I’d like to mention something else about the Collect (Opening Prayer) of the Mass. In fact, it’s something that’s applicable to all words of prayer at the Mass which are prayed by the priest or another minister.

You see, some people have a tough time seeing value in prayer that’s prayed by another person in their name. These people usually think that prayer is less meaningful unless they are actually voicing the words of the prayer themselves. So these people tend to ignore prayers being prayed by the priest, instead of listening attentively. Some even resent the idea that they can’t “do it all themselves.”

Don’t fall for this old spiritual trap! “Mediation” is part and parcel of our redemption: we cannot achieve salvation on our own, by our own effort! (To think this is the heresy of Pelagianism!) We need others, especially God and His designated representatives. Remember, “There is one mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, Himself human, who gave Himself as ransom for all” (1 Tm 2:5-6).