Collect Series: Collect for 33rd Sunday Year A

 

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The Collect for the 33rd Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

 

The Collect for the 33rd Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Grant us, we pray, O Lord Our God,

The constant gladness of being devoted to You,

For it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all is good.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

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?

2.Reflect on my current attitude of being devoted to God and the constant glasses it provides.

3. What areas in my life are not aligned to being devoted to God?

4.What step/s will I take this coming week to bring these areas into alignment with God’s will for me?

5. How will I be constant in serving God this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt 25:14-30

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.

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:

1. Stewardship of Gifts: 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.

     2.  Accountability: 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.

    3. The Danger of Fear and Inaction: 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.

   4.Diverse Distribution of Gifts: 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.

 5. The Expectation of Growth: 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.

  6. The Final Judgment: 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.

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.

 

 

Collect Series; Collect for 31st Sunday Year A

 

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The Collect for the 31st Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Almighty and merciful God,

By whose gift Your faithful offer You right and praiseworthy service,

grant, we pray that we may hasten without stumbling

to receive the things You have promised.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does it mean to me to offer God praiseworthy service?
2. What are the things in our lives which may cause us to stumble?
3. What will I do about these stumbles this coming week? (receive Sacrament of Reconciliation)
4. What are the things that our merciful God has promised?
5. How much do I desire the things that God has promised?
6. How will I increase my desire for the things God has promised?

 

 GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt 23:1-12

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

Collect Series; Collect for 30th Sunday Year A

 

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The Collect for the 30^th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Almighty ever-living God,

Increase our faith, hope and charity,

and make us love what You command,

So that we may merit what You promise. 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. 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.
2. Do I have a full understanding of these virtues of faith, hope and love. Read something about them to understand further.  You may wish to read my Virtue series as a starting point.
3. Make a decision to pray for an increase in faith, hope and charity each day as part of your morning prayer.
4. What does God command? 
5. How will l love what God commands this coming week? What step/s will I take?
6. 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).

GOSPEL REFLECTION Mt 22:34-40

1. Love as the Foundation of the Law 

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.

2. Love God Wholeheartedly

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.

3. Love for Neighbour as an Extension of Divine Love Jesus proclaims that the second commandment is akin to the first. In the Catholic worldview, every human being is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, to love our neighbour is, in essence, to recognize and love. God present in each person. It also emphasizes the importance of seeing others as we see ourselves, recognizing our shared humanity and dignity.

4. The Unity of the Scriptures

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.

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.

 

Collect for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A

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The Collect for the 29^th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Almighty ever- living God,

Grant that we may always conform our will to Yours

And serve Your majesty in sincerity of heart.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

What do I understand God’s will to mean?

What areas in my life conform to God’s will?

What areas in my life need to conform to God’s will?

What areas in my life will I make a sincere effort to conform to God’s will this week?

How do I serve God’s majesty in sincerity of heart? ( at home, at work, in my parish).

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

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  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Collect for 24th Sunday Year A

 

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The Collect for 24th Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows

Looks upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things,

And, that we may feel the working of your mercy,

Grant that we may serve You with all our heart.

Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What do you reflect upon when you consider God as Creator?
2. How do you feel when you think of God the Creator looking upon me?
3. What does God’s mercy mean to me?
4. What does it mean to serve God will all my heart?
5. What one change will I make in my life this coming week to commit to serving God with all my heart?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION  Mt 18:21-35.

The passage Matthew 18:21-35 is commonly referred to as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. The parable is one of the many teachings of Jesus that appears in the New Testament and is particularly important in the Christian tradition for its focus on forgiveness and mercy. While interpretations can vary, from a Catholic perspective, this parable could serve as a vivid illustration of the boundless mercy of God and the corresponding call for humans to extend that mercy to others.

The Parable Summary

In the parable, Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting "as many as seven times?" Jesus responds, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times," before launching into the parable.  We may sometimes need to ask ourselves the same question and hear again the response of Jesus of our obligation to forgive others.

In the parable, a servant owes a king a large debt he cannot pay. It would have been the equivalent of 10 life times worth of wages.  The king initially orders that the servant be sold along with his family and possessions to pay off the debt. However, when the servant begs for mercy, the king forgives the debt entirely. It is important to note the words that the servant uses’ Give me time and I will pay the debt’. He would not have been able to pay the debt at all but by cancelling the debt the king gives him back his life.

