Collect First Sunday Lent Yr B

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

The Collect for the First Sunday of Lent Year B reads as follows:

Let us pray,

Grant almighty God,
through the yearly observances of holy Lent, 

that we may grow in understanding

 of the riches hidden in Christ

 and by worthy conduct pursue their effect.

through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, 

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit 

one God, for ever and ever.

 REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1.            What is our attitude towards the season of Lent?

2.            What are the riches hidden in Christ?

3.            How may I grow in understanding of these riches hidden in Christ?

4.            What are the effects of the riches hidden in Christ?

5.            What areas of my life are not completely worthy conduct?

6.            What is my spiritual goal for this Lenten season and how will I achieve
           this goal?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

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.

In today's Gospel of Mark, his writing is succinct regarding the Temptations as compared to Matthew or Luke.  He refers to them as Temptations rather than being specific.  This is useful for us as it covers all the temptations we encounter.  The other interesting phrase not to overlook is '' and the angels looked after Him"'. Why is this phrase important?  It means that as Jesus was tempted, He was looked after by the angels.  It is also interesting to note that both at the beginning of Jesus Ministry and at the end of HIs ministry in the agony of the garden, He is looked after by the angels. 
What is important for us is that when we are tempted that we can call on our guardian angel to help us in our time of temptation.  We are not alone since Jesus is there with us in our time of temptation. We can call on the angels to assist us.  We need to place our trust in God.

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". 

May we all move into the First Week of Lent with renewed effort to change our hearts.

Thinking about Lent Part 2: Prayer

Thinking about Lent Part 2: Prayer

As you know there are 2 types of Prayer: Personal and Community based.
Within these types of prayer we also have 2 distinct styles: Vocal and Contemplative.

Perhaps you might even be wondering What is Prayer anyway?

Before I consider this, let's explore what happens in a conversation:

1.    Usually there are 2 or more people involved. when one person is talking, the other is listening.  Next time you are with a group of people, look at this and see that even when there is more than 2 people, inevitably there will be 2 people engaged in these roles of talking and listening.

2. When the person is listening, he/she needs to be fully engaged in the conversation.  Have you ever had a conversation with a person whose listening skills were limited or perhaps they were not even listening at all- just waiting for a moment to jump in and talk?

3.   There is a rhythm to the conversation- what we talk about is usually what we or our friends are interested in, talk over a concern, problem in the world that saddens us or an exciting event in our lives.

4.     We need time: sometimes with friends, we are able to pick up where we left off. However, when we see/contact friends on a regular basis, we deepen the relationship. As we deepen the relationship, we are able to be together and be comfortable without either speaking.

The same happens when we pray.  We are conversing with God and God is conversing with us.  Just like a normal conversation, we need to share as we speak but also listen with our heart. You know the old saying"' God gave us one mouth but 2 ears''.  We need to be listening to God as He speaks to us in our heart and with regular meeting, we can be at one with Him without the need to speak. We are in His presence and He is in ours.

COMMUNITY BASED

Prayer in this type is community based- it is a prayer where people are gathered.  Examples of this include:
(a) Holy Mass.
(b) Office of the Church: where people gather to say morning, evening or night prayer/
(c) Stations of the Cross:  This is a meditation that can be said personally or community based. Often it is community based and used during Lent.
(d) Paraliturgy:  A school group may meet together to have a Para liturgy to highlight a particular feast or season of the year.
(e)Rosary: This can be both personal or community based.  Some parishes have the rosary recited before or after daily Mass.
(f) exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.

In all of these community-based prayers mentioned you will note that the elements of conversation are present.  In each of these prayer types, although vocal, there is time within them for silence and for listening.  The challenge with community based prayer is for us to add that extra dimension of community and still be focused within ourselves to God.

PERSONAL PRAYER

Personal Prayer then is a conversation with God.  We talk with Him as our best friend.  We talk about what is going well in our lives and give Him thanks.  We talk with Him about our weaknesses/fault/failures and ask for strength and commitment to improve in these areas.   We share our concerns about our family, parish, friends and world. There may be people in our circle who have asked for our prayers.  In personal prayer, we may pray for them.
Sometimes our prayer will be spontaneous such as when we are driving along in our car and of course a regular time of prayer each day at the beginning and/or end of the day.

