peaceonjustice

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.

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 April 16, 2024 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Third Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection: April 14, 2024

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

April 14, 2024: Third Sunday of Easter

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God’s Creation

In thanksgiving, experience God’s bounty in seas of blooming spring flowers: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/viewing/

Readings

First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

Psalm: 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Second Reading: 1st John 2:1-5a

Gospel Acclamation: Luke 24:32

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Catechism of the Catholic Church

He who believes in Christ becomes a son of God. This filial adoption transforms him by giving him the ability to follow the example of Christ. It makes him capable of acting rightly and doing good. In union with his Savior, the disciple attains the perfection of charity which is holiness. Having matured in grace, the moral life blossoms into eternal life in the glory of heaven.(1709) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke24:36

The promise of peace that runs through the entire Old Testament finds its fulfillment in the very person of Jesus. Peace, in fact, is the messianic attribute par excellence, in which all other beneficial effects of salvation are included. The Hebrew word “shalom” expresses this fullness of meaning in its etymological sense of “completeness” (cf. Is 9:5ff; Mic 5:1-4). The kingdom of the Messiah is precisely the kingdom of peace (cf. Job 25:2; Ps 29:11; 37:11; 72:3,7; 85:9,11; 119:165; 125:5, 128:6; 147:14; Song 8:10; Is 26:3,12; 32:17f.; 52:7; 54:10; 57:19; 60:17; 66:12; Hag 2:9; Zech 9:10; et al.). Jesus “is our peace” (Eph 2:14). He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility among people, reconciling them with God (cf. Eph 2:14-16). This is the very effective simplicity with which Saint Paul indicates the radical motivation spurring Christians to undertake a life and a mission of peace.

On the eve of his death, Jesus speaks of his loving relation with the Father and the unifying power that this love bestows upon his disciples. It is a farewell discourse which reveals the profound meaning of his life and can be considered a summary of all his teaching. The gift of peace is the seal on his spiritual testament: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). The words of the Risen Lord will not be any different; every time that he meets his disciples they receive from him the greeting and gift of peace: “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36; Jn 20:19,21,26). (491)

Luke 24:46-49

God, in Christ, redeems not only the individual person but also the social relations existing between men. As the Apostle Paul teaches, life in Christ makes the human person’s identity and social sense — with their concrete consequences on the historical and social planes — emerge fully and in a new manner: “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ” (Gal 3:26-28). In this perspective, Church communities, brought together by the message of Jesus Christ and gathered in the Holy Spirit round the Risen Lord (cf. Mt 18:20, 28:19-20; Lk 24:46-49), offer themselves as places of communion, witness and mission, and as catalysts for the redemption and transformation of social relationships. (52)

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

If we don’t get it, Jesus keeps prodding our spiritual sensibilities. Reminding us of disbelief transforming to belief in the breaking of bread, as we journey our personal road to Emmaus. Letting go of expressions of doubt, troubledness, when grasping the gift of resurrection with incredulous joy expressed in worship. The Lord’s bestowing of peace. Not just, “Hey, Peace dude,” but a permanent gift with the blessing of wholeness for fullness of life. A presence awakening the believers to experience His resurrected presence scarred with remembrances of the marks of crucifixion, yet experiencing physical hunger in tones of eschatological metaphors. The desire for fish symbolizing an overabundance that the resurrection precipitated. Culmination of the lineage of faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob articulated by Old Testament prophets to the reality of the Lord’s glorified state, transcendent of time and space, presented as a destiny for all. Expressed in the grace of table fellowship offering a fulfillment with a new tag line symbolizing victory over death. A place of belief with Jesus, as the Messiah brings salvation to all the earth. A universality for the peace of all people provided with a mandate to not hunker down in a secured upper room practicing solitary piety, but like branches on a robust vine to live with an infinite reach nurtured with hearts enflamed for sharing the Lord’s gift of peace. A pronouncement for all people, as Luke succinctly numerates, Jesus’ message was not just for the hearts and minds of the eleven disciples, but included women called to participate in the Lord’s ministry.

Today, the reality of resurrection must infuse our spirituality. We cannot claim ignorance, for every Sabbath we hear Jesus present in the Word offering reminders of the peace He bestows and His peace we should share. Where we let God’s face shine on us as a Divine smile, respond with favorable affirmations and relish blessings of the past. Forgiveness for our deceptions of not needing communion with God, a cleansing in the spiritual washing machine to jump out, shake off false illusions, with the desire to keep Jesus’ commandments. Not just by talking a holy, pious game, but living the silent witness by what we do. Something where we must navigate beyond cerebral fascination and intellectual constructs, to grasp the reality that God is love embodies who we are. To manifest love in lives perfected by relating commandments to the gray areas of mores of the present time and place, with an understanding that God’s love for humanity is the source of love all believers must share in the world. All predicated on the universality of our Savior, who came for the sins of the whole world. Where nothing is too bizarre for forgiveness and we must affirm that the whole world means everyone is offered grace. With faith, whoever keeps His Word present in the world shows that the love of God is truly present.

Individual Reflection: Luke 24:35-48

Building upon Jesus’ Easter acclamation, “Peace be with you,” take a thoughtful read through the synoptic Gospels with the lens of non-violence in, The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark and Luke from the Perspective of Non-Violence, by John Dear: https://orbisbooks.com/products/9781626985339

Family Reflection:1st John 2:1-5a

Discuss how each family member keeps the Lord’s commandments.

Prayer: The scripture in Acts calls Jesus the Holy and Righteous One. Reflect this week, that in your authentic expression of faith, how do you refer to Jesus?

