Discussion Questions

First Reading

Wisdom 6:12-16

F1. In this text, people are looking for “Wisdom” at the same time that “Wisdom” is searching for them. What does “wanting wisdom” do for your “receiving wisdom”? Explain this line from the reading: “ … whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate.”

F2. How is wisdom different from knowledge? Does either one enable you to see beyond the surface of things into their depths? Where do you think wisdom is most needed in your life? Can you think of any area of life on earth that does not need some wise knowledge now?

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 or 4:13-14

S1. Is there anything you would do differently if you thought your own “end time” was soon to come?

S2. If people have been “caught up” with Christ during their lives (loving God and loving neighbor with compassion) do you think there will be a big difference for them once they have “fallen asleep”?

Gospel

Matthew 25:1-13

G1. Jesus’ parable is about being watchful and well prepared. What kinds of things would you do to make sure you were one of those “who were ready”? have compassion on the sick? the homeless? the planet? victims of prejudice? When you watch for God in your life do you sometimes “doze off”? 

G2. In one of his General Audiences, Pope Francis discusses the parable of the ten virgins. He mentions keeping our hearts open to “goodness, beauty and truth.” How would that help us see signs of Christ’s presence in the world?

The Bridegroom is the Lord, and the time of waiting for his arrival is the time he gives to us, to all of us, before his Final Coming; … it is a time of watchfulness; a time in which we must keep alight the lamps of faith, hope and charity, a time in which to keep our heart open to goodness, beauty and truth. … 

What he asks of us is to be ready for the encounter—ready for an encounter, for a beautiful encounter, the encounter with Jesus, which means being able to see the signs of his presence, keeping our faith alive with prayer, with the sacraments, and taking care not to fall asleep so as to not forget about God. … Let us not fall asleep!

Homily of Pope Francis 
at the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
9 November 2015

Anne Osdieck

 

**From Saint Louis University