Collect Series
 |
The Mass: Collect series icon |
The Collect for the Third Sunday of Year A reads as follows:
Almighty and ever-living God,
direct our actions towards Your good pleasure,
that in the name of Your beloved Son,
we may abound in good works.
In making this prayer tangible, the following
reflection questions emerged:
1. What does the word action mean and how does
that affect the direction of my actions.
2. What actions will I direct towards God's
good pleasure this week?
3. What attitude might I adopt when I
direct my actions towards God's good pleasure?
4. What does God’s good pleasure mean to me?
5. What does scripture say about faith and good
works?
6. What can I do about actions I have done
previously that were not totally directed towards God?
GOSPEL REFLECTION
Theme: “Repent,
for the Kingdom of Heaven Is Close at Hand.” Matthew 4:12–23.
Setting
the Scene
After
John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus withdraws to Galilee and settles in
Capernaum, by the sea. Matthew notes that this movement fulfils the words of
the prophet Isaiah: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great
light.” What appears to be a quiet geographical shift is revealed as a
moment of divine purpose. You will also notice the connection from the first reading from Isaiah that is read at Mass.
From
this point, Jesus begins to proclaim His central message: “Repent, for the
Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.” As He walks along the Sea of Galilee,
He calls Simon Peter and Andrew, then James and John, inviting them to follow
Him. Immediately, they leave their nets and respond to His call.
Jesus
then travels throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the Good
News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and illness among the people.
Light begins to spread where darkness once held sway.
Gospel
Reflection: Stepping into the Light
This
Gospel marks a decisive turning point. Jesus’ message is clear and urgent, yet
deeply hopeful. Repentance here is not about fear or punishment, but about
turning toward the light that has arrived. The Kingdom of Heaven is not
distant; it is near, present in the person of Jesus.
The
calling of the first disciples reveals the heart of conversion. They respond
immediately, not because they fully understand, but because something in Jesus’
presence draws them forward. Leaving their nets symbolises a willingness to
loosen their grip on what is familiar in order to step into something new.
Matthew’s
use of Isaiah reminds us that Jesus comes precisely into places of darkness —
confusion, weariness, fear, and longing. Ordinary Time invites us to recognise
where light is already breaking into our lives and to choose to walk toward it,
one step at a time.
Personal
Reflection
Many
of us know what it is like to live in partial light — managing
responsibilities, routines, and expectations while carrying areas of
uncertainty or shadow within us. Jesus’ invitation today is gentle yet direct: turn
toward the light.
Following
Jesus does not always require dramatic change. Often it begins with small
shifts of direction — listening more attentively, letting go of what no longer
gives life, or trusting enough to take the next step.
Ordinary
Time gives us space to practice this turning daily. The call to repentance
becomes an ongoing movement of the heart, shaping how we live, choose, and
love.
Questions
for Reflection
·
What words or images from this Gospel draw me
toward the light?
·
Where do I sense Jesus calling me to turn or
change direction at this time?
·
What “nets” might I be holding onto that make
it difficult to follow?
·
How do I experience the nearness of God’s
Kingdom in my everyday life?
·
Where is light beginning to break into areas of
darkness or uncertainty for me?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You come as light in places of darkness.
Help me to turn toward You with trust and openness.
Give me the courage to leave behind whatever holds me back
and to follow You into the life You offer.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment