Thursday, 13 November 2025 (Memorial of Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin)



Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, you enrich your Church by the gift of divine Wisdom, that through Christ your Son we may grow ever more in holiness and bear much fruit. Grant us a listening heart, that we may dwell in the light of your Word and be ever renewed in your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.




Readings

First Reading

Wisdom 7:22b–8:1:

“For in her is a spirit of understanding: holy, one, manifold, subtle, eloquent, active, undefiled, sure, sweet, loving that which is good, quick, which nothing hindereth, beneficent … For she is the brightness of eternal light, and the unspotted mirror of God’s majesty, and the image of his goodness. … She reacheth therefore from end to end mightily, and ordereth all things sweetly.” USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2

Responsorial Psalm

Psalms 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

“R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. … The revelation of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. … Let my soul live to praise you; and may your ordinances help me.” USCCB+2Catholic Online+2

Alleluia

Jesus Christ (John 15:5)

“I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” Catholic Gallery

Gospel

Luke 17:20-25

“Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them and said: ‘The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or, “There!” For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.’ … ‘But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.’” USCCB+2USCCB+2

 

Explanation & Reflection

First Reading

The reading from Wisdom presents Wisdom itself (often personified) as a divine gift: “a spirit of understanding…holy, eloquent, active… brightness of eternal light… image of his goodness.” It emphasises how Wisdom (in the sense of the gift of understanding and insight) permeates all things and orders everything sweetly. Catholic Gallery+1

Application:

  • For Catholics: This reminds us that God’s Wisdom is a treasure to be sought — not merely intellectual knowledge, but the gift that enables us to see reality in the light of God. The CCC teaches that the gift of Wisdom “enables us to judge things according to God’s perspective” (cf. CCC 1831). Catholic Answers+1

  • For Catechumens: If you are preparing for full communion, consider how this gift of Wisdom invites you to go deeper than merely external observance of Christian life. It invites you to let God’s way become your way, to let your heart be formed by Him.

Responsorial Psalm

The psalm celebrates God’s Word: “Your word…endures forever… The revelation of your words gives light… giving understanding to the simple.” The emphasis is on divine revelation, the enduring power of God’s Word, and our need of humble openness (“the simple”) to receive it.

Application:

  • For Catholics: Let us recall that every time we hear Scripture, every time we receive the Word (in the liturgy or personally), we are encountering the enduring “word of God” that gives light and understanding. We are called to live in this truth.

  • For Catechumens: As you journey toward baptism/confirmation, see Scripture not just as an obligation, but as a living encounter with God who speaks to you, forms you, and enlightens you.

Gospel

In Luke 17:20-25, Jesus responds to the Pharisees by saying the Kingdom of God does not come with observable signs; rather, “the kingdom of God is among you.” (or “within you” in some translations). USCCB+2Catholic Answers+2 Then He also reminds the disciples that the Son of Man must first suffer, be rejected, and that the coming of the Kingdom in fullness will have a suddenness like lightning.

Explanation:

  • The phrasing “the kingdom is among you” leads us to understand that in Jesus, in the Incarnation, in the Church, the Kingdom has begun. The CCC states: “The Lord Jesus inaugurated his Church by preaching the Good News … ‘The Church is the Reign of Christ already present in mystery.’” (CCC 763) Catholic Online+1

  • At the same time, the full manifestation of the Kingdom is still to come (the “then” of the parousia).

  • The mention of suffering reminds us that Christ’s path is the path of the Cross, and that our participation in the Kingdom involves a willingness to follow him even in rejection or suffering.

Application:

  • For Catholics: Recognise that you live in the Kingdom now — in the sacraments, in the Church, in our daily relationships — yet you are also called to awaken to its full reality when Christ returns. This means living now as citizens of the Kingdom: justice, peace, mercy, solidarity, sacrificial love.

  • For Catechumens: Understand that becoming Christian means entering into this Kingdom, not merely joining a club. It means following Jesus, experiencing his presence among you, and being transformed by it. It also means that your life will sometimes reflect the cross of Christ: following him can involve difficulty, rejection, but leads to the Kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, you have made us sharers in the gift of your Wisdom and drawn us into the Kingdom of your Son. Strengthen in us the resolve to remain in Christ, that in him we may bear much fruit and be ready when he comes in glory. May your Holy Spirit open our hearts to your Word, so that we live as your people, now and for ever. Amen.

Catechism References (for further reflection)

  • The gift of Wisdom as a gift of the Holy Spirit: CCC 1830-1831. Catholic Answers+1

  • The Kingdom of God: CCC 541–554, 763. (Including that the Kingdom is already and not yet.) thecatechisminayearstudyguide.com+1

  • The Church as the seed and beginning of the Kingdom: Compendium of the CCC, Q 150. Vatican

Application for Catechumens and Catholics together

  • Consider: How am I dwelling in Wisdom? Do I ask for God’s insight beyond natural intellect?

  • Consider: In what ways do I already experience the Kingdom of God among me — in community, prayer, sacrament, service?

  • Consider: Where do I need to allow Christ to suffer, be rejected, or to accept difficulty so that the Kingdom may grow in me?

  • Finally: How will I live today as a citizen of the Kingdom — by small acts of holiness, by being faithful in little things, by witnessing to Christ in my daily life?

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