Collect Series: Collect for 4th Sunday Lent Laetare Sunday.

 COLLECT SERIES

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Collect

The Collect for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) is as follows:

O God, who through Your Word

reconcile the human race to Yourself in a wonderful way,

grant, we pray,

that with prompt devotion and eager faith

the Christian people may hasten

 toward the solemn celebrations to come. 

                                          

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1. What value do I place in my life of Christ's death and resurrection?

2. What does it mean to me to be a catholic/ Christian?

3.  What is my level of devotion and faith? How will I improve it this coming week?

4.  How will I celebrate the solemn celebrations this year?

5.  Am I eager to celebrate resurrection at Easter or do I think of it as just another feast?

6.  What steps will I take to be reconciled to God this week ( eg Sacrament of Reconciliation).

Gospel Reflection

 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) is indeed one of the most familiar, but that makes it ripe for fresh reflection, especially for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year C (Laetare Sunday, the “Rejoice!” Sunday). Here are a few deeper or lesser-highlighted angles to consider:

 1. The Father Was Watching — Not Waiting

Many interpret the father's running as a sign of joy. But the fact that the father sees the son while he is still far off (Luke 15:20) suggests a daily longing, a scanning of the horizon. He wasn't just waiting — he was actively watching.

This kind of watching speaks of hopeful love that refuses to give up. It’s a powerful image of God’s proactive mercy, not just passive acceptance.

 

 2. The Son’s Confession is Interrupted

The younger son rehearses his apology:

"Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” (v. 18–19)

But when he actually gets home, he never gets to finish it:

"Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." (v. 21)

He doesn’t get to offer himself as a servant — the father cuts him off with hugs, a robe, and a feast. God’s mercy doesn't negotiate terms. He restores sonship before the son can even ask for less.

 

 3. The Elder Son is Also Lost — but at Home

The Prodigal Son Parable.

This parable is just as much about the elder son, who refuses to enter the house. Despite being "faithful" on the outside, he harbours resentment, entitlement, and self-righteousness.

He says, “This son of yours…” not “my brother.” His relationship with the father is transactional: “I never disobeyed you, yet you never gave me…”

We can overlook that the elder son is also invited — the father comes out to him, just as he ran to the younger one. The invitation is to joy, not just duty. We’re all invited to the feast — the question is, will we come in?

The other aspect is that the Father listens to the elder son's feelings.  He lets him air his grievance to him.  He hears the resentment, the anger and the frustration and how he feels that the Father is unjustly treating him.  However the Father reassures him 'all I have is yours'. He reassures him that his inheritance is assured. He does not go back on dividing the property between the two sons.  He does not take away our identity either in Him.

 

 4. The Parable Ends Without a Resolution

We don’t find out what the elder son decides. This open ending forces us to insert ourselves into the story. Will we enter the feast of mercy and joy? Or will we remain outside, holding onto our grudges and pride?

It's a brilliant literary device: it calls the reader — especially the Pharisees and scribes Jesus was addressing — to respond.

 

5. The Scandal of the Father’s Behaviour

In Middle Eastern patriarchal culture, running was undignified for an elder man. But the father runs, embraces, and kisses the wayward son. He even gives him:

• A robe — dignity
• A ring — authority (possibly the family signet ring!)
• Sandals — a mark of freedom (slaves went barefoot)

It’s not just forgiveness — it’s full restoration, a public statement of love and honor. This would have scandalized Jesus' audience — and beautifully shows the radical nature of God's grace.

 

The Father running is one of the most radical and culturally shocking elements of the parable, and it’s often overlooked because we hear it through modern ears.

In Jesus’ time, a Middle Eastern patriarch simply did not run. It was considered deeply undignified. Here's why this matters so much:

 

 Running = Loss of Dignity

For a man of stature — especially the head of a household — running would involve:

• Lifting his robes (exposing his legs, which was shameful)
• Breaking composure in front of others
• Acting in a way associated with children or servants, not with noblemen

So, when Jesus says, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son…” (Luke 15:20), it would have caused a gasp among listeners.

Why would a dignified man humiliate himself like that?

Because love overrules protocol.

