tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20127568440200350142024-03-14T17:18:19.222+11:00NEW HORIZONSDISCOVER AND ENHANCE YOUR CATHOLIC FAITHNew Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.comBlogger1451125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-29438663490892320372024-02-18T18:41:00.001+11:002024-02-18T18:41:15.129+11:00Collect Series Year B first Sunday Lent<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> COLLECT SERIES</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47LCz25wM_s9HOCfjjxjjnavx7-C0RRYQR1q6EFRepv6NJNY2mAhowdQbfngmwpJJLB6nsXImNSxkWtdSWwMSjSSeuDzRrQcy5TNf_rLGDibvaBqZvyqrewikccTXoU6GJ2MTe4NtfctlKrpILUvN-b04TFiPVBvtFf67WkJyRla3p-GkeyacIuxzA8LZ/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47LCz25wM_s9HOCfjjxjjnavx7-C0RRYQR1q6EFRepv6NJNY2mAhowdQbfngmwpJJLB6nsXImNSxkWtdSWwMSjSSeuDzRrQcy5TNf_rLGDibvaBqZvyqrewikccTXoU6GJ2MTe4NtfctlKrpILUvN-b04TFiPVBvtFf67WkJyRla3p-GkeyacIuxzA8LZ/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">T</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">he Collect for the First Sunday of Lent Year B reads as follows:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Let us pray,</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Grant almighty God,</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">througn the yearly observances of holy Lent, </span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">that we may grow in understanding</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"> of the riches hidden in Christ</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"> and by worthy conduct pursue their effect.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, </span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit </span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">one God, for ever and ever.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is our attitude towards the season of Lent?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What are the riches hidden in Christ?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How may I grow in understanding of these riches hidden in Christ?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What are the effects of the riches hidden in Christ?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What areas of my life are not completely worthy conduct?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is my spiritual goal for this Lenten season and how will I give Jesus permission to attain this goal?</span></li></ol><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Helvetica Neue, Arial, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the northern hemisphere, Lent coincides with springtime and in fact, the word itself probably came from the old English lencten meaning the lengthening of the days that occur in spring. Spring offers the possibility of new life and when hearts lift from the dreariness of the winter season. Lent offers the opportunity to renew and reawaken the life of the spirit, which can make it a season of joy, despite the penitential nature of Lent.
Those of us who live in the southern hemisphere do not have the advantage of the season of spring to accompany us on our journey have a different season- late summer going into autumn. Autumn is a season of a change of colour, where the trees lose their green leaves and turn all sorts of beautiful colours. It is also a time when we can have cool nights so we can sleep better and be refreshed.
Therefore autumn to me, is an ideal time for Lent as I like to think of Lent as a season to change colour. It is a season to change from mediocrity in our spiritual lives to bursting forth with a change of colour ( change of heart) to be the beautiful colour God has instilled in us. It is a time to lose our leaves (sins and bad habits) and allow the grace of God turn our leaves (souls) into something beautiful to behold. It is a time to sleep well at night and allow God's grace to refresh our whole being.
So whether we live in the northern or southern hemisphere, the message of Jesus is still the same which we hear in today's Gospel "Repent and believe the Good News"</span></span></span></div></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-19180145250539276452024-02-17T08:06:00.000+11:002024-02-17T08:06:16.098+11:00Gospel Acclamation in Lent Series: Saturday After Ash Wednesday.<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">GOSPEL ACCLAMATIONS IN LENT SERIES</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SqOj2F808ZnIwB7YCrAB4IrN-ZkQqtgczQKG0J85kCSmFmIdRuukxV8i5M0cI9u8QQ-HuSZQJrBlAVd0ig6SPXnM_fnfHipABw52DAEDW3zgC3Z58EADr0Ye9pTzLcAyt-be6CmBm9YZXMI-9EIX7cgePyaNzeYccIBRPsSp_3DCIVs4Nby1CvybJDGQ/s640/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SqOj2F808ZnIwB7YCrAB4IrN-ZkQqtgczQKG0J85kCSmFmIdRuukxV8i5M0cI9u8QQ-HuSZQJrBlAVd0ig6SPXnM_fnfHipABw52DAEDW3zgC3Z58EADr0Ye9pTzLcAyt-be6CmBm9YZXMI-9EIX7cgePyaNzeYccIBRPsSp_3DCIVs4Nby1CvybJDGQ/s320/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">Gospel Acclamation Series Icon.</span></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><h2 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY</span></span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
word Alleluia is not used in Lent. It means to praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, we still praise God but it is as
though the church invites us in this way to find other ways to praise God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Glory to
You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ, <br />
I do not wish the sinner to die, says the Lord, but turn to Me and live.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Glory to You, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Personal Reflection:</span></strong><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can I embrace the Lord's invitation to turn away from sin
and choose life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What grace do I need to cultivate a repentant heart and a
renewed commitment to follow Jesus?"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Response to God’s Voice:</span></strong><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In what specific ways can I actively listen to God's
compassionate call, allowing His mercy to guide me in turning towards Him and
embracing the gift of life He offers?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Lenten Practices:</span></strong><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can my Lenten practices be a tangible expression of my
desire to turn to the Lord and live.?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can I foster spiritual growth and transformation during this
season of reflection?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Gratitude and Praise:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In what ways can I express gratitude for the Lord's mercy,
acknowledging His desire for the sinner to live, and offering praise for the
redemptive power of His Word in my life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How have I experienced the mercy of God during my life and what
attitudes do I need to change to be open to receiving His mercy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Community Support:</span></strong><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How can I support and encourage others in my faith community to
turn towards the Lord, fostering a communal commitment to life in Christ during
this season of Lent?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-90566264424126027602024-02-17T07:50:00.000+11:002024-02-17T07:50:09.786+11:00Gospel Acclamation in Lent series: Friday after Ash Wednesday.<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> GOSPEL ACCLAMATIONS IN LENT SERIES.</span></b></h1><div><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXKV9NKDDU0KMQbXKLnWcCLMQlz_THOkydMKrpa64ja5DCFyQVIQOcAAzuBYmvD7xQAMxAJzUsmD_5Xfh1t3FRLIU2I8loqI2gtFGiB8NoWeBEEzkh5HpWs8-dDuv1toTbhhOTFfkseUPkpC1MrPJKU0wm3JpGMXZpsB-bS94673mX6DlxtwkRXqadzbr/s640/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXKV9NKDDU0KMQbXKLnWcCLMQlz_THOkydMKrpa64ja5DCFyQVIQOcAAzuBYmvD7xQAMxAJzUsmD_5Xfh1t3FRLIU2I8loqI2gtFGiB8NoWeBEEzkh5HpWs8-dDuv1toTbhhOTFfkseUPkpC1MrPJKU0wm3JpGMXZpsB-bS94673mX6DlxtwkRXqadzbr/s320/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>Gospel Acclamation in Lent Series Icon.</h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><h2 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
word Alleluia is not used in Lent. It means to praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, we still praise God but it is as
though the church invites us in this way to find other ways to praise God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Glory and
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, <br />
Seek Good and not evil <br />
so that you may live and the Lord will be with you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Glory and Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Personal
Reflection:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I actively seek good and avoid evil in my daily life, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I align my actions with the Lord's will, and thereby ensuring His presence
in my life?"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Response to God’s Voice:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
what ways can I deepen my receptivity to God's voice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I allow His guidance to shape my decisions and actions during this Lenten
season, fostering a closer relationship with Him?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Lenten Practices:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I incorporate intentional and meaningful Lenten practices into my daily
routine striving to grow spiritually and draw closer to the Lord during this
season of reflection and preparation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Are
my Lenten practices performed out of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
great love God has lavished upon us by saving me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
have my Lenten practices gone so far. Do I need to review them for the coming
week. What do I need to adjust.?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Gratitude and Praise:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude and praise in my heart, recognizing the
blessings in my life <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Express
thankfulness to the Lord for His grace and presence each day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #E3E3E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Community Support:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
can I actively contribute to and seek support from my faith community during
this Lenten journey, fostering a sense of unity and shared commitment to
seeking good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">What
are the forms of evil that are evident in my faith community which I need to
avoid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-57233409445509563712024-02-15T14:58:00.004+11:002024-02-15T15:07:54.364+11:00Gospel Acclamations In Lent Series Year B: Thursday after Ash Wednesday<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">GOSPEL ACCLAMATIONS IN LENT SERIES</span></b></h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrKXQ8iHvM_PuEPInzz2XgllcJK6cwexa7Npfe_Z8WQ8-tlagRP8I7fkCIqBZpKWy8j7s4V9rSfF_s4ByfP9ok0xllQ4pNxc3gxMkF6gCBVYX9Fw3jv9BcPX1dvOH9HZZHUVkKCttsCBWzD1RygZv6If1NPnsT2ENkGUPUKfmRRi55gkwLBR9KHaAqtz/s640/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrKXQ8iHvM_PuEPInzz2XgllcJK6cwexa7Npfe_Z8WQ8-tlagRP8I7fkCIqBZpKWy8j7s4V9rSfF_s4ByfP9ok0xllQ4pNxc3gxMkF6gCBVYX9Fw3jv9BcPX1dvOH9HZZHUVkKCttsCBWzD1RygZv6If1NPnsT2ENkGUPUKfmRRi55gkwLBR9KHaAqtz/s320/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>Gospel Acclamation Series in Lent Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY</span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Welcome to my series Gospel Acclamations during Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><ul><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Do you get distracted at Mass? </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Does your parish have a sheet with the acclamations printed for you?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Do you have a sheet or read it from your phone but do not connect with the words?</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> Do you not have a sheet or phone and try to listen to congregation reciting it and cannot decipher any of the words?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Do you wish you knew scripture more and could use scripture in prayer during the day and/or in time of crisis/need or anxiety.</span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Well, the good news, this series in Lent may be for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will provide the short text of the Gospel acclamation and then, provide a few reflection questions each day during Lent under the following headings:<br /></span></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Personal Reflection</b></span></span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Responding to God's Voice</b></span></span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Lenten Practices</b></span></span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Gratitude and Praise.</b></span></span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Community Support. </b></span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The word
Alleluia is not used in Lent. Today the Gospel Acclamation reads:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Praise
and honour to You Lord Jesus Christ, <br />
Repent, says the Lord the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Praise and honour to You Lord Jesus Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;">You are invited to use the reflection questions in any way you may find helpful. Use the acclamation too itself as a form of prayer- either in full or as separate prayers throughout the day eg sweeping the floor, waiting for the computer to warm up, stacking the dishwasher. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Personal Reflection</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How have I embraced a spirit of repentance in my
personal reflections during this Lenten season?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In what ways has the awareness of the imminent
kingdom of heaven influenced my daily thoughts, actions, and priorities?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Response to God’s Voice</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Reflecting on the call to repentance, how have I responded to the Lord's
invitation to turn away from sin and draw closer to Him?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Are there areas in my life where I need to be more attentive to God's
voice, especially in the context of preparing for the kingdom of heaven?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Lenten Practices</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How have my Lenten practices deepened my sense of repentance and
readiness for the kingdom of heaven?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Are there additional spiritual disciplines or adjustments to my current
practices that can enhance my preparation for the coming of the kingdom?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gratitude and Praise<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In what ways have I expressed gratitude for the opportunity to repent
and prepare for the kingdom of heaven during Lent?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How can I incorporate moments of praise and thanksgiving into my daily
routine as a response to the Lord's call to repentance?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(227, 227, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #E3E3E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Community Support:</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 18pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How have I engaged with my faith community during this Lenten season to
seek and offer support in our collective journey towards repentance and the
kingdom of heaven?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Are there specific ways I can actively contribute to the spiritual
growth and support of others in my community during this sacred time?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-88891398239111038722024-02-15T14:37:00.002+11:002024-02-15T15:07:32.099+11:00Gospel Acclamations in Lent Year B Ash Wednesday<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><br /></li></ul><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> <b>GOSPEL ACCLAMATION SERIES IN LENT</b></span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrKXQ8iHvM_PuEPInzz2XgllcJK6cwexa7Npfe_Z8WQ8-tlagRP8I7fkCIqBZpKWy8j7s4V9rSfF_s4ByfP9ok0xllQ4pNxc3gxMkF6gCBVYX9Fw3jv9BcPX1dvOH9HZZHUVkKCttsCBWzD1RygZv6If1NPnsT2ENkGUPUKfmRRi55gkwLBR9KHaAqtz/s640/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfrKXQ8iHvM_PuEPInzz2XgllcJK6cwexa7Npfe_Z8WQ8-tlagRP8I7fkCIqBZpKWy8j7s4V9rSfF_s4ByfP9ok0xllQ4pNxc3gxMkF6gCBVYX9Fw3jv9BcPX1dvOH9HZZHUVkKCttsCBWzD1RygZv6If1NPnsT2ENkGUPUKfmRRi55gkwLBR9KHaAqtz/w320-h200/aschermittwoch-2105335_640.jpg" title="Ash Wednesday" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>Gospel Acclamations in Lent icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><b>Welcome to my series Gospel
Acclamations during Lent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Do
you get distracted at Mass? </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Does
your parish have a sheet with the acclamations printed for you?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Do
you have a sheet or read it from your phone but do not connect with the words?</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Do
you not have a sheet or phone and try to listen to congregation reciting it and
cannot decipher any of the words?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Do
you wish you knew scripture more and could use scripture in prayer during the
day and/or in time of crisis/need or anxiety.</span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Well, the good news, this series
in Lent may be for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will provide
the short text of the Gospel acclamation and then, provide a few reflection
questions each day during Lent under the following headings:<br />Personal Reflection<br />Responding to God's Voice<br />Lenten Practices<br />Gratitude and Praise.<br />Community Support. <br /><br />The beautiful aspect of the Gospel Acclamations
is that they can provide a great source of reflection and a great source for a
short prayer and turning our attention to God in the busyness of the day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">You are invited to use the reflection questions in any way you may find helpful. Use the acclamation too itself as a form of prayer- either in full or as separate prayers throughout the day eg sweeping the floor, waiting for the computer to warm up, stacking the dishwasher. <span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am already one day behind.!!! Let’s begin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">ASH
WEDNESDAY</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The word
Alleluia is not used in Lent. It means to praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, we still praise God but it is as
though the church invites us in this way to find other ways to praise God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Praise
to You Lord Jesus Christ, <br />
King of endless glory!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">If
today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Praise
to You Lord Jesus Christ, <br />
King of endless glory!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Personal Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How have I actively listened for the voice of
the Lord in my life and how will I actively listen during this Lenten season?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In what ways have I allowed my heart to remain
open and receptive to God's calling, and where have I encountered challenges in
doing so?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Response to
God’s Voice</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Reflecting on moments when I have heard God's
voice, how have I responded? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Have my actions aligned with His teachings, or
have I faced moments of resistance or hesitation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In what areas of my life is God inviting me to
soften my heart and respond more fully to His call?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
<b>Lenten Practices:<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How will my Lenten practices, such as prayer,
fasting, and almsgiving, contributed to creating a more open and receptive
heart to God's voice?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Am I open to making adjustments to my Lenten
disciplines (if needed) to deepen my spiritual awareness and responsiveness to
God's call?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Gratitude
and Praise<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In moments of recognizing God's presence and
hearing His voice, how have I expressed gratitude and praise?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What specific actions or prayers can I
incorporate into my daily routine to express gratitude for God's continual
invitation and guidance?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Community
and Support<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">How have I shared my journey of faith and
Lenten reflections with my community?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In what ways can I support others in their
efforts to remain open to God's voice and avoid hardening their hearts during
this season of Lent?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-88880320512932178052024-01-31T07:08:00.004+11:002024-01-31T07:08:47.101+11:00About the Mass Series: Invitation to Communion Part 15<h1 style="text-align: center;"> ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2</h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmLQNPIypGsskOG98EppxABAUg1oI4_hZtipP5KIPlMPo-u7cfmEQuMk2QkcrFhTAfuJrNVO-Hjbwq70819p9dq6YEHz2BBVHfiZjqhU-jldVq-uVZ_gTeZPTCwLJsEQl-AEVR4nEFmX9C3tNoyM1CTUHajcdYbrMp_SlTSByclSqx2lGDUsSLcfU5kqk/s960/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmLQNPIypGsskOG98EppxABAUg1oI4_hZtipP5KIPlMPo-u7cfmEQuMk2QkcrFhTAfuJrNVO-Hjbwq70819p9dq6YEHz2BBVHfiZjqhU-jldVq-uVZ_gTeZPTCwLJsEQl-AEVR4nEFmX9C3tNoyM1CTUHajcdYbrMp_SlTSByclSqx2lGDUsSLcfU5kqk/s320/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>About the Mass Series Vol 2 Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘INVITATION TO COMMUNION’ Part
15<br /></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">After the private preparation of the priest and people, the priest
genuflects and shows the Host to the congregation (known as the second
elevation- the first being at the consecration. This is different and
quite distinct from the raising of the host <u>on the</u> <u>paten</u> and
the chalice at the Doxology-(Through Him with Him, in Him), which is the only
liturgically correct and theologically sound action at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">As the host is elevated, he says:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <i>the world. Happy
are those who are called</i> <i>to His supper</i>’.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Both statements are taken
from Scripture- the first from John 1:29 and the second from Revelation 19:9. Some priests introduce the invitation with other prayers relevant to the Sunday Gospel or their own congregation but will complete their own prayer as they elevate the host with the words mentioned above.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before 1969, the response was </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>‘Lord I am not worthy to
receive Thee under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed’.</i></b><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This
was repeated three times</span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> This too is taken from
Scripture-the words of the centurion (Mt 8:9). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the current translation of the Mass since 2010, this is what we pray
at this time. We pray it once only. It is important that we are focused at this time especially so that we can pray these words as our own and can pray them with humility and genuineness of heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In the previous translation of the Mass post Vatican 2, we used to respond <b>‘Lord
I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word, and I shall be healed’.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We may have our personal preference here- some would say by using the
word I, rather than my soul that we are including our complete self –body, mind
and spirit. Others prefer the concept of ‘my roof’ and all that it
entails. Whatever our personal preference may be, it is wonderful, and
yet, humbling to remember that it is only through the Lord’s word that we shall
be healed. The text as it presently stands aims to strike a balance between
worthiness rooted in Baptism (I am a child of God), and the humility possessed
by the centurion, which we are invited to imitate. It is a response of humility
and awe. No other gift can compare to this, and it is God’s invitation, which
makes us worthy to receive it. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What does such an invitation evoke in You?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-52505860990416470142024-01-14T09:24:00.000+11:002024-01-14T09:24:04.904+11:00Collect Series: Collect for Second Sunday Ordinary Time.<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLLzXDFaiJO6Q0E4khdhlqnevt5_gRkwsDN5ZU4jUPwBzhRG_kAK68a0kYq63sPp7d4RGO0UlRv_syZNORLenHxq1kqy42YKXBOe749_sBAT_gxRLm5mtQNK2FpthSALUCd-xfjC9mHj_1Ga8pexhYtwEwU2c2qFdKe44YUNdl7MaLHBdgHCM3KkUZacK/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLLzXDFaiJO6Q0E4khdhlqnevt5_gRkwsDN5ZU4jUPwBzhRG_kAK68a0kYq63sPp7d4RGO0UlRv_syZNORLenHxq1kqy42YKXBOe749_sBAT_gxRLm5mtQNK2FpthSALUCd-xfjC9mHj_1Ga8pexhYtwEwU2c2qFdKe44YUNdl7MaLHBdgHCM3KkUZacK/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">COLLECT <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">The Collect for the Second Sunday of Year B
reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Almighty ever-living God,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Who governs all things, both in
heaven and on earth,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Mercifully hear the pleading of
Your people<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">And bestow Your peace on our times</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">who lives and reigns with You in the
unity of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">one God, for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">In making this prayer tangible, the
following reflection questions emerged:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><ol><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What is my relationship with God as
Creator?</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Does my life exemplify myself as the
Creator in the way of live or does it exemplify God as Creator- is God first in
my life?</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What are my pleading for Your
people? Do I intercede for the Church
and for His people?</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What does God’s peace mean to me?</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What areas in my life need God’s
peace?</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What steps can I take this coming
week to experience God’s peace in my life and in the lives of those whom I
meet, work, parishioners, family, friends?</span></li></ol><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">GOSPEL REFLECTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The Gospel for today is from </span><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1?35"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm; text-decoration-line: none;">Jn 1:35-42</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">, which gives us the calling of the first four apostles. You will
notice the steps involved in the calling.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
Step 1: The first 2 apostles listen to
John the Baptist. His statement " There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" made an impression on them and they left John
to follow Jesus. This is reminiscent of the Epiphany which we celebrated last week. Herod tried to hold onto power whilst the wise men from the East sought the Lord of Lords to be their King. John the
Baptist does not try to hold on to his power or hold them back but lets them
go. He releases them knowing that he was to point the way to Jesus. Are we able to point others to Jesus and
release them in their journey. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Step
2: The 2 disciples stay with Jesus for the day.
Imagine what they would have talked about during that day- the
questions, the curiosity they would have had about Jesus. They wanted to get to
know Jesus, so they spent time with Him.
Do we want to get to know Jesus? Do we spend time with Him to get to
know Him more? Do we set aside time for
retreat to have a day with the Lord? Why not look at your diary this coming week and lock in a retreat before the diary gets filled with other things. If we are not able to spend a day with Him, why not commit to one hour regular adoration either online or in person. It is a wonderful way to get to know Jesus and to get to know ourselves before Him. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Step
3: Andrew finds his brother and tells him about Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You will notice that from his own experience
of Jesus, he tells Peter about Jesus. Andrew realises that they have found the
Messiah.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Because he has spent time with
Him, he is able to say that they had found the Messiah. What experience have we had that we can share with others about Jesus so that we can say like Andrew ' We have found the Messiah'. Personal testimony is very powerful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Step
4: Andrew brings Simon Peter to Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Gospel does not tell us whether Peter came to Jesus because of his brother’s
testimony only or whether from his testimony, his own heart was sparked. What
is important though is that Peter came to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">see Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What does this mean
for us?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When people come to the church,
they may be coming for a whole range of reasons which may/may not be initially
helpful to their faith journey. When they encounter Jesus, these reasons will
find their own place and their faith journey with Jesus begins. It is not the
initial motives that are important since these can be purified along the way,
rather it is for those of us who know Jesus to introduce Him to other people.
