November 6^th , 2011 (Y-A) - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

“ STAY AWAKE AND BE READY!”

INTRODUCTION TO MASS

Every Christian is meant          to be lamp-carrier-a bearer of the light of Christ to a darkened world. But like the foolish bridesmaids we read about in today’s Gospel, we sometimes allow the precious light of Christ to grow dim, or even to go out altogether.     [Pause]

Through a spirit of prayer and watchfulness, Christ will help us to keep his light burning brightly.

LORD Jesus, You call us to keep the lamp of faith burning brightly. LORD, have mercy.

LORD Jesus, You call us to keep the lamp of hope burning brightly. Christ have mercy.

LORD Jesus, You call us to keep the lamp of love burning brightly. LORD, have mercy.

[for health of mind and body]

God of power and mercy, protect us from all harm. Give us freedom of spirit and health in mind and body to do your work on earth.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

R. Amen

FIRST READINGWis 6:12-16

A reading from the Book of Wisdom

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence, and whoever for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care; because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and meets them with all solicitude.

R. Thanks be to GOD.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 63

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O LORD my God.

O God, you are my God whom I seek;

For you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts

Like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O LORD my God.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary

To see your power and your glory,

For your kindness is a greater good than life;

My lips shall glorify you.

Thus will I bless you while I live;

Lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.

As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,

And with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

I will remember you upon my couch,

And through the night-watches I will meditate on you;

You are my help,

And in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.

SECOND READING 1 Thes 4: 13-18

A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians 

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

[Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the LORD, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the LORD, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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 clouds to meet the LORD in the air. Thus we shall always be with the LORD. Therefore, console one another with these words.]

The Word of the LORD.

R. Thanks be to GOD

ALLELUIA

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Stay awake and be ready!

For you do not know on what day your LORD will come.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

GOSPEL Mt 25: 1-13

V. The Lord be with you                                       R. And also with you.

X A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

R. Glory to you, Lord 

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, “Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise ones replied, “No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.” While they went of to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgin came and said, “LORD, LORD, open the door for us!” But he said in reply, “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.