Collect Series
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COLLECT
SERIES
COLLECT
The
Collect for Solemnity of Baptism of the Lord reads as follows:
Almighty ever living God.
who governs all things,
both in Heaven and on earth,
mercifully hear the pleading of Your people,
and bestow Your peace on our times.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
In
making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged.
1.
What does the phrase Almighty ever living God mean to me?
2.
How might I use this phrase as prayer, affirmation, consolation during this
week?
3.
As Almighty ever living God governs all things, then this means everything
about me too. How might this reality change the way I respond to God this
week? Does it change the way I feel (e.g. if I am feeling anxious, worried,
depressed)?
4.What
is my image, thoughts, experience, understanding of a merciful God?
5.
Do I believe in the power of my prayer to God? Am I persistent and
relentless as I plead for my needs and the needs of others and the world?
6.
What does God's peace mean to me?
Gospel
Reflection:
Theme:
“Behold, the Lamb of God.” John 1:29–34.
Setting
the Scene
John
the Baptist is standing with his disciples when he sees Jesus coming toward
him. John has already been baptising in the Jordan, calling people to
repentance and preparing them for the One who is to come. Now, the moment of
revelation arrives.
John
points to Jesus and declares, “Look, there is the Lamb of God that takes
away the sin of the world.” He recalls how he saw the Spirit descend and
remain upon Jesus, confirming what God had revealed to him: that this is the
One who baptises with the Holy Spirit. John’s role is clear — he is not the
centre of attention but the witness who directs others to Jesus.
This
Gospel shifts the focus from preparation to recognition. Jesus is revealed not
through signs or miracles, but through testimony and the quiet clarity of
truth.
Gospel
Reflection: Pointing Beyond Ourselves
John
the Baptist teaches us what true witness looks like. He does not cling to
followers or status. Instead, he steps back so that Jesus may be seen. His
words, “Behold the Lamb of God,” are both an invitation and a
proclamation. They ask us to stop, look, and recognise who stands before us.
Calling
Jesus the “Lamb of God” draws together powerful images of sacrifice,
deliverance, and mercy. Jesus is revealed as the One who will take upon Himself
the brokenness of the world. This is not a political saviour or a distant
figure of authority, but a humble and self-giving Messiah.
John
also speaks of the Spirit who remains on Jesus. This detail matters.
Jesus is not temporarily empowered; His mission flows continuously from His
relationship with the Father and the presence of the Spirit. Ordinary Time
invites us to recognise that the same Spirit who rests on Jesus is at work in
our lives, quietly shaping us for discipleship.
Personal
Reflection
This
Gospel invites us to consider where we place our attention. Like John’s
disciples, we are often drawn to voices that are familiar or impressive. Yet
John gently redirects our gaze toward Jesus, reminding us that faith begins
with recognition.
Ordinary
Time is a season for learning how to point beyond ourselves — in our words,
actions, and choices. Sometimes witness means speaking clearly; at other times,
it means stepping back so that Christ can be seen more fully.
We are
also invited to hear these words personally: “Behold the Lamb of God.”
Jesus comes toward us not as an abstract idea, but as One who enters our lives
and carries our burdens. This is a moment to pause, look, and allow ourselves
to be encountered by Him. These words are said at every Mass. If we have become distracted during Mass,
allow these words to draw us back- Jesus is calling us- let us look and see
Jesus calling us.
Why is
Behold
important?
“Behold
the Lamb of God”
The
word behold is not a casual word. It
means to stop, to look, to really see.
In
Scripture, behold is used when something important is being revealed.
It is an invitation to pay attention, to be fully present, to lift our eyes and
our hearts.
When
John the Baptist says “Behold the Lamb of God” (Gospel of John 1:29), he
is not simply pointing something out. He
is calling people to recognise who is standing before them.
At
Mass, we hear these same words.We may be distracted, tired, or preoccupied—but
the word behold gently calls us back. It
says: Look again. This matters. He is here.
To behold
is more than seeing with our eyes.It is seeing with faith, with reverence, with
an open heart.
Questions
for Reflection
- What does John’s testimony reveal to me about who Jesus is?
- Where am I being invited to “behold” Jesus more attentively in my life?
- How do I understand Jesus as the Lamb of God in my own journey of faith?
- In what ways am I called to point others toward Christ, rather than toward myself?
- Where do I notice the quiet work of the Holy Spirit remaining in my life?
Closing
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Open my eyes to recognise You as You come toward me each day.
Help me to witness to You with humility and truth,
and to follow where You lead.
Amen.
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