Collect Series: Collect for 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A.

 

COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

COLLECT

 

The Collect for 21st Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows:

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose,

Grant Your people to love what You command and to desire what You promise,

That amid the uncertainties of this world,

our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found.

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

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged: 

1    What does God promise me? Make a list.

2.    How much do I desire what God promises? 
3.    What step/s will I take this coming week to desire what God promises? ( eg ask God to
      give/increase in me the desire to love what You promise, make a list of some of the desires of God
     and ask God to show me how to live these desires this week).

4.    List the commands of God that I recall. How can I renew/refresh/revive these commands in my life
     this coming week.
5.    Why do I need to love what God commands?
6.    What is my current response to anxiety, fear, uncertainty?
7.    What step/s will I take this week to fix my heart in God? Where is that place in my body, mind and
     spirit where I find true gladness

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Reflecting on Matthew 16:13-20 compels Catholics to consider the deeply rooted traditions and doctrines of the Church. It serves as a reminder of the divine origin and enduring nature of the Church’s mission, inspiring the faithful to uphold the teachings and traditions passed down through the centuries.

 

This passage from the Gospel of Matthew 16:13-20 is a seminal text that has profound implications for the Church's understanding of authority, the Papacy, and the nature of the Church itself. This passage recounts the moment when Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answers, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus then changes Simon’s name to Peter (which means 'Rock') and says, "Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus goes on to give Peter the "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven," a symbolic gesture that has been interpreted to signify the authority that would be vested in Peter and his successors.

From a Catholic perspective, several key points are highlighted:

Primacy of Peter

The changing of Simon's name to Peter and Jesus' declaration that he would build His Church upon this 'rock' have been interpreted by Catholics to indicate the primacy of Peter among the Apostles. This episode is often cited as the biblical foundation for the papacy, the office that is considered the direct apostolic succession from St. Peter. Through this, the Pope is viewed as the 'Vicar of Christ,' who has a unique role in safeguarding the unity and doctrine of the Church.

Authority and Governance

The "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven" symbolize the authority given to Peter, and by extension to the Church, to bind and loose, to forgive sins, and to make authoritative teachings. This has been formalized in the Catholic Church through its hierarchical structure and Magisterium, which consists of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him.

Unbroken Tradition

Catholics see in this passage an unbroken line of apostolic succession, from Peter down to the present-day Pope. This lends a sense of continuity and stability to the Church, anchoring it in the authority and mission given by Christ himself.

The Infallibility of the Church

"…and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." This line has been interpreted to signify the doctrine of infallibility—that the Church, when speaking on matters of faith and morals, is preserved from error by the Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean that individual leaders are without personal faults but indicates a divine protection over the Church's teaching authority.

Christ as the Foundation

While Catholics emphasize the role of Peter and his successors, they also recognize that Christ is the ultimate foundation of the Church. Peter’s role is not independent of Christ but derives its meaning and authority from being rooted in Christ, the true cornerstone.

My Personal Response

How do I answer this question’ Who do people say I am?’  In other words, who is Jesus for me? How do I respond when people ask me in all sorts of ways and observe my actions/life this question? 

Each of us need to be able to take time and reflect deeply to be answer this question from the core of our being. We need to be able to answer it in faith believe that Jesus is my personal Saviour. We need to get to know God and have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Then we are in a better position to answer this question from our hearts and from that, will flow our actions and thoughts and lives which will be in accordance with His will for our lives.