April 28, 2024: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
May 3rd is the feast day of Sts Philip and James. St James writings in the New Testament speak of being doers of the Word, not just hearers, along with a treatise in Chapter 5 about inappropriate use of riches.
The Church’s love for the poor is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, by the poverty of Jesus and by his attention to the poor. This love concerns material poverty and also the numerous forms of cultural and religious poverty. The Church, “since her origin and in spite of the failing of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere”. Prompted by the Gospel injunction, “You have received without paying, give without pay” (Mt 10:8), the Church teaches that one should assist one’s fellow man in his various needs and fills the human community with countless works of corporal and spiritual mercy. “Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God”, even if the practice of charity is not limited to alms-giving but implies addressing the social and political dimensions of the problem of poverty. In her teaching the Church constantly returns to this relationship between charity and justice: “When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice”. The Council Fathers strongly recommended that this duty be fulfilled correctly, remembering that “what is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity”. Love for the poor is certainly “incompatible with immoderate love of riches or their selfish use”(cf. Jas 5:1-6). (184) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Psalm: 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
Second Reading: 1st John 3:18-24
Gospel: John 15:1-
Catechism of the Catholic Church
By this power of the Spirit, God’s children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear “the fruit of the Spirit: . . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” “We live by the Spirit”; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we “walk by the Spirit.”
Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God “Father” and to share in Christ’s grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory. (736) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
John chapters 15-17
The salvation offered by God to his children requires their free response and acceptance. It is in this that faith consists, and it is through this that “man freely commits his entire self to God” responding to God’s prior and superabundant love (cf. 1 Jn 4:10) with concrete love for his brothers and sisters, and with steadfast hope because “he who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). In fact, the divine plan of salvation does not consign human creatures to a state of mere passivity or of lesser status in relation to their Creator, because their relationship to God, whom Jesus Christ reveals to us and in whom he freely makes us sharers by the working of the Holy Spirit, is that of a child to its parent: the very relationship that Jesus lives with the Father (cf. Jn 15-17; Gal 4:6-7). (39)
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 Gospel reading from John uses remain eight times. An inference to stay in one place, continue to exist after others have left or something left over after other portions have been used. But with the context used in the reading, remain expresses a much deeper meaning of abide. A word referencing to accept or act in accordance with a rule, to continue without fading or being lost, enduring. Something unattainable if we live like a branch floating singularly in the ocean, drifting on a lake or a limb laying beside a roadway after a severe thunder storm. For we must be attached to Jesus, the true vine, a New Testament metaphor drawing on Old Testament visuals depicting Israel as God’s vine found in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Vine as Eucharistic imagery from the Johannine community, where we remain with Jesus. A necessity to remain with God and not freelance our existence. Reminding us to be bold because we have back up, support from the strength of the whole vine. John’s way of saying to not hide faith in the fear of persecution and getting pruned as fruitless branches. For the Word spoken to us prunes our actions, desires, motivation as it nourishes the collective branches providing an interconnected solidarity. An abiding in God’s way for the purpose of bearing much fruit in the Lord’s name. Suggestive of missionary pursuits and living a Christian life analogous with the indwelling of Jesus’ invitation from the Last Supper discourse, with eschatological consequences for withered branches not disposed of to bear fruit. A vivid reminder to easily identify false prophets touting a self-serving marquee. Only in representing Jesus in the world do we act as disciples to glorify God. A confident posture honed with prayer, where confident hearts are not afraid, for perfect love with the Trinity casts out fear in a perfect union manifesting peace and freedom. Environs for easily, joyfully producing much fruit in love. Not a word of speech, but a sentiment woven in deed and truth. Fruit grown with elitist dispositions contributing to interiorized, privatized spirituality and sentiments bears sour fruit unresponsive to the poor, marginalized, most vulnerable. Abiding as branches on the vine requires we be attentive as branches to the malleability of our hearts to discern the sincerity of our actions beyond obligation to the primacy of love to do what pleases God. The “double love” in John expressed as, “Believe in the Son’s love and love one another.” Where the Divine abides in us, by the Spirit, and we know the source of our forgiveness. We live with reassurance of our hearts, can discern, judge from our hearts that our conscience should not condemn us, for the source of our forgiveness is greater than our hearts. Like the lamenting Psalmist, we can give thanks to God in advance and show confidence to fulfill our vows before the Lord, for in seeking the Lord we praise Him to the ends of the earth and our hearts live forever. For without lament there is inclusion, a Psalm written most likely post exile, where God was seen extending to Sheol, as before spiritual thought did extend to the after life. A Psalm early Christians, rich in knowing the Psalms, employed for imagery of a soul living and descendants serving Him with coming generations being told of the Lord and justice He has shown. Something Saul did even in the midst of shedding his past reputation that made all the disciples in Jerusalem afraid of him. But Barnabas, acting to be a branch bearing fruit spoke up to witness to Saul’s change of heart to boldly proclaim the Gospel. An action that challenged the Hellenists, traditionalists among Jerusalem’s immigrant Hebrew population, as Saul debated them. To protect his prophetic, bold voice, the disciples moved him to Caesarea and on his way to Tarsus. With the consolation of the Holy Spirit, the Church grew in numbers, was being built up and at peace. A model of believers living as branches on the vine. A robust network, with a nurturing environment fostering peace by bearing good fruit.
Individual Reflection: John 15:1-8
May1st is the feast of St Jospeh the Worker. Where are workers in your community needing support in labor struggles? How can you advocate in solidarity with them? https://www.cluejustice.org/
Family Reflection: Psalm 22: 26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
St Catherine of Sienna’s fest day is April 29th, She is a doctor of the Church. Her sainthood inspired St Kateri Tekakwitha’s journey of faith. What saints inspire family members?
Prayer: April 30th is the feast day of St Pius V. He revised the Roman Missal and Liturgy of the Hours in the 1500’s. This week read Morning Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours: https://divineoffice.org/
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.
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 April 24, 2024 St Fidelis of Sigmaringen The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.