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 April 13, 2024 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection: February 11, 2024

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

February 11, 2024: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

To coincide with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11th is the World Day for the Sick. Read Pope Francis’ message for the Thirty-Second annual observance: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20240110-giornata-malato.html 

Readings

First Reading: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

Psalm: 32:1-2, 5, 11

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Gospel Acclamation: Luke 7:16

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

Catechism of the Catholic Church

All men are called to the same end: God himself. There is a certain resemblance between the unity of the divine persons and the fraternity that men are to establish among themselves in truth and love.Love of neighbor is inseparable from love for God. (1878) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week

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

Do we live like we are forgiven and let the Lord fill us with the joy of salvation? A double beatitude, a state of blessedness whose fault is taken away and sin covered with mercy. For the Lord imputes no guilt on those whose spirit there is no guile of sly, cunning intelligence. Both desirable postures of repentance exhibiting righteousness grounded in antiquity, for if one did not confess their sins with a change of spirit, their iniquity was believed to persist. A constant reminder that we should seek the benefit of many by the choices we make. A turning away from self-centeredness to avoid giving offense, as Paul extolled to the diversity of people ministered to, Jews and Greeks and the church of God, for the benefit of many. A way for believers to be imitators of Christ, like Jesus’ encounter with the leper. An ostracized member of the synagogue, unable to no longer be a part of the community’s religious, social and economic activities until his condition resolved…and maybe that might mean he would never be reconciled. Leprosy could be a myriad of skin conditions, including unhealed scars, burns, dermatitis, psoriasis or hair issues. Those labeled unclean would gather in bands and make their abode outside the camp, village or town, as they were shunned. They had to rent their clothes, giving them a tattered appearance and cover their beards as a visible stigma of their status. And how many ways do we shuttle people away from our churches and communities today? Placing labels on people composed by lack of understanding, misinformation, unwillingness to encounter to by default make them “unclean” for “our” Church. Or will we break rules of religiosity, like Jesus did when he touched the leper? The text says he was moved by pity, but other manuscripts said he was angry. The deep feeling of emotion making him angry with systemic ostracizing of people. Will we follow the lead of the leper, who asked Jesus to make him ritually pure, instead of temple priests in Jerusalem laden with rules unmemorizable and no smart phone to look them up when a penitent appeared. Jesus did not want the leper to leave the system though, but be a witness for change, as He instructed the leper to show himself to the priest and offer what Moses prescribed. A proof of not backing down, but showing up to challenge the system lacking the emblematic love of God. A request the leper found difficult in honoring, as in his exuberance he publicized the whole matter. The text says, “He remained outside in a deserted place and people kept coming to him from everywhere.” Is the “He” Jesus, who was garnering followers from the miracle or the leper, in his elation shared his healing, people came to see the living miracle and he could not get back into town, with so many people conversing with him? Either scenario displayed acts of discipleship. Many probably remembered the leper’s previous state and realized he had been touched by a prophet in their midst, as God visited His people. An act of highlighting Jesus’ authority through His power. The third in a trilogy of healings showing Jesus came for all humanity. People in and outside structures of authority, men and women, that today we should respect in being imitators of Christ to honor the dignity of all people and not ostracize them. And as the Psalmist reminds us, when we as disciples are filled with the joy of salvation, we will be glad, rejoice and exalt the Lord. All elements of praise instead of piety. A Christian freedom seeking the good of others merged with the glory of God for a positive expression of faith not erecting barriers and obstacles to exclude and ostracize out of fear. For living as we believe we are forgiven has no room for fear.

Individual Reflection: 1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1

During Lent take the time to draft a reflection on each Stations of the Cross and share with ten friends. Make your reflection reflect challenges, injustices and hope you see today.

Family Reflection: Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11

February 14th is the start of Lent. How will your family live a greener Lent to have a meaningful Lenten journey with inner conversion, cognizant of suffering in the context of Matthew 25, radical commitment, prayer, fasting and alms giving: https://greenerlent.org/index.html

Prayer: Part of the entrance antiphon for the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, “…lead me, guide me for the sake of your name.” Let that be woven in your prayer this week.

Blogs to Visit:

https://cst74life.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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

Link: https://smrep.wordpress.com/

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 February 6, 2024 St Paul Miki and Companions, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection: February 4, 2024

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

February 4, 2024: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Listen to a webinar on the Eucharist and Catholic Social Teaching on February 13, 2024:

In 2022, the USCCB announced plans for the Eucharistic Revival, which will culminate in a pilgrimage later this summer when Catholics from around the country will gather in Indianapolis for a Eucharistic Congress. In light of the upcoming Congress, the effects or fruits of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist call for deeper discussion. In the words of Pope Benedict, “A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented” (Deus Caritas Est, §14), and the Catechism of the Catholic Church states “the Eucharist commits us to the poor” (CCC, n. 1397). Our speakers will explore this intrinsic connection between the Eucharist and Catholic Social Teaching, especially as it concerns the poor. Join us as we ask how, why, and in what ways does the Eucharist commit us to the poor: https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/academic-pastoral/conversations-that-matter-the-eucharist-and-catholic-social-teaching/

Readings

First Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Psalm: 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 8:17

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The duty of offering God genuine worship concerns man both individually and socially. This is “the traditional Catholic teaching on the moral duty of individuals and societies toward the true religion and the one Church of Christ.”³⁰ By constantly evangelizing men, the Church works toward enabling them “to infuse the Christian spirit into the mentality and mores, laws and structures of the communities in which [they] live.” The social duty of Christians is to respect and awaken in each man the love of the true and the good. It requires them to make known the worship of the one true religion which subsists in the Catholic and apostolic Church. Christians are called to be the light of the world. Thus, the Church shows forth the kingship of Christ over all creation and in particular over human societies. (2105) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 147

The Old Testament presents God as the omnipotent Creator (cf. Gen 2:2; Job 38-41; Ps 104; Ps 147) who fashions man in his image and invites him to work the soil (cf. Gen 2:5-6), and cultivate and care for the garden of Eden in which he has placed him (cf. Gen 2:15). To the first human couple God entrusts the task of subduing the earth and exercising dominion over every living creature (cf. Gen 1:28). The dominion exercised by man over other living creatures, however, is not to be despotic or reckless; on the contrary he is to “cultivate and care for” (Gen 2:15) the goods created by God. These goods were not created by man, but have been received by him as a precious gift that the Creator has placed under his responsibility. Cultivating the earth means not abandoning it to itself; exercising dominion over it means taking care of it, as a wise king cares for his people and a shepherd his sheep.

In the Creator’s plan, created realities, which are good in themselves, exist for man’s use. The wonder of the mystery of man’s grandeur makes the psalmist exclaim: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than god, and crown him with glory and honour. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Ps 8:5-7). (255)

1st Corinthians 9:16

This right of the Church is at the same time a duty, because she cannot forsake this responsibility without denying herself and her fidelity to Christ: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9:16). The warning that St. Paul addresses to himself rings in the Church’s conscience as a call to walk all paths of evangelization, not only those that lead to individual consciences but also those that wind their way into public institutions: on the one hand, religion must not be restricted “to the purely private sphere”[96], on the other, the Christian message must not be relegated to a purely other-worldly salvation incapable of shedding light on our earthly existence.