This same servant then goes out and encounters another servant who owes him a much smaller sum. It says in the gospel a denarii.  This would have been the equivalent of 3 months wages from one year.  If a person earns $100,000 a year, then let us be realistic, 30,000 to be owed is still substantial.  However, when it is compared with 10 life times worth of wages, then it is obviously a much smaller debt. 

Despite having just been shown incredible mercy, the first servant has the second servant thrown into prison until he can pay off the debt. When the king hears of this, he is furious and reinstates the first servant's original debt, saying, "Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?"

So What does this parable say to us.

Divine Mercy

One central theme is the divine forgiveness and mercy that God extends to all people, despite the "debt" of sin. In the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), Catholics believe they experience this forgiveness firsthand, having their sins forgiven through the grace of Jesus Christ. God's mercy is so boundless that no sin is too great for Him to forgive.  It is definitely a huge debt that we owe Jesus since He died so that we could be saved.  That is how much love Jesus has for every person on earth. He gave His life suffering the cruellest possible death available at that time- crucifixion.

Call to Forgiveness

The parable also serves as a moral and spiritual call to action. Just as God is infinitely merciful, so too should we be forgiving towards one another. This is not just a suggestion, but an obligation. The Our Father prayer, central to Christian liturgy, even contains the line "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," reinforcing the mutual relationship between receiving and giving forgiveness.

Justice and Mercy

The king in the parable is both just and merciful. Initially, he seeks to enforce the law by collecting the debt, but upon seeing the servant's repentance, he opts for mercy. This duality reflects the nature of God as portrayed in Catholic teaching: a being of infinite justice but also of boundless mercy.

The Danger of Unforgiveness

The fate of the unforgiving servant serves as a cautionary tale. The unforgiving servant is not punished because he has debts but because having been forgiven so much, he refused to extend that same forgiveness to others. It is a sobering reminder to us Catholics about the serious implications of withholding forgiveness.

Matthew 18:21-35 can be seen as a theological and ethical cornerstone within Catholic teaching on mercy, forgiveness, and the infinite love of God. It challenges us to extend the same mercy and forgiveness to others that they themselves have received from God, integrating these virtues into all aspects of life.

 

 

Collect for 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A

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The Collect for 23rd Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows:

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,

Look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters,

That those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance.

.Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged:

What does it mean to me to be redeemed?

What does it mean to me to receive adoption?

What does it mean to me to be looked graciously by God?

What does true freedom in Christ mean for me this coming week?

What does it mean to believe in an everlasting inheritance?

How does believing in an everlasting inheritance affect my life this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Jesus provides for us in this passage from Matthew 18:15-20  a framework for conflict resolution and community building within the Church. Jesus provides the steps for us to take. Let us look at the steps that Jesus provides

Step 1: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Step 2 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Step 3 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.

Step 4 And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

From a Catholic perspective, this passage serves multiple purposes:

1. Personal Responsibility and Fraternal Correction: The first step in resolving conflict is direct communication with the person who has caused offense. This recognizes the dignity and worth of the individual by giving them the opportunity to rectify their mistake without public humiliation. It mirrors the sacrament of Reconciliation, where sins are confessed and forgiven in a personal encounter.  You may wish to look at my Forgiveness series to see what a conditional apology is and why it is not an apology at all.
2. The Importance of Witnesses: If the issue is not resolved in the first step, witnesses are called. This not only ensures fairness but also aligns with Jewish legal practices of the time, enhancing the credibility and authority of the process. It also adds a communal aspect to what might otherwise be a private grievance. It is important that each person has a capacity to forgive but some people take longer than others in the process.  That timing should be respected if the parties involved truly want reconciliation.
3. Role of the Church: If the individual refuses to listen even when confronted with witnesses, the matter is brought before the Church. In a Catholic context, this could mean a variety of things: consultation with clergy, intervention by a Church body, or in extreme cases, formal ecclesial procedures.
4. Binding and Loosing: These lines are especially significant in Catholic theology, as they echo Christ’s words to Peter in Matthew 16:19 about the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. This is seen as establishing the authority of the Church—through the Apostles and their successors, the bishops—to govern the community of believers.
5. Community and Prayer: The passage closes with the idea that where two or more are gathered in Christ’s name, He is present. This reinforces the power and importance of the communal aspect of prayer. In the Catholic tradition, this is manifest in the liturgy, particularly the Mass, which is the community’s supreme act of worship. We should pray for the person/s involved and ask God to help us to forgive. Sometimes we need to ask for a desire to forgive because when we are hurt, wanting to forgive may not be emotionally present in our psyches and definitely not in our souls.
6. Finality and Reconciliation: Treating the unrepentant person as a "Gentile and a tax collector" doesn’t mean shunning or excommunication in a vengeful sense. Jesus Himself reached out to Gentiles and tax collectors. Therefore, it could be interpreted as a call to continue praying for their conversion and an invitation for them to repent and return to the community.

