November 19, 2023 – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Great Journey

This week our theme is “Well Done!”/ “Bien hecho!” based on Matthew 25:14-30/ Mateo 25:14-30.

Opening Prayer:

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to the Apostles, “Come, follow me.” You say the same words to us. Help us to follow you faithfully, to walk in the way of your commandments, to help those who are struggling and to love all people as you love them. May we rejoice in your presence with us as we work to build up the Kingdom of God, where you live and reign with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, our God, for ever and ever. Amen.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayers for November are The Glory Be and the Morning Offering. Please pray these prayers daily to learn. The Morning Offering is a great prayer to start the day, before leaving the house in the morning.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

Do you think the master in today’s Gospel story was fair to his servants? Why or why not?
The Lord has entrusted many things to us: money, natural talents, spiritual gifts, etc. He expects us to grow them. What things has the Lord entrusted to you, and how does he want you to grow them?
Why do you think Jesus tells us this story?
St. Cecilia shared the Word of God with people in the streets or Rome. Share a time when you used your talents to share your faith.

Things to do:

In honor of St Cecilia, play some Christian music each night as you clean up after dinner, or in the car…
Each week many people use their talents to serve at Mass. How many people (beside the priest and deacon) served at the Mass you attended this weekend?
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.

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St. Cecilia was a young woman in Rome who, from a young age, wanted to consecrate herself to God. She spent her days preaching the word of God in the streets of Rome and brought many people to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and risen from the dead. Living during a time of great persecution, she was arrested, and many attempts were made to execute her, but miraculously, she survived them all. Finally, her head was chopped off, becoming one of the Church’s first virgin martyrs. She has been a powerful intercessor for Christians since the early days of the Catholic Church, and many churches are named after her worldwide. Her body was exhumed in 1599, and she was the first saint to be discovered as incorrupt, meaning that her body did not decay as bodies normally do after death. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. Many musical compositions are dedicated to her, and her feast day has become the occasion for concerts and musical festivals.

Closing Prayer: Family Talent Gratitude Prayer

Starting with the youngest member, each member of the family lists the talents they see in that person. After all their talents have been named, the father (or mother) leads a prayer thanking God for this member and the gifts he or she brings to the family.

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

Matthew knew that Christ’s coming was delayed, so he emphasized living the Christian life. The “talents” that the Master left behind are the divine wisdom and example we have received in the Gospel. The enterprising servants are those who use the time of Christ’s delay to multiply the generosity, forgiveness, compassion and mercy that they received.

The servant who buried the treasure is the disciple who knows Christ’s teachings but does nothing to share them with others.

What does God really expect rom us? How can we make the best use of the gifts that God has bestowed on us for the good of the world and of the Church? We are reminded that God expects a great deal from us because God sees the glory within us. We all want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Did you know?…. there are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgment, courage, reverence and wonder and awe before God. When we are confirmed, the bishop or priest says, “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” as he anoints us with holy oil. These gifts strengthen us to be missionary disciples.