May 8, 2011: Third Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation
First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm: 16
Second Reading: 1st Peter 1:17-21
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
On our sojourn through life, our realization is we are ransomed from futility by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of His precious blood. The gift of salvation awaits our eternal destiny but also permeates our worldly realities of the economy, labor, technology, communications, society, politics, the international community and relations among cultures and peoples. Salvation embeds our whole being and all mankind. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, paragraph 1)
With this opened up to us in the Scriptures, we journey a path flanked in reverence at the imperishable nature of abiding in the Lord’s presence. The path also abounds in joy, as we recount to those we meet how Jesus is made known to us each time we feast on the bread that is broken. The reverence and awe, the joy and hope makes us realize our daily physical, economic and social reality is not devoid of a spiritual context. Downcast chatter, dwelling on past disappointments, vanishes into profound present day realities. We only must ask Jesus to stay with us and offer His blessings. Our eyes will be opened. As our hands receive what Jesus gives, He asks us to live as witnesses to salvation by seeking the common good and well being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 16
Ask those at your parish that were baptized or received into full communion with the Church this Easter season to attend a social justice ministry meeting.
Family Reflection: Luke 24:13-35
Instead of buying a loaf of bread at the grocery store make a loaf. Talk about the steps to mix, rise and bake the bread. When a handmade loaf of bread is served with dinner, how does it become a more central element of the meal? When you take time with your faith to pray, study the Word and help others — put effort into living your faith– is it more meaningful?
The reflection may be reproduced in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.