On the First Sunday of Advent 2011, Catholics in the US experienced the first major new translation of the Novus Ordo Mass since this Mass was introduced on the First Sunday of Advent in 1969. I am so grateful for the new translation because I find the prayers rich and beautiful and right for our lives outside of the Mass. One example is the Collect from last Saturday’s Mass:
O God, from whom all good things come,
grant that we, who call on you in our need,
may at your prompting discern what is right,
and by your guidance do it.
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. (Collect, Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, June 14, 2014)
We all face times in our lives that need an important decision. Some of these decisions can be life changing and often impact not only ourselves but also others. During these times, we find ourselves filled with fear of the unknown that can lead to indecisiveness and many sleepless nights.
At these times, I turn to the Lord and ask Him for His guidance and grace to see His will in the situation. When I read this Collect, the words perfectly captured my past pleas for help. I also found solace in the words “by your guidance do it.” In other words, we ask for help not only in identifying what is right but also in doing what is right. I hope this prayer finds a home in your heart.