 

Public Affection Was Not Common for Men

The father doesn’t just run — he:

• Throws his arms around his son
• Kisses him

This public, emotional display is more than paternal warmth. It’s a declaration to the community:

“This is my son. I love him. I am not ashamed of him. I am restoring him publicly, and no one is to shame him.”

The affection is loud and visible. In a shame-honour culture, the father is absorbing the shame that should’ve fallen on the son — much like Christ does on the cross.

 

Echoes of the Cross

Some scholars see this moment as foreshadowing the Gospel:

• The father humiliates himself to reconcile with the son
• He does not let the son bear the shame alone
• He acts first, before the son can say a word

This is what St. Paul meant when he wrote:

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The running father is the scandal of grace — the same scandal Jesus embodied.

 

Laetare Sunday How is your Lenten journey progressing?  Are you feeling weary and ready for a little break?

 

In Lent, we have the tradition to have a mid-Lent break, (the half way point of Lent), which is known as Laetare Sunday derived from the latin 'to rejoice'. Liturgically we break away from the Lenten penitential spirit of the purple vestments to the wearing of rose-coloured vestments by the priest and/or deacon.  These rose-coloured vestments are only worn twice a year, so from a practical perspective, some parishes do not have a set, but use lighter purple vestments.

 The fourth Sunday of Lent is also known as 'let up Sunday' because we 'let up' on our Lenten penance. It can be a timely reminder for those of us who may have struggled through Lent so far.  I remember thinking during one of my disastrous Lents that  we had reached the midpoint, and I had not got started. I remember another Lent going well up to Laetare Sunday- I had a break on that day and could not get started again. 

  It is an excellent time to review how our Lenten journey and tweak it accordingly.  Never too late to start and/or start again.

 Anyway, enjoy Laetare Sunday- we can all do with a break but for people like myself, do remember to get started again afterwards!!!!  We can run to the Father and ask His mercy aand start again.

 

 

 

Collect Series: Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C

 

COLLECT SERIES

 

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COLLECT

 

The Collect for Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C reads as follows:

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that, always pondering spiritual things,

we may carry out in both word and deed

that which is pleasing to you

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What are the spiritual questions/ confusions/uncertainties that I currently have? Make a list.

2. If you do not have any spiritual questions/confusions/uncertainties right now, then make a list of areas that you would like to know more for spiritual growth.

3. Word and deed come from the heart and flow from what is in our hearts. What words and deeds will we carry out this coming week that will be pleasing to God.

4. What one area in my life will I try to improve through the power of God’s grace this week?

5. Spend some time with Jesus and ask Him to show you what you need to do this coming Lent to become a pleasing dwelling for Him this Easter.

 

 GOSPEL REFLECTION

On the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus delivers us through Luke’s Gospel, one of His most challenging teachings: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). These words call us to a radical way of living, one that goes against our natural instincts and the values of the world. Yet, they reveal the heart of Christian discipleship—to love as God loves, even when it is difficult.

At first glance, this teaching may feel impossible. How can we love those who have hurt us or seek to do us harm? Jesus does not ask us to condone wrongdoing or allow ourselves to remain in harmful situations. Rather, He invites us to transcend the cycle of hatred and retaliation, to act with the grace that reflects our identity as children of God. This is not a call to weakness, but to a strength rooted in divine love—a strength that seeks the good of the other even in the face of hurt or hostility.

Jesus provides a blueprint for this radical love: to “do good,” “bless,” and “pray” for our enemies. Each action challenges us to respond to hostility not with anger or revenge but with acts of goodness and generosity. To “do good” means going beyond avoiding harm and actively seeking opportunities to serve others, even those who oppose us. To “bless” someone is to wish them well, asking God to bestow His grace upon them. And to “pray” for those who mistreat us is to bring them into God’s presence, asking for His healing and justice.

Forgiveness is central to this Gospel. To forgive someone who has wronged us does not mean forgetting the hurt or excusing the behaviour. Instead, forgiveness is a decision to release the hold that anger and resentment have on our hearts. It is an act of trust in God’s justice and mercy. Jesus’ own life provides the ultimate example of forgiveness: from the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This prayer shows that forgiveness is not about denying pain but about seeking God’s healing and entrusting our pain to Him.

