August 28, 2011: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
First Reading: Jeremiah: 20:7-9
Psalm: 63
Second Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: no references
Do you dwell on Jesus’ discourse of persecution or His victory on the third day to define your faith? In our lives, of spiritual worship and offering ourselves as living disciples holy and pleasing to God, we face challenges of