What are we doing to bring other people to Jesus? What commitment will I make this coming year to bring other people to Jesus? eg invite people to Alpha course in your parish or set up an Alpha course in your parish or simply ask someone to come to Mass with you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Step
5: When encountering Jesus, Simon’s name was changed to Peter. He received the call. What do we do to
encourage vocations? Do we pray for
vocations sincerely? Do we walk alongside those studying for priesthood and
give them support?<br />
Changing a name is significant. It is giving a person a new identity-a new
role, a new mission. When we encounter
Jesus, are we given a new identity, a new role or a new mission. How are we changed when we encounter Jesus?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">This
Gospel therefore provides us with much food for thought and food for action as
well. What difference will this Gospel make to our lives this coming week/this coming year.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"></span></div></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-78535419275585137112024-01-07T09:00:00.001+11:002024-01-07T09:02:03.724+11:00Collect Series: Collect for Solemnity of Epiphany<h1 style="text-align: center;"> COLLECT SERIES</h1><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYFxT3ym9yIA8FKbJg9yTWTdB4gOsIj9_Jbl2Jh9f58Qt62SctL-RhQOw1wxSPljHRUx9pW-U24XNUzFu7uT7QVEjfK6yayxr39BrIkyNxYEiPAkWvdd3AJGvEMLJRpvPVdZQ-h3XxqWELhkcdK7kPatKS5_MUlcwx7n3QOigqJA4sKYb-a_tWzbp-rLM/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYFxT3ym9yIA8FKbJg9yTWTdB4gOsIj9_Jbl2Jh9f58Qt62SctL-RhQOw1wxSPljHRUx9pW-U24XNUzFu7uT7QVEjfK6yayxr39BrIkyNxYEiPAkWvdd3AJGvEMLJRpvPVdZQ-h3XxqWELhkcdK7kPatKS5_MUlcwx7n3QOigqJA4sKYb-a_tWzbp-rLM/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">COLLECT PRAYER</span></b></h2></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The Collect for the Solemnity of Epiphany Year B reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="color: #222222;">O God, who on this day </span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="color: #222222;">revealed Your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, </span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="color: #222222;">grant in Your mercy, that we who know You already by faith, </span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="color: #222222;">may be brought to behold the beauty your subline glory. </span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">one God, for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><h3 style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 23.166px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></b></h3><h3 style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">How has God revealed Himself to You in your life?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">How will God be King of my heart this coming week?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">How will Jesus shine brightly in my life this coming year?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">What are the shadows of my world which I need to address this coming year</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">How can I reach the brightness of Heaven this coming week? </span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">What steps will I take to start the process/start again?</span></li></ol><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><h3 style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">GOSPEL REFLECTION</span></b></h3><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xm-zWgqi51Itps8IP8ZcQ5lEiuKJuHq_WS_2RQomegJFFeqcwMt3_qwyF-1-3ZJgY_uUpQL1xfsuO-YvVBouK4enCIzQ3xP6mh68WMKtL254tc6yEak1gUVaaIOAc_pwLuWuK6-2nu9vtB_soUCTOi3QbsRSigFcDmWiAxRms_Cuuaqqh1UAesMFK4WI/s1920/christmas-crib-figures-1905869_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1920" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xm-zWgqi51Itps8IP8ZcQ5lEiuKJuHq_WS_2RQomegJFFeqcwMt3_qwyF-1-3ZJgY_uUpQL1xfsuO-YvVBouK4enCIzQ3xP6mh68WMKtL254tc6yEak1gUVaaIOAc_pwLuWuK6-2nu9vtB_soUCTOi3QbsRSigFcDmWiAxRms_Cuuaqqh1UAesMFK4WI/w301-h206/christmas-crib-figures-1905869_1920.jpg" width="301" /></a></span></span></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> </span>Today’s Gospel is from </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2?2" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; line-height: 18px; padding: 0cm;">Mt 2:1-12</span></b></a>. <span face=""Arial",sans-serif">In this Gospel we hear a distinct contrast in the way the 3 Wise men from the East and Herod reacted to the news of the birth of Jesus. The Wise men did homage and then opened their gifts, whilst Herod, fearful of losing power and status was insincere in his intention of doing homage but wanted to kill the baby. He perceived the birth of Jesus as a threat to his power whereas the Wise men accepted the prophecies from Scripture and wanted to genuinely find this new born King.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;">We may wish to ask ourselves as we ponder this Gospel which character do we identify most in our lives. Are we fearful and territorial at work fearing that someone else may be promoted and not us? Do we know how to give Jesus homage and worship Him? Do we spend any time in our prayer adoring the Lord or are our prayers focused on our needs or needs of others? Intercessory prayer is good but are we only asking God for our needs – in a sense using Him rather than being in relationship with Him. I am sure we have all had relationships where we have felt used rather than appreciated, loved and respected. What about God- do we adore and give Him full attention at Mass and in our prayer time?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many parishes still have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time worshiping and praising Jesus in this way. Even if your parish does not have adoration, do not let that stop you from incorporating adoration of the Blessed Sacrament into our prayer and spiritual lives. We can still gain the benefit of it if we approach it with faith. Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus will know our desire to spend time with Him and will come to us <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7YbWyPcQo" target="_blank">via online adoration</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the Solemnity of Epiphany, we can review our spiritual lives and ask ourselves which star are we following? Are we following Jesus, the light of the world who will shine in our darkness/sin and help us or are we following the star of fame, fortune and power like Herod? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you have not made adoration of the Blessed Sacrament part of your prayer life up to this point, why not review your prayer life and commitments and make adoring the Lord a priority in your week either in person in your parish or another parish or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7YbWyPcQo" target="_blank">online</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;">You may wish to sing today <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5UvnKlCTA" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The First Nowell</a> </span></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-32654742724686443872024-01-03T14:20:00.001+11:002024-01-03T14:20:15.528+11:00About The Mass Series; Communion Rite Part 14 Breaking of the Bread<p> </p><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><a href="https://newhorizons-mynewhorizons.blogspot.com/2011/07/about-mass-series-communion-rite-part_21.html" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration-line: none;">About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 14</a></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcWfYmQHPyqmtYCOqO8R2jZlLl8ptWBV2Li4snsHk-uTj3iII69hEEHFGUnbwemUD6dEzZnlXc83cTAZlN79sRDBzOYBFvaUHzW5MPjj-NK2MabthVoskTvBE_WOlTVPxyna4E8bEv5XbBmGF4ITyvg4ou-gX5xlFf9kL1YkoLB5c5paOvaWsFnNPnhRO/s960/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcWfYmQHPyqmtYCOqO8R2jZlLl8ptWBV2Li4snsHk-uTj3iII69hEEHFGUnbwemUD6dEzZnlXc83cTAZlN79sRDBzOYBFvaUHzW5MPjj-NK2MabthVoskTvBE_WOlTVPxyna4E8bEv5XbBmGF4ITyvg4ou-gX5xlFf9kL1YkoLB5c5paOvaWsFnNPnhRO/s320/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-838401422415986484" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">‘THE RITE OF BREAKING OF THE BREAD’.</span></span></span></h2><div style="font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">From the historical perspective, conforming to the rite of Passover meal, Christ took bread into his hands, pronounced the prayer of praise and then broke the bread. The Classical explanation of the breaking and sharing of the one bread is given by St. Paul<i>: </i></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i></i></span></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (I Corinthians 10:16-7). </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Because the loaf of bread is one, we though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf’. In other words, Christ gives to all the one bread, which is His body. Just as this bread has become the body of Christ, so those who share this one bread, whatever be their diversity, becomes one body in Christ.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">You will remember when I wrote about the Presentation of the Gifts previously, that the people provided the bread and wine and also at times oil, candles, wheat, grapes and other items of precious value to them for the Eucharist. It was carried to the altar by the deacons and presented to the bishop. So the Rite of the breaking of the Bread became quite elaborate as the number of Christians increased. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">With the adoption of the unleavened bread and the small hosts in the 12<sup>th</sup> century, the rite of the breaking of the bread became more symbolic. The priest breaks the bread over the paten, ensuring that at least some of the people receive portions from the large host broken at this time. However, even when a smaller priest size host is used, the host is still broken to represent that Christ was broken for us through His death. We must always remember that the Mass is a re-presentation of Christ's death.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Breaking of the bread before Mass destroys the significance of the symbolic gesture and is liturgically incorrect. The breaking of the bread must always be done reverently, because the bread is at this stage of the Mass already consecrated- it really is Christ (body, blood, soul and divinity).</span></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-83566427105051180222023-12-31T08:20:00.002+11:002023-12-31T08:20:28.366+11:00Collect for Feast of Holy Family Year B<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://newhorizons-mynewhorizons.blogspot.com/2020/12/collect-for-feast-of-holy-family.html" style="color: #cc6611; text-decoration-line: none;">Collect for Feast of the Holy Family.</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3615341849017626071" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </p><h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 39.6px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; line-height: 27px;">COLLECT SERIES.</span></h1><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 39.6px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY YEAR B</span></b><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H4g1gis9Kc/XDacRLBhHVI/AAAAAAAAFI4/iU7Hv81BxFcyhUuPIqgKJ4P14OcKjiYWQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Opening%2BPrayer%2Bseries%2Bicon.jpg" style="color: #cc6611; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><img alt="the Mass" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H4g1gis9Kc/XDacRLBhHVI/AAAAAAAAFI4/iU7Hv81BxFcyhUuPIqgKJ4P14OcKjiYWQCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h213/Opening%2BPrayer%2Bseries%2Bicon.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;"><h4 style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table></b></h2><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></b></div><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">COLLECT </span></b></h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><br /><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The Collect for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">O God, who were pleased to give us<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">the shining example of the Holy Family,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">graciously grant that we may imitate them<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">in practicing the virtues of family life<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">and in the bonds of charity,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">and so, in the joy of your house,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">delight one day in eternal rewards</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> one God, for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 23.166px; margin: 0px 0px 0cm; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><ol style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">How is the Holy Family a shining example to me?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">How will the Holy Family be a shining example in my family this coming week?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">What are the virtues of family life?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">What do the bonds of charity mean to me and how might I strengthen these bonds?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">What is my response when I think and ponder the joy Hoof Your House?</span></li><li><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Name at least one area I will change/start to change with God’s help this coming week to refocus on Heaven- my eternal reward</span>?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></li></ol><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><p style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">GOSPEL REFLECTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 19.8px; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6wBVS6ekpTqrM68zvqlsH0rcUu_ZGZl0uatYRG89PdBb16LbWa0OBhjOKUJeFPfpa_MAbmfw27hMXC_-vp7eSS9qMG89wkbqYxvYOyQFzPjglGP7Fomr25c_jpSgWx-ZO8BJNj6tkrgz7smjOksNxz7zFOVUmrmxFugY0qqQ5OYz8938j6sQEZaApJNL/s1280/religion-1907067_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6wBVS6ekpTqrM68zvqlsH0rcUu_ZGZl0uatYRG89PdBb16LbWa0OBhjOKUJeFPfpa_MAbmfw27hMXC_-vp7eSS9qMG89wkbqYxvYOyQFzPjglGP7Fomr25c_jpSgWx-ZO8BJNj6tkrgz7smjOksNxz7zFOVUmrmxFugY0qqQ5OYz8938j6sQEZaApJNL/w289-h213/religion-1907067_1280.jpg" width="289" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The devotion to the Holy Family was born in Bethlehem, together with the Baby Jesus. The shepherds went to adore the Child and, at the same time, they gave honour to His family. Later, in a similar way, the three wise men came from the East to adore and give honour to the new born King with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that would be safeguarded by His family.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We can go further to affirm that in a certain sense Christ, Himself, was the first devotee of His family. He showed His devotion to His mother and foster father by submitting Himself, with infinite humility, to the duty of filial obedience towards them. This is what St Bernard of Clairvaux said in this regard, ‘<em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">God, to whom angels submit themselves and who principalities and powers obey, was subject to Mary; and not only to Mary but Joseph also for Mary’s sake [….]. God obeyed a human creature; this is humility without precedent. A human creature commands God; it is sublime beyond measure.</span></em>’ (<i>First Homily on the ‘Missus Est’</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today’s celebration demonstrates Christ’s humility and obedience with respect to the fourth commandment, whilst also highlighting the loving care that His parents exercised in His keeping. The servant of God, Pope John Paul II, in 1989, entitled his Apostolic Exhortation, ‘<em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Redemptoris Custos’</span></em> (Guardian of the Redeemer) which was dedicated to the person and the mission of Saint Joseph in the life of Christ and of the Church. After exactly a century, he resumed the teaching of Pope Leo XIII, for who Saint Joseph ‘.<em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">. shines among all mankind by the most august dignity, since by divine will, he was the guardian of the Son of God and reputed as His father among men’ </span></em>(Encyclical <em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Quamquam Pluries</span></em> [1889] n. 3). Pope Leo XIII continued, ‘..<em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> Joseph became the guardian, the administrator, and the legal defender of the divine house whose chief he was.[…] It is, then, natural and worthy that as the Blessed Joseph ministered to all the needs of the family at Nazareth and girt it about with his protection, he should now cover with the cloak of his heavenly patronage and defend the Church of Jesus Christ.</span></em>’ Not many years before, blessed Pope Pius IX had proclaimed Saint Joseph, ‘Patron of the Catholic Church’ (1870)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Almost intuitively, one can recognize that the mysterious, exemplary, guardianship enacted by Joseph was conducted firstly, in a yet more intimate way, by Mary. Consequently, the liturgical feast of the Holy Family speaks to us of the fond and loving care that we must render to the Body of Christ. We can understand this in a mystical sense, as guardians of the Church, and also in the Eucharistic sense. Mary and Joseph took great care of Jesus’ physical body. Following their example, we can and must take great care of His Mystical Body, the Church, and the Eucharist which He has entrusted to us. If Mary was, in some way, ‘<em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">the</span></em> <em><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">first tabernacle in history</span></em>’ (John Paul II <i>Ecclesia de Eucharistia</i>, n. 55) then we the Tabernacle in which Our Lord chose to reside in person, in His Real Presence, was also entrusted to us. We can learn from Mary and Joseph! What would they ever have overlooked in the care of Jesus’ physical body? Is there something, therefore, that we can withhold for the right and adoring care of His Eucharistic Body? No amount of attention, no sane act of love and adoring respect will ever be too much! On the contrary, our adoration and respect will always be inferior to the great gift that comes to us in the Holy Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking at the Holy Family, we see the love, the protection, and the diligent care that they gave to the Redeemer. We cannot fail to feel uneasiness, perhaps a shameful thought, for the times in which we have not rendered the appropriate care and attention to the Blessed Eucharist. We can only ask for forgiveness and do penance for all the sacrilegious acts and the lack of respect that are committed in front of the Blessed Eucharist. We can only ask the Lord, through the intersession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, for a greater love for their Son Incarnate, who has decided to remain here on earth with us every day until the end of time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; line-height: 19.8px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 19.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></b></p></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-41317890801954059482023-12-10T15:50:00.002+11:002023-12-10T15:52:31.540+11:00Collect Series Year B Second Sunday Advent<p style="text-align: center;"><br /> </p><h1 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 24pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">COLLECT
