Things to talk about:

• Compare and contrast the actions of the wise and foolish virgins. What does this parable teach us about being prepared for Jesus’ second coming?
• If Jesus returned today, what would he find you doing?
• What does Jesus mean when he says, “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour”?

Things to do:

• Join us at Rise Against Hunger, Saturday, November 11, read more and register
• Find one FairTrade item this week (coffee, chocolate, tea). Look for the FairTrade Symbol on the product.
• Plan to come to the Thanksgiving Day Mass, 10:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for so many blessings.
• Write down some ways your family  can prepare for Jesus’ coming this Advent.

Closing Prayer

God of the rich and the poor, of all the human family, we ask your blessing on us as we seek to follow your ways. Help us to see the world as you do, as one family gathered at one table, ready to serve one another.  Challenge us to do what is right, to love justice, and to walk humbly with You, our God. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Join us on Friday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to Pray the Rosary for Peace in the Middle East. We are praying a Rosary Novena and will continue to gather to pray the Rosary through December 8. This is a great way to learn the Rosary prayers.

Catholic Insights

Jesus promised to return to earth in glory, in the fullness of time, to gather the faithful into the Kingdom of heaven. This parable teaches us to wait faithfully, tirelessly and wisely, for he may come at any time.

Most of the writers of the New Testament believed that Jesus would return in their lifetimes. When Christ did not come right away, Christians began to consider how they should live while they waited.

To know neither the day nor the hour, but to remain prepared, is to live in hope. And although we place our hope in the Christ who is to come, we must be aware that Christ is already here. If we do not recognize Christ among us, will we recognize him when he comes again?

In Jesus’ time, the bridesmaids did not accompany the bride down the aisle. They helped the bride by watching for the groom’s arrival. Then the girls accompanied the groom into the town. The groom could arrive at any time, so it was important for the bridesmaids to have lamps and enough oil in case he came after dark.

The bridegroom in the story represents Jesus. The oil represents our faith and good works. Every day we have opportunities to serve him and our brothers and sisters in Christ in the ways we think, speak and love. The wise bridesmaids represent the faithful disciples.

The lesson for us is to treat every moment as if it might be the moment of Christ’s return. Are you ready?

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