Because of the public relevance of the Gospel and faith, because of the corrupting effects of injustice, that is, of sin, the Church cannot remain indifferent to social matters: “To the Church belongs the right always and everywhere to announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls”. (71)

The entire people of God has a role to play as the Church fulfills her mission. In various ways and through every member according to the gifts and the manner of acting proper to each vocation, the people of God must respond to the duty to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel (cf. 1 Cor 9:16), in the awareness that “missionary activity is a matter for all Christians”.

Pastoral work in the social sector is also meant for all Christians, who are called to become active subjects in bearing witness to this social doctrine and to be fully part of the solid tradition of the “fruitful activity of many millions of people, who, spurred on by the social Magisterium, have sought to make that teaching the inspiration for their involvement in the world”. Acting either as individuals or together with others in various groups, associations and organizations, Christians of today represent “a great movement for the defence of the human person and the safeguarding of human dignity”. (538)

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

We can be maligned thinking life is a drudgery, misery, never finding consolation in sleep or arising. A restlessness or we can live praising the Lord in seeking opportunities to sing praise to our God for His graciousness by the way we live our lives. Job lamented he was like a day laborer hireling, one forced into military service or a slave never to see happiness again in his life fleeing swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. But we should always seek the Lord who heals the brokenhearted and to His wisdom there is no limit. All done to with a personal touch to call each element of creation by name and call to task those absorbed in wickedness, to ground them in the reality of their actions, like the serpent in Genesis. Jesus modeled the healing spirit, as he helped Simon’s mother-in-law when the Greek word used to describe her condition assumed she was already dead. With an outstretched hand, He helped her to arise, all articulated with a Greek word translated rise up. The same word to describe Jesus’ own resurrection. She then served Jesus and His apostles and ministered to them immediately after her sudden and miraculous cure, as defined in the Greek word for deacon. Arising to physical health and spiritual status in the context’s of Mark’s Gospel’s portrays of Jesus coming not to be served but to serve. A spiritual pondering we each must discern from how Jesus touches each of our lives. For Paul, it was preaching to share the fruits of the Gospel by bringing it to others without recompense, even though the compounded verb was an acknowledgement of his ministry’s subsidy from Macedonia. All transpiring in Corinth, who saw his zeal, to the point of almost slave like foolishness, in a culture valuing freedom and exercising personal rights. But Paul’s integrity was grounded in his love for God and all people. Even though at times the most ardent critics, the demons of despair realize the presence of a holy encounter, what should be obvious to all people remains a blur in their consciousness. But as Jesus models, prayer sustains us to not shrink from our call, but continually venture into nearby villages and global digital landscape for the purpose we have come for is not to just stay put in one place.

Individual Reflection: 1st Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

For Black History Month, share resources with your parish: https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/timely-resources-ministry-catholics-african-descent

Family Reflection: Job 7:1-4,6-7

February 8th is the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita and international day of prayer for victims of human trafficking. Talk about the signs of human trafficking to be aware of in your community: https://brycs.org/become-a-shepherd/

Prayer: Mark 1-29-39

Where will you retreat to a deserted place and pray this week?

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 February 3, 2024. St Blaise, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection: January 28, 2024

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

January 28th, 2024: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

In being light for the world: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2020/02/10/salt-light/

Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Psalm:95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 7:32-35

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:16

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Christ’s whole earthly life – his words and deeds, his silences and sufferings, indeed his manner of being and speaking – is Revelation of the Father. Jesus can say: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”, and the Father can say: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”¹⁷⁷ Because our Lord became man in order to do his Father’s will, even the least characteristics of his mysteries manifest “God’s love. . . among us”. (516) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week

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

The first, in a trilogy of healing miracles to launch His ministry, Jesus gives freedom to the man with an unclean spirit. A physical manifestation of Jesus standing up to evil. Reminding us to do nothing, remain silent when we see evil personified as oppression, greed, hate or a litany other controlling factors, in every form of physical, mental, emotional or social torment, means we only affirm the injustice. As Jesus taught with having authority, His powerful words manifest in deeds left people astonished. He differentiated himself from the scribes who were teachers and interpreters of Old Testament law through scripture and highlighting deeds of Jewish sages. Jesus was direct, confident, with no need for apologetics to prove He was right and people better believe in a fear based theology. But coming in contact with the unclean spirit, His presence awakened a response of wonder why Jesus of Nazareth was in the midst, present, the Holy One of God. A realization of His power to neutralize the power of evil and destroy the associated consequences. The amazement connotation of onlookers is the same word used immediately after the Transfiguration and assessing Jesus’ emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane, highlighting the intense dynamics permeating the consciousness of those who witnessed the new teacher in town. From the sleepy village of Nazareth, Capernaum sat on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee and became the hub of Jesus’ activity. A town on the trade route Via Maris, to the Mediterranean. A city of diversity inhabited by Gentiles and a pagan cult, bilingual tongues of Greek and Aramaic, so different than the temple culture of Jerusalem. Knowing capture and fall to the Assyrians over 700 year prior, Jesus’ message of liberation and light as consolation to suffering people resonated from His teaching in the synagogue and broader community. His stature in the synagogue was afforded among all learned people welcome to teach, since at the time there was no formal rabbinical ordination. All transpiring in a city with a base population supporting the trade route and transitory visitors plying economic activities. Diversity and people not isolated from the world. Since this is the reality of much of the world today, we can relate to the context Jesus called out evil and will it hearten us to do likewise? Will we call out evil in all its manifestations for what it is, an unnatural state of being far removed from being possessed by God’s Holy Spirit? Will we do good deeds to awaken people to faith, a trust to live Jesus’ message, as relevant as two thousand years ago to offer healing and wholeness to people’s lives? Will we affirm evil is reversible with healing and forgiveness instead of isolation to peer from afar and send inflammatory verbal assaults? The same word Jesus used to cause the unclean spirit to leave is the word He used to calm the storm. An offering of hope that Jesus’ presence calms the storms of life. In the deserts of life, the sojourns of exile from God, we must not follow the path of ancestors who reviled against God, even in the presence of God’s care. The Meribah’s of our day, the places of strife or Massah’s, where we put God to the test even though we see God’s work. Only when coming to our spiritual senses, do we exit our wandering tradition to praise God by entering into His presence in physical sanctuaries and sanctuaries of creation. To spiritually bow and kneel to state our declaration of belief and cease letting evil have power over us, so we are no longer detoured from entering the promised land. A liberation fueled not by pomp, but humility with obedience to peace soothing discord. Where no fallacy exists, so the legacy of Jesus’ deeds do not diminish or are made a sacrilege. To not cooperate with evil in silent complicity, our active participation in living Gospel prerogatives brings light to darkness in the world. A transition from cynicism and hardened hearts, where we absorb and are transformed by Jesus’ words and come to live in the light. An invitation to dispel, be free from anxieties and live doing good deeds, as a witness of our faith.