SERIES</span></b></h1>
<h4 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyNFnHULUlnjglKH3dB-Gfuhk5RyR2Xqs6M1oosCXUW3H-C18P417BKy0JlctZieOQ24WVQZTtOj4pQWf-aYhqS1Gekg1GV3yW_I9vEUjXFfTrqtc0A7QpZSX55EUpBhXhLhngEl92NspfV_zKdzof_DkDuQboQNjW8xX0s1AXUdoDlPiyHsaYQ5gcmHf/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyNFnHULUlnjglKH3dB-Gfuhk5RyR2Xqs6M1oosCXUW3H-C18P417BKy0JlctZieOQ24WVQZTtOj4pQWf-aYhqS1Gekg1GV3yW_I9vEUjXFfTrqtc0A7QpZSX55EUpBhXhLhngEl92NspfV_zKdzof_DkDuQboQNjW8xX0s1AXUdoDlPiyHsaYQ5gcmHf/w320-h213/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" title="The Mass: Collect Series Icon" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass Collect Series Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h4><div align="center"><br />
</div>
<h2 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">COLLECT </span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Collect for the Second Sunday of Year B reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Let us pray<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Almighty and merciful God,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">May no earthly undertaking hinder
those who set in haste to meet Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">But may our learning of Heaven’s wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">gain us admittance to His company.</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br />
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">who lives and reigns with You in the
unity of the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> one God, for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In making this prayer tangible,
the following reflection questions emerged:</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1. </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">How can our earthly undertakings (e.g. our work) hinder us from Christ?</span><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">What steps will I take this week to prepare a way for the Lord?</span><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">What is heaven’s wisdom?</span><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">How does my understanding of Heaven’s wisdom affect my life?</span><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">How will you set out to meet Christ this coming week?</span><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">GOSPEL REFLECTION</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><a name="_Hlk153113725"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">In the second week of advent we meet
John the Baptist who exhorts us to prepare a way for the Lord, to make His
paths straight and to fill in the valleys and the plains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are the valleys and plains in our
lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I prepare a way for the
Lord this advent?<o:p></o:p></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Advent is a time of hope but it is also a penitential season. The
priest’s chasuble that he wears is purple- meaning penitential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to prepare by some form of penance,
prayer and doing works of charity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this time we can always provide hope for others in need <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by picking up the phone, doing a zoom or skype
or facetime call.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">We can also set aside some time each day to read the Gospel of the day
and to meditate upon it. We can see how the Lord speaks to us through His
Gospel of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might like to
also visit my Gospel Acclamation series to help you also in your advent
journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">We need to set aside some penitential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It might be holding back a word or two when we are tempted to make an
unkind comment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some families they
have the tradition of every time someone in the family does something positive,
something worthwhile spiritually, they add a piece of straw to their cradle so
that when Jesus comes at Christmas, the cradle will be full of straw on which
He can rest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Some families and schools have what they call the Advent promises where
each family member commit to doing something during advent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard some lovely commitments last week at
Mass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One grade 1 child promised to feed
the dog during Advent instead of dad doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, the dog needs feeding and walking every day but promising to
give Dad a break from feeding and walking the dog during Advent shows some
responsibility and also some respect for dad out of love for Jesus. It shows
that the child thought about what he was going to do-something practical.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Perhaps it may be worth thinking of your own promises. It is not too
late to start.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The most important thing is that we use this time of advent, this season
of hope to grow closer to Jesus and to want Him to really come to us not only
at Christmas but into our hearts in a new and deeper way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to long for Him and to really desire
Him to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can get caught up with
family traditions and getting ready for Christmas but if we do these without
considering the spiritual side of the season, we are definitely missing out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk153113725;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Use these weeks wisely and grow closer to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come Lord Jesus and help me to prepare a way
for You.</span></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">You may find this homily inspirational
to your Advent journey <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mps7yfhUMIU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mps7yfhUMIU</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T49_XSnJhAQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T49_XSnJhAQ</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">You may also like to buy my Advent
scripture journal from Amazon. It is called The Season of Advent Scripture Journal <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;">Amazon.com.au<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CPSBDXH3">https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CPSBDXH3</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;">Amazon.com<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSBDXH3">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSBDXH3</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;">Amazon.uk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CPSBDXH3">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CPSBDXH3</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="image" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt; vertical-align: middle;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="a-color-secondary"></span></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.5pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6lEUERNyTZw0SCmWNrN-hgBASQFWrBtWYfL92IAT3pSBqpni6TINuPQln_BnF_QE2jqpcRYgmQcoqLU8R03sgPPqGIsnKPX_-dcuCzwznRU5kZq0HL99tsi5Md7x_rTidCrL8KaNN9kLlDrp1YvguW1NrAe1o6rd5zFFHI4L-UenxVoWVX6agRIc12i0/s3758/COVER-NOV-8-11-27-AM-page-0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="3758" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6lEUERNyTZw0SCmWNrN-hgBASQFWrBtWYfL92IAT3pSBqpni6TINuPQln_BnF_QE2jqpcRYgmQcoqLU8R03sgPPqGIsnKPX_-dcuCzwznRU5kZq0HL99tsi5Md7x_rTidCrL8KaNN9kLlDrp1YvguW1NrAe1o6rd5zFFHI4L-UenxVoWVX6agRIc12i0/s320/COVER-NOV-8-11-27-AM-page-0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-29570083897626641632023-12-03T08:01:00.002+11:002023-12-04T10:14:08.076+11:00Collect Series: First Sunday Advent Year B<h1 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><b>COLLECT SERIES</b></h1><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H4g1gis9Kc/XDacRLBhHVI/AAAAAAAAFI4/iU7Hv81BxFcyhUuPIqgKJ4P14OcKjiYWQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Opening%2BPrayer%2Bseries%2Bicon.jpg" style="color: #cc6611; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="The Mass" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H4g1gis9Kc/XDacRLBhHVI/AAAAAAAAFI4/iU7Hv81BxFcyhUuPIqgKJ4P14OcKjiYWQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h133/Opening%2BPrayer%2Bseries%2Bicon.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></h2><h4 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><br /></h4><h4 style="margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"></h4><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT </span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Collect for the First Sunday of Year B reads as follows:</div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Let us pray</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">(that we may take Christ's coming seriously)</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">All powerful God,</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">increase our strength of will for doing good</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">that Christ may find an eager welcome at His coming</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">and call us to His side in the Kingdom of Heaven</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">one God for ever and ever.</span></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>I<span style="font-family: arial;">n making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span><ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How will I take Christ's coming seriously this coming week?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In taking Christ's coming seriously, what changes will I make to my life?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Examine my will for doing good right now and decide what steps will I take to increase its strength?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How will I make best use of this season of Advent to give Christ an eager welcome at Christmas?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> What gift will I give Christ at Christmas this year?</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What short term, medium and long term goals do I wish to achieve this liturgical year?</span></li></ol><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR.</span></h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">]<br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0v6f3MtaZbu4ntoiuWki71K3prmaPvhYgZfWg4nf31l0dIdKbTKP7tjCU1Fdl-hDT8OhbGW2pUWpS0GNr2uNIALd8l-KCXZHeWJqM-0Ps_2UiFnTUyqTDCAkVIUutFQRVzwIhYenB8iSkH4ouob0x_TnPG-T5aMSf2N_oD7XgdkaugHSWAKmhcyMDPTG/s179/advent%20wreath%202(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="179" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0v6f3MtaZbu4ntoiuWki71K3prmaPvhYgZfWg4nf31l0dIdKbTKP7tjCU1Fdl-hDT8OhbGW2pUWpS0GNr2uNIALd8l-KCXZHeWJqM-0Ps_2UiFnTUyqTDCAkVIUutFQRVzwIhYenB8iSkH4ouob0x_TnPG-T5aMSf2N_oD7XgdkaugHSWAKmhcyMDPTG/s1600/advent%20wreath%202(1).jpg" width="179" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Today begins the start of a new liturgical Year. We may be inclined to say hurray. 2020 has been difficult for us all and still proves to be a challenge health wise and with many restrictions including church, we may indeed be glad especially those countries where we are able to worship again even though with restricted numbers. For those countries who are yet to be able to worship even in restricted numbers, let me say that our thoughts and prayers and communions are being offered for you.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today's Gospel message is very clear<i> "Stay awake! You never know when the Lord will come</i>''. This should give us all a knock out of our seats in Church. However, let us consider it further. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Consider for a moment when we are sleepy and tired. We are not physically, emotionally, spiritually switched on. We are tired, even exhausted, our capacity to make well informed decisions is greatly impaired since our capacity to concentrate is shot. It is so hard to stay awake when we are tired. We also need to think about why we are tired. Perhaps we have been burning the midnight oil or just so tired that our bodies cannot sleep.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Church commands us to stay awake. To be awake implies that we are conscious at least- hopefully physically, emotionally and spiritually in good condition. Our senses are on heightened alert. Why do we need to remain in peak condition? Today's gospel tells us '<i>You never know when the Lord will come''.</i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We may all had the experience of someone we love dying suddenly. For those left behind, it is a tragedy and great shock because they were not expecting it. I had this experience with the sudden death of my mother.. Thankfully mum was ready to meet her Lord.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The season of Advent gives us time to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christmas. If we only make physical preparations such as the meal, the cleaning, the Christmas tree and crib, then we will lose the benefit of this season. We are to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord, not only at Christmas, but for our own meeting with Him when He calls us home. We need to be like the five sensible bridesmaids who have enough oil for their lamps so that when the bridegroom comes at any hour of day or night, we are ready to trim our lamps.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Advent too is a time to ponder His second coming. Advent is a season of hope. Scripture is quite clear about this also. Scripture tells us that we do not know the hour or the day of the Lord's second coming. The Church in this season of Advent invites us to be ready for the Lord's coming and look forward to it with hope.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Advent is a short liturgical season but it is an opportunity to get our liturgical year going on the front foot. We can let the season fly by and not gain from it at all or we can focus our attention on our spiritual goals that we set today and move towards them as best we can. We need to really desire that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, our focus, our one true love. Let us then enter into Advent wholeheartedly and lean into all the graces available in this season.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br style="font-size: 13.2px;" /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-47430364192329081692023-11-19T07:38:00.004+11:002023-11-19T07:38:40.532+11:00Collect Series: Collect for 33rd Sunday Year A<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><h1 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmNgjC9UAF7IZmTpL5uJG0SMKa-nn3WUvUBIOCxJ3FVA2pQDlu-XbehDfVCojItTd7wAhPIOoLLLBu8uMUnZPEdNIOywcRookzG5X6GjJcLeZtLjnZqQFUuUy7GOlOHtlTiN8TlCmswxS9qa81ZFd5Y2saZIR6n4Um2UWCWajblEjDM4NCQ7Ewip_UA4Ql" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmNgjC9UAF7IZmTpL5uJG0SMKa-nn3WUvUBIOCxJ3FVA2pQDlu-XbehDfVCojItTd7wAhPIOoLLLBu8uMUnZPEdNIOywcRookzG5X6GjJcLeZtLjnZqQFUuUy7GOlOHtlTiN8TlCmswxS9qa81ZFd5Y2saZIR6n4Um2UWCWajblEjDM4NCQ7Ewip_UA4Ql" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></b></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">COLLECT</span></span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Collect for the 33rd Sunday of the Year reads as
follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Collect for the 33rd Sunday of the Year reads as
follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grant us, we pray, O Lord Our God,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The constant gladness of being devoted to You,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For it is full and lasting happiness to serve with
constancy the author of all is good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">God for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></b><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">In making this prayer
tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">1. Reflect on God as
