Let us pray (in silence) [that we are drawn closer to God’s goodness]
pause
Look graciously on your whanau [or household],
we implore you, O God, [or Almighty God]
that by your great goodness we may be governed in body
and, through your protection, kept safe in mind and heart;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen.
The history and commentary for this ancient, shared collect is found here: collect for Lent 5.
The collect highlights that we need the protection only God can provide. In life we are continuously challenged, and merely correctly governing our body does not ensure safety of our soul. That requires God’s preservation. And how are we governed and preserved? Interestingly, not by great judgment, nor by the threat of punishment – but by God’s great goodness. We become better by mercy not by judgment.
This coming Sunday was the First Sunday in Passiontide. Since Vatican II it is, more appropriately, simply Lent 5. Passion Sunday is now understood as being the following Sunday (Lent 6), with the reading of the Passion.
Resources beyond this site:
textweek resources
Girardian reflection on the Lectionary
Resourcing Preaching Down Under
image source: JESUS MAFA. Christ on Gethsemane