The command to “love your enemies” also invites us to broaden our understanding of who our “enemies” might be. They may not always be those who openly oppose us but could include individuals with whom we have unresolved conflicts or strained relationships. At times, the “enemy” might even be within ourselves—our own fears, doubts, or weaknesses that prevent us from fully trusting in God. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to bring all these struggles before Him, trusting in His grace to guide our response.

This teaching extends beyond personal relationships. It calls us to respond to societal injustice with courage and compassion. When faced with hostility or exclusion, Jesus asks us not to retaliate but to witness to God’s love through our actions. This way of living reflects the “golden rule”: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). The golden rule is more than a moral guideline; it is an invitation to imitate God’s generosity, treating others with the same love and dignity that we desire for ourselves.

Living this teaching is not easy, and Jesus understands the challenges we face. That is why He calls us to pray for those who mistreat us. Prayer softens our hearts and allows God to work within us, shaping our attitudes and responses. Even when our prayers feel imperfect or insincere, the act of turning to God is a step of faith. Over time, the Holy Spirit can transform our hearts, enabling us to see others through the lens of God’s mercy.

Practical Applications

Jesus’ teaching invites us to reflect on practical ways to live out this Gospel in our daily lives:

• Seek Opportunities to Do Good: Consider how small acts of kindness, even toward difficult individuals, can be transformative. A kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear can soften hearts and open doors for reconciliation.
• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on God’s blessings in your life and use them as a foundation for extending generosity to others.
• Pray for Healing: Bring your struggles with forgiveness to God, asking for His grace to release anger and resentment. Prayer is a powerful tool for transforming relationships.
• Examine Your Relationships: Identify areas of tension or unresolved hurt and consider how you might take steps toward healing, even if reconciliation feels distant.

Reflection Questions

 

1. When have I found it difficult to forgive someone?
2. How can I invite Jesus into that process?
3. Who in my life feels like an “enemy” right now?
4. How might God be calling me to respond with love and grace?
5. How can I live the “golden rule” more fully in my daily interactions?
6. What is one practical step I can take this week/this month to show kindness to someone who has hurt me or to bridge a broken relationship?
7. How can prayer help me overcome resentment and embrace forgiveness?

 

Conclusion

Jesus’ call to love our enemies is one of the most challenging aspects of discipleship, yet it is also one of the most transformative. It invites us to reflect God’s love in a world often marked by division and hostility. As we contemplate this Gospel, let us ask for the grace to forgive, to pray for those who mistreat us, and to respond with love even in difficult circumstances. By doing so, we participate in the redemptive work of Christ and allow His peace to reign in our hearts and in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Psalm Series Psalm 8 Part 1 Key Themes and Insights

 THE PSALM SERIES

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Psalm 8 Part 1

As Catholics we hear the Psalms each day at Mass and if we say Morning and Evening Prayer- the Divine Office then we will also be using the Psalms.

Do we understand the Psalms when we read them or respond to it at Mass?

In this series, my aim is to explore the meaning of the 150 Psalms and to consider the moods contained therein.  I also hope that this series may be a valuable source for lectors so that they have a greater understanding of the Psalms and proclaim them well.

Last year I wrote 2 posts for Psalm 7 and now this week we continue the series with Psalm 8.  Let us begin.

Key Themes and Insights.

 

Background and Historical Context

Psalm 8 (9) is a hymn of praise attributed to King David, marvelling at God's creation and humanity’s unique role within it. The psalm begins and ends with the refrain:
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Ps 8:1, 9).

It emphasizes both the grandeur of God's work and the paradox of human smallness in the universe, yet highlights the dignity bestowed upon mankind. Psalm 8 is referenced in Hebrews 2:6-9, where it is applied to Christ’s exaltation. It reflects themes of creation, stewardship, and divine mindfulness, making it significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

 

1. The Majesty of God in Creation

Psalm 8 celebrates the beauty and magnificence of God’s creation. The heavens, moon, and stars declare His glory, demonstrating His power and wisdom. The psalmist stands in awe at the grandeur of creation and how it reflects God’s majesty.

Insights:

• Creation reveals God's sovereignty, power, and wisdom.
• The natural world invites us to worship and reflect on God's majesty.
• Despite the vastness of creation, God's personal care for humanity remains central.

 

2. The Paradox of Human Frailty and Dignity

The psalmist marvels at God's mindfulness of humanity:

"What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Ps 8:4).