the author of all good. How has the author of all good written my life and how
has the author of all good written straight with the crooked lines I have
drawn?</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">2.Reflect on my current
attitude of being devoted to God and the constant glasses it provides.</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">3. What areas in my
life are not aligned to being devoted to God? </span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">4.What step/s will I
take this coming week to bring these areas into alignment with God’s will for
me?</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">5. How will I be
constant in serving God this coming week?</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt 25:14-30</span></b><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The passage from Matthew 25:14-30, often
referred to as the Parable of the Talents, is a significant teaching in
Catholic theology. This parable, told by Jesus, speaks of a man who, before
going on a journey, entrusts his property to his servants. The amount given to
each servant varies, with one receiving five talents, another two, and another
one. Upon the master's return, he assesses what each servant has done with the
talents. The servants who received five and two talents have doubled their
amount, and they are praised by the master. However, the servant who received
one talent, fearful of losing it, buried it and thus did not generate any
additional value. The master reprimands this servant for his inaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This parable is often interpreted as a
teaching about the responsible use of one's gifts and resources. It's not just
about financial or material wealth, but about all the gifts and blessings one
receives from God, including talents, time, and opportunities. The key lessons
from this perspective include:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Stewardship of Gifts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Catholics believe that all talents and
gifts come from God, and they are to be used for the greater glory of God
and the good of others. This parable encourages believers to actively
engage and develop their God-given talents, not to hide or waste them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> 2. </o:p></span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Accountability</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">: The parable underlines the idea of
being accountable for the gifts God has given. It suggests that how one
uses their talents and resources is a matter of moral responsibility and
will be subject to divine scrutiny.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;"> 3. <b>The Danger of Fear and
Inaction</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">: The
servant who buries his talent is often seen as a warning against fear and
inaction. Catholics are encouraged to take risks for the sake of goodness
and to avoid the paralysis of fear, trusting in God’s providence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;"> 4.<b>Diverse Distribution of
Gifts</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">: The different amounts
of talents given to each servant highlight that not everyone receives the
same gifts or capacities. This diversity calls for a recognition of the
unique role each person has in the community and the Church. Therefore,
there is no need for people to be jealous of other people’s gifts since
God gave them to these people. There is no room for competition and human
power when serving in a parish.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;"> 5. <b>The Expectation of Growth</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">: The master in the parable expects his
servants to generate growth from what they were given. This is seen as a
metaphor for spiritual and moral growth, where Catholics are expected to
nurture and develop their faith and virtues.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;"> 6. <b>The Final Judgment</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">: This parable is also interpreted in the
context of the final judgment, where individuals will be accountable to
God for how they used their gifts and lived their lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Overall, the Parable of the Talents is seen as
a call to active and responsible discipleship, emphasizing the importance of
using one’s gifts in service to God and others. It's a reminder that faith is
not just a matter of belief, but also of action and service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-18134387347131061442023-11-06T00:00:00.001+11:002023-11-06T00:00:00.137+11:00Forgiveness series; Cultivating Healthy Self Love.<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> FORGIVENESS SERIES</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf5Glbg8JdJ1vUeHZJgTw7eOgDjgeKAHgzYC9p19WXCF_yDH_oSEgacewl8-9CrxMZq4JTt7bVvaDqxS6-nv7dwtMbHQMGH8L4yHvzuOhZcosPz6ZowJHLhnUN7EfVInWP9yt0LP61hsrYHC3UyvCDXedlzdLnNDvPZdGAGtNTb85xdQEsBg_3NuDnqOi/s960/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf5Glbg8JdJ1vUeHZJgTw7eOgDjgeKAHgzYC9p19WXCF_yDH_oSEgacewl8-9CrxMZq4JTt7bVvaDqxS6-nv7dwtMbHQMGH8L4yHvzuOhZcosPz6ZowJHLhnUN7EfVInWP9yt0LP61hsrYHC3UyvCDXedlzdLnNDvPZdGAGtNTb85xdQEsBg_3NuDnqOi/s320/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Prodigal Son: Forgiveness Series Icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>STEPS TO SELF FORGIVENESS</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Forgiving oneself and cultivating a healthy
self-love from a Catholic perspective can be deeply rooted in the teachings and
traditions of the Church. Here are some practical steps that can be taken
within this framework:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Confession and
Reconciliation:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> One
of the sacraments of the Catholic Church is the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, also known as Confession. By confessing your sins to a
priest, you receive absolution and are forgiven in the eyes of God. This
can be a significant step towards forgiving yourself.<br />If you have not been to this Sacrament for a while, then seek out a priest whom you feel comfortable, ask for an appointment and talk to him about your situation. A priest will only be too happy to guide you through the sacrament so there is no need to feel embarrassed or nervous about it. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Prayer and Meditation:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Dedicate time to prayer. Through prayers
like the "Act of Contrition," you can express sorrow for sins
and seek God's forgiveness. Meditation on the Scriptures, particularly
passages about God's mercy and love, can offer solace and perspective.<br />An excellent book on God's Mercy is called His Name Is Mercy by Fr Ken Barker MGL or Our Father By Ken Barker MGL<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Understand God's Infinite
Mercy:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> The
Catholic faith emphasizes the infinite mercy of God. Understand that if
God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, can forgive you, then you owe it to
yourself to forgive as well. Reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son
(Luke 15:11-32) to see how God welcomes back sinners with open arms.<br /><br /></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Spiritual Direction:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Consider seeking the guidance of a
spiritual director, a person (often a priest or religious) who is trained
to help guide others in their spiritual journey. They can offer advice,
prayerful support, and perspective as you work towards self-forgiveness.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Community Support:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Engaging with a supportive faith
community can be healing. Share your feelings with trusted members and
allow them to be sources of encouragement and affirmation.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Acts of Reparation:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> If your lack of self-forgiveness can stem from harm you've caused to others, consider ways you can make amends or do
acts of charity as a form of reparation. This can be a step towards
healing and self-forgiveness. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Cultivate Virtue:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> Focus on cultivating virtues like
humility, patience, and charity. When you actively work towards being a
better person, it can help mitigate feelings of guilt or
self-condemnation.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Remember Your Worth:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> The Catholic faith teaches that every
individual is made in the image and likeness of God. This intrinsic value
means that no matter your past, you are deserving of love and respect,
both from others and from yourself.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;"><b>Seek Counselling:</b></span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> If feelings of guilt, shame, or low
self-worth persist, consider seeking professional counselling. Many
Catholic therapists and counselling centres offer services that integrate
psychological principles with the spiritual teachings of the Church.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; padding: 0cm;">Regular Participation in
the Sacraments:</span></b><span style="line-height: 150%;">
Besides Reconciliation, regularly partake in the Eucharist. The Eucharist
is a source of grace and can strengthen you in your journey toward
self-love and self-forgiveness. Get to know what each part of the Mass is truly about so that you can enter into it more fully. My series on About the Mass Vol 2 could be a great start to appreciating the Mass more fully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember that the path to self-forgiveness and
self-love is often a journey rather than a destination. It can take time, but
with consistent effort and the support of our loving God, the Catholic faith and community,
healing and growth are possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-86152304005832366282023-11-05T09:52:00.005+11:002023-11-05T09:52:44.186+11:00Collect Series; Collect for 31st Sunday Year A<p> </p><h1 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcUfBitfWMaQXAL8VsEyMRc5Ndoc1Jx2EiJrFMVcDrkMcfaKoYFmkXhwziy0N44426kPKuKmVFYoKmIN5eAmS8l4X8FS_mTnVLmWqWlbYzuuJvqhxMWWcvxrv0zhvf9C3_lvgUC2rR5F8GADZvnZaSU-Y-2P983AGz6HF-6qtYj-5A-yqet4W9wHCySON/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcUfBitfWMaQXAL8VsEyMRc5Ndoc1Jx2EiJrFMVcDrkMcfaKoYFmkXhwziy0N44426kPKuKmVFYoKmIN5eAmS8l4X8FS_mTnVLmWqWlbYzuuJvqhxMWWcvxrv0zhvf9C3_lvgUC2rR5F8GADZvnZaSU-Y-2P983AGz6HF-6qtYj-5A-yqet4W9wHCySON/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></b></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT</span></span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Collect for the 31st Sunday of the Year reads as
follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Almighty and merciful God,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">By whose gift Your faithful offer You right and
praiseworthy service,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">grant, we pray that we may hasten without stumbling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">to receive the things You have promised.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">God for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></b><b><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">In making this prayer tangible
for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:</span><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What does it mean to
me to offer God praiseworthy service?</span></li><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What are the things in
our lives which may cause us to stumble?</span></li><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What will I do about
these stumbles this coming week? (receive Sacrament of Reconciliation) </span></li><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What are the things
that our merciful God has promised?</span></li><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How much do I desire
the things that God has promised? </span></li><li><span style="background: #EBF3FB; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How will I increase my
desire for the things God has promised?</span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 150%;">GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt
23:1-12</span></b></span></h3>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #374151; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
this passage, Jesus offers a poignant critique of the religious leaders of His
time, specifically the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. He points out the
disparity between their words and their actions. While they might offer sound
teaching from the Scriptures (since they "sit in Moses’ seat"), their
lives do not reflect the values they preach. This is a powerful reminder of the
importance of authentic and genuine faith. It is insufficient to merely speak
about principles of righteousness; one must also live them out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jesus highlights the outward show of piety by these leaders. Their widening of phylacteries (small leather boxes containing Scripture) and lengthening of tassels were attempts to outwardly display righteousness. Their seeking of recognition, honour, and titles showed a desire for human praise rather than genuine service to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Furthermore, Jesus teaches about the dangers of pride and the pursuit of human titles and
recognition. He urges His followers to avoid elevating themselves or seeking lofty titles. Instead, they should see each other as equals, brothers in faith, emphasizing the principle of humility. He reinforces this by stating that the true measure of greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is servanthood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
our current lives, this passage challenges us to examine our motivations. Are
we seeking to genuinely serve others and God, or are we more interested in the
praise and recognition from those around us? It's a call to prioritize internal
transformation over external appearances and to value humility and service over
pride and self-promotion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: #EBF3FB; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
essence, this passage is a call to genuine humility, authentic faith, and
service. It is a reminder to all believers to be wary of religious hypocrisy
and to seek a heart that truly aligns with God's will and commands. The
exhortation to humble oneself and to serve others is a central theme of Jesus'
teachings, and this passage encapsulates that message powerfully.<o:p></o:p></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-62098105726910226972023-10-29T09:40:00.001+11:002023-10-29T09:44:47.465+11:00Collect Series; Collect for 30th Sunday Year A<h1 style="text-align: center;"> </h1><h1 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></span></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 48px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwC1S2ysJnY1m4qMxAvW71fMUdTQlBY8KVXRw2PiImaBOj2Wg66XaLYAsrORJHioPwOJkoWDqUQxnCjiZYuAMpCkW7nQ8vXnkln3mcF5OOfm-jyfavWffru2SyGDtY4hJms-BxEoK33GEGXkks0nw5AolhmSwTfTRavTHwGgu0_PZydv9Y1snryPE-lM/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwC1S2ysJnY1m4qMxAvW71fMUdTQlBY8KVXRw2PiImaBOj2Wg66XaLYAsrORJHioPwOJkoWDqUQxnCjiZYuAMpCkW7nQ8vXnkln3mcF5OOfm-jyfavWffru2SyGDtY4hJms-BxEoK33GEGXkks0nw5AolhmSwTfTRavTHwGgu0_PZydv9Y1snryPE-lM/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table></h1><h4><br /></h4></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">COLLECT</span></span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Collect for the 30<sup>th</sup> Sunday of the Year
reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Almighty ever-living God,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Increase our faith, hope and charity, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">and make us love what You command,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">So that we may merit what You promise.</span><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">God for ever and ever.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;">In making this prayer
tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:</span><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take a stocktake of my
faith, hope and charity at this point in my life. Make a list of how these virtues
need to increase.</span></span></li><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do I have a full
understanding of these virtues of faith, hope and love. Read something about
them to understand further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may wish
to read my Virtue series as a starting point.</span></span></li><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Make a decision to
pray for an increase in faith, hope and charity each day as part of your
morning prayer.</span></span></li><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What does God
command?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></li><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How will l love what
God commands this coming week? What step/s will I take?</span></span></li><li><span style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reflect on what God
promises? What do I need to change in me
( behaviour/attitude) to reflect God within me to the world. (my family, work
colleagues, parish family, stranger or someone in the supermarket).</span></span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt
22:34-40</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><strong><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">1.
Love as the Foundation of the Law</span></strong><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jesus distils the entire Mosaic Law into two primary commandments, both centring
on love. From a Catholic perspective, love is the essence of God (1 John 4:8).
