Collect for Twenty Seventh Sunday Year A

 

COLLECT SERIES

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COLLECT

Almighty ever-living God,

who in the abundance of Your Kindness

surpass the merits and desires of those who entreat You,

Pour out Your mercy upon us to pardon what conscience dreads

and to give what prayer does not dare to ask.

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 this coming week the following reflection questions emerged:

1. How has God shown me abundance in my life?
2. How do I see myself in relation to God as Father?
3. What is my relationship with God the Father like? What steps will I take this week to improve this relationship?
4. What is it that my conscience dreads?  Seek the sacrament of Reconciliation this coming week?
5. What prayer do I not dare to ask but desire from God?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Mt 21:33-43: The Parable of Tenants in the Vineyard.

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.

1. The Vineyard as a Symbol of God’s Kingdom and Generosity

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.

2. The Tenants as a Representation of Israel's Leaders

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.

3. The Son as the Final Messenger

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.

4. The Stone the Builders Rejected

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.

5. A Call to Self-examination

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?

6. The Universality of the Kingdom

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.

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.

Collect Series: Collect for 26th Sunday Year A

 COLLECT SERIES

 The Mass: Collect Series Icon

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT

The Collect for 26th Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows

O God, who manifest Your almighty power above all

by pardoning and showing mercy,

Bestow, we pray Your grace abundantly upon us

And make those hastening to attain Your promises

heirs to the treasures of Heaven.

Though our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, 

who lives and reigns through the Holy Spirit,

God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged:

• How have I experienced the mercy of God?
• How might I experience the mercy of God this coming week?
• What hinders us from desiring the promises of Heaven right now? (attitudes/behaviours)?
• How can I re-educate myself on the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
• How will I express my gratitude for God’s mercy and pardon in my life this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION   Mt 21;28-32

In the Gospel of Matthew,  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.

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.”

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.

The essence of this parable can be distilled into a few key lessons:

1.    Genuine Repentance: 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.

2.    Actions Speak Louder: 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.

3.    The Unexpected in the Kingdom: 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.

 

This parable is a call to self-examination and authenticity.  We may ask ourselves:

·         How often have we made promises in our prayer lives only to falter in our actions?

·        How often have we judged others for their past while priding ourselves on our supposed righteousness?

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.

The Ever-Open Doors of the Kingdom

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.

Let’s reflect upon our own lives in the light of this parable.

·  Are we the first son, who, despite our shortcomings, genuinely seeks to align our actions with God's will? Or

·      Are we the second, who makes empty promises and lacks the commitment to actualize our faith?

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.

 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.

 

 

Collect Series: Collect for 20th Sunday Ordinary Time A

 

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT

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 The Collect for 20^th Sunday Ordinary Time reads as follows:

O God, who have prepared for those who love You

good things which no eye can see,

Fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of Your love,

So that, loving You in all things and above all things,

We may attain Your promises,

Which surpass every human desire

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:

• What are the good things which God has prepared for You?
• How much do I long for God and how might I long for Him more this coming week?
• What steps will I take this coming week to love God above all things?
• What does the warmth of God’s love mean for you?
• How have I experienced God’s love in my life?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

The story from Matthew 15:21-28 presents the narrative of the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Initially met with silence and then a seeming rebuff, the woman's persistent faith ultimately moves Jesus to grant her request. This passage offers several layers of meaning, especially when viewed through a Catholic lens.

The Universality of God's Love

Though Jesus' ministry was primarily to the Jews, this story dramatically illustrates the universality of God's love and mercy. The Canaanite woman is not a Jew; she is an outsider, yet her faith compels Jesus to perform a miracle for her daughter. This narrative resonates deeply with the Catholic understanding of a universal Church, open to all people regardless of ethnicity or background.

The Role of Faith and Humility

The Canaanite woman demonstrates immense faith and humility, qualities highly regarded in Catholic teaching. Even after being ignored and seemingly rebuffed, she remains undeterred. Her statement, "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table," shows her understanding of her own unworthiness but also her undoubtable belief in Jesus' ability to heal.This humility and faith are prerequisites for receiving God's grace.

The Intercessionary Role of the Virgin Mary and Saints

Catholic doctrine includes the practice of asking the Virgin Mary and the saints to intercede on behalf of individuals, much like the Canaanite woman intercedes for her daughter. Her earnest pleas to Jesus demonstrate the power of intercessory prayer, a central aspect of Catholic devotion. The woman's plea serves as a model for all who pray for the needs of others.

Social Justice Implications

This passage is also often examined through the lens of social justice. In the story, Jesus initially tells the woman that He was sent only for the "lost sheep of Israel." However, upon witnessing her faith, He extends His healing power to her, an outsider. This serves as a reminder to challenge societal boundaries and prejudices, advocating for inclusivity and justice.

Contemplative Aspects

Finally, from a contemplative standpoint, this passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our own faith. It prompts questions such as:

·         How persistent are we in our prayers?

·         Do we approach God with the same confidence and humility as the Canaanite woman?

·         How open are we to the universality of God's love and grace?

In summary, the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 provides rich material for reflection. It serves as a reminder of the universality of God's love, the importance of faith and humility, the role of intercessory prayer, and the need for social justice.