Individual Reflection: Mark 1:21-28

Reflect on Albert Einstein’s quote, ““The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything., ” and the January 28th 9AM homily from Old’s St Pat’s Church in Chicago: https://livestream.com/oldstpats/9am

Family Reflection: Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 7-9

February 2nd is feast of the Presentation of the Lord or sometimes called Candlemas for the traditional blessing of candles. A feast to acknowledge Jesus as the light of the world. How will each family member share the light of Christ in our world? Eat some tamales while you have a conversation: https://apnews.com/article/mexico-candlemas-day-tamales-b75cc93957118cac8230ea238de6ba8e

Prayer: St Brigid’s feast day is February 1st. At noon, where ever one is, pause for one minute and pray for peace. Invite those around you to join : https://brigid1500.ie/event/pause-for-peace/

This is part of Brigid 1500 to remember her legacy in a contemporary context by engaging with the values St. Brigid championed including faith and spirituality, biodiversity and sustainability, arts and culture, social justice, peace, hospitality and education. https://brigid1500.ie/aboutbrigid1500/

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 January 29, 2024 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Word of God Sunday Lectionary Reflection: January 21, 2024

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

January 21, 2024: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Word of God Sunday

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Pope Francis: “Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development. Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection.” https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/making-difference/pope-francis-calls-us-all-holiness-all-life

Readings

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Psalm: 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 7:29-31

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

All Christ’s faithful are to “direct their affections rightly, lest they be hindered in their pursuit of perfect charity by the use of worldly things and by an adherence to riches which is contrary to the spirit of evangelical poverty.” (2545) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Mark 1:15

The Church, the community of those who have been brought together by the Risen Christ and who have set out to follow him, is “the sign and the safeguard of the transcendent dimension of the human person”. She is “in Christ a kind of sacrament — a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all men”. Her mission is that of proclaiming and communicating the salvation wrought in Jesus Christ, which he calls “the Kingdom of God” (Mk 1:15), that is, communion with God and among men. The goal of salvation, the Kingdom of God embraces all people and is fully realized beyond history, in God. The Church has received “the mission of proclaiming and establishing among all peoples the Kingdom of Christ and of God, and she is, on earth, the seed and the beginning of that Kingdom”. (49)

1st Corinthians 7:31

The human person cannot and must not be manipulated by social, economic or political structures, because every person has the freedom to direct himself towards his ultimate end. On the other hand, every cultural, social, economic and political accomplishment, in which the social nature of the person and his activity of transforming the universe are brought about in history, must always be considered also in the context of its relative and provisional reality, because “the form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor 7:31). We can speak here of an eschatological relativity, in the sense that man and the world are moving towards their end, which is the fulfillment of their destiny in God; we can also speak of a theological relativity, insofar as the gift of God, by which the definitive destiny of humanity and of creation will be attained, is infinitely greater than human possibilities and expectations. Any totalitarian vision of society and the State, and any purely intra-worldly ideology of progress are contrary to the integral truth of the human person and to God’s plan in history. (48)

The awareness that “the form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor 7:31) is not an exoneration from being involved in the world, and even less from work (cf. 2 Thes 3:7-15), which is an integral part of the human condition, although not the only purpose of life. No Christian, in light of the fact that he belongs to a united and fraternal community, should feel that he has the right not to work and to live at the expense of others (cf. 2 Thes 3:6-12). Rather, all are charged by the Apostle Paul to make it a point of honour to work with their own hands, so as to “be dependent on nobody” (1 Thes 4:12), and to practice a solidarity which is also material by sharing the fruits of their labour with “those in need” (Eph 4:28). Saint James defends the trampled rights of workers: “Behold, the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts” (Jas 5:4). Believers are to undertake their work in the style of Christ and make it an occasion for Christian witness, commanding “the respect of outsiders” (1 Thes 4:12). (264)

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

When we see retribution, retaliation, wrathful anger spewing animosity, discord, violence and disdain in societal structures, including the Church, we should pause to discern what would be the Divine response. We should not be half hearted disciples, like Jonah, who only took on the role of being God’s voice in Nineveh because walking on dry land was better than in the deep with a whale, but all the while harboring sentiments that the people of Nineveh would get their just reward. Another Sodom and Gomorrah, a vast city known for its violence and cruelty. One day, a pittance of time and energy, Jonah repeated the five Hebrew words for “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” What his heart could not fathom was God’s words expressed through his mouth would convict the inhabitants hearts to change and believe in God. Believing rooted in Hebrew for trust, like resounding witnessed in Genesis and Exodus. A miracle of repentance that was so sudden and with complete totality. Turning away from atrocities and crying out to God by proclaiming a fast, with all the great and small putting on sackcloth, Imparting to God, not in words but action, their sincerity of heart. Nineveh’s transformation came about by God telling Jonah not to preach about the great city’s wickedness, a verbal assault on the people’s ways, but overthrown by God’s mercy. People convicted by God’s love for them, that He sent someone to do His bidding and did not just let them flounder. A reminder as to what should be the message of the Church today is speaking of God’s mercy, not numeration of sins. An environment of welcome infusing the spiritual culture into the societal byways. The reality of what calls disciples, like the first disciples of Jesus leaving family and occupational security without preparation or deliberation of negotiating specific parameters of faith. They owned nets, boats, a viable business, but displayed their optimal capabilities as disciples when first called, even though they would flounder down the road at times. Jesus, preceded by John the Baptist called people to make straight their ways. Like the voice crying out in the wilderness and ancient texts of Mark use “straight way”. A message of Jesus not in a spirit of warning, but fulfillment. An offering of opportunity to experience God’s kingdom, not as a static place of existence, but living God’s will, realizing God’s abiding presence. Jesus first called fishermen, not intellectuals. He personified the Wisdom tradition of Proverbs by calling followers in need of wisdom, the simple ones. This was a juxtaposition of the era’s mores, when students sought out teachers. Reality articulated in the Psalm of the Lord’s goodness for showing sinners the way, not prioritizing chastisement. Guiding the humble to justice for those with docility to learn HIs ways. A love from old, shown in Nineveh and each day of this millennium because of God’s goodness to offered to all people. A covenant of compassion Jesus brought in a culture formulated on an honor / shame dichotomy. Compassion, a word in Hebrew connoting womb, the bond of mother and child. When we ask the Lord to teach us His ways we should be drawn to mercy to live as His disciples. To leave the black and white rigors of apologetics on the shores of what we walk away from to follow Jesus.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

