Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
November 6, 2005

Primary Session
Matthew 25:1-13

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for giving us life and people who love us.
Help us to spend time with you in prayer.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.


Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is perseverance in prayer. To begin provide construction paper and crayons for the children. Invite the children to think of all the good things that God has done for them. Invite each child to create a thank-you card to God using the construction paper and crayons. Discuss:

• How can we share our thoughts and feelings with God?
• Why do we thank God?
• What is prayer?

Allow time for discussion. We believe that God wants us to pray and God listens to us when we pray. When we pray we grow closer to God.

Listening to the Word of God

In the gospel reading listen to Jesus tell a story about ten bridesmaids.

Read Matthew 25:1-13.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What are the ten bridesmaids doing in the story?
• What happens to the foolish bridesmaids?
• What happens to the bridesmaids who came prepared with oil?
• What does Jesus teach his listeners in this story?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

Today’s gospel story reminds us to stay alert and be ready. Jesus tells the story of ten bridesmaids waiting to welcome the groom to a wedding banquet. All of the women took lamps, but only five came prepared with extra oil. When the foolish bridesmaids went off to get more oil, the five others remained, and they greeted the bridegroom when he came. When the five foolish bridesmaids returned, the door was closed and they could not get into the wedding banquet.

In this parable, the wedding banquet is like God’s kingdom and the coming bridegroom represents Christ. For all listeners, the story teaches us to be prayerfully alert and ready for the Lord’s coming.

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Perseverance in Prayer
Prayer connects us with God. The relationship that exists between God and us needs attention. Time spent with God in prayer helps us to become closer to God.

Sometimes it is difficult for us to pray. We may be too busy with friends and activities to take the time to pray. Or, when we take the time to pray, we may not be totally honest with God. Although there are difficulties in prayer, Catholics believe that we should continue to pray to God. We persevere because the Church teaches that God desires our friendship. God wants us to pray. As in any friendship, we must make an effort to talk and listen. Communication helps friendships grow and without it friendships die. This does not mean that God will stop loving us, it simply means that we can separate ourselves from God. We persevere in prayer to show our love for God. We don’t just turn to God when we have problems. We pray because we trust in God’s goodness and love.

• What are some ways that you pray?
• Why is it important to take the time to pray?
• When do you pray?

Sacrament Connection
Prayer is a gift, which is sustained by the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of Confirmation the Holy Spirit comes to strengthen us to live as followers of Christ.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapters 24 and 25
Grade 3, chapters 23, 24 and 25

Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapters 24 and 25
Grade 3, chapters 23, 24 and 25

The Gospel in Life
This week take the time to pray each day.