Study, Pray, Serve: 32nd Sunday of the Year

Let’s explore some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 32nd Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – 1st Kings 17:10-16

• Elijah goes to Zarephath and he asks a poor widow for water and bread, even though she has only a little bit and after that she and her child will die.
• At Elijah’s prompting, she gives him something to eat, and her supplies did not run out but lasted for a year.

Psalm – 146:7-10

• “Praise the Lord, my soul!”
• The Lord provides justice, nourishment, healing, and protection to those who call upon him.

2nd Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28

• Jesus has entered heaven itself and his once-for-all sacrifice continues on our behalf.
• When the Lord appears a second time, it will be to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Gospel – Mark 12:38-44

• Jesus warns the crowds about the scribes, stating that their love for prestige will lead to a severe condemnation.
• The Lord then points out a poor widow whose two small coins in the treasury are more than the rich, not because of the amount of money, but because of the amount of her sacrifice.

Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year (B, #155)

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