Every other commandment and directive in the Scriptures can be traced back to
this foundational truth. In highlighting these two commandments, Jesus
emphasizes the interconnectedness of love for God and love for our neighbours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">2. Love God Wholeheartedly</span></strong><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> </span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The first commandment that Jesus underscores isn't just about loving God but loving Him with our entire being -our heart, soul, and mind. This comprehensive love involves our emotions
(heart), our spiritual essence (soul), and our intellect (mind). For Catholics, this means that faith isn't just about feelings or rituals; it encompasses every facet of human experience and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">3. Love for Neighbour as an Extension of Divine Love</span></strong><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Jesus proclaims that the second commandment is akin to the first. In the Catholic </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">worldview, every human being is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">1:27). Therefore, to love our neighbour is, in essence, to recognize and love. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">God present in each person. It also emphasizes the importance of seeing others </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">as we see ourselves, recognizing our shared humanity and dignity.</span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">4. The Unity of the Scriptures</span></strong><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> </span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">By stating that "the whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments," Jesus affirms the continuity and unity of God's revelation. For Catholics, this demonstrates that
both the Old and New Testaments, while different in their historical and
cultural contexts, speak of the same divine truth centered on love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">In summary, this passage from Matthew, when viewed from a Catholic perspective,
emphasizes the central role of love in our relationship with God and with others. It calls every believer to a holistic and encompassing love that transcends ritualistic observance and touches the very core of human existence. The essence of the Gospel, and indeed the entirety of the Christian life, is encapsulated in these two profound commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-45905930554593070772023-10-25T00:00:00.018+11:002023-10-25T07:31:26.212+11:00About the Mass Series: Communion Rite: Part 13:‘The Rite of Peace’.<h1 style="text-align: center;"> ABOUT THE MASS VOL2</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s960/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s320/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>About the Mass Vol 2. icon.</b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0cm 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://newhorizons-mynewhorizons.blogspot.com/2011/07/about-mass-seriesl-communion-rite-part.html"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Communion Rite: Part 13:‘The Rite of Peace’.</span></a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0cm 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Church is a community of Christians joined together by the Spirit in
love. It needs to express, deepen and restore its peaceful unity before
eating the one Body of the Lord. The priest, with extended hands says aloud the
prayer: </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘Lord Jesus Christ, you said to you apostles, I leave you peace, my
peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church,
and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and
ever’.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Christ offers us His peace. Asking Christ not to look on our sins
indicates our unworthiness for such a gift, and yet, through the faith of the
Church He makes us worthy through the peace and unity of His kingdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Then the sign of peace is exchanged. It is an opportune time to signify
communion in peace and mutual love. Of course, the sign of peace was dispensed
with during covid and in some churches has not been reinstated in the same form
( ie parishioners shaking hands).</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">However,
a smile, a nod of the head, looking at the person sincerely are all good ways
to exchange the sign of peace if you do not feel comfortable shaking hands.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">We need to remember what we are doing
here.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus has offered us His peace and
by offering the sign of peace, we are participating in the opportunity to
express, deepen and restore peace unity before receiving Jesus in Holy
Communion.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">We are offering to fellow
parishioners Christ’s peace to them.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">It
can be very powereful if we allow Jesus to work in us as we give the sign of
peace- His Peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Hebrew word for peace is
‘shalom, namely all possible prosperity, the state of a person who lives in
complete harmony with nature, self and God. Since the risen Christ is the
source of all peace, this gesture expresses faith that Christ is present in the
congregation. It is both a call to reconciliation and unity as well as a
seal, which ratifies the very meaning of church, whose members both find and
pray for peace in one another.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">According to the <i>General Instruction of the Roman Missal</i> (2007),
the mode of exchanging the sign of peace is left to local usage. (p.29).</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">For some people the sign of peace has been a distraction at Mass.
Recently I had someone laugh coldly at me giving them the sign of peace. I felt
very hurt and it was challenging to let the feeling go.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">I wanted to receive communion in a peace
filled state. It was not good preparation.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">For other people it was a blessing. One true story of ‘blessing’
when it was first introduced in the Mass is as follows:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">‘There was a young man who was interested in a lovely girl who attended
the Saturday evening Mass. The girl showed no particular interest in the
young man concerned. The young man asked the priest ‘would we be having
the sign of peace tonight Fr’.This went on for some weeks and it intrigued the
priest. He asked the young man why, only to hear ‘I will sit in the seat next
to her or behind her and she will </span><u style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">have to</u><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> give me the sign of
peace’. Sometime later, they were married.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘Shalom’. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://newhorizons-mynewhorizons.blogspot.com/2011/07/about-mass-seriesl-communion-rite-part.html"><span style="color: #cc6611;"> </span></a></span></b></p></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-73122899557543367492023-10-24T07:11:00.004+11:002023-10-24T07:27:31.251+11:00Forgiveness Series: Is Texting a suitable medium for apologies?<h1 style="text-align: center;"> FORGIVENESS SERIES</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyXOgE5CPpEEAvEWdpMoe6HxCw8p2dcvoK1VUCtWgcPkAV5SDM0TE_rGPGP-cwVmelHt8IENziXIcxIvAoh2WqKQ_s52WQDuHNHGoVZKccm9yivmOizmgS_hqJjkrws7fpdaOXGwMUdsKhaV3PJKvTUGLgAA7FZWwLxzSFqztRkzwIZt7Wy8rBxC66N70/s960/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyXOgE5CPpEEAvEWdpMoe6HxCw8p2dcvoK1VUCtWgcPkAV5SDM0TE_rGPGP-cwVmelHt8IENziXIcxIvAoh2WqKQ_s52WQDuHNHGoVZKccm9yivmOizmgS_hqJjkrws7fpdaOXGwMUdsKhaV3PJKvTUGLgAA7FZWwLxzSFqztRkzwIZt7Wy8rBxC66N70/s320/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><h4>Forgiveness series Icon</h4><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It's not inherently morally wrong to apologize
by text, but there are several reasons why some people view it as less sincere
or ineffective compared to other forms of communication:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Lack of Personal Touch</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: An apology is often most effective when
it is personal. When you apologize in person or even over a voice call,
you can convey sincerity through your tone of voice, body language, and
facial expressions. These nuances can't be captured in a text.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Potential for Misinterpretation</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Text-based communication is more prone
to misunderstandings. The absence of vocal tone and inflection can cause
the message to be interpreted differently than intended. What seems
sincere to one person might come off as curt or insincere to another.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Perceived Laziness</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Some may see a texted apology as taking
the easy way out, especially if the wrongdoing was significant. It can
appear as if the person apologizing isn’t willing to put in the effort to
make amends face-to-face. This then adds to the hurt for the receiver. It also puts the receiver into the position where he/she may be led into sins which may have not been committed if the wrongdoer had apologised face to face. (eg unkind thoughts, gossip, anger, )<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Impersonality of the Medium</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Text messaging is a very casual form of
communication. For grave mistakes or deep hurts, a text is definitely inadequate.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Absence of Immediate
Feedback</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: When
you apologize in person, you can gauge the reaction of the other person
instantly and adjust your approach if necessary. With texting, there might
be a delay in response or no response at all.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Risk of Interruption</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Texts can be overlooked, lost among
other messages, or simply not received due to technical glitches. If the
message doesn't get through, it can cause further strain on the
relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">However, it's also worth noting the other side
of the argument: the perceived advantages<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Accessibility</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Not everyone is always in a position to
apologize face-to-face or over a phone call. In such cases, a text might be the
most immediate and viable way to express remorse. A zoom or skype call should be considered as a preferred option over texting if a face to face apology is not possible.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Initial Step</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: A texted apology can serve as an
initial step to acknowledge a wrongdoing, which can then be followed by a
more personal conversation later.<br /><br /></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">Comfort</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">: Some people might find it easier to
articulate their feelings in writing rather than speaking. For them, a
text might be the most sincere form of apology. However, if the wrongdoer finds it easier to articulate his/her feelings in writing, then he/she must take this as an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth. He/she must learn to love his/her neighbour in a way that is more effective.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;">When you have hurt someone either intentionally or unintentionally, we must still take the situation to Jesus in prayer and ask for His guidance. We must learn to be sincere in our apologies because it is an expression of loving our neighbour. We must also discern the relationship and whether or not this incident is a sign to review it. Sometimes, we are given a blessing in disguise but because we do not discern and take the situation to Jesus in prayer, we fail to recognise the blessing in disguise. Sometimes in fact ending a relationship after apologising appropriately is the best thing to do for both people involved.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In conclusion, the medium chosen for an
apology should be appropriate for the nature of the mistake and the preferences
of both individuals involved. While texting is not the best choice,
it's not inherently morally wrong. The sincerity and intention behind the
apology are what truly matter and both people being present face to face is best.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-29136368934033431542023-10-22T08:59:00.005+11:002023-10-22T09:04:57.066+11:00Collect for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A<p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></span></b></div><p></p><h1 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwC1S2ysJnY1m4qMxAvW71fMUdTQlBY8KVXRw2PiImaBOj2Wg66XaLYAsrORJHioPwOJkoWDqUQxnCjiZYuAMpCkW7nQ8vXnkln3mcF5OOfm-jyfavWffru2SyGDtY4hJms-BxEoK33GEGXkks0nw5AolhmSwTfTRavTHwGgu0_PZydv9Y1snryPE-lM/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwC1S2ysJnY1m4qMxAvW71fMUdTQlBY8KVXRw2PiImaBOj2Wg66XaLYAsrORJHioPwOJkoWDqUQxnCjiZYuAMpCkW7nQ8vXnkln3mcF5OOfm-jyfavWffru2SyGDtY4hJms-BxEoK33GEGXkks0nw5AolhmSwTfTRavTHwGgu0_PZydv9Y1snryPE-lM/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>The Mass: Collect Series Icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">COLLECT</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Collect for the 29<sup>th</sup> Sunday of the Year
reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Almighty ever- living God, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grant that we may always conform our will to Yours <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And serve Your majesty in sincerity of heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">God for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS</span></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">In making this prayer
tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What do I understand
God’s will to mean?</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What areas in my life
conform to God’s will?</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What areas in my life
need to conform to God’s will?</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What areas in my life
will I make a sincere effort to conform to God’s will this week?</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How do I serve God’s
majesty in sincerity of heart? ( at home, at work, in my parish).</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GOSPEL REFLECTION</span></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In today’s Gospel from Matthew, we witness a
thought-provoking encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, who sought to trap
Him with a tricky question about paying taxes to Caesar. Their intention was to
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>both discredit Him with the Roman authorities
and alienate Him from the Jewish crowd. However, Jesus responds with profound
wisdom, revealing important spiritual lessons for us today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">First and foremost, Jesus' reply, "Render
to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are
God's," emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between our earthly
and heavenly responsibilities. He reminds us that while we live in the world
and must comply with its systems and authorities, we also have a higher
allegiance to God. This implies that our faith should not be used as a means to
escape our civic duties but rather to inform and guide them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Moreover, Jesus' words highlight the idea of
balance and discernment. We are called to discern what rightfully belongs to
Caesar, symbolizing worldly concerns, and what belongs to God, representing our
spiritual devotion and moral obligations. It's a call to avoid either extreme:
neglecting our civic responsibilities in the name of faith or prioritizing
worldly matters to the detriment of our spiritual growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Additionally, this passage prompts us to
reflect on the image of the coin. The coin bore the image of Caesar, signifying
his authority and dominion. In contrast, we, as humans, bear the image of God.
This teaches us that our true identity is found in our relationship with God,
and our ultimate loyalty should be directed toward Him. Just as the coin
belongs to Caesar because it bears his image, we belong to God because we bear
His image.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In summary, Matthew 22:15-21 serves as a
reminder of the need for discernment in balancing our earthly and spiritual
responsibilities. It underscores the importance of recognizing our dual
citizenship in the world and in God's kingdom. Ultimately, it challenges us to
give our utmost loyalty to God while fulfilling our earthly obligations with
integrity and wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="display: none; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hide: all; mso-ligatures: none;">Top of Form<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(235, 243, 251); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-32795369814708553072023-10-20T06:56:00.004+11:002023-10-20T07:00:31.435+11:00About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 12 -Our Father- Deliverance Prayer.<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2</b></span></h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s960/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s320/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>About the Mass Vol 2. icon.</b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0cm 0cm; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘DELIVERANCE PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY’ (for the Kingdom)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Perhaps you may have wondered why when the Our Father is recited at Mass
we do not say Amen, yet at other times in private recitation we do. This
is because at Mass the Our Father leads straight into another prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">A literary development from a text is called ‘embolism’ from the Greek
meaning ‘piece added to the garment’. The embolism used here is ‘Deliver us,
Lord from every evil…’ This <b>Deliverance prayer</b>, as it is sometimes
called, goes back to the time of St Gregory the Great (6<sup>th</sup> century).