In summary, Matthew 18:15-20 provides a roadmap for building a Christian community rooted in justice, mercy, and reconciliation. It emphasizes personal responsibility, the importance of communal witness, and the role of the Church as a mediator and moral authority, always grounded in the presence and teachings of Christ.

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Collect Series: Collect for 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A.

 

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The Collect for 21st Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows:

O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose,

Grant Your people to love what You command and to desire what You promise,

That amid the uncertainties of this world,

our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged: 

1    What does God promise me? Make a list.

2.    How much do I desire what God promises? 
3.    What step/s will I take this coming week to desire what God promises? ( eg ask God to
      give/increase in me the desire to love what You promise, make a list of some of the desires of God
     and ask God to show me how to live these desires this week).

4.    List the commands of God that I recall. How can I renew/refresh/revive these commands in my life
     this coming week.
5.    Why do I need to love what God commands?
6.    What is my current response to anxiety, fear, uncertainty?
7.    What step/s will I take this week to fix my heart in God? Where is that place in my body, mind and
     spirit where I find true gladness

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Reflecting on Matthew 16:13-20 compels Catholics to consider the deeply rooted traditions and doctrines of the Church. It serves as a reminder of the divine origin and enduring nature of the Church’s mission, inspiring the faithful to uphold the teachings and traditions passed down through the centuries.

 

This passage from the Gospel of Matthew 16:13-20 is a seminal text that has profound implications for the Church's understanding of authority, the Papacy, and the nature of the Church itself. This passage recounts the moment when Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answers, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus then changes Simon’s name to Peter (which means 'Rock') and says, "Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus goes on to give Peter the "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven," a symbolic gesture that has been interpreted to signify the authority that would be vested in Peter and his successors.

From a Catholic perspective, several key points are highlighted:

Primacy of Peter

The changing of Simon's name to Peter and Jesus' declaration that he would build His Church upon this 'rock' have been interpreted by Catholics to indicate the primacy of Peter among the Apostles. This episode is often cited as the biblical foundation for the papacy, the office that is considered the direct apostolic succession from St. Peter. Through this, the Pope is viewed as the 'Vicar of Christ,' who has a unique role in safeguarding the unity and doctrine of the Church.

Authority and Governance

The "keys to the Kingdom of Heaven" symbolize the authority given to Peter, and by extension to the Church, to bind and loose, to forgive sins, and to make authoritative teachings. This has been formalized in the Catholic Church through its hierarchical structure and Magisterium, which consists of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him.

Unbroken Tradition

Catholics see in this passage an unbroken line of apostolic succession, from Peter down to the present-day Pope. This lends a sense of continuity and stability to the Church, anchoring it in the authority and mission given by Christ himself.

The Infallibility of the Church

"…and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." This line has been interpreted to signify the doctrine of infallibility—that the Church, when speaking on matters of faith and morals, is preserved from error by the Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean that individual leaders are without personal faults but indicates a divine protection over the Church's teaching authority.

Christ as the Foundation

While Catholics emphasize the role of Peter and his successors, they also recognize that Christ is the ultimate foundation of the Church. Peter’s role is not independent of Christ but derives its meaning and authority from being rooted in Christ, the true cornerstone.

My Personal Response

How do I answer this question’ Who do people say I am?’  In other words, who is Jesus for me? How do I respond when people ask me in all sorts of ways and observe my actions/life this question? 

Each of us need to be able to take time and reflect deeply to be answer this question from the core of our being. We need to be able to answer it in faith believe that Jesus is my personal Saviour. We need to get to know God and have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. Then we are in a better position to answer this question from our hearts and from that, will flow our actions and thoughts and lives which will be in accordance with His will for our lives.