Other times, we will use formal prayers such as Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be- formal because they are structured and already composed as distinct from our own prayer with God that comes from our own heart.  When we know these prayers well, there can be a tendency to rush them and not think about what we are saying.  One Father or Glory be said slowly thinking about the words and with a good intention of heart is possibly better in God's sight than 5 glory be's  rushed and no thought to it.

So now the question arises: What about my prayer life during Lent.  The church encourages to focus on prayer during Lent along with fasting and almsgiving.

Questions to consider in reviewing our prayer lives?
1. How do I see prayer in relation to my relationship with God- who is God for me?
2.What is going well in my prayer life- do I have a regular time/place for my prayer time?
3.Are there times in the day that I could refocus my attention to God and say hello again as a friend?
4. Have I always prayed the same way for years- is there another form of prayer to explore this Lent?
5. How much of my prayer time is talking and how much is listening to God?
6. How will I focus more on prayer this Lent?
7. What excuses do I use/have used  not to pray- what are the hindrances and what can I do to overcome them?

There are many fine books on prayer to read. Many explore types to explore such as contemplative prayer, centering prayer, meditative prayer.  Perhaps reading a book in relation to a different style of prayer might be helpful too. Remember reading about something is not the same as doing. So explore a different style and practise it.

I have to say that prayer for me has changed over the years.  As I live on my own, I tend to incorporate community based prayer such as Office  as I am praying in community.  This helps to balance my personal prayer life.  Years ago, I craved to have my own personal prayer time but my circumstances limited me to what I craved.  Now I am on my own, I do have plenty of opportunities for personal prayer.  I have to say though, I don't always take up all the opportunities given.  Switching off the TV and having some prayer time instead is a decision and an action of turning it off.  I am trying to do more of it in Lent.

May this blessed time of Lent help our prayer lives grow.

Thinking about Lent part 1

Thinking about Lent part 1  

Thinking about Lent:

As you know, Lent for this year is fast approaching. In fact, Ash Wednesday will be this coming week.

Normally I am fast asleep at the time, but tonight I am wide awake.  I am thinking about Lent since there are only 3 days to go.

The Church puts  before us 3 areas  to consider during Lent: Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving.

Before I think about these areas, I have to say that over the years I have struggled with the Lenten season.  I have had some terrible lent's where I struggled so much and then gave up, some Lents which, with all the best of intentions started well, and gave up in the 4th week, and worse, and yes, even a lent that I never got started. So as you can see, I am no expert on Lent.!!!

So I am thinking about Lent right now so I can come up with a manageable plan of action for me
Maybe this might help you in some way.

1. Firstly, I  ask God and myself through prayer: what is the goal for Lent this year.: Lent means a change of heart. What needs to change in my heart this year?

2. Secondly I make a list of what is working well in my spiritual life and what needs to change. If the list gets longer than expected, then great- I have more to work on the whole year.

3.Then from there I think about the areas of Fastings, Prayer and Almsgiving.  Let's start to think about Fasting in this post.

FASTING What does the Church mean by fasting?   The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Good Friday is either fish  or vegetable casserole. Hot Cross buns are usually served as the light snack.  It is highly recommended that we maintain fasting by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.  This is the bare minimum that the Church requires.
However the Church specifies that the age group required to fast is from 14-65.  However if you are over 65 and still able to fast without due effects to your health, then it is penitential to do so and can help those who are physically unable to fast.

However, regardless of age, we are meant to be doing some sort of penance during Lent and especially on Fridays in Lent.  Fasting from food may be one option.

 As I was thinking about this and how I feel about fasting, I have to say that I really struggle with it. When I try, I get massive headaches during Lent.  I have tried different ways to fast such as not watching my favourite TV programme/s and using that time in prayer.

For many years I struggle with the fasting element of Lent. Last year I was slightly more successful in this area when I realised that every time fasting was mentioned, it caused something in my brain to translate it as '' to eat more''.  So, I translated the word fasting as eating (reverse psychology). This actually stopped the negative feedback my brain was providing.

You may find this post interesting to read as part of your preparation for Lent in relation to fasting

Earlier in the year, I heard a priest in his homily refer to the phrase ''glorify God in your body''. It captured my attention like no other.  I wondered whether this might be the answer I have been looking for to help me with fasting in Lent.  He was talking about something else. However, I thought this might be a great aid for me.  So, I decided to try it out.

