Collect for Passion Sunday, being the fifth Sunday in Lent

Prayer book and Breviary
WE beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection
Christianity is not a religion of individuals, and many people forget that. It's usually the "you don't have to go to Church to be a Christian." Yet, if we do not go to Church, how can we possibly obey Our Lord's commandment to celebrate Holy Communion together? How can we possibly see ourselves as being one Body of Christ if we don't take the pains to be part of it? How can we possibly love one another as Christ loved us if we see our faith as being completely separated from other people?

There is nothing wrong with cultivating a private devotion, indeed piety is a bit of an outdated notion at the moment. However, we are one Body in Christ and we cannot forget that. It stands to reason that if Christianity is a genuinely communal religion, then that community must seek to be governed by one single King, namely Our Lord Jesus. The Hebrews cried out for a king and got Saul who, while he did well at first, fell by not ruling Himself after the word of God.

Likewise, we must cry out for a King and, as a community, seek to subject ourselves to the rule of Christ. It is only in His governance that we will find peace and goodness.