 

 

Collect for Transfiguration of Our Lord Year A

 COLLECT SERIES

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The Collect for the Transfiguration of Our Lord of Year A reads as follows:

 

O God who has commanded us

to listen to Your beloved Son

be pleased, we pray,

to nourish us inwardly by Your word,

that with spiritual light made pure,

we may rejoice to behold Your glory.

 

 

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

 

1. What does it mean to me to listen to God's beloved Son?

2.  What hindrances do I experience in listening? How might I overcome these?

3.  What value do I place on God's word?

4. How can God's word nourish my life this coming week?

5. If I was to die today/ this week am I ready to behold God's glory?

6. What value do I place in my life of the hope of future glory? 

7.  How will it affect the way I live this week? 

GOSPEL REFLECTION 

Today's Gospel from Matthew is one of my favourite readings in Scripture of the Transfiguration.

I love  this Gospel account,  but since having visited the Holy Land some years ago and have gone up Mt Tabor, my mind goes straight there when I hear it read.

 

I love this account for a number of reasons but there is one line that speaks to me

"  they looked up and saw no one but Jesus".  

I find this phrase helpful in my life because to look up is to change one's focus and not to just change one's focus, but to ''see'' no one but Jesus. 

Then when we see no one but Jesus we are not distracted but can return a loving gaze to Him, who loves us so much and offers us eternity. We can always keep an inward gaze towards Him throughout our day and keep our focus there in amongst the busyness of our lives.

 

 I find it helpful during the sacrament of Reconciliation- to look up and see no one but Jesus is particularly powerful when the priest is giving absolution but also helpful when confessing as well.

 

The Transfiguration story in Lent and on this feast is meant to encourage us during our spiritual journey- it reminds us that there is a point to our journey – that is it gives us hope of future glory- God offers us eternity- hope of future glory.

 

We do not know what Heaven is like and obviously we have not been there. However, do you long to meet Christ and live with Him for ever?  How much do you long for it? Today's gospel is meant to give us hope and to remind us of the prize for which we run. Lent is excellent intense training but let us travel with hope in our hearts- the hope of future glory.

   

 

                                         Have a glorious week with hope in your heart.

 

Collect for Third Sunday Advent- Gaudate Sunday

 COLLECT SERIES

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The Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Advent  Year A  reads as follows:

O God who sees how your people 
faithfully await for the feast of the Lord's Nativity
enable us we pray to attain the joys of so great a salvation
and to celebrate them always 
with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit, 
one God for ever and ever.

 
In making this prayer tangible for my life during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1. How will I faithfully await for the Lord's Nativity?
2. What are the joys of so great a salvation-
    what does this mean to me?
3. How do I celebrate these joys always?
4. What does solemn worship mean to me?
5. What might glad rejoicing  be like to me?
6. What will I do this week to maintain a spirit of waiting with joyful expectation?

 Today is also known as Gaudate Sunday- which means rejoicing Sunday.  Click on the link to read more about it.

 

 

 

 

Collect Prayer First Sunday Advent Year A

 

First Sunday of Advent Year A 

As we commence a new liturgical year, what will YOUR new year spiritual resolution be?

I hope the Collect Prayer series for Year A will add to your spiritual nourishment.

The Collect Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent reads as follows:

        COLLECT PRAYER 

All powerful God,

increase our strength of will for doing good,

that Christ may find an eager welcome at His coming

                                               and call us to His side in the kingdom of Heaven,

                                 where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

                                         one God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Converting this prayer into spirituality in action, the following reflection questions emerged:

1.            What are my hindrances/obstacles which prevent my will from doing
          good?

2.            Name one hindrance/obstacle that I commit to change during this first
           week of Advent?

3.            What is my attitude to Christ in my life (strong? Luke-warm, care-less)

4.            What will I do this week to prepare my body, mind, heart and will to give
           Christ an eager welcome?

5.            Prepare my account of my life that I would present to God when He asks
           me to give 'an account of my life' to God? 

6.            In what ways do I hope to spiritually grow through God's grace in this
           season of Advent?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today's Gospel message is quite clear-

  'stay awake because you do not know the day when your master is coming'.   

Jesus reminds his disciples that the Second coming will be like in Noah's day- people going about their business unsuspecting of what is to come.  Advent provides us with the opportunity to refocus our attention, to jolt ourselves out of our sleepy ways and stand ready. We are preparing of course during Advent for the birth of Christ at Christmas, but Advent too is also a reminder of the final second coming of Christ.

At the beginning of this liturgical year, let us spend some reflection time asking God to show us how we need to grow. Let us stay awake to God's advice and be committed throughout this year to spiritually grow in this/these area/s of our lives.  

Let us be swept away with a passion and enthusiasm for our Catholic faith

and stay awake to God throughout this coming year,

so that we may be ready when He calls us.

PERSONAL NOTE

Thank you to my readers throughout this year.  I have had an unusual year and because of that was not able to write regularly.   Thank you for continuing to look around and keep reading from my blog.

I began New Horizons blog in 2009 on my 50th birthday.  Now today again I say Happy Birthday to New Horizons readers.  I hope that throughout this coming liturgical year that I will be able to write regularly ( and hopefully recommence my podcast)  and in my own way through the grace of God to encourage and inspire you in your faith journey.