Feast of All Saints
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
After you have watched our Prayer Resources we would encourage you to sit and reflect quietly on what the Word of God is saying to you this weekend.
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.
The Beatitudes are Jesus’ manifesto to the world. They make daunting reading because they are well outside our comfort zone. Jesus sits down with his disciples and tells them effectively: “You are blessed because you are trying to follow the gospel message and the world is going to hate you for it.”
1. Think big, start small. Having read the passage, think of one or two small things you could do this week that will take you along the road of the beatitudes.
(Share with your group if you are in one).
2. Consider how Pope Francis is being castigated by many different factions whose values are “of the world” and who sense he is a threat to their comfort zones. Yet he continually speaks of “joy”, “mercy” and “dialogue”. Pray for him and follow his twitter feed on the home page of our website https://www.southedinburghrc.org.uk/home
3. Make a note in your diary of the upcoming Feast of All Souls (Nov 2). Our Bereavement Group have made a special video for it.
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: 32nd Sunday of the Year A
Matt 25:1-13 The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him
Here are some suggested questions for you to consider.
Next week: (The Parable of the Ten Groomsmaids)
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, the groomsmaids 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 All Souls videos; visit the grave; light a candle and prayerfully remember some happy times and thank God for them.