Collect Series
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COLLECT
The Collect for 26th Sunday
Ordinary Time reads as follows
O God,
who manifest Your almighty power above all
by
pardoning and showing mercy,
Bestow,
we pray Your grace abundantly upon us
And
make those hastening to attain Your promises heirs to the treasures of Heaven.
Though
our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns through the Holy Spirit,
God
for ever and ever.
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS
In making this prayer tangible the following reflection
questions emerged:
How have I experienced the mercy of God?
How might I experience the mercy of God
this coming week?
What hinders us from desiring the promises
of Heaven right now? (attitudes/behaviours)?
How can I re-educate myself on the
Sacrament of Reconciliation?
How will I express my gratitude for God’s
mercy and pardon in my life this coming week?
GOSPEL REFLECTION
Matthew
21:28–32
Theme: “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”
Setting
the Scene
As
Jesus continues teaching in Jerusalem, He tells the chief priests and elders
the Parable of the Two Sons.
A
father asks each of his sons to work in the vineyard.
The
first son refuses. Yet later, he changes his mind and goes to work.
The
second son politely agrees to his father's request, saying, "I will,
sir," but never goes.
Jesus
asks His listeners which of the two sons truly did the father's will.
They
answer correctly: the one who eventually obeyed.
Jesus
then delivers a challenging message. Tax collectors and prostitutes, who had
once lived far from God but repented at the preaching of John the Baptist, were
entering the Kingdom of God ahead of those who outwardly appeared righteous but
refused to believe.
This
Gospel reminds us that God looks beyond our words and sees the true response of
our hearts.
Gospel
Reflection: Saying "Yes" with Our Lives
It is
easy to say the right words.
We can
promise to follow God, attend worship, and speak confidently about our faith.
Yet Jesus reminds us that genuine discipleship is measured not simply by what
we say, but by how we live.
The
first son initially refuses his father's request. His response is
disappointing, yet he later experiences a change of heart and chooses to obey.
The
second son appears respectful and willing, but his actions never match his
words.
Jesus
uses this simple parable to reveal an important truth.
God
delights in hearts that are open to repentance.
No
matter how far we may have wandered, it is never too late to turn back to Him.
The
Gospel also challenges those who may become comfortable in their faith.
Following Christ requires continual conversion, allowing our daily choices to
reflect the promises we make.
True
obedience grows from a heart transformed by God's grace.
Personal
Reflection
There
are times when my words and my actions do not always match.
I may
intend to pray more faithfully, serve more generously, or forgive more readily,
yet good intentions alone do not bear fruit.
Jesus
invites me to move beyond intention into action.
The
first son's example offers great hope.
Even
after making the wrong choice initially, he allows his heart to change.
God is
always ready to welcome those who sincerely repent and begin again.
Each
new day offers another opportunity to say "yes" to God—not only with
my lips but through the way I live, love, and serve others.
The
Father's invitation continues.
How
will I respond today?
Questions
for Reflection
- What
part of this Gospel speaks most strongly to me today?
- When
have my actions reflected my faith more clearly than my words?
- Is
there an area of my life where God is inviting me to change my heart?
- How
do I respond when I recognise that I have made the wrong choice?
- What
practical step can I take this week to live my faith more authentically?
- How
have I experienced God's mercy after turning back to Him?
- In
what ways is Jesus inviting me to say "yes" through my daily
actions?
Closing
Prayer
Lord
Jesus,
You
call me not only to speak of faith,
but to live it each day.
Forgive
me
for the times my actions have not reflected
my love for You.
Give
me a humble heart
that is always willing
to repent, to begin again,
and to follow wherever You lead.
Help
me to say "yes"
through my words, my choices,
and my daily acts of love and service.
May my
life bear witness to Your grace
so that others may come to know
Your goodness through me.
Amen.
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