Prayer/Assembly Resource Sheet

Week Beginning: 13 November 2017

Theme: Being ready (to welcome Christ)

Reflection: We will remember them.

Readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; Psalm 62; 1 Thessalonians4:13-18; Matthew 25: 1-13

The wedding banquet is a regular image of eternal life in the Gospels. We can only speak about the unknown in terms of what is known to us. The wedding banquet highlights eternal life as that state when the deepest hunger and thirst in our lives will be satisfied, especially our thirst for love, for God who is love. “O God, for you my soul is thirsting” (Responsorial psalm.) In the second reading, Paul also speaks of life beyond death … it is that moment when Godwill bring with him those who have died and then we shall remainforever with the Lord. Eternal life will mean entering into a new, and fuller relationship with God and with all creation.

The parable warns that one can be excluded from the banquet of eternal life. Onlythose who were readywent in with the bridegroom to the wedding. When God calls us, will we be ready? Life after death is God’s gift to us and a gift, by definition, can be refused, We will be ready for this ultimate gift, if throughout life we have learned to welcome God’s gifts. Our regular attitudes will help to shape our attitude at the moment of death. Today’s gospel concludes with a call to “Stay awake.” One important way in which we stay awake to God is by prayer. In prayer we look for the Lord, desire him, watch for him and think about him. To pray is to become like a child, utterly receptive to God’s presence within us.

Thankfully we are all blessed to be working with children for on a daily basis they and our colleagues help us to be alert, to welcome Christ and to watch and pray.

A Prayer for Sharing

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next.

Amen.

Prayers:

Our response to our prayers: Help us to welcome you into our lives.

Amen

Monday: For all who follow the Christian way — that they may receive the gift of wisdom. R/.

Tuesday: For people looking forward to their marriage — that they may prepare wisely and well R/

Wednesday: In November, we think of all the Holy Souls — that God may draw them to the everlasting peace of heaven R/

Thursday: For all who are sick and housebound that they may receive comfort R/

Friday: For those who grieve over the loss of a loved one, that they may be consoled by God’s gentle care R/