Collect for 13th Sunday of Year

COLLECT SERIES.

THE MASS: COLLECT SERIES ICON.

COLLECT

The Collect for the 13^th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

The Collect for the 13^th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light,

Grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error

But always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1.What does it mean to me to be an adopted child of God?

2.When you think of parents who adopted a child, what do you think about? How does this relate to being an adopted child of God?

3/ How can I be a child of light this coming week? ( name one or 2 areas of your life to focus on this week).

4. What areas in my life are wrapped in the darkness of error?

5. How will I embrace the light of forgiveness this week in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

6. How can I stand in the bright light of truth? (eg Am I prepared to stand up to someone engaging in bully behaviour to someone else or stand up for what is right rather than go with the crowd).

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

Today’s Gospel is for all of us who at any stage in our lives are sitting on the fence, making excuses or just not moving forward out of fear/ inertia or some other reason.

Jesus understands our excuses but wants us to be the best we can be- He knows we can be the best we can be for He made us. He did not make rubbish, rather a work of art. He is the potter and we are the clay. 

However, although God believes in us as His creation, do we believe in ourselves as God’s creation?  Is God first place in our lives in everything?  We make excuses, it is not going to work out, it is all too hard, nothing is changing. We need to stop thinking or talking aloud the excuses and know in our hearts that nothing is impossible with God. When we are on board with God and work together with His divine plan for our destiny, we don’t have time for excuses- there is no need for excuses, sitting on the fence, or being frozen with fear.  We know in our hearts that Jesus is with us, loves us and we are His adopted children-why simply because He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die and redeem us.  Think about for a moment- that much.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

When you hear this Gospel this week, why not: divide your page into 3- put headings physical, emotional and spiritual.

1.   Write down areas of your life in each area that are excuse ridden.
2. Choose 1 of these areas for each month for the remainder of the year to do something about- to change, to throw away the excuse, the fear. 
3.  Have a family meeting- do the same process and decide as a family which areas you will choose to walk in the light not in the darkness of error. Use the Collect Prayer to help you.  Keep it close by so that family members can read it and stay committed to walking in the light. 
4. Have a parish meeting- do the same process- what are the areas hindering growth in the parish in the true light of Christ—where has inertia set in, where has the darkness of error have a hold in groups.  Discuss what it means to be a child of God and consider the love of God for every person in the parish and for the parish itself. Have no fear- reinstate Jesus as the no 1 ticket holder  into your parish today in every aspect of it.

 Above all be passionate and thankful to God. I am His adopted son/daughter and He redeemed us out of love for us.  Let us show our love, our gratitude to God this week by no more excuses.

Be assured God is there

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES.

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit.

My Scripture reflection is 

''I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go” 
(Genesis 28:15)

Christ The Redeemer.

My post is called:

                                                              Be assured.

In the shadows of doubt,

In the depths of despair,

In the struggle for hope,

Be assured God is there.

Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus.

SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.

 

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Happy Feast Day of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The first question we might like to ask is What does the heart of Jesus exemplify? 

The compendium of the Catholic Church no 93 states

‘’Jesus knows and loves us with the human heart.  His heart, pierced for our salvation, is the symbol of that infinite life with which He loves the Father and each one of us’’.

HOW DID THE SOLEMNITY ORIGINATE?

There are a number of saints from the 12^th century onwards who had a devotion to the Sacred Heart of some kind who are considered to be precursors to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart including St Bernard of Clairvaux, (died 1153) St Lutgard (died 1246) St Mechtilde (died 1298).

Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Aloque  and revealed devotions to His Sacred Heart. She was favoured with many apparitions; the most special ones took place between 1673 and 1675 when Jesus appeared as St. Margaret was praying before the Blessed Sacrament and revealed the Love of His Sacred Heart for humanity.

During the octave of Corpus Christi in 1675, probably on June 16, the vision known as the "great apparition" reportedly took place, where Jesus said: "Behold the Heart that has so loved men. ...Instead of gratitude I receive from the greater part (of humankind) only ingratitude," and asked Margaret Mary for a feast of reparation of the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi. This then was the final starting point to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

He requested her to receive Him in Holy Communion of the first Friday of every month and to meditate the passion on Thursdays between 11 and 12 p.m. 