Though we are small compared to the vast universe, God gives us dignity, purpose, and care. This paradox highlights both humility (our smallness before God) and dignity (our God-given worth).

Insights:

• We are insignificant in size compared to the universe but deeply valued by God.
• God entrusts humanity with a special role, elevating us above the rest of creation.
• This theme invites us to recognize our identity in God rather than in worldly measures of worth.

 

3. Human Responsibility and Stewardship

The psalm declares:

"You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet." (Ps 8:6).

Humanity is given the responsibility to care for creation. This stewardship is not about domination but about nurturing, protecting, and honoring what God has entrusted to us.

Insights:

• We are caretakers of the earth, called to protect and respect God’s creation.
• Our stewardship extends beyond nature to relationships, communities, and spiritual gifts.
• Faithful stewardship reflects our obedience and gratitude to God.

 

Reflection Questions

1.    The Majesty of God in Creation

• How do you experience God’s majesty when you observe creation?
• How can you cultivate a greater sense of wonder and gratitude for God's creation in your daily life?
• How does recognizing God’s majesty in creation inspire your faith and deepen your trust in Him?

  The Paradox of Human Frailty and Dignity

• In what ways do you struggle with balancing humility and recognizing your God-given dignity?
• How does knowing that God is mindful of you impact your sense of self-worth and purpose?
• What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily that you are both small before God yet deeply valued by Him?

    Human Responsibility and Stewardship

• How do you currently view your role as a steward of God's creation?
• What small, tangible actions can you take to honor God's gift of creation in your daily life?
• In what ways can stewardship extend beyond the environment to how you care for others and use your gifts?

 

Collect Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time Year C

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COLLECT

 

The Collect for Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C reads as follows:

Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care,

that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace,

they may be defended always by your protection

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Spend some time in reflection on my life/ this last month/last week on the unfailing care of God. Acknowledge these times and spend time thanking God for them.

2. How do I rely on the hope of heavenly grace in my life?

3. What are the securities in my life I use rather than the hope of heavenly grace?

4. What areas in my life do I want and/or need protection from God?

5.  What does unfailing care mean to me in my relationship with God?

6.  When I attend Mass next Sunday, how will I have grown spiritually? (decide on an area to work on this coming week).

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION Luke 5:1-11:

Leave Me Lord I am a sinful man.

In this passage, we encounter Jesus calling Simon Peter and his companions to follow Him. The scene opens with the fishermen, having worked all night without catching anything, feeling exhausted and discouraged. But Jesus speaks to Simon, telling him to put out into the deep and let down the nets one more time. Despite their earlier frustration, Simon obeys, and they catch such a large number of fish that their nets begin to break.

This story is rich with lessons. Firstly, it shows the power of obedience. Simon’s initial hesitation turns into trust when he follows Jesus’ instructions, even when it doesn’t seem logical. It’s a reminder that we often struggle to see God’s plan in our circumstances, but when we trust and act on His guidance, amazing things can happen.

Jesus then calls Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch people.” In these words, Jesus is inviting Simon and his companions into a deeper mission. He calls them to a life of purpose beyond their daily work. Similarly, Jesus calls each of us to step beyond our comfort zones, to take risks in faith, and to share His love with others, even when it feels daunting.

Finally, Simon’s response is telling. He falls at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by his unworthiness, but Jesus does not reject him. Instead, He assures Simon that it is precisely in his weakness and humility that he will be made strong for the mission ahead. This teaches us that Jesus doesn’t call the perfect but those who are willing to surrender themselves to Him, trusting in His mercy and grace.

In this passage, we see the call to discipleship: to trust Jesus, to step into the unknown, and to follow Him with our whole hearts. Like Simon, we may have moments of doubt or fear, but if we allow ourselves to be led by Jesus, He will transform our weaknesses into strengths for His Kingdom. May we, too, be willing to follow Him, even when the journey seems uncertain.

Other Aspects to Note:

1. Jesus is teaching the crowd. This is like a collective approach- perhaps like a priest giving a homily at Mass.  There is a crowd but each person is listening and responding to their best ability.( hopefully).  Each person is filtering as well according to their circumstances. Have you ever heard a homily and thought ‘that was for me’.  I have from time to time and when that moment comes, I have so much gratitude because I know that God is providing for me with unfailing care at that moment.  Yes, He provides every day, every week but I am more receptive at that moment and the fire in my soul is recharged, relit and burns.

