Collect Series; Collect for 31st Sunday Year A

 

COLLECT SERIES

 

The Mass: Collect Series Icon

COLLECT

 

The Collect for the 31st Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Almighty and merciful God,

By whose gift Your faithful offer You right and praiseworthy service,

grant, we pray that we may hasten without stumbling

to receive the things You have promised.

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 for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does it mean to me to offer God praiseworthy service?
2. What are the things in our lives which may cause us to stumble?
3. What will I do about these stumbles this coming week? (receive Sacrament of Reconciliation)
4. What are the things that our merciful God has promised?
5. How much do I desire the things that God has promised?
6. How will I increase my desire for the things God has promised?

 

 GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt 23:1-12

 

In this passage, Jesus offers a poignant critique of the religious leaders of His time, specifically the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. He points out the disparity between their words and their actions. While they might offer sound teaching from the Scriptures (since they "sit in Moses’ seat"), their lives do not reflect the values they preach. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of authentic and genuine faith. It is insufficient to merely speak about principles of righteousness; one must also live them out.

Jesus highlights the outward show of piety by these leaders. Their widening of phylacteries (small leather boxes containing Scripture) and lengthening of tassels were attempts to outwardly display righteousness. Their seeking of recognition, honour, and titles showed a desire for human praise rather than genuine service to God.

Furthermore, Jesus teaches about the dangers of pride and the pursuit of human titles and recognition. He urges His followers to avoid elevating themselves or seeking lofty titles. Instead, they should see each other as equals, brothers in faith, emphasizing the principle of humility. He reinforces this by stating that the true measure of greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is servanthood.

In our current lives, this passage challenges us to examine our motivations. Are we seeking to genuinely serve others and God, or are we more interested in the praise and recognition from those around us? It's a call to prioritize internal transformation over external appearances and to value humility and service over pride and self-promotion.

 

In essence, this passage is a call to genuine humility, authentic faith, and service. It is a reminder to all believers to be wary of religious hypocrisy and to seek a heart that truly aligns with God's will and commands. The exhortation to humble oneself and to serve others is a central theme of Jesus' teachings, and this passage encapsulates that message powerfully.