June 16, 2024: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
June 19th is Juneteenth. Now a federal holiday, that remembers the day the last slaves were freed in Texas. Read about the legacy of Juneteenth in the context of the black Catholic experience in the United States: https://www.usccb.org/resources/NBCSA Juneteenth Statement (1)_0.pdf
Readings
First Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm: 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
Second Reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:6-10
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Catechism of the Catholic Church
God is the sovereign master of his plan. But to carry it out he also makes use of his creatures’ co-operation. This use is not a sign of weakness, but rather a token of almighty God’s greatness and goodness. For God grants his creatures not only their existence, but also the dignity of acting on their own, of being causes and principles for each other, and thus of co-operating in the accomplishment of his plan. (306) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Psalm 92:15
Love is also expressed in the generous attention shown to the elderly who live in families: their presence can take on great value. They are an example of connections between generations, a resource for the well-being of the family and of the whole of society: “Not only do they show that there are aspects of life — human, cultural, moral and social values — which cannot be judged in terms of economic efficiency, but they can also make an effective contribution in the work-place and in leadership roles. In short, it is not just a question of doing something for older people, but also of accepting them in a realistic way as partners in shared projects — at the level of thought, dialogue and action”. As the Sacred Scripture says: “They still bring forth fruit in old age” (Ps 92:15). The elderly constitute an important school of life, capable of transmitting values and traditions, and of fostering the growth of younger generations, who thus learn to seek not only their own good but also that of others. If the elderly are in situations where they experience suffering and dependence, not only do they need health care services and appropriate assistance, but — and above all — they need to be treated with love. (222)
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
Podcast Link: https://peaceonjustice.substack.com/p/peace-on-justice-33a
Lord, it is good to give thanks to you. Words to articulate our mantra of praise. To see Divine kindness at dawn and reflect on faithfulness throughout the hours of the day. Allegorically proclaimed in Jesus’ parables. Seeds scattered on the ground, each containing a fertile spark, sprouting on its own accord. Not predicated by attentive nurturing of the farmer’s hands, but living into the rhythm of life. Words in Greek with the connotation of automatically. A certainty woven in mystery reminding us to not harbor impatience or discouragement, but anchor our lives in patience to the Divine calendar. Trusting that while our actions may seem minuscule, they can emerge into significant transformation giving comfort, security to those in need of compassion. A parable with place for birds to roost on the commonality of mustard plants populating the shores of Galilee. For people hearing Jesus’ parable this was a familiar sight and words of sowing inherent to the livelihood of agrarian culture. Taking life experiences into a spiritual metamorphosis. Time not to fret, but celebrate God’s life giving kingdom in a physical and spiritual nature. Scattering of spiritual seeds building the kingdom of God when people are planted, rooted in the house of the Lord manifesting the great eschatological harvest. Living into the destiny that God makes all to work for good and all will be well. A parable painting an image of the sower not analyzing, living with anxiety, but just endeavoring to get the seeds distributed. Doing the job with the seeds imparted, not holding, rationing or waiting to “next” season, as a possibly more opportune time. All with the common and ordinary realities of our day that are life giving, not obsessed with grandeur, opulence, the sublime. To prayerfully reflect on what we are asked to sow and not longing for an easy toss, afraid to get our boots dirty or hands in messy goo. Learning to bear fruit in all stages of our lives from home, to work and especially where challenging issues permeate the fabric of society and creation. Like the prophet Ezekiel writes allegorically, the kingdom of God rests on restoration, not destruction. The ideal, lasting restoration taken from the crest of the cedar planted on mountain heights to put forth branches and bear fruit. A prophetic prefigurement of Christ in lifting high the lowly tree. The just one shall flourish like the palm tree that bears dates. A staple food in Near Eastern diets packed with sweetness. A reminder of the fruit we should strive to nurture in our walk of faith, beyond the myopic lens of physical sight, as we aspire to please the Lord with a courageous spirit, from a place of gratitude in our hearts.
Individual Reflection: Mark 4:26-34
June 21st is the feast day of St Gonzaga. Learn about the Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment at the university with his name in Spokane: https://www.gonzaga.edu/climate-institute
Family Reflection: Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16
On the first day of summer, discuss what meaningful activities this summer could produce meaningful memories: https://catholicexchange.com/10-summer-ideas-catholic-family/ https://www.stfrancisholland.org/content/10-meaningful-summer-activities-catholic-families-and-friends-ricardo-valdez
Prayer: Say a prayer of commemoration, celebration and for freedom on Juneteenth: https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/juneteenth-prayers#
Blogs to Visit:
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
Link: https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born June 11, 2024 St Barnabas, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.