During the apparition, Jesus is said to have made the following promise:

 

THE PROMISES OF OUR LORD.

 

"I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving the sacraments; my divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment." 

He then provided 12 Promises- known as the Promises of the First Fridays.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour

Wow.. I do not know about you but as I read these promises, I cannot help say thank you Jesus. I definitely want to receive these blessings. What is your reaction when you hear or read these promises? Do you want them for yourself, your family, your parish, our world?

Sometimes we can lose focus in our spiritual lives or we need something to centre our attention.  Perhaps this may be a devotion worth our attention.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVOTIONS.

In more recent years in the Church, some people criticise this devotion and make disparaging remarks.  However, it is not easy as they seem to think to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion on 9 consecutive First Fridays. I know, as I have tried and succeeded in some years and not in others.

What is important to remember when engaging in any devotion is that the obligation/obsession to the devotion does not become the centre of attention but of course the reason behind engaging in the devotion.  Jesus has to be the reason for the devotion. 

Sometimes people get so obligated/obsessed in attending Mass on First Friday that it becomes the be all and end all rather than attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion out of love for Jesus.

It is this type of behaviour that is unhelpful to the person and to other people who are observing. They may be interested in the devotion but see the behaviour of the person and fail to distinguish between these 2 key aspects. 

Jesus is the reason for everything especially when we choose to engage in a devotion.  It is meant to help us in our spiritual growth not hinder us or other people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

There are 12 months to the year and 12 promises.  Why not join me in praying for each promise to made manifest in our lives. Apart from our own personal needs, there are many needs- The Church itself, our own parishes, families, friends, people in the world we do not know but need our prayer and so on.  We could take a different need/ group each day in the month as we consider the promise.  You may be able to do this in your family or parish too.  If you do not wish to focus on the promise every day, then why not choose to focus on it on fridays of the Year. 

Whatever you decide, choose something that works for you and your spiritual life. Let us claim the Promises of the Sacred Heart for ourselves. 

Let us ponder on what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. Let us show Jesus how grateful we are that He loves us not just on First Fridays but many times a day every day. Let us live our life in gratitude to Jesus for His love. 

Want to hear this and more on my podcast? Why not listen to the episode on this great Solemnity.

Related Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Podcast 28/6/19

No 104 What does the hidden life of Jesus teach us?

COMPENDIUM SERIES

JESUS THE TEACHER: COMPENDIUM SERIES ICON.

No 104 What does the hidden life of Jesus teach us? (533- 533,563)

WHAT DOES THE COMPENDIUM SAY?

Compendium states: 

In the course of His hidden life in Nazareth Jesus stayed in the silence of an ordinary existence. This allows us to enter into fellowship with Him in the holiness to be found of daily life marked by prayer, simplicity, work, and family love.  His obedience to Mary and to Joseph, his foster father, is an image of His filial obedience to the Father. Mary and Joseph accepted with faith the mystery of Jesus even though they did not always understand.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What does this mean for me?

• I can offer up my ordinary existence and enter more deeply into fellowship with Jesus.
• I can try to use my daily life to become holy through prayer, simplicity, work and family love.   
• I can ponder carefully the role of Mary and Joseph and like them, learn to accept with faith the mystery of Jesus especially when I do not understand fully.
• I can consider carefully how Jesus showed obedience to God the Father and imitate that obedience in my life.

Questions to consider.

1.      What impact does the hidden life of Jesus in Nazareth have on me and how I live my life?

2.      How would I explain the hidden life of Jesus at Nazareth and its teaching for holiness so it would have an impact on the life of the other person to whom I am explaining it to them?

3.      What steps can I take to embrace holiness in my life?

4.       What benefit does imitating the acceptance of Mary and Joseph of what I do not understand fully?

General Intercessions Part 2

About the Mass Series: General Intercessions Part 2

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS ICON.

The General Intercessions are an integral part of the liturgy. Having heard the word, we respond to it, confident that God will act today (through us) as he has in the past, and so exercising our priestly function we intercede for all humanity.  We form a ‘royal priesthood’, in union with Christ, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters everywhere and under the presidency of the priest make petitions, prayer, and intercessions for all. (1Timothy 2:1)   

 STRUCTURE

The sequence of intentions follows a definite structure.  The priest prays a brief introduction, which relates to the feast or season or to some particular aspect of the Scriptures already proclaimed, and this is then followed by prayers in the following categories.

