32nd Sunday A

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

  • The gospel for the day
  • Commentary on the readings
  • Some optional questions for reflection
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Cluster Prayer
  • The gospel of the week ahead with questions

Matthew 25: 1-13  The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.


Jesus told this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, “The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.”

At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out.” But they replied, “There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves.” They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’


This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

The bridegroom is here and asking us to accompany Him to the feast - the Eucharist.

So many don't go properly prepared for the feast. It's the same old same old every week.

The "oil in our lamp" provides the light by which we see how we walk with the bridegroom.

  1. What/who would be the "oil in your lamp" to help you walk with Jesus on your faith journey?
  2. We meet Christ sometimes when we least expect it.
    How can you be ready to see him in all the ways he is present?  *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession


In the gospel, we hear the message of Jesus, 'stay awake because you do not know either the day or the hour'. As we offer our prayers for the needs of our struggling world, let us ask for the wisdom, understanding, courage, and strength to live fully each day, awake and eagerly awaiting the coming of the Lord.

We pray for Pope Francis as he continues to shepherd the people of God; may he be given the wisdom and strength he needs to guide the flock of Christ through these challenging times so that we can truly reflect the face of Christ to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the thousands of people in Gazza, Israel, Sudan, Ukraine, and all war-torn areas of our world where death and misery are their daily bread. We implore God's Spirit to fill the hearts of world leaders with a genuine desire to seek a path towards understanding and reconciliation - and with a sincere willingness to live in peace and harmony.

 

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

On this Armistice Weekend, when we remember those who nobly gave their lives so that we would have a tomorrow, we offer our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for their ultimate sacrifice.

We remember also our armed forces serving today to ensure peace and safety in our troubled world.

 

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the people of Britain, where life is a daily challenge for many and stability is a thing of the past. Inspire those who can bring about change for the better to work tirelessly for the good of all. Let us open our hearts and minds to find ways to reach out and serve our neighbours in need - especially as we approach the season of Advent and Christmastime.

 

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for families everywhere that parents will be guided in the care of their children and that children will be cared for and inspired by the adults in their lives. May our young people be supported and helped to reach their full potential, and may they know that their life is precious and a gift to be cherished by all.

 

Lord, in your mercy     Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. May the Lord touch them with his healing hand and strengthen those who care for them. May we reach out to support those who are struggling and show them our love and compassion. We especially remember all those on our prayer foundation list.

 

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

During this month of November, we remember especially all our departed family and friends who have gone to their eternal rest. We ask them to intercede for us as we continue our earthly journey with the hope of being united with them in our heavenly home.

We remember especially Mary Deane, Tony Cuthill, Jennifer McGeever.

 

Lord, in your mercy,             Hear our prayer.

 

Let us now say our Discipleship Prayer.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples

Picture of Jesus at door

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week -  33rd Sunday  A

      Matthew 25: 14-30   You have been faithful in small things;

come and join in your master's happiness.


Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of Heaven is like a man on his way abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one; each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out.
‘The man who had received the five talents promptly went and traded with them and made five more. The man who had received two made two more in the same way. But the man who had received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
‘Now a long time after, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more. “Sir,” he said “you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made.”
‘His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you can be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
‘Next the man with the two talents came forward. “Sir,” he said “you entrusted me with two talents; here are two more that I have made.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you can be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
‘Last came forward the man who had the one talent. “Sir,” said he “I had heard you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered; so I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here it is; it was yours, you have it back.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and lazy servant! So you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered? Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have recovered my capital with interest. So now, take the talent from him and give it to the man who has the five talents. For to everyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away. As for this good-for-nothing servant, throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”’

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Does this parable reflect a God of unconditional love? He reaps where he does not sow...

We need to do the sowing: yielding a hundred fold, fifty fold or whatever our talents can produce.

God's love does not mean indifference - he expects us to participate in the work of the harvest.

  1. Ask someone you trust to tell you - honestly - what is special about you. Do the same for them.
    Reflect on what the Holy Spirit has nudged them to say...
  2. What gift have you not developed as you had hoped? What could you still do? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center