness to encounter Him in your passing. Take an inventory of the type of oil in your flask. Increase the oils of compassion, mercy, etc.