Collect for 32nd Sunday of Year

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT

THE MASS : COLLECT SERIES ICON.

The Collect for the 32^nd Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Almighty and merciful God,

Graciously keep us from all adversity,

So that, unhindered in mind and body alike,

We may pursue in freedom of heart

The things that are Yours.

 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1.    What are the adversities in my life?

2.    What effects do adversity take on my mind and, on my body, and soul?

3.    What steps do I need to take to stay away from these adversities?

4.    Devise your own prayer around these aspects of adversity- God wants to keep us free from all adversity.
For Example:
God, keep me free from all adversity today especially at work with ( name of colleague) or
God keep my family, my parish and myself from all adversity today.

5.    What is freedom of heart?

6.    What would it be like to be unhindered in mind and body- what could you do for yourself, your family, parish or society in general?

7.    What are the things that are Yours?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel from Mark is a reminder to give from what we have- not selfishly or grudgingly but to give generously from what we have like the widow.  From what she had; she gave generously. Jesus also comments on the system of the time.

Some might be tempted to say that she was foolhardy or imprudent to give more than what she could afford. Some say she was pressured by the authorities and wanted to keep up an appearance.  We do not know from the Gospel the disposition of the widow. 

Being stingy and not giving can lead to selfish attitudes and also shows a lack of appreciation for the generosity of God in our lives.

However, being generous brings with it a freedom of spirit- an open heart and active faith believing and being thankful for the generosity of God.

The other key aspect of today’s Gospel is a reminder not to parade our generosity and to make judgements about what other people are doing or not doing. It is not our business but it is between them and God.  We need to give generously from what we have and share our good fortune with others.  As we reflect on this Gospel and what it means to each of us personally, we may wish to listen to this song: The Widow's mite 

This theme is also reiterated in the first reading where Elijah asks the widow to make a scone for him.  She looks at her resources and indicates that she has enough flour for a scone for herself and her son only.  He presses her and she makes it.  Not only is the flour sufficient but there is some left over.

Often, we can think we do not have enough. We always want or need more.  This reading reminds us that when we take the risk and believe in God’s providence, God provides for our needs.  He provided for not only Elijah by having necessary food, but for the widow too as her provisions were not all used because of her generous act of faith.

How will you be generous this coming week?

How will you show God your gratitude to Him

for all the bountiful things He has done in your life?

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