I hope that this year that I will glorify God in my body, mind and spirit as I attempt to fast. This will be my chant  when I am tempted to see what is in the pantry or fridge. I have tried this phrase a few time now and it seems to stop me and helps me close the door of the pantry and fridge  I have also tried singing a verse of a hymn. Keep you posted of the idea.

What is important as you think about fasting and Lent is what works for you.  and that what you choose is either sustainable for Lent or that you have a some other ideas ready if your first idea is not working well.  I hope not to give up this lent.

A  successful lent is difficult to measure, since only God and You know what you have achieved or not and what your motivation was.

For me, I know I need to prepare and have a plan of action to follow.  I can adjust the plan, but if I do not have a plan I waste lent.  I have had too many lents that have been wasted and disastrous. I hope they one will be different. and that you indeed have a wonderful lent too. Let us keep in other in prayer.

Feast of Epiphany: Collect Year B

COLLECT SERIES

COLLECT

The Opening Prayer of the Feast of the Epiphany Year B reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that we will be guided by the light of faith)

Father,

You revealed Your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star,

Lead us to Your glory in Heaven by the light of faith.

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged.

1.            What does it mean for me to be guided by the light of faith?

2.            What is the light of faith?

3.            Is the star of Christ burning brightly enough in me to draw others to
           Christ?

4.            How can I reveal Your Son to others this week/month/year?

5.            Why is it important for me to desire the glory of Heaven?

6.            What difference does the feast of the Epiphany have in my life?

For the alternative opening prayer and reflection questions, refer to my post of the Epiphany 3 January 09.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Magi were most likely wise men from Arabia who made a special study of astrology. Due to this they were believed to have knowledge beyond that of humans. Later, they became portrayed as Kings. In the adoration of the Magi, the prophecies foretelling the honour which the people would give to the God of Israel were fulfilled. In the Magi, the Fathers of the Church saw in their gifts symbols of Christ's royalty Gold, Incense-divinity and Myrrh- Passion. The Feast of the Epiphany is the manifestation of the Son of God made man.

Unlike Herod, the Magi however stayed focused on what they came to seek- they were guided by the star, which filled them with delight because it helped them find what they came to seek- Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the manger. They were able to do him homage and offer their gifts.

The Epiphany is the first of seven solemnities of the Lord. It celebrates the revelation of God to all the world. May we encourage others during this week and throughout the year to have a Magi experience, so that we may all say in in voice:

We have seen His star in the east and have come to adore the Lord.

The star guided the 3 Wise Men from the East to Jesus and as both scripture and the carols say

'stopped right over the place where Jesus lay'.  

The 3 wise men did Him homage. These wise men were highly intelligent and knew from their studies about astronomy and stars.  They knew that this star was different- important and special. We too need to be aware of the signs given in our life. Are we aware of them?

We might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own on the theme of the star of Bethlehem

Jesus, in this season of Christmastide, help us to be a star- 

a light shining the way to You for others in our family, friends,
neighbourhood and parish. 

Help us to be like the Wise men of the East 

and give You fitting homage.

Happy Christmas to you all

Happy Christmas to all of my readers.

Jesus is the reason for the season.  It is a season liturgically until the feast of Epiphany. We can make it our season spiritually as well and in our lives. Christmas is not just one day, but its message must be carried in our hearts all year for 365 days.

Today is the day that Jesus was born- the Word became incarnate is what we say in the Nicene Creed every Sunday.  On this one day of the year, we genuflect on these words. Let us adore in our hearts as we profess with our lips our faith.

As advent has disappeared for another year, and we start Christmastide, we may wish to think about what spiritual progress we made  (or not) and to decide what we will do to progress spiritually during Christmastide.  It is a short season of approx. 12 days depending on how the dates fall. However it is a time not to waste. It is a season to give and receive abundant blessings.

So on this first day of Christmas why not decide on what you will do for the next 12 days? 

I have a tradition of  spending some time each day during these 12 days at the crib at church.  I like to remember parishioners who have helped me during the year, parishioners I need to forgive and past parishioners who can share this precious time with me from Purgatory and Heaven.  I do this because it brings together memories of past Christmases into the present Christmastide.

