Collect series: 5th Sunday Eastertide

 

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTERTIDE YEAR B

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COLLECT 

The Collect for the Fifth Sunday of Eastertide Year B reads as follows:

Almighty ever-living God,

Constantly accomplish the Pascal Mystery within us,

That those You were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism,

May, under Your protective care, bear much fruit

And come to the joys of life eternal. 

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, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does the Pascal Mystery within me mean to me?
2. What difference does my Baptism make in my life?
3. How can I support those who are newly baptised in my parish?
4. What fruit will I bear this coming week through God’s protective care?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

  Embracing Spiritual Vitality through Abiding in Christ: Reflection on John 15:1-8

The Gospel for today is from St John15:1-8.  Reflecting on John 15:1-8 offers a profound opportunity for Catholics to deepen their spiritual journey and connection with God. In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the intimate relationship between himself and his followers. Here's a reflection providing practical spirituality based on this scripture:

In John 15:1-8, Jesus invites us into a profound revelation of our spiritual vitality through the metaphor of the vine and branches. As Catholics, this imagery resonates deeply within our tradition, emphasizing the significance of our union with Christ and the fruits it bears in our lives.

Firstly, Jesus portrays himself as the true vine, the source of sustenance and life for all branches. In our spiritual journey, this serves as a reminder of the centrality of Christ in our lives. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine, our souls find true fulfillment and vitality when rooted in Christ. Through prayer, sacraments, and scripture, we continually seek to deepen our connection to the source of our faith.

Moreover, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of abiding in him to bear fruit. This call to abide speaks to the importance of a consistent and intimate relationship with Christ. In our daily lives, this means cultivating habits of prayer, reflection, and service that keep us connected to God's grace. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we find sustenance for our souls, enabling us to bear fruit in abundance.

Furthermore, Jesus highlights the pruning process as essential for spiritual growth. Just as a vinedresser prunes branches to increase their fruitfulness, God works in our lives to remove anything that hinders our spiritual flourishing. This may involve challenges, setbacks, or moments of purification, all of which contribute to our growth in holiness. As Catholics, we embrace this process with trust, knowing that God's pruning leads to greater fruitfulness and spiritual maturity.

Ultimately, Jesus assures us that abiding in him leads to abundant fruitfulness. As Catholics, this fruitfulness manifests in our lives through acts of love, compassion, and service to others. Whether through our families, communities, or workplaces, we are called to bear witness to the transformative power of Christ's love in the world.

In conclusion, John 15:1-8 offers a profound invitation for Catholics to deepen their spiritual vitality through abiding in Christ. As we root ourselves in him, nurture our relationship through prayer and sacraments, and embrace the pruning process, we become vessels of God's grace, bearing abundant fruit for the glory of his kingdom.

May we continually abide in Christ, drawing nourishment from the true vine, and allowing his love to flow through us, transforming our lives and the world around us. 

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Collect for Second Sunday Eastertide- Mercy Sunday.

 COLLECT SERIES 

The Mass: Collect series Icon.

COLLECT 

The Collect for Second Sunday of Eastertide (Mercy Sunday) Year B 

reads as follows:

 God of everlasting mercy, 
Who in the very recurrence of the paschal feast 
Kindle the faith of the people You have made Your own, 
Increase, we pray the grace You have bestowed, 
That all may grasp and rightly understand in what font they have been washed, 
By whose Spirit they have been reborn, 
By whose Blood they have been redeemed. 
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, the following reflection questions emerged: 

1. How do I understand God as a God of mercy in my life? 
2. How can I kindle my faith this week/month/year? 
3. What graces has God bestowed on me over my life? 
4. What graces do I wish to receive from God?
5.  How important is my relationship with God- do I grasp and understand the meaning for my life the value of Baptism throughout my whole life? 
6. How will I thank God this coming week for His redemption for me? 

GOSPEL REFLECTION 

This Sunday is popularly known as Mercy of God Sunday. Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. She was canonized on April 30, 2000, the Sunday after Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. 