We are waiting in joyful hope for the coming in glory of Jesus. We can
wait in hope because we know that Christ has not left us orphans, and through
the Church in the Mass and the Sacraments we are able to meet the Risen Christ
in our midst.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In waiting in joyful hope therefore, we can indeed be delivered from
every evil and be protected from all anxiety because in faith we know that the
risen Christ does indeed offer us peace and mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">When the priest says this prayer, his hands are extended; it is an
invitation to pray and also a visual sign to us of Christ. Christ,
through the priest invites us to pray for deliverance of every evil, all
anxieties, temptations and he extends to us the gifts of peace and mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Our response to this wonderful prayer is <b>‘For the kingdom, the
power, and the glory are yours now and forever’.</b> This is known as
the <b>Doxology</b>, and by including it in the Mass, we are also showing
some unity with other Christian brothers and sisters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It also expresses the reality that Christ is the alpha and omega and is
‘on the throne’ in our heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It should be noted that this is a concluding Doxology but should not be
confused with the Great Doxology which occurred at the end of the Eucharistic
Prayer: Through Him, With Him and In Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all
glory and honour is Yours, Almighty Father, for ever and ever.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-53389617575939475502023-10-15T12:05:00.006+11:002023-10-15T12:24:47.992+11:00St Teresa of Avila A beacon of Spiritual Light to God<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">FEAST DAY SERIES</span></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Unknown, “St. Teresa of Avila,” Musée d’art et d’histoire, Saint-Denis, France" height="214" src="https://publisher-ncreg.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pb-ncregister/swp/hv9hms/media/20221014221056_f9045f360d23f450892a6e5cfd3ade281fccb53a52fcc24f489bb60b898942ac.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 100%; text-align: start; vertical-align: middle; width: 720px;" title="Unknown, “St. Teresa of Avila,” Musée d’art et d’histoire, Saint-Denis, France " width="320" /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">ST TERESA OF AVILA</span></b></h2><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">St.
Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus, was a remarkable figure in
the history of Christian mysticism and spirituality. Born in 1515 in
Gotarrendura, Spain, she went on to become a Carmelite nun, a prolific writer,
and a renowned mystic. St. Teresa's life and works have left an indelible mark
on Christian theology and continue to inspire seekers of spiritual truth and
enlightenment. In this blog post, we will delve into the life, spirituality,
and enduring legacy of this extraordinary woman.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Early Life and Conversion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Teresa
was born into a noble family, but her early years were marked by illness and
hardship. Despite her upbringing, she developed a deep sense of piety from a
young age. As a teenager, she entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation
in Avila, Spain, which marked the beginning of her lifelong spiritual journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">It
was during her time at the convent that Teresa experienced a profound spiritual
transformation. She had a series of mystical experiences and encounters with
God that would shape the rest of her life. Her mystical awakening led her to
seek a more contemplative and ascetic life, which led to her eventual reform of
the Carmelite order.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The Reform of the Carmelite Order<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">St.
Teresa of Avila is perhaps best known for her role in reforming the Carmelite
order. She believed that the Carmelite community had strayed from its original
commitment to a life of simplicity, poverty, and deep prayer. In response, she
embarked on a mission to restore the order to its roots.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">With
the support of St. John of the Cross, another influential Carmelite mystic,
Teresa founded the Discalced Carmelites, a reform branch of the order. The
"Discalced" or "Shoeless" Carmelites embraced a more
austere and contemplative way of life, focusing on prayer and spiritual growth.
St. Teresa's efforts were not without opposition and challenges, but her
determination and faith persevered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">The Interior Castle: A Spiritual Masterpiece<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">One
of St. Teresa's most famous works is "The Interior Castle" (El
Castillo Interior), a spiritual masterpiece that continues to inspire readers
to this day. In this book, she describes the soul's journey toward union with
God using the metaphor of a castle with seven chambers. Each chamber represents
a stage of spiritual development, with the innermost chamber symbolizing the
soul's ultimate union with the Divine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Throughout
"The Interior Castle," St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of
prayer, self-awareness, and surrender to God's will. She offers guidance on
overcoming obstacles in the spiritual journey and provides valuable insights
into the nature of divine love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Legacy and Canonization<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">St.
Teresa of Avila's influence on Christian spirituality cannot be overstated. Her
writings have had a profound impact on countless individuals seeking a deeper
connection with God. She is considered one of the great mystics of the Church
and was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church, a title bestowed
upon those whose theological writings are particularly significant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">St.
Teresa's legacy endures not only through her writings but also through the
countless monasteries and communities of Discalced Carmelites that continue her
work and teachings. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15th, commemorating
her enduring impact on the Catholic Church and the world of Christian
mysticism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;">St.
Teresa of Avila's life and teachings are a testament to the power of faith,
prayer, and spiritual transformation. Her mystical experiences and writings
continue to guide and inspire seekers on their own spiritual journeys. As we
reflect on the life of this extraordinary woman, we can draw valuable lessons
about the importance of inner contemplation, simplicity, and surrender in our
pursuit of a deeper connection with the Divine. St. Teresa of Avila remains a
beacon of spiritual light, illuminating the path to a more profound and
meaningful relationship with God.</p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
her feast falls on a Sunday, she is not celebrated this year liturgically.</span><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> he is a Spanish Carmelite nun, reformer
and Doctor of the Church. She is also the patron of Spain, the sick, religious
and lace makers.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
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font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-15359814667813176532023-10-11T13:35:00.002+11:002023-10-11T13:35:20.578+11:00About the Mass series Vol 2: Communion Rite Part 11: Deliver us from evil<h1 style="text-align: center;"> ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2.</h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s960/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CVvAevrPrpXl2Aq_5Cgb-3yZ97f8qLkX2Z-EZjJixKXgjErfBKFwKW50U3JmSShsgaElk_I_txP5nyOwDKVLVsIUHMH5OuuMqUePcBMGevdVb_IwgcWmlpuqqC0A4Jnil-cHpx4yZHopEzh4OFwVnToA4_BJeo7XJJLqRxleb1ZrWneO5I9EbvBomDp1/s320/Saying%20Mass%20at%20Basicilia%20of%20Annunciation%20Nazareth.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b>About the Mass Vol 2. icon.</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://newhorizons-mynewhorizons.blogspot.com/2011/06/about-mass-series-communion-rite-part_29.html"><span style="color: #cc6611;">About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 11- Our Father</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">9. ‘But deliver us from evil’</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In this petition we pray to be kept safe from the power of Satan, the
Evil One, and all that he stands for. We pray that God will overcome
evil in our lives. In other words, we pray that evil will not hold
sway in our lives and that we keep ever close to God’s heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus also included this in his prayer to His Father. ‘I am
not asking you to take them out of the world but ask you to protect them from
the evil one’ (Jn 17:15) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The <i>Catechism of the Catholic Church</i> (1994) says:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘When we ask to be delivered from the Evil One, we pray as well to be
freed from all evils, present, past and future, and as a Church community we
bring before our Father all the distress of the world that overwhelms
humanity. We are also praying for peace and the grace of
perseverance in expectation of Christ’s return’.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> (Para 2854 p. 686)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Before we can adequately pray this petition, we need to be aware of the
evil in our lives, both on a personal and community level. We need
to acknowledge that the power of the Evil One is real, and surrender to the
power of Jesus, otherwise why would we ask to be delivered from evil in this
petition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Each year at Easter, we renew our baptismal promises. In
those renewal prayers we reject Satan, and all his works and all his empty
promises. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each day it is a wonderful opportunity to pray with more urgency to be
delivered from evil, and to surrender totally to Jesus and to the power of His
Spirit. When tempted, we can choose to take a particular action
which will drive the devil away from us and deliver us from evil. Four powerful
ways we can be delivered from temptation and evil are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></p><ol><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> . </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">Make the sign of the cross and say the words aloud (if possible). Saying
the words aloud whilst blessing ourselves helps us to remember that we are
children of God through the power of cross. When we cannot say the words aloud,
then making the sign of the cross will still be powerful to be delivered from
evil.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">Tell the devil to ‘go back to hell or go back to where you belong. I am
a child of God and coheir to the kingdom with Jesus.’</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> . </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">Laugh at the devil and his temptation.
The devil does not like to be laughed at.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -18pt;">Say the name of Jesus slowly and reverently over and over again until
the temptation passes.</span></li></ol><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">May the Holy Spirit give us a new birth, strengthen us and fill us with
His light.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">May we be open to receive afresh the Spirit’s flame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-85404740749294284422023-10-08T17:59:00.001+11:002023-10-22T09:02:38.572+11:00Collect for Twenty Seventh Sunday Year A<p> </p><h1 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT SERIES</span></span></b></div><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNHK1R2GQjkeAqIqvXPADnLcI2nO119jnEbR4XsRp8_-_8ZRnNBZhcHet5eaLyUc32_jO1IEujTZGaTrdVPfYCM5jrZD_ixZhFJ3v6Ob_ENbo-N-wFExZrfAwfP0V7o1qFrYJb7dY0tCrt4T1s0RHKjJt8SofzHBv5NEzCMzwILzGvu0crhhCAfoDvV3p/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNHK1R2GQjkeAqIqvXPADnLcI2nO119jnEbR4XsRp8_-_8ZRnNBZhcHet5eaLyUc32_jO1IEujTZGaTrdVPfYCM5jrZD_ixZhFJ3v6Ob_ENbo-N-wFExZrfAwfP0V7o1qFrYJb7dY0tCrt4T1s0RHKjJt8SofzHBv5NEzCMzwILzGvu0crhhCAfoDvV3p/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><span style="font-family: arial;">The Mass: Collect Series Icon.</span></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></span></h1>
<h2 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">COLLECT</span></span></b></h2>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Almighty ever-living God,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">who in the abundance of Your Kindness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">surpass the merits and desires of those who entreat
You,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pour out Your mercy upon us to pardon what conscience
dreads<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">and to give what prayer does not dare to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy
Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">God, for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">REFLECTION QUESTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In making this prayer tangible this coming week the
following reflection questions emerged:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How has God shown me abundance in my life?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How do I see myself in relation to God as Father?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is my relationship with God the Father like? What
steps will I take this week to improve this relationship?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is it that my conscience dreads?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seek the sacrament of Reconciliation this
coming week?</span></li><li><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What prayer do I not dare to ask but desire from God?</span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">GOSPEL REFLECTION: Mt 21:33-43: The Parable of Tenants
in the Vineyard.</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Gospel of Matthew offers us a parable in
Chapter 21, verses 33-43, that is both a cautionary tale and a prophecy. Known
as the Parable of the Tenants, it serves as a profound teaching about God’s
generosity, humanity’s accountability, and the consequences of refusing to
recognize and accept God's messengers, especially His Prophets and Jesus His
own Son.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">1. The Vineyard as a Symbol of God’s Kingdom
and Generosity</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The vineyard is a familiar biblical symbol for
the people of Israel (see Isaiah 5:1-7), and by extension, it represents the
Kingdom of God. God, the landowner, plants this vineyard, equipping it with all
that it needs to bear fruit. Just as He has given the Israelites the law, the
prophets, and a land flowing with milk and honey, God is generous and provides
abundantly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">2. The Tenants as a Representation of Israel's
Leaders</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The tenants to whom the vineyard is entrusted
are symbolic of the religious leaders of Israel. Over the ages, God has sent
prophets to guide His people and to call them back to righteousness whenever
they strayed. However, many of these prophets were mistreated or even killed.
The parable reflects this reality. When the landowner sends his servants to gather
the fruits, the tenants beat, kill, and stone them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">3. The Son as the Final Messenger</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The climax of the parable comes when the
landowner sends his son, thinking, "They will respect my son." This
is a direct foreshadowing of God sending His only Son, Jesus, to the people of
Israel. Tragically, like the tenants in the parable, the leaders of Israel do
not recognize the Son's authority and plot to kill Him, thinking it would
secure their position and power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">4. The Stone the Builders Rejected</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Jesus concludes the parable by quoting Psalm
118:22-23: "The stone the builders rejected has become the
cornerstone." This serves as a prophecy of His own death and resurrection.