January 24th is the feast day of St Francis de Sales. What can his ministry teach us about persistence? https://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&gid=609&pgid=13037&cid=27401&ecid=27401&crid=0

Family Reflection: Mark 1:14-20

January 25th is the feast of the Conversion of St Paul. Discuss God’s transformative power of grace and mercy on someone who initially persecuted the Church

Prayer:

Reflect on Pope Francis’ homily for Word of God Sunday 2024: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024/documents/20240121-domenica-parola-didio.html#

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.https://smrep.wordpress.com/

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 January 21, 2024 St Agnes, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection: January 14, 2024

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

January 14, 2024: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

January 15th we remember the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King and the challenges he offered us to address racism and oppression in the spirit of non-violence: https://cacatholic.org/issues/faith-in-the-public-square/dreams-lead-action-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/

Readings

First Reading: 1st Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

Psalm: 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

Gospel Acclamation: John 1:41, 17b

Gospel: John:1:35-42

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Jesus is the Father’s Emissary. From the beginning of his ministry, he “called to him those whom he desired; . . . . And he appointed twelve, whom also he named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.”³⁶⁸ From then on, they would also be his “emissaries” (Greek apostoloi). In them, Christ continues his own mission: “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”³⁶⁹ The apostles’ ministry is the continuation of his mission; Jesus said to the Twelve: “he who receives you receives me.” (858) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

1st Corinthians 6:20

The Church moves further into the Third Millennium of the Christian era as a pilgrim people, guided by Christ, the “great Shepherd” (Heb 13:20). He is the “Holy Door” (cf. Jn 10:9) through which we passed during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000[1]. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf. Jn 14:6): contemplating the Lord’s face, we confirm our faith and our hope in him, the one Saviour and goal of history.

The Church continues to speak to all people and all nations, for it is only in the name of Christ that salvation is given to men and women. Salvation, which the Lord Jesus obtained “at a price” (1 Cor 6:20; cf. 1 Pet 1:18-19), is achieved in the new life that awaits the righteous after death, but it also permeates this world in the realities of the economy and labour, of technology and communications, of society and politics, of the international community and the relations among cultures and peoples. “Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind, and opens up the wondrous prospect of divine filiation”. (1)

The prototype of the king chosen by Yahweh is David, whose humble origins are a favourite topic of the biblical account (cf. 1 Sam 16:1-13). David is the recipient of the promise (cf. 2 Sam 7:13-16; Ps 89:2-38, 132:11-18), which places him at the beginning of a special kingly tradition, the “messianic” tradition. Notwithstanding all the sins and infidelities of David and his successors, this tradition culminates in Jesus Christ, who is par excellence “Yahweh’s anointed” (that is, “the Lord’s consecrated one”, cf. 1 Sam 2:35, 24:7,11, 26:9,16; Ex 30:22-32), the son of David (cf. Mt 1:1-17; Lk 3:23-38; Rom 1:3).

The failure of kingship on the historical level does not lead to the disappearance of the ideal of a king who, in fidelity to Yahweh, will govern with wisdom and act in justice. This hope reappears time and again in the Psalms (cf. Ps 2, 18, 20, 21, 72). In the messianic oracles, the figure of a king endowed with the Lord’s Spirit, full of wisdom and capable of rendering justice to the poor, is awaited in eschatological times (cf. Is 11:2-5; Jer 23:5-6). As true shepherd of the people of Israel (cf. Ezek 34:23-24, 37:24), he will bring peace to the nations (cf. Zech 9:9-10). In Wisdom Literature, the king is presented as the one who renders just judgments and abhors iniquity (cf. Prov 16:12), who judges the poor with equity (cf. Prov 29:14) and is a friend to those with a pure heart (cf. Prov 22:11). There is a gradual unfolding of the proclamation of what the Gospels and other New Testament writings see fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the definitive incarnation of what the Old Testament foretold about the figure of the king. (378)

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

Jesus likes to ask questions. Are we ready to answer? The question, “What do you want?”, elicited a response, “Where are you staying?” Staying, menein, identical to the John 15 parable of the vine and branches’ “remain”. Where a believer remains with Jesus and relishes the Lord’s indwelling in their life. A Trinitarian experience of realizing one’s body as a temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Questions layered to take us into the mystery of God. An invitation to an excursion to go deeper with the questions that unlock belief and remove trepidation to saying, “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will.” An inquiry that maybe detoured to listen to people with sage advice, who make us attentive to the Lord’s call. The prophets of our day who are not afraid to say what they attentively see and deeply believe. People that invite us to delve deeper by coming along for the opportunity to see what they see by their side. All that happens on God’s time line, so time that appears to be in snooze mode, slow motion offers the pause needed to cultivate a malleable heart, so we clearly see the the inspiring reality. Seeing with a Christological meaning of coming to God as an indicator of faith. A state of vigilance where we are enamored with the Spirit in belonging to Christ, not autonomous beings. For we do not live with individually, absolute freedom, but our actions reverberate with spiritual dynamics. Individually, the actions of one impacts the broader community to impart trust or elevate cynicism. The fibers of a cosmic web where strands of unity build strength of spiritual proportions and social fabric. A rationale that harbors our spiritual sensibilities, as members of the Body of Christ. Something St Paul tried to impart on the Corinthians whose Stoic philosophy perceived actions feeding the body’s biological necessities as registering no moral value, where sin had no external consequences. Further drawing to their sensibilities, as slave traders, he reminded the Corinthians their lives were purchased at a price by the Lord’s passion. A reality that should frame all the questions we ask ourselves in how we respond to the questions Jesus asks each of us. Questions rooted in invitation, mercy and love and our answers, the lived response, should not be without effect in our spiritual practicalities and social actions.

Individual Reflection: John:1:35-42

Make an effort to mentor someone in an area of faith you are passionate about.

