Clicking on the links below will bring you to the Sunday Mass readings published by the USCCB; scroll down the USCCB page to find the Gospel readings.

Sunday Gospels

Through the Lens of Gifts for Jesus

What presents would Jesus really like? Let’s consider his words during the four Sundays of November.

31st Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 5)

Why is Jesus not pleased with the Scribes and Pharisees in today’s Gospel? (Mt 23:1-12) They are not giving him the things he really wants. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted everything for themselves. They wanted to be obeyed though they didn’t obey God. They wanted to look good without changing their hearts. They wanted to place burdens on people instead of carrying them. They wanted to be admired when they didn’t deserve it. What Jesus wants is that we unite ourselves under the teaching of the one Lord and serve each other in love.

32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 12)

In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Mt 25:1-13), what is it that Jesus wants? He wants our unique light, our unrepeatable person, the love that only each one of us can give him. Only we can give him ourselves. No one else can give him that. No one else can be you. He made you so that you can love him now and forever.

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 19)

Jesus has given you many special gifts. (Mt 25:14-30) What does he want you to give him in return? He wants you to be grateful for the gifts you have and to use them wisely. His gifts show his love for you and your use of them shows your love for him. You could not give him anything if he did not first give you the things you needed to make a gift to him.

Christ the King Sunday (November 26)

In the final Gospel for this liturgical year, we are shown the Sheep and the Goats. (Mt 25:31-46) Jesus is always looking for love. He doesn’t need this love for himself but he wants it for you. If you love, your soul will be beautiful. Therefore he gives you opportunities every day to love. He sends you people in need that you can help with your care and compassion. They are another gift he gives you. And when you love them, you love him and you give him the gift of true love.