2. Jesus and Peter encounter:  When Peter realises the enormity of the miracle, he realises the enormity of this unworthiness.  Jesus does not want us to grovel but we do need to acknowledge with humility that God is God and we ourselves do not make things change.  It is God.  The more we acknowledge that God is the Creator, the Provider, the Lover of Me, and I am the created- whom God loves intensely, the easier it is as we are in right relationship.  When we think that we are in control, we make things happen, we do this, we set goals/dreams then our relationship with God is out of sync.  

3. Peter’s response:  Peter did not stop there stuck in his unworthiness but saw the need of other disciples and went and helped them.  We  too must look around and see the need of others and in love, help them.  We must ask Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see this need and the grace to help others in the way God wants.  In this way we can cooperate with God and be His channel of grace to others.  Remember we have countless opportunities to help others every day- it does not have to be a big action- a smile, a kind word, active listening to someone in need emotionally or spiritually, helping a colleague at work who is struggling with a task, doing the dishes, laying the table etc. The key is our own inner attitude- think of the love that God has shown me in my life and out of gratitude and love for God, choose to help others who are in need.  Do we help others because we have to or think we ought to or do we help others because God has given me so much that I want to pass it on to others.  Think of Peter’s response here.  He knew he was unworthy but he also knew that despite his humanity he still had to help others because God truly loved him. 

4. The response of Jesus- Jesus tells Peter of his mission : from now on it is not fish that you will catch but men’.  In other words, with the skills that Peter had as a fisherman he would use those skills to ‘catch people not fish’.

What mission is Jesus giving you?  What skills do you have that Jesus will use in a different way for the building up of the kingdom?   What is Jesus asking of me this year?

 

  

Moments With The Gospel The Mustard Seed.

Moments With The Gospel.

Moments With The Gospel Icon.

Today is Friday of Third Week of Ordinary Time.  The Church offers us this Gospel. I was meditating on the Gospel of the parable about the Mustard seed this morning and the phrase "the mustard seed'  caught my attention.  I was curious to find out more about the mustard seed and what it might reveal. Let us explore further. 

The mustard seed, while famously small, possesses several qualities that make it a powerful image in Jesus’ parable:

1. Rapid Growth 

Once planted the mustard seed grows quickly and vigorously, becoming a large plant or even a tree-like shrub. This symbolizes how the Kingdom of God starts small but expands beyond expectation.

2. Resilience and Hardiness

Mustard plants can thrive in various conditions and are highly adaptable. They don’t require deep soil; they can grow even in rocky or dry soil, which makes them a symbol of faith that can take root and flourish even in difficult circumstances.

3. Expansiveness and Influence 
A mustard seed doesn’t just grow—it spreads. It can take over an area, much like faith spreads from a single person to influence many.
So while mustard seeds don’t require deep soil, they do need space to grow, much like faith—small at first but expansive when nurtured. As I meditated on these features of the mustard seed I reflected on my how my faith like the mustard seed, takes root, spreads and becomes a refuge for others.
How does these added qualities of the Mustard seed expand me and help us grow in our relationship with God and with one another?

4. Provides Shelter and Nourishment

When fully grown, the mustard plant becomes large enough for birds to nest in its branches (Mark 4:32). This reflects how the Kingdom of God provides refuge, protection, and sustenance.

5. Requires Surrender to Growth

The seed must be buried in the earth and die to itself to sprout and grow. This echoes the call to surrender in faith, trusting in God’s transformative power.

6. Not a Majestic Tree, but a Humble Plant

Mustard plants are not like the mighty cedars of Lebanon; they are simple, everyday plants. This reminds us that God’s Kingdom grows in ways that defy human expectations, often through humility and simplicity.

Collect series: Third Sunday Ordinary Time

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT 

COLLECT SERIES

 

COLLECT

 

The Collect for Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C reads as follows:

Almighty ever-living God,

direct our actions according to your good pleasure,

that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What are the actions I need to take today/this week to direct my actions according to His Good pleasure?

2. Why should our good works be done in the name of Jesus?

3. What actions in my life either intermittently or ongoing are not according to God’s good pleasure?  What will I do to address this issue this coming week?