Jesus, though rejected and crucified, becomes the cornerstone of the Church, the
foundation of our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">5. A Call to Self-examination</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">While it’s easy to point fingers at the chief
priests and Pharisees, as Catholics, the parable also invites us to a personal
reflection. How often have we, too, ignored the "servants" God has
sent into our lives—whether they be His teachings, the promptings of the Holy
Spirit, or the guidance of the Church? Have we sometimes been like the wicked
tenants, seeking our own interests over the will of the Divine Landowner?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">6. The Universality of the Kingdom</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Finally, the parable ends with a reminder that
the Kingdom of God is not limited to one group. If those originally entrusted
with the Kingdom reject it, the Kingdom will be given to others who will
produce its fruit. This foreshadows the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles
and underscores the universality of the Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In conclusion, the Parable of the Tenants is a
potent reminder of God’s immense love and patience, the responsibility we have
in bearing fruit for the Kingdom, and the grave consequences of rejecting the
Son. It beckons us to constantly align our lives with God’s will and to be
fruitful stewards of the faith we’ve been entrusted with.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-16091052935662194272023-10-02T08:47:00.006+11:002023-11-24T07:52:50.890+11:00Forgiveness series: A time to Forgive: Emotional and Catholic Perspective.<h1 style="text-align: center;"> FORGIVENESS SERIES</h1><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyXOgE5CPpEEAvEWdpMoe6HxCw8p2dcvoK1VUCtWgcPkAV5SDM0TE_rGPGP-cwVmelHt8IENziXIcxIvAoh2WqKQ_s52WQDuHNHGoVZKccm9yivmOizmgS_hqJjkrws7fpdaOXGwMUdsKhaV3PJKvTUGLgAA7FZWwLxzSFqztRkzwIZt7Wy8rBxC66N70/s960/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyXOgE5CPpEEAvEWdpMoe6HxCw8p2dcvoK1VUCtWgcPkAV5SDM0TE_rGPGP-cwVmelHt8IENziXIcxIvAoh2WqKQ_s52WQDuHNHGoVZKccm9yivmOizmgS_hqJjkrws7fpdaOXGwMUdsKhaV3PJKvTUGLgAA7FZWwLxzSFqztRkzwIZt7Wy8rBxC66N70/s320/the%20prodigal%20son.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>Forgiveness series Icon</h4><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Why do some people take longer to accept an
apology from emotional and Catholic perspective <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Both emotional and Spiritual perspectives can
shed light on why some individuals may take longer to accept an apology:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">1. Emotional Perspective.</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">a.
<b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Depth of Hurt:</span></b> The deeper the emotional hurt, the
longer it may take to process and heal. If trust was significantly breached,
rebuilding it can take time. Emotional pain and feelings of betrayal can create
barriers to forgiveness, and the person may need time to process their feelings
and assess whether the apology is sincere. Some
transgressions strike at the core of a person's values, trust, or self-worth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">b.
<b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Processing Time:</span></b> Everyone processes emotions at their
own pace. For some, understanding and coming to terms with a situation can be
instantaneous, while others might need more time to reflect. Some individuals may need more time to understand their
feelings and decide whether to forgive. if someone is hurt deeply, it
may take more time for them to heal and to trust the person who hurt them
again. Emotional pain and feelings of betrayal can create barriers to
forgiveness, and the person may need time to process their feelings and assess
whether the apology is sincere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">c.
<b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Past Experiences:</span></b> Past traumas or betrayals can
influence one's readiness to accept an apology. If someone has been hurt in a
similar way before, they might be more guarded. If trust has been broken in the past, or if a
person has experienced repeated betrayals, they may be more guarded and less
willing to accept an apology quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">d.
<b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Fear of Reoccurrence:</span></b> The individual might be hesitant
to accept the apology out of fear that the behaviour will happen again. They might wait to see if the apologizing party's
behaviour changes over time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; padding: 0cm;">2. Catholic Perspective:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">People think that because a person is a
Catholic or a Christian that they should forgive automatically. Catholics and Christians suffer similar
emotional responses as other<span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;"> people do.
However, if the person is truly sincere about his/her relationship with
God, then he/she is likely to take his/her struggle to God in prayer.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">a. <b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Concept of Sin and Repentance:</span></b>
In Catholic theology, when one commits a sin, true repentance is necessary for
forgiveness. This means genuine sorrow for the wrongdoing and an intent not to
commit it again. If the person receiving the apology perceives that the
offender isn't truly repentant, they may be hesitant to forgive. This is when
the emotional aspect overrides the spiritual perspective. Our emotional response is powerful, but with
time and effort we can align both what God asks of us in regard to forgiveness
with our emotional response.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); padding: 0cm;">Nature of Sin:</span></strong><span> Catholicism categorizes sins in various ways, such as venial (less serious) and mortal (very serious). A more grievous sin might take longer to forgive because of the deep impact it has on the soul.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">b. <b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Forgiveness is a Virtue:</span></b>
Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, citing Jesus'
teachings and the Lord's Prayer ("forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us"). However, understanding and living this
teaching in real life can be challenging and may take </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">time. True repentance is essential in Catholicism. If the person apologizing doesn't show genuine remorse or a commitment to avoiding the sin in the future, it might be harder for the injured party to accept the apology.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">c. <b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Emulating Christ's Mercy:</span></b>
While Catholics are taught to emulate Christ's mercy and unconditional love,
human emotions and past experiences can make this challenging. Just as it might
take time for a person to seek God's forgiveness through the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, it might take time for individuals to offer human forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); padding: 0cm;">d Role of Confession:</span></strong><span> Catholics believe in the sacrament of confession, where sins are confessed to Jesus through a priest. The act of confession doesn't necessarily mean the injured party will instantly forgive, but it's a step toward reconciliation with God. Interpersonal forgiveness might still take time. It also helps the person who has committed the offence since grace is received which, in time will help the person who has committed the offence to want to forgive and to take steps towards it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); padding: 0cm;">e Call to Forgive:</span></strong><span> Catholic teachings emphasize the importance of forgiveness, drawing from Christ's teachings and examples. However, understanding this obligation doesn't necessarily make the act of forgiveness immediate or easy.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">f. <b><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Community and Counselling:</span></b>
The Catholic Church often emphasizes the role of the community and counselling.
Seeking guidance from spiritual leaders, confessors, or fellow believers can
help process feelings so as to lead the person towards the true
forgiveness. It is the decision solely
of the person not of the community or counsellor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In both perspectives, it's evident that the
act of forgiving and accepting an apology isn't just about the words spoken but
involves a deeper internal process. It's crucial to give individuals the time
and space they need to come to a decision about forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">From a Catholic perspective, forgiveness is a
crucial tenet, emphasizing compassion, reconciliation, and love for one
another. However, Catholic teachings also recognize the complexity of human
emotions and relationships. The process of reconciliation might be slow due to
the need for genuine repentance, making amends, and assurance that the harmful behaviour
will not be repeated. Catholics are taught to seek and grant forgiveness, but
genuine contrition and acts of penance on the part of the wrongdoer can be
important in facilitating forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In both cases, the process can be slow and
complex, as it often involves navigating intense emotions and moral values. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">From both an emotional and a Catholic perspective, the process of
accepting an apology can be complex. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">In both perspectives, it's crucial to understand that forgiveness
is a journey. While some people might forgive quickly, others need time to
process, heal, and come to a place of genuine forgiveness. It's essential to
respect each individual's timeline and emotions in this process.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0cm 5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="display: none; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hide: all; mso-ligatures: none;">Top of Form<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></p><br /></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2012756844020035014.post-60523372910313292602023-10-01T08:51:00.002+11:002023-10-01T08:51:23.581+11:00Collect Series: Collect for 26th Sunday Year A<h1 style="text-align: center;"> COLLECT SERIES</h1><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK2dpQcSv7hZ-yyTp4xowa0iCWmNQe5w8ZJm2LVPq1tCRRrPsXV8-y1TOzZR5LC3TPDEsyk9MtcllBGPUN0YQzmNBfKBGEaeJWJuIiiUcS8Gaugr0KvtdYiN0V30rQxGia2pbXQUCZ7FcbiWbXDo4avrBj4Y5kxkpffjchcP3_AkIiW3N1TSTOvuoSbqD/s640/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK2dpQcSv7hZ-yyTp4xowa0iCWmNQe5w8ZJm2LVPq1tCRRrPsXV8-y1TOzZR5LC3TPDEsyk9MtcllBGPUN0YQzmNBfKBGEaeJWJuIiiUcS8Gaugr0KvtdYiN0V30rQxGia2pbXQUCZ7FcbiWbXDo4avrBj4Y5kxkpffjchcP3_AkIiW3N1TSTOvuoSbqD/s320/Opening%20Prayer%20series%20icon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4><b> The Mass: Collect Series Icon</b></h4></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">COLLECT
SERIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">COLLECT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Collect for 26th Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">O God,
who manifest Your almighty power above all <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">by
pardoning and showing mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Bestow,
we pray Your grace abundantly upon us<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And make
those hastening to attain Your promises</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">heirs to the treasures of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Though
our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">who lives and reigns through the Holy Spirit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">God
for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">REFLECTION
QUESTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><a name="_Hlk142204136"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In making this prayer tangible the following reflection
questions emerged:<o:p></o:p></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How have I experienced the mercy of God?</span></span></li><li><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How might I experience the mercy of God
this coming week?</span></span></li><li><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What hinders us from desiring the promises
of Heaven right now? (attitudes/behaviours)?</span></span></li><li><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How can I re-educate myself on the Sacrament
of Reconciliation?</span></span></li><li><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How will I express my gratitude for God’s
mercy and pardon in my life this coming week?</span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk142204136;"></span>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">GOSPEL
REFLECTION<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mt 21;28-32<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In
the Gospel of Matthew, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus often
employs parables as a way to illustrate profound truths about the Kingdom of
God. Among these is the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32. At a
glance, it may seem like a simple story about the dynamics of obedience and
disobedience, but beneath its surface lies a powerful lesson about repentance,
actions, and the Kingdom of Heaven from a Catholic perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The story begins with a man with two sons. He goes to the first and says, “‘Son, go
out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went." The man then goes to the second son with the same instruction, to which he replies, “‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">When asked which of the two sons did the father's will, the chief priests and elders, to whom Jesus was speaking, responded, "The first." Jesus then draws a parallel between this parable and the conversion of sinners, stating that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before the self-righteous religious leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The essence of this parable can be distilled into a few key lessons:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Genuine Repentance:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The first son, despite initially
refusing the request of his father, undergoes a change of heart and ultimately
obeys. This mirrors the path of sinners who, despite their initial refusal to
follow God's ways, undergo conversion and genuinely seek to do His will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">Actions Speak Louder:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> The second son, despite assuring his
father he would do the task, fails to follow through. This reflects the hollow
nature of mere verbal commitments without the intent or effort to act on them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">The Unexpected in the Kingdom:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> Jesus, throughout His ministry,
challenged societal norms and expectations. Here, He highlights that those
deemed the "worst" by societal standards—tax collectors and prostitutes—through
genuine repentance and acts, are closer to the Kingdom of Heaven than the
religious leaders who professed righteousness but lacked authenticity in their
commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This
parable is a call to self-examination and authenticity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may ask ourselves:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How
often have we made promises in our prayer lives only to falter in our actions? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -18.0pt; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">How often have we judged others for their past while priding ourselves on our
supposed righteousness?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This Gospel passage reminds us of the significance of genuine conversion and the
authenticity of our actions. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, so integral to Catholic life, is not merely about confessing sins but genuinely turning back to God with a renewed commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="border: solid #D9D9E3 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0cm;">The Ever-Open Doors of the Kingdom</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Jesus' message is clear: the doors of the Kingdom are open to everyone, even those who
have strayed far away. But entry requires more than mere words—it necessitates
an authentic change of heart and commitment to God's will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Let’s reflect upon our own lives in the light of this parable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 39.3pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Are
we the first son, who, despite our shortcomings, genuinely seeks to align our
actions with God's will? Or <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 39.3pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -18.0pt; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Are we the second, who makes empty promises and lacks the commitment to actualize
our faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The beauty of our faith lies in the mercy and love of God, who continuously invites
us to return, to repent, and to truly live out the Gospel in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 15.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's ensure our words and deeds align,
echoing the genuine commitment of the first son, as we strive to journey closer
to the Kingdom of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></div>New Horizonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645001801871262771noreply@blogger.com0