Collect for 12th Sunday Ordinary Time

 

COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect series Icon

COLLECT

The Collect for the 12^th Sunday of Year B reads as follows:

 

Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
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

1. What does it mean to me to revere and love God’s Holy name?
2. How do I use/misuse God’s holy name?
3. How does my use of God’s holy name align with the commandments?
4. Reflect on how God has never deprived me of guidance in my life ( in my past week, past month, since beginning of the year). Celebrate and thank God in some way this week.
5. What is the foundation of God’ love?
6. How do I desire to grow spiritually and allow God to set me on His firm foundation of His love?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Mark 4:35-41 recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm, a passage rich with theological and spiritual significance. From a Catholic perspective, this passage offers several key reflections:

 Trust and Faith in Jesus

The narrative begins with Jesus inviting His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As a fierce storm arises, the disciples panic, fearing for their lives, while Jesus sleeps peacefully in the stern. When the disciples wake Him, questioning if He cares that they are perishing, Jesus responds by calming the storm with a command. He then rebukes them for their lack of faith.

 This passage highlights the importance of trust and faith in Jesus, even amidst life’s storms. The disciples' fear and Jesus' calm presence underscore a central tenet of Catholic teaching: trust in God's providence. Jesus' rebuke, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” invites Catholics to examine their own faith and trust in God, especially in challenging times.

Jesus' Divine Authority

The calming of the storm is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over nature. For Catholics, this act is a clear affirmation of Jesus' divinity, reinforcing the belief in Jesus as the Son of God who has power over creation. This miracle invites reflection on the nature of Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine, and His role as the Lord of all creation.

The Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

Jesus' presence with the disciples in the boat can be seen as a metaphor for His presence in the Eucharist. Just as Jesus was physically present with His disciples, offering peace and calm, He is present in the Eucharist, providing spiritual nourishment and peace to believers. This passage encourages Catholics to seek Jesus in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, as a source of strength and reassurance.

 Call to Discipleship

The disciples' journey across the sea with Jesus can be viewed as a symbol of the journey of discipleship. Following Jesus does not mean an absence of trials, but it does mean having Jesus with them through all difficulties. This passage reassures Catholics that, although they may face many challenges in life, Jesus is always with them, guiding and protecting them.

 The Power of Prayer

The disciples’ plea to Jesus in their time of need is a model of prayer. Despite their fear and doubt, they turn to Jesus for help. This teaches Catholics the importance of turning to God in prayer during times of distress. Jesus’ immediate response to their cry for help reassures believers of God’s responsiveness and care.

  Reflection on Fear and Faith

Finally, this passage invites a reflection on the nature of fear and faith. Fear is a natural human response to danger, but faith calls believers to trust in God's greater plan and power. Jesus’ question, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” challenges Catholics to grow in their faith, trusting that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

  Conclusion

Mark 4:35-41 is a profound passage that speaks to the heart of Catholic faith. It calls believers to deepen their trust in Jesus, recognize His divine authority, seek His presence in the sacraments, commit to the journey of discipleship, rely on the power of prayer, and reflect on the balance of fear and faith. This story reassures Catholics that Jesus is always with them, calming the storms of life and guiding them safely to the other side.

 

 

Collect Series Eleventh Sunday Year B

                  COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect series Icon

COLLECT 

The Collect for the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B reads as follows:

O God, strength of those who hope in You,

Graciously hear our pleas, and since without You mortal frailty can do nothing

Grant us always the help of Your grace,

That in following Your commands we may please You by our resolve and deeds.

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 do I mean by hope in God?
2. What is the virtue of hope? How do I nurture this virtue in my life?
3. How does truly knowing that I can nothing with God release me and give me spiritual freedom?
4. What are the areas of my life that I still try to go it alone without God? Make a resolve to place these areas with God this coming week?
5. What areas of my life will I resolve with God’s grace to change this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Gospel for today is from St. Mark.4:26-34.  Jesus in this Gospel tells the crowds and the disciples ( and us) what the Kingdom of God is like.  He uses parables to teach the crowd so that they could understand.  He explained to the disciples what the parables meant when they were alone.  So what about us?  What is the kingdom of God like?  Do we spend time with Jesus so that He can explain to us what we need to know and so that we can understand too.?

The parable of the seed is one of encouragement.  We may sow a seed of interest in the faith but the seed will be ready for harvest at just the right time.  Not necessarily the right time for us but for the right time for the person in whom the seed  was sown.  In other words, we may not see the harvest ourselves of what we have sown in this life but this should not stop us from cooperating with God and sowing seeds of the gifts of the Spirit to all we come in contact. Even a smile to a stranger passing in the street can sow a seed. It may lift that person’s spirit and with that lift may encourage that person to do something for another person too.  It is the ripple effect.

The other aspect of the mustard seed that I find encouraging is that the seed started out as the smallest seed and yet grew to the biggest shrub of all so that the birds could shelter in its branches. Our own little offerings of each day of our daily tasks may seem insignificant but faithfully and cheerfully done will help our tiny seed grow. We too are like the mustard see that has huge potential for growth.  Sadly many people do not want to grow- to change. In fact the stats show that 90% of the population are working at 25% of their capacity/their potential.  What would the world be like if even half the population worked at 50% of their capacity?  However, why not work at 100% of your capacity even if you think your contribution is as small as the mustard seed.

This week’s Gospel challenges us to reflect on What the Kingdom of God is like in these 2 parables.  We do not need to come up with our own images of what the Kingdom of God might be like.  Jesus tells us in this parable.  We need to reflect on what this parable means for my life and to take proactive steps to encourage the seed that God Himself has given each one of us.  Remember the seed will come into harvest at just the right time. God’s timing is always perfect.

What seeds will you sow this coming week with God’s grace?