Opening Prayer Series: Fourteenth Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Fourteenth Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for forgiveness through the grace of Jesus Christ)

Father, 

through the obedience of Jesus,

Your servant and Your Son,

You have raised a fallen world.

Free us for sin 

and bring us the joy that last for ever. 

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged.

1. What does the forgiveness of Christ mean to me?
2. What is my attitude towards the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation and how can I improve it?
3. What is the sin that I need to be freed from this coming week?
4. What is my attitude towards the afterlife/Heaven?
5. Name one aspect of my life will I attempt to change/transform/improve this coming week?

Today's Gospel tells us two important aspects for our lives.  The first is that we need to become like little children- not childish but childlike. We need to think about this aspect and observe the wonderment of children, the trusting attitude and the innocent joy that children enjoy.

Then as we observe these child like characteristics, we  need to apply them to our spiritual lives.

The second aspect of the Gospel is a reminder for us adults who get overwhelmed with the burdens of life. Jesus tells us that we need to come to Him and He will give us rest. We need not become overburdened if we follow the instructions of Jesus and become gentle and humble of heart. This is the exact opposite of what the world tells us to be successful- aggressive, self righteous and proud.  Are the successful at peace in their souls?

Let us come to Jesus especially when we are overburdened and allow Him to minister to us.  Jesus knows what we need most and is happy to supply it to us.  We need to trust in Him and enjoy the wonderment of God's life that He has given us.