Family Reflection: 1st Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

January is Poverty Awareness month. Read the daily reflections: https://www.usccb.org/committees/catholic-campaign-human-development/poverty-awareness-month What will be your family’s response to make a difference?

Prayer: January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity carrying on an over one hundred year tradition: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecumenical-interreligious-affairs/international-week-prayer-christian-unity https://www.oikoumene.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/WPCU 2024 ENG.pdf

Reflect on the text for this year’s theme: Luke 10:25-37

Inspired by a prayer of the Abbé Paul Couturier,

Pioneer of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one,

we pray to you for the unity of Christians,

according to your will,

according to your means.

May your Spirit enable us

to experience the suffering caused by division,

to see our sin, and to hope beyond all hope.

Amen.

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

Link:https://smrep.wordpress.com/

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 January 17, 2024 , St Anthony, The Abbot, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

The Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary Reflection: January 7, 2024

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Navigatetocreativity

January 7, 2024: The Epiphany of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

While much has changed since Jesus’ coming, much remains the same.

Our nations far too often do not seek after, much less produce, prosperity for all people.

Our leaders far too often do not strive for, must less manifest, justice for all and especially for the poor.

Our lives far too often are not governed by a drive to obtain deliverance for the needy, much less rid the world of all forms of oppression.

As a result, our world is far too often filled up with a thick and seemingly impenetrable darkness.

On Epiphany Sunday, we are invited to look, with the magi, for the light that rises upon the eastern sky and to journey toward the light of God’s just reign that offers us a new grasp of reality.

And we are reminded that this requires that we strive to bring prosperity to all people by defending the cause of the poor, speaking for those without a voice, giving help to those in need and seeking to address all forms of injustice and oppression. https://goodfaithmedia.org/epiphany-signals-the-coming-light-of-gods-justice-cms-21410/

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm: 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that “the full number of the nations” now takes its “place in the family of the patriarchs”, and acquires Israelitica dignitas (is made “worthy of the heritage of Israel”. (528) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to The Epiphany of the Lord, Cycle A, B and C.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 72

At the beginning of its history, the people of Israel are unlike other peoples in that they have no king, for they recognize the dominion of Yahweh alone. It is God who intervenes on Israel’s behalf through charismatic individuals, as recorded in the Book of Judges. The people approach the last of these individuals, Samuel, prophet and judge, to ask for a king (cf. 1 Sam 8:5; 10:18-19). Samuel warns the Israelites about the consequences of a despotic exercise of kingship (cf. 1 Sam 8:11-18). However, the authority of the king can also be experienced as a gift of Yahweh who comes to the assistance of his people (cf. 1 Sam 9:16). In the end, Saul is anointed king (cf. 1 Sam 10:1-2). These events show the tension that brought Israel to understand kingship in a different way than it was understood by neighbouring peoples. The king, chosen by Yahweh (cf. Dt 17:15; 1 Sam 9:16) and consecrated by him (cf. 1 Sam 16:12-13), is seen as God’s son (cf. Ps 2:7) and is to make God’s dominion and plan of salvation visible (cf. Ps 72). The king, then, is to be the defender of the weak and the guarantor of justice for the people. The denunciations of the prophets focus precisely on the kings’ failure to fulfil these functions (cf. 1 Kg 21; Is 10:1-4; Am 2:6-8, 8:4-8; Mic 3:1-4). (377)

Psalm 72:3-7

Psalm 72:7

Peace is the goal of life in society, as is made extraordinarily clear in the messianic vision of peace: when all peoples will go up to the Lord’s house, and he will teach them his ways and they will walk along the ways of peace (cf. Is 2:2-5). A new world of peace that embraces all of nature is the promise of the messianic age (cf. Is 11:6-9), and the Messiah himself is called “Prince of peace” (Is 9:5). Wherever his peace reigns, wherever it is present even in part, no longer will anyone be able to make the people of God fearful (cf. Zeph 3:13). It is then that peace will be lasting, because when the king rules according to God’s justice, righteousness flourishes and peace abounds “till the moon be no more” (Ps 72:7). God longs to give peace to his people: “he will speak of peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts” (Ps 85:9). Listening to what God has to say to his people about peace, the Psalmist hears these words: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss” (Ps 85:11).(490)

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

The magi’s inquiry about the newborn King of the Jews just didn’t trouble King Herod, but all of Jerusalem with him. If King Herod’s domination was threatened, if he was deposed, all the socio-political structures could crumble. People attached to the coat-tails of King Herod, in the economic milieu of empire, would suffer the loss of their fiscal stability, connections to power and privilege, so they would have to flee or reposition their alliances. Instead of being oppressors aligned with Roman occupation, they could become the oppressed. A paradigm of two thousand years ago and continually unfolding in the geo-economic-political landscape today. Ruses of bad kings, dictators, empire builders and the military industrial complex not seeking to advocate for the oppressed and protect the poor, but strategizing for the largest GDP, land grab or military conquest all fueling oppression. The magi came seeking with a different ethos grounded in Zoroastrianism. One of the oldest organized faith traditions. A monotheistic perspective rooted on good defeating evil predicated on free will, with heaven and hell, angels and demons. A faith tradition from the land of Mesopotamia that influenced Abrahamic faiths and Gnosticism. Originally, the magi were portrayed as interpreters of dreams and astrologers, but later Christian thought spruced up their image to become kings. While tradition says there were three magi to correspond with three gifts, there more likely would have been a larger caravan for the treacherous journey, instead of just the idyllic portrayal of three camels traveling across the arid terrain. While they probably came from a common land, tradition developed to acclaim the universality of Christ’s birth. Caspar representing Africa, Balthasar and Melchior from Persia and Arabia. Locals further echoed in the Psalms denoting Tarshish in southern Spain, Saba in North Africa and the Isles of the Mediterranean. A divinely inspired visit following a star, be it Halley’s comet or the bright conversion of Saturn and Jupiter associated with antiquity’s tradition that a royal brith was believed to be accentuated by an astrological phenomenon. Probably a visit no longer taking place in a stable, but a more permanent abode, the magi foreshadowed the reaction of the Messiah’s disciples to come. A spirt of over the top joy woven into homage. Giving the best gifts they had, not thinking about needing the treasures to finance their return trip, just as we should give the best of ourselves in serving the Lord. Gifts symbolic of Christ’s kingship, divinity and suffering redemption. A visit where Jesus was with Mary, for a Marian affirmation of believers fidelity to her Son. An encounter where the Magi offered gifts to the Christ child. Not giving what we perceive as appropriate, imposing our imperatives, but offering as we should offer ourselves in surrendering to live the Gospel. All taking place in stark contrast to the reign of Herod. The seat of power in Jerusalem versus the humbleness of Bethlehem noted by the prophet Micah that would bring one to shepherd the flock. A shepherd and king in the lineage of David for shepherding all the people. A time when the darkness of oppression would give way to the brilliance of light that nations shall walk by. A mystery revealed at God’s opportune time by apostles and prophets guided by the Spirit for an apostolic and prophetic foundation for every nation on earth to adore the Lord. Not for just the chosen few, the holy few, those of a particular pedigree of worship, for Jesus was born for all people. A Messiah birthing into the world a counter-culture paradigm two millennium ago. Today, we are called to be contemporary magi joyfully representing the inclusion of all humanity in His ways and ignoring the dictates of the Herod’s of our time.