(a)    For the need of the Church;

(b)   For public authorities and the salvation of the world;

(c)    For those oppressed by any need;

(d)   For the local community.

Then the priest in the concluding prayer addresses God as Father, summarises the intentions and asks Him to look favourably upon the prayers offered. We respond ‘Amen’.  

The Church has developed an excellent General Intercessions book covering the three year cycle.  There are also other books available with suggested General Intercessions. These books need to be used as resources for those parishes which use a Team of General Intercession Writers.

PARISH WRITING THEIR OWN INTERCESSION.

From a practical viewpoint, General Intercession writing teams need to be aware of the above mentioned structure and the more extensive rubrics specified to General Intercessions, and compose prayers that are general in nature, so that the congregation may pray in unity.  This is particularly important when considering particular causes or issues facing society. It is not a time for team members to write prayers which push a barrow or political viewpoint. These types of prayers, although well intentioned, are not inclusive to the whole congregation, and therefore do not foster a prayerful unity and purpose.

During this time, our body posture is significant- we are standing- standing in solidarity with mankind. When we offer these prayers and intercede for humanity, this is meant to help us to be better prepared to proceed to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Jesus leaves the temple Mk 13 1-4

GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES.

The Bible: Gospel of Mark icon.

During 2019, each week, I will write a weekly post about the Gospel of Mark, as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. If you are following this series for the first time, you will find this series under Scripture- New Testament- Gospel of Mark. 

Click here to read the first post in the series. I have written this series in different years (2012, 2015, 2018) with some irregularity, but am determined to complete this series this year since I am more than half way through this Gospel.

My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark. I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season.  In today's post we explore chapter 13:1 -4 which is called Jesus leaves the temple

JESUS LEAVES THE TEMPLE.

 Jesus taught the people each day in the temple as part of His brief ministry, but at night returned to Bethany. He did not remain in the city ( chapters 11-12) and now He leaves the temple for the last time.

His time in Jerusalem was striking because of its opposition from the leading people. It wont be long before the leading people reject Jesus altogether and have Him put to death using political, cultural intellectual and religious means to rally the people for this outcome for Jesus.

At the beginning of chapter 13, there are 2 scenes both of which are in the temple.

As Jesus is leaving the temple for the last time, one of the disciples is full of admiration for the greatness of the temple buildings, but Jesus says it will all soon be gone as faith in God must be expressed in more than stone and mortar.

 Later, after Jesus has left the city, He sits with His disciples on the slopes of the Mount of Olives which overlooks the temple from the east.  Privately, three of His first disciples ask Him 2 questions, when the destruction come and what will be the sign
(13:3-4).

These two questions fro the inner circle of the disciples  introduce us to the remainder of chapter 13. This chapter gives the teaching Jesus about the future in the form of a little ‘’apocalypse’’, a popular way among the Jews at the time of Jesus for presenting religious teaching.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS.

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

• Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?

• Imagine that you are the disciples- What do you see and hear and feel. What can I learn from this?

Imagine being the one of the disciples asking Jesus the questions about the temple. What questions do I want to bring to Jesus?

What is reading the Gospel passage with the eyes and ears of disciple mean to me?

• How does Jesus make clear His teaching to me in this passage?
  
  

·         Consider a situation in your life today where the teaching of Jesus needs to be applied. Why is it difficult to be challenged on a long-held view and be open to viewing it differently?

• Consider how much my faith means to me and what does my church/parish mean to me?

• What are the areas in my life I need to bring to Jesus in the light of this parable? What questions do I want to ask Him?

• Am I willing to look into myself with honesty and ask how much do I grasp what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus in the light of this teaching? 

Collect for Solemnity of Body and Blood of Christ

COLLECT SERIES

 

THE MASS:COLLECT SERIES ICON.

COLLECT

The Collect for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi- Body and Blood of Christ reads as follows:

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament 

has left us a memorial of Your Passion,

grant us, we pray,

so to revere the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood

that we may always experience in ourselves
the fruits of Your redemption.

