Collect Series: Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C

 

COLLECT SERIES

 

The Mass: Collect Series icon.

COLLECT

 

The Collect for Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C reads as follows:

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that, always pondering spiritual things,

we may carry out in both word and deed

that which is pleasing to you

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

1. What are the spiritual questions/ confusions/uncertainties that I currently have? Make a list.

2. If you do not have any spiritual questions/confusions/uncertainties right now, then make a list of areas that you would like to know more for spiritual growth.

3. Word and deed come from the heart and flow from what is in our hearts. What words and deeds will we carry out this coming week that will be pleasing to God.

4. What one area in my life will I try to improve through the power of God’s grace this week?

5. Spend some time with Jesus and ask Him to show you what you need to do this coming Lent to become a pleasing dwelling for Him this Easter.

 

 GOSPEL REFLECTION

On the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus delivers us through Luke’s Gospel, one of His most challenging teachings: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). These words call us to a radical way of living, one that goes against our natural instincts and the values of the world. Yet, they reveal the heart of Christian discipleship—to love as God loves, even when it is difficult.

At first glance, this teaching may feel impossible. How can we love those who have hurt us or seek to do us harm? Jesus does not ask us to condone wrongdoing or allow ourselves to remain in harmful situations. Rather, He invites us to transcend the cycle of hatred and retaliation, to act with the grace that reflects our identity as children of God. This is not a call to weakness, but to a strength rooted in divine love—a strength that seeks the good of the other even in the face of hurt or hostility.

Jesus provides a blueprint for this radical love: to “do good,” “bless,” and “pray” for our enemies. Each action challenges us to respond to hostility not with anger or revenge but with acts of goodness and generosity. To “do good” means going beyond avoiding harm and actively seeking opportunities to serve others, even those who oppose us. To “bless” someone is to wish them well, asking God to bestow His grace upon them. And to “pray” for those who mistreat us is to bring them into God’s presence, asking for His healing and justice.

Forgiveness is central to this Gospel. To forgive someone who has wronged us does not mean forgetting the hurt or excusing the behaviour. Instead, forgiveness is a decision to release the hold that anger and resentment have on our hearts. It is an act of trust in God’s justice and mercy. Jesus’ own life provides the ultimate example of forgiveness: from the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This prayer shows that forgiveness is not about denying pain but about seeking God’s healing and entrusting our pain to Him.

The command to “love your enemies” also invites us to broaden our understanding of who our “enemies” might be. They may not always be those who openly oppose us but could include individuals with whom we have unresolved conflicts or strained relationships. At times, the “enemy” might even be within ourselves—our own fears, doubts, or weaknesses that prevent us from fully trusting in God. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to bring all these struggles before Him, trusting in His grace to guide our response.

This teaching extends beyond personal relationships. It calls us to respond to societal injustice with courage and compassion. When faced with hostility or exclusion, Jesus asks us not to retaliate but to witness to God’s love through our actions. This way of living reflects the “golden rule”: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). The golden rule is more than a moral guideline; it is an invitation to imitate God’s generosity, treating others with the same love and dignity that we desire for ourselves.

Living this teaching is not easy, and Jesus understands the challenges we face. That is why He calls us to pray for those who mistreat us. Prayer softens our hearts and allows God to work within us, shaping our attitudes and responses. Even when our prayers feel imperfect or insincere, the act of turning to God is a step of faith. Over time, the Holy Spirit can transform our hearts, enabling us to see others through the lens of God’s mercy.

Practical Applications

Jesus’ teaching invites us to reflect on practical ways to live out this Gospel in our daily lives:

• Seek Opportunities to Do Good: Consider how small acts of kindness, even toward difficult individuals, can be transformative. A kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear can soften hearts and open doors for reconciliation.
• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on God’s blessings in your life and use them as a foundation for extending generosity to others.
• Pray for Healing: Bring your struggles with forgiveness to God, asking for His grace to release anger and resentment. Prayer is a powerful tool for transforming relationships.
• Examine Your Relationships: Identify areas of tension or unresolved hurt and consider how you might take steps toward healing, even if reconciliation feels distant.

Reflection Questions

 

1. When have I found it difficult to forgive someone?
2. How can I invite Jesus into that process?
3. Who in my life feels like an “enemy” right now?
4. How might God be calling me to respond with love and grace?
5. How can I live the “golden rule” more fully in my daily interactions?
6. What is one practical step I can take this week/this month to show kindness to someone who has hurt me or to bridge a broken relationship?
7. How can prayer help me overcome resentment and embrace forgiveness?

 

Conclusion

Jesus’ call to love our enemies is one of the most challenging aspects of discipleship, yet it is also one of the most transformative. It invites us to reflect God’s love in a world often marked by division and hostility. As we contemplate this Gospel, let us ask for the grace to forgive, to pray for those who mistreat us, and to respond with love even in difficult circumstances. By doing so, we participate in the redemptive work of Christ and allow His peace to reign in our hearts and in the world.