On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of Himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o'clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy). 

Jesus to Sr. Faustina On one occasion, I heard these words: "My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. 

It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. "[Let] the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in My unfathomable and inscrutable mercy. Write: before I come as a just Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice. "From all My wounds, like from streams, mercy flows for souls, but the wound in My Heart is the fountain of unfathomable mercy. From this fountain spring all graces for souls. The flames of compassion burn Me. I desire greatly to pour them out upon souls. Speak to the whole world about My mercy." Excerpted from Diary of Sr. M. Faustina Kowalska.

 It should be noted that the Church permits that where it is not possible to go to confession on Mercy Sunday itself, the same Divine Mercy promise applies provided the penitent receives the sacrament within a week of the Feast either before the feast or after the feast. . Attending a Divine Mercy Celebration therefore may not be  possible for everyone.  

However, do not let this stop you from celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday. Where possible, · find a Divine Mercy Celebration online and/or · venerate the Divine Mercy Image yourself at home. · Everyone can say the chaplet of Divine Mercy personally or with other family members. · Say the 3 O Clock prayer. 

The important thing is that under whatever circumstances you find yourself, do your best to honour Jesus as Divine Mercy. Contemplate His mercy in our lives as well and express our gratitude to Jesus for His great Mercy.

Why Catholics Celebrate the Octave of Easter.

 

Why Catholics celebrate the Easter Octave

The Easter Octave, also known as the "Octave of Easter," is a period of eight days following Easter Sunday during which Catholics celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This tradition dates back to ancient times and has its roots in both Jewish and Christian practices.

In the Jewish tradition, the number eight holds symbolic significance, representing new beginnings and completion. This significance carries over into Christianity, where the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday is seen as the beginning of a new era for believers, symbolizing victory over sin and death. Thus, the Easter Octave serves as a continuation and amplification of the Easter celebration.

During the Easter Octave, each day is considered a continuation of Easter Sunday itself, allowing for a prolonged period of reflection and joy in the Resurrection. It's a time for Catholics to deepen their understanding of the significance of Christ's victory over death and to celebrate the central mystery of their faith.

Throughout the Octave, the liturgical celebrations and readings focus on various aspects of the Resurrection and its implications for believers. This extended celebration underscores the central importance of Easter in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.

The Easter Octave is a special period in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church that spans eight days, starting from Easter Sunday and continuing through the following week and finishes on Mercy Sunday. This tradition originates from ancient Christian practices and holds significant spiritual importance for Catholics.

Here's a breakdown of why Catholics celebrate the Easter Octave:

1. Significance of Easter Sunday: Easter Sunday marks the most important event in Christianity - the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, demonstrating his victory over sin and death. This event is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and is celebrated with great joy and reverence.
2. Symbolism of the Number Eight: In both Jewish and Christian traditions, the number eight holds symbolic significance. In Judaism, the eighth day represents a new beginning, as seen in the practice of circumcision on the eighth day after birth and in the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) lasting eight days. In Christianity, the Resurrection of Jesus is considered a new beginning for humanity, as it brings the promise of salvation and eternal life. Therefore, the eight days of the Easter Octave symbolize the completion of the Easter celebration and the beginning of a new era for believers.
3. Continuation of Easter Joy: The Easter Octave allows Catholics to extend the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday throughout the following week. Each day of the Octave is considered a continuation of Easter itself, providing an opportunity for deeper reflection on the meaning and significance of Christ's Resurrection. It's a time for believers to rejoice in the triumph of Jesus over sin and death and to contemplate the implications of this event for their lives.
4. Liturgical Emphasis: During the Easter Octave, the liturgical celebrations and readings focus specifically on the Resurrection and its theological significance. The prayers, hymns, and scripture readings highlight different aspects of Christ's victory, inviting Catholics to immerse themselves more fully in the mystery of Easter.

Overall, the Easter Octave is a time of profound spiritual significance for us as Catholics, allowing tus to joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and to deepen their understanding of its central importance in the Christian faith.

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