Collect Series: Nineteenth Sunday of Year C

 Collect Series

the Mass: Collect Series Icon

COLLECT SERIES

 

The Collect for the 19th Sunday of the Year Year C is as follows:

 

Almighty ever-living God,

whom taught by the Holy Spirit,

we dare to call our Father,

bring we pray, to perfection in our hearts

the spirit of adoption as Your sons and daughters,

that we may merit to enter into the inheritance

which you have promised.

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 for during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1.  What is my relationship with God the Father?  

2. What is my relationship with Jesus? 

3.    What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit? 

4.    What are the areas in my life that I need help from God? 

5.    Consider the love with which Christ handed himself over to death?

6. What personal response do I make to Jesus for this enormous love? 

7..    How will I merit the inheritance of the Kingdom this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

 Ready Hearts, Faithful Hands Gospel: Luke 12:32–48

There is a tender reassurance at the start of today’s gospel: "Do not be afraid, little flock." Before Jesus speaks of watchfulness, readiness, and accountability, He reminds us of the Father’s heart — generous, loving, and delighted to give us the kingdom. We do not serve out of fear of losing His love; we serve because we already have it.

Jesus moves quickly from reassurance to responsibility. Readiness in the kingdom is not about having a perfectly organised life or knowing exactly what tomorrow holds — it is about living each day with open hands and a faithful heart. We are called to keep our lamps burning, to be dressed for service, and to respond when He knocks.

This parable presses on an important truth: the kingdom is a gift, but discipleship is a trust. We are stewards — of our time, our resources, our relationships, our faith. And stewardship is not occasional; it is daily, often in the quiet and unseen moments. The faithful servant is not only the one who welcomes the master at the front door, but the one who has been quietly tending the house all along.

Jesus’ words about the servant who knew what to do but failed to act can feel challenging. They remind us that faith is not just belief; it is lived obedience. The more we have been given — in gifts, opportunities, and understanding — the more is expected of us. This is not meant to burden us, but to awaken us. God’s grace equips us for the task. We also need to realise and acknowledge how God has gifted us and use these gifts.  God provides us with gifts not just once but daily.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end

they are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23

 

How then do we keep our lamps burning? By living prayerfully, giving generously, forgiving quickly, and loving persistently — even when no one notices. By being attentive to the Spirit’s prompting and responding to the needs in front of us.

The master is coming — perhaps in the unexpected interruption, in the cry for help from someone we did not plan to meet, or in the gentle whisper during prayer. When He comes, may He find our hearts ready, our hands faithful, and our lives lit with the light of His love.

 

So we may wish to pray:

The Lord is our light and guide,
Our hearts will not be afraid.
We watch for His coming in peace,
Faithful in love till He calls.