OPENING PRAYER SERIES:
 |
The Mass: Opening Prayer Series icon. |
OPENING PRAYER
The Opening Prayer for the 32nd
Sunday of Year C reads as follows:
Let us pray
( for health of
mind and body)
God of power and
mercy,
protect us from all
harm,
Give us freedom of
spirit
and health in mind
and body
to do Your work on
earth.’’
REFLECTION
In making this prayer tangible, the
following reflection questions emerged:
1.
Why is important to pray for health
of mind and body?
2.
Do we appreciate the health of mind
and body that we have and thank God for it?
3.
Why do people suffer when God can
protect humanity from all harm?
4.
What is the harm that God needs me to
be protected from in my life?
5.
What is meant by freedom of spirit
and how is that important for my life?
6.
What assistance am I able or willing
to give to those who suffer dementia or mental illness?
7.
What is my attitude to those who
suffer from physical illness?
8.
What is Your work on earth for me?
GOSPEL REFLECTION
Today's Gospel challenges us to think
about the afterlife and our homeland in Heaven. The doctrine of the
resurrection is central to our catholic faith. It is not an optional extra,
since scripture tells us quite clearly
'if Christ did not die or rise from
the dead, our faith is in vain'
The doctrine of the
Resurrection gives us hope. We do not understand the practicalities fully-
let's leave that up to God. We do know my faith that when we die, God
judges us to be either worthy of everlasting happiness with Him, or we may
need further purification in purgatory ( see post on All Souls Day). God
never wills anyone to be dammed to Hell, rather it is our own choice because we
have rejected God.
The creed which we recite puts it
plainly: 'we believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.'
During this coming week leading up to
Advent and Christmas, we will be continued to be reminded of the last days. Let
us attend to each day doing God's will on earth and pray that we have the
freedom of spirit, and health in mind and body (as the opening prayer states)
to do it.
Each day we wake because God is
generous in allowing us another day. We need to live each day fully and
live it as if it is our last, since one day it will be our last on earth.
Let us be faithful to God by doing His will on earth, so that we may enjoy one
day God saying to us :
'well done good and faithful servant,
come and enjoy your master's happiness'
No comments:
Post a Comment