Who lives and reigns with God the Father

 in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

 One God for ever and ever. Amen.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1.What is my attitude towards receiving Jesus in the Eucharist?

2. Why is the Mass a memorial of the Passion of Jesus?

3. How do I revere the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of Jesus in my life?

4.What are the fruits of His redemption that I have experienced and want to experience in my life?

5.What change/s in my life will I start today to revere the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of Jesus each day?

6. Am I am able to commit to visiting Jesus in the tabernacle and/or attend in a parish where they have exposition to spend time with Jesus?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel from Luke (9:11-17), we see and hear the strong contrast between  the disciples thinking and Jesus.

The disciples want to turn the people away and when Jesus challenges them to feed them yourselves, they only see the number of people and their lack of resource to feed them.

This is in direct contrast to Jesus who not only fed the huge crowd with the five loaves and two fish but gave abundantly with 12 baskets of food left over. He not only gave enough but gave more than enough so much so, there was more left over.

He gave with a generous spirit.

Many people are like the disciples in that they only see the problem- not enough food, too many people, not enough money, cant help another person, send others away. Sadly many of us who are disciples of Jesus can have the same attitude.  The problem with this attitude is that it is limiting and it does not reply on the providence of God.  It has the attitude that we have to fix the problem in our own way and God/faith has no place in it.

Instead not only should we tell God the problem but we should also back it up with our faith knowing that nothing is impossible with God.  Many people tell God their problem but do not remind Him of His promises. God never goes back on His promises. God does not forget what He has said but if we share with God not only the shortcoming/the problem/the difficulty and then remind Him of the promise from scripture in relation to it, For example  I do not have enough money for groceries this week but you promised ‘’I will provide them with food of finest wheat’’. 

If you do not have scriptures in mind, google your difficulty/problem because there are scriptures for our problems/difficulties.

The beautiful aspect I think about this Gospel is to remember that God is an abundant God- He wants to give- not only what we need but abundantly. Imagine the disciples in the situation- 5 loaves and 2 fish and yet Jesus fed over 5000 people with 12 baskets left over.
Obviously we are human not Jesus but nevertheless we need to have the attitude of Jesus of abundance and rely on Jesus to provide it. God is not a grudging picky God or even just willing to give what we need. He gives when we ask with not only what we ask for but with more than enough- with a generous heart and spirit and with abundance.

Of course, we may also ask for something specific because we think we need that. We may even feel disappointed that ‘’God did not answer our prayer’’. Yet God always answers our prayers and gives us what is best for us, as sometimes we ask for what is not in our best interest. It might even seem to us to be in our best interest and yet God in His great love for us provides something that IS in our best interest.  Stop and think about it in your life. Recall something you asked for and God seemingly gave you something else- something that worked out for the better.  That was not coincidence. That is God giving with an abundant, loving attitude for you.

PRIESTHOOD

FR DAVID:  

BEAUTIFUL PRIESTHOOD IN ACTION.

The other aspect to remember on great day is to think and pray in a special way for our priests. Priests have and are still going through a tough time because of the few who have brought the priesthood  into disrepute. I ask you to 

• pray for your parish priest/priests that you know daily. They rely on our prayers and support. There are far greater great priests who, like Jesus give as abundantly to us as they can. 
• Appreciate them, give them support when they want to implement something good in the parish, 
• Help them in whatever way we can with our gifts, 
• Let them know that you appreciated their homily, 
• Tell them when something in the homily touched you spiritually,
• Provide them with some cash when they are going on holidays for a meal/cinema or whatever they like to do.
  
  There are a million and one ways you can help your priest. Be abundant in your attitude and help him. Remember your priest is God's representative on earth- he is the disciple giving out from the basket. Help him in whatever way you can and walk alongside Him to help him live out his vocation.

On this feast of Body and Blood of Christ, let us consider our attitude towards Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

1.    How grateful are we to be able to receive Jesus every day/every Sunday? 

2.    When do we spend time with Him in the Eucharist through our thanksgiving prayers?

3.    Are we ready to get out of Mass as soon as it ends?

4.    Do we spend time before Him ( pay Jesus a visit in the tabernacle) or attend exposition in our parish/another parish?

Let us adore and love with all our hearts our God who loves us abundantly.