I also pray for the world and its many needs, those whom I love and treasure and their needs along with those whom I find it hard to forgive. There are many people to think about at the crib.  I gather them all around in my mind and after spending some time in prayer

I give them to Jesus in the crib.

You might like to do this with your family- light a white candle and if you have crib at home then take some moments to spend it together around the crib.

So before Christmas Day ends and the secular world would like to  get caught up in the secular Boxing day sales, cricket, boxing day sailing, tennis and cricket, make a decision to make the most of Christmastide spiritually. 

Remember Jesus is the reason of the season- grow through this wonderful time spiritually.



Advent Series: Season of Hope Monday of Third Week. Renewal

Winter Rain

Snow mixed with rain- bitter, biting turning roadways into slippery messes where fenders clash in angry encounters.

Winter rain.  I cannot comprehend its place in creation.  Its dreary dangerous combination of sleet and ice browns an already dreary world barren of leaves and flowers.  The winter rain brings no beauty, just brown mud and sinus headaches without the promise of spring flowers.  It servers no purpose.

The Lord, the creator of the heavens.. is God. 

The designer and maker of the earth  not creating it to be a waste,

but designing it to be lived in.  Isaiah 45.18.

Suggestion

1. Light the Rose coloured candle in your advent wreath along with the other 2 candles.

On the third Sunday of Advent the  rose-colored candle is lit. This rose-colored candle is known called the 'Shepherds' candle' and it represents joy.

Breathe in that joy as you light the candle and become one of the shepherds in your mind.

2.What are the areas of your life that need  feel like/ are winter rain- feel bitter, biting slippery messes.  Make a list.

3. What is your attitude/feeling towards winter rain?  Now read again the scripture.

4.  As you look at the rose candle- breathe in the joy it represents. Think of the shepherds on the way to Bethlehem- hearing the angels words in their shepherd's field on that cold winter's night that was so deep (as the carol tells us).  As these come to mind, now present to the Lord your list of winter rain, the slippery messes in your life.   Ask  Him this advent to bring renewal to these areas of your life.  Be confident and joyful in hope  as you present your list.  Know that in His time, these areas will be renewed.  Thank God for this renewal and live as though this renewal has already occurred as you wait with hope and with trust.

5. Look back for a moment and review what has changed since you started Advent- are you more hopeful, more trustful of God? Are you waiting in love for Him?  Have you progressed even in the slightest way since Advent begun.  If your answer is yes, be thankful and continue to grow.  If your response is inclined to be no or maybe, then persist- don't give up- God will renew you in His time. Trust and live in Hope today.

6. Reread the Scripture and allow it to be your prayer today.



Gaudete Sunday Rejoice in the Lord Always- Third Sunday of Advent

The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this color anticipates and symbolizes the Christmas joy announced in the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: "Rejoice" (Latin, Gaudete). For this reason the Third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and rose color vestments are permitted. The traditional color of the vestments during Weeks 1, 2 and 4 is either purple or violet to represent penitential spirit. Advent is a season of hope, but a penitential spirit during this season is a fitting way to prepare the way of the Lord. On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet, which is prescribed for every day in the season of Advent. A rose coloured candle is included in the Advent wreath. During the otherwise penitential season of Advent, the readings on the third Sunday emphasize the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming. 

The Advent Wreath is an important liturgical symbol which helps us to prepare the way of the Lord with the lighting of the candles each week.  During Advent, family and friends can gather around the Advent Wreath lighting the appropriate candle(s), read from the daily Advent meditation and sing Advent hymns. The Church's official Book of Blessings also provides a blessing ceremony for the Advent Wreath which can be used in the absence of a priest.


 Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the Christian calendar. It can fall on any date from 11 December to 17 December. The term Gaudete is broadly translated from Latin as Rejoice, a word that appears in the entrance antiphon (introit) of Masses held on this day: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. (Roman Catholic Rite years A, B and C).
 

 So on this Rejoicing Sunday let us really feel and see and sense it.

We may wish to sing this hymn throughout the day

'Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice'

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.

Rejoice, Rejoice, again, I say rejoice.

Rejoice, Rejoice, again I say rejoice.


or perhaps you may prefer This is the day.