4. What are good works?  Why not examine the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that the church provides us as a guide.  https://cgcatholic.org.au/catholic-voice/blog/the-spiritual-and-corporal-works-of-mercy/

5.. What are my spiritual goals for 2022- for this month, this week, today?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel is from Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21.  Year C is the year of reading Luke’s Gospel but we have already had last week an interruption with a Gospel from St John.  Today’s Gospel starts at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel and then jumps to chapter 4.  The reason for this is that we have heard during Christmastide Chapters 1-3 as these are the infant narratives.

Luke’s Gospel has 3 features for us to keep in mind throughout the year:

1. It is an orderly account- chronological from the infancy narratives to the death and resurrection of Christ.

2. It is geographical account- moving from the countryside and finishing in Jerusalem with the death and resurrection of Christ.

3. It is a theological account: By this I mean that Luke is at pains to explain to us throughout his gospel account that Jesus was not only the promise but the fulfillment of the promise.  Today’s gospel account where Jesus is reading from the prophet of Isaiah exemplifies this as Jesus after He rolls up the scroll says’ This text is being fulfilled even as you listen’.

 We may wish to ask ourselves how this text is being fulfilled as we listen today’.

The Lord sent me to bring good news to the poor: Who are the poor in my life that I can bring good news to this coming week? What is the good news I need to hear to nourish the poor in me?

To proclaim liberty to captives:  Who are the captives in my life that I have in my influence to provide liberty?  Freeing someone who is sad by a smile or a comforting word or helping parishioners, family members, work colleagues, neighbours.  For example, my neighbour has had her daughter stay with her.  The daughter has now gone home and my neighbour is very tired.  My way of giving her some liberty from this tiredness and her heaviness is to provide a few meals for her.  It is tricky because I don’t want this to be a burden for her thinking she has to reciprocate. There are so many ways we can proclaim liberty to captives with the people we meet, know, who cross our path. What will you do this week?

To the blind new sight: Donations either regularly or a one off payment to organisations which deal with the blind would be one way to give blind new sight.

I had major problems with my eyes a couple years ago so I have come to appreciate the value of my eyesight even more.  I guess up to then I took my eyes for granted.  Thanking God for our senses and acknowledging how much we appreciate these senses is in itself new sight, especially if you were like me and took them for granted and failed miserably to thank God for them.

We may also wish to ask God for new sight in the areas in our lives where we are spiritually blind or emotionally blind. We need to be honest and ask God to show us our blind spots and help us to overcome them with His guidance and love. What areas of blindness will I ask God to assist me this coming week?

To set the downtrodden free: Looking up a Thesaurus for the word downtrodden came up with the following options: oppressed, Subjugated, persecuted, subdued, repressed, tyrannized, ground down, crushed, enslaved, burdened, weighed down., exploited, disadvantaged, underprivileged, victimized, bullied, browbeaten, under the heel, powerless, helpless, prostrate, abused, misused, maltreated.

Who are the people in my life that I meet, know or may not know personally but can help through an appropriate organisation this coming week to help to set the downtrodden free.  It is worth considering how you might help children to do this as well.  Is a child being bullied in the classroom? How important is it to try to be friends with a child who does not make friends easily?  How can my children show good example and in their own way put this gospel ideal into practice.  We as adults need to help them think about it and maybe give them suggestions and help them to come up with their own ways to put this ideal into practice.

 To proclaim a year The Lord’s year of favour:  2025 Is Jubilee Year. Every 25 Years  are a jubilee year which in fact brings many blessings because it is a year of favour.  However, every moment of every day is a year of ‘favour from the Lord’. We need to be in that mindset to accept the blessing.   We are almost at the end of the first month of the year but we can thank God for the blessings He has already provided us so far this year. 

Suggested Activity: Start a blessing or gratitude journal  In this blessing or gratitude journal jot down as many blessings you can remember.  Then each day at the end of the day, jot the blessings you have received throughout the day.  Imagine how many we will have over the whole year.  Hand over the year to the Lord and ask Him to proclaim a year of favour for you and you, in your turn will proclaim Him to others. Why not do a family blessing journal for each family to add in their blessings each day.  If we decide to take up this idea, it is good to review the blessings each week or to read out the blessings from the day before before or after a meal.