Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Reflections

• Today’s readings call us to keep vigil as we wait for the light, for the dawn, for the One who called himself the light of the world. What can help us as we wait in joyful anticipation? Wisdom, for starters, for it enlightens us. To find wisdom, per our first reading, we must seek it. To recognize it, we must perceive it. And to perceive it, we must love it. With wisdom, we prepare for our vigil by bringing that which will reflect and intensify that light, like the five wise virgins who brought flasks of oil. For we know not when the Lord will come, nor do we know when and how we will see him in our midst. Therefore, we must always be prepared for the arrival of that new dawn, learning to perceive Christ in unexpected ways, ready to reflect his light upon everyone around us.


• If only the bridegroom had come on time. If only he had not been running so very late. But unfortunately, he was unexpectedly “long delayed.” Consequently, the five foolish virgins ran out of oil for their lamps. We have all had experiences of waiting when we ended up having to wait longer, maybe much longer, than we anticipated. Instead of running out of oil, we likely ran out of patience. It would be wise, therefore, to pack some spare patience each day, so that we can be prepared for all those times when we need to wait.

• Bible scholars have determined that Saint Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is the oldest book in the New Testament, written but twenty years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the early days of the church, Christians believed that the end of the world could really come any minute. Therefore, doubt crept in among those who wondered why the second coming seemed to be “long delayed.” What would happen to those who waited, and waited, and waited, but died before Jesus returned? Paul assures them that those who have fallen asleep in the Lord will be raised as the Lord was raised. Replace grief with hope, Paul writes, for those who have died—and those who will die before the end of the world—will remain with the Lord.
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Question of the Week

What has worked for me in the past when I begin to get impatient? Going forward, what will I do to draw upon more patience?

-from Pastoral Patterns

LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, November 12, 2023

SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, November 12, 2023

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