32nd Sunday of the Year A
The following resources are in the form of a video presentation
- The readings for the day
- (a useful commentary on these readings
here )
- A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex
- Prayers of Intercession
- Final Blessing
- Closing reflective music
Having listened to the readings and helped by Fr Alex's reflection on them, you might want simply to reflect yourself on what you have heard 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)
Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.
1. Something lighthearted… Have you ever been in a situation where you were totally unprepared for it? It might have been a job interview; arriving at a celebration with the wrong gear; going on holiday and forgetting something vital to take etc, etc. Try to pick more humorous examples
2. In the story, half the bridesmaids don’t have enough oil and miss out on the wedding feast as they buy it at the last minute and the door is closed.
What is your modern equivalent of being “low on oil”? Another way of saying this would be: “What would you most regret not having said or not having done if you were to die tonight?” Maybe you could plan now for that to be your Christmas present to some loved one alive or dead. (Share in your group.)
3. In the month of November, take some time to remember your departed loved ones: watch the two Bereavement Group videos; visit a graveside if accessible; light a candle and prayerfully remember some happy times you had with departed loved ones and thank God for them.
Preparing for next week
For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel,
the text can be found
here .
Preparing for next week’s gospel: 33rd Sunday of the Year A
1. In the commentary on our Vision Statement, it talked about the “iceberg of talents” in the cluster: only 10% is visible and the rest is hidden (buried?) like the person in the story who buried it rather than developed it.
To those who are not involved in any cluster work… Please know that the cluster needs you: in fact without you, certain initiatives are not being started; certain people are not being supported. This Advent and Christmas – start thinking about what you can do for your cluster communities.
2. If you are part of a cluster ministry, how has this changed because of lockdown? How can you use your talents differently but effectively in this situation? For example, how will you approach Advent and Christmas this year?
3. Food poverty gets mentioned this week. There’s the Food Bank of course, but start looking for evidence of food poverty around where you live; where you work - and how you can support them with both food and a caring attitude.