Individual Reflection: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

What kind of prayer will you show up with your feet, hands and heart for in 2024?

Let’s pause for another moment and consider the thought: The movements we are seeing now. Movements for fair pay for women. Movements for Black Lives. Movements for protected land and environmental justice. Whose obedience warranted these shifts? Whose decades of fervent and effectual prayer moved the very hand of God? Whose years of waiting, watching, and working God’s plan compelled God to finally show up and show out? And, to be clear – these are not the kind of prayers that only require us to look pretty on Sundays. These are the kinds of prayers that mean showing up with our feet. The kind of prayers that cost you something. The kind of prayers that look like public protests and a willingness to put your privilege on the line. That’s the kind of prayers I’m talking about. That is what Anna and Simeon teach us, friends. That a lot can happen when holy disruption meets human obedience. https://justiceunbound.org/epiphany/

Family Reflection: Matthew 2:1-12

Learn about the celebration of Día de Reyes. How will your family celebrate? https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2023-01-05/dia-de-reyes-tradition

Prayer: https://michelletorigian.com/category/epiphany-liturgy-prayers/

Divine Glimmer-

The strands of lights are unhooked from the eavestroughs,
And the metallic garland removed from tree’s branches.
January’s shadows prevail when Christmas is removed.

Yet you are the Great Light.
When the brightness of Christmas has been erased from our sight,
The Epiphany glow in our souls brightens.

May the Epiphany Glow expand from our hearts
to reach our neighbors hurting from the cold nights,
short days, and seasonal silence.

May the Epiphany Glow draw us together
even greater than the parties of December
and the hustle of Advent.

May the Epiphany Glow kindle kindness,
knowing that the Christ is present in our midst,
as you, Holy Light, are eager to build your bright realm in our shadowed world.

Amen.

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 January 2, 2024 Sts Basil and Gregory of Nazianzen Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Lectionary Reflections: December 31, 2023

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Navigatetocreativity

December 31, 2023: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

The Holy Family and Catholic Social Doctrine: https://ndcatholic.org/yourresources/editorials/column1113/

Readings

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3

Psalm: 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic church.”⁹ It is a community of faith, hope, and charity; it assumes singular importance in the Church, as is evident in the New Testament. (2204) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh , Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week

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

Who is speaking in our churches today? Do we pay attention to the prophetic voices, like Simeon or even attempt to silence them? Those filled with the Spirit, faithfully coming to encounter the Lord and acclaiming the reality of what they see in the world and feel in their soul. Do we listen to evangelists like Anna, grounded in worship, prayer and fasting, who live with a thankful heart and speak about the Lord in an evangelizing spirit to all who are seeking? Are voices shunned as outsiders, unwelcome for they have migrated on a journey from a different land? They are all part of the family of God, but today would they just be warming a pew in silence, no one knowing their name, let alone their needs or story. Like all healthy family dynamics, good communications are essential. So people just don’t get talked at, but are listened to. An imperative for facilitating spiritual conversations on the synodal path. A process that may be met with in trepidation, but should be grounded in faith modeled by our father in faith, Abraham. To venture from the homeland of the stagnate status quo to Church attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Not questioning what gifts the endeavors will manifest and not fearing the process. While the time may seem unfeasible, implausible, trust in the Spirit that this is the opportune time must form the collective mindset. A time to sacrifice our sacred silos to see the vastness of new horizons populated with numerous participants effervescent with spiritual enthusiasm. To look beyond distinct lines of demarcation to the blur of Luke’s mixing the rite of Mary’s purification with consecration of the first born son. He maintained the elements of sacred tradition and fidelity to Mosaic law, while uniting Mary and Jospeh in the purification ritual, where in actuality it would have just been focused on Mary. Luke makes no mention of them paying the customary five shekels to the priest for their son’s purification, to dismiss an arbitrary payment amounting to a laborer’s ten days of wages. A sum that could be a financial burden for a peasant family. Correlating like in contemporary terms, a parish charging an exorbitant sum to baptize an infant. A reminder that a religious practice should not be about a financial exchange, but a sacramental encounter. So evident in the faith of Abraham to trust an heir would be forthcoming and Anna living in hope as exemplifying living in right relationships with God. Grounded in the covenant of tradition while realizing their dependence on God, they lived in situations beyond their control with a surrender to faith that closed gaps of despair. Their lack of an heir or family for support was credited in Old Testament writings as an act of righteousness. How in a synodal spirit do we look at others as co-heirs of God’s promises today? Creating a communal bonding on our spiritual journey that unites people instead of isolating people with labels of qualifying classifications to accentuate their otherness. An ever expanding circle of believers united beyond one’s nuclear family to prioritize rituals, structures and practices that bring people together to openly listen and celebrate faith. So we just don’t fulfill the prescriptions of our faith, but integrate the tenants of our faith meaningfully in our lives and they are interspersed throughout the fabric our town and region.

Individual Reflection: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Read and share Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace message for January 1, 2024 : https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/peace/documents/20231208-messaggio-57giornatamondiale-pace2024.html

Family Reflection: Hebrews 1:1-2

Start the new year by making family life style changes to better care for creation: https://catholiccreationcare.com/planning/family/

Prayer: January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Each day this week, pray a Marian prayer:

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
blessed are thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Morning Consecration to Mary

My Queen, My Mother, I offer
myself entirely to thee.
And to show my devotion to thee,
I offer thee this day, my eyes,
my ears, my mouth, my heart,
my whole being without reserve.

Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own,
keep me, guard me as thy property and possession.
Amen.

Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina)

Hail, holy Queen,
Mother of Mercy, Our life,
our sweetness and our hope.

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve,
To thee do we send up our sighs,
Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us, And after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

Regina Coeli (Caeli)

O, Queen of Heaven, rejoice! Alleluia.
For He whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia,
Hath arisen as He said, Alleluia.
Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
For the Lord hath risen indeed. Alleluia.

Oremus (Let us pray)
O God, who, through the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
Didst vouchsafe to fill the world with joy; grant, we beseech Thee, that, through His Virgin Mother, Mary,
We may lay hold on the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Sub Tuum Praesidum

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God;
Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.

The Magnificat (Canticle of Mary)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior; for he has looked upon His servant in her lowliness; all ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is His name; His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him. He has shown might with His arm; He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away. He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of His mercy; Even as He promised our fathers, promised Abraham and His descendants forever.
Amen.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen.

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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 December 28, 2023 Holy Innocents, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fourth Sunday of Lent Lectionary Reflection: December 24, 2023

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Navigatetocreativity

December 24, 2023: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Let us bring hope, peace, joy and love to the world: https://www.bread.org/article/advent-2023/

At Bread for the World, our faith in Christ is the foundation for our hope, story, mission, and values. We endeavor to follow God’s path toward justice and righteousness in the world as we advocate for the more than 700 million people experiencing hunger around the world every day.

In the U.S., the measure of hunger is food insecurity; an estimated 44 million Americans, including 1 in 5 children, are uncertain of where their next meal will come from. And over 40 million people around the world are facing emergency levels of hunger, meaning they are on the brink of famine. This number has doubled since 2020.

Readings

First Reading: 2nd Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Psalm: 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

Gospel:Luke 1:26-38

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Mary’s prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father’s plan of loving kindness: at the Annunciation, for Christ’s conception; at Pentecost, for the formation of the Church, his Body.⁸⁸ In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time. She whom the Almighty made “full of grace” responds by offering her whole being: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word.” “Fiat“: this is Christian prayer: to be wholly God’s, because he is wholly ours. (2617) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Fourth Sunday of Advent Cycle B.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

2nd Samuel 7:13-16 and Psalm 89:2-38

Luke 1:38

Heir to the hope of the righteous in Israel and first among the disciples of Jesus Christ is Mary, his Mother. By her “fiat” to the plan of God’s love (cf. Lk 1:38), in the name of all humanity, she accepts in history the One sent by the Father, the Saviour of mankind. In her Magnificat she proclaims the advent of the Mystery of Salvation, the coming of the “Messiah of the poor” (cf. Is 11:4; 61:1). The God of the Covenant, whom the Virgin of Nazareth praises in song as her spirit rejoices, is the One who casts down the mighty from their thrones and raises up the lowly, fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty, scatters the proud and shows mercy to those who fear him (cf. Lk 1:50-53).

Looking to the heart of Mary, to the depth of her faith expressed in the words of the Magnificat, Christ’s disciples are called to renew ever more fully in themselves “the awareness that the truth about God who saves, the truth about God who is the source of every gift, cannot be separated from the manifestation of his love of preference for the poor and humble, that love which, celebrated in the Magnificat, is later expressed in the words and works of Jesus”. Mary is totally dependent upon God and completely directed towards him by the impetus of\ her faith. She is “the most perfect image of freedom and of the liberation of humanity and of the universe”. (59)

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

How do we box God in to keep the Divine corralled inside the church? The Divine to visit one hour out of 24 / 7 ? To say goodbye and go along our merry way the rest of the 167 hours in a week? A way to compartmentalize faith as one dimension of our lives, segregated from work, school, home life and recreation? This reality is not just prevalent to what some call the secular society of our time, but was confronted by David in 2nd Samuel. With spiritual compassion, he felt remorse for living in a house of cedar, a secure dwelling, to enjoy the rest the Lord had given him from his enemies on every side, while the ark of God dwelt in a tent The prophet Nathan, prompted by the Lord, reminded David of God’s transcendence, accompaniment taking him from care of the flock to leading God’s people Israel. A constant presence where ever he went and after wanderings establish a house. A dynasty of David’s lineage culminating in the birth of Christ. We must always be spiritually cognizant not to compromise God’s freedom, stifle the enthusiasm, arrest the joy, snuff out the hope, mute the peace by ignoring the constant Divine presence accompanying us or being overtly holy, protective of God where the Divine essence just rests on an elevated spiritual pedestal. For we must let the Divine rub shoulders with us, for God is a God of liberation in all aspects of our life. A reality God tried to impart on David. The constraints of one temple, that in human practicalities may seem to offer human praise to God could actually heighten separation from Divine design. A model that could stratify social classes over positions of prominence in leadership, centralize political control and perpetuate a monarch that might not prioritize the good of all the people in the long run. Today, we are afforded the same realities to ponder and dialogue in conversation along the synodal path. While we may adore the Lord adorning the monstrance on the altar, ultimately mass sends us forth to love and serve the Lord in all the various wanderings of our lives. Taking the essence of Jesus with us, as we walk out the church door. A reality we must say yes to in actively living our faith as believers and not just adorers of our Lord. As the angel told Mary and Jesus proclaimed in the Gospel, we must hear the few, short words to not fear doing what the Divine call we each receive asks us to do. The doubt of Zechariah should not silence our lips. Mary modeling belief should inspire our actions. Then we will have obedience to faith in God through Jesus Christ, as St Paul writes in Roman’s doxology and sing the goodness of the Lord through how we live our lives.

Individual Reflection: 2nd Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

How will you foster a synodal dialogue at your parish and in your diocese on synodality: https://www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/news/2023-12-12_towards-2024/ENG_Document_TOWARDS-OCTOBER-2024_XVI_II-Session.pdf

And the specific content in the document giving focus to conversation about:

At the level of each local Church: HOW can we enhance the differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all the members of the People of God? What ways of relating, structures, processes of discernment and decision-making with regard to mission make it possible to recognize, shape, and promote co-responsibility? What ministries and participatory bodies can be renewed or introduced to better express this co-responsibility? Within the Synthesis Report, reference can be made more specifically to Chapters 8-12, 16 and 18.

Family Reflection: Luke 1:26-38

Mary’s name means excellence. Joseph’s name means may Yahweh add. Jesus’ name means God saves. What is the meaning of each family members’ name ?

Prayer: The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

From Howard Thurman’s The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/now-the-work-of-christmas-begins/

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.