32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) The Way of the Day Sundays Scripture 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, Each week we break from the current theme and explore the scriptures coming up at Mass this Sunday. The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

From the Gospel of St Matthew 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.’

Reflection Jesus doesn’t want us to be like the foolish bridesmaids. We can’t borrow oil for our lamps, or grace for our souls, from those we know. We have to be equipped by Jesus Himself. But how? What changes do we need to make in our lives? What sins need confessing? Do we allow Jesus to speak to us in prayer?

Notice that the wise bridesmaids don’t want to leave the spot where the Bridegroom will arrive. They don’t want to miss Him. They’ve done everything they can to be ready for this moment, and they are willing to patiently wait for Him. Let’s do the same. Pause for a moment to think about how you can prepare and wait for the Lord in your daily life.

We ask Mary, the mother of Jesus to pray for us as we say together: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen