33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
Bountiful God, from whose own abundance all gifts and skills are lavishly bestowed, encourage us to use our talents as generously as You have allotted them, so that, being faithful to Your purpose, we may become sharers in Your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell. Come ye before him and rejoice.
O enter then his gates with praise; approach with joy his courts unto; praise, laud, and bless his name always, for it is seemly so to do.
Because the Lord our God is good; his mercy is forever sure; his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (NLT)
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
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Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (NLT)
How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
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Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
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That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NLT)
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 25:14-15, 19-21 (NLT)
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
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“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
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Intercessions:
Brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord, who blesses those who trust in Him:
+ For every member of a Christian community — that we may use our talents well, putting them at the service of all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an increase in volunteer servants — that good works offered in Your name may not lack for help…. Lord, hear us.
+ For wives and husbands — that they may value each other’s gifts, and be generous to the needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families, and those who love and care for them – that their hard work and virtue may be rewarded…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners and their families, particularly those who have been incarcerated because of their faith — that they may trust in God, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us
+ For victims of crime and violence — that they may see justice done and find healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who are sick, in mind, body or spirit — that our prayers and practical concern may support them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have recently died, particularly those who have died tragically – that those who grieve may be consoled…. Lord, hear us.
Eternal God, You bless those who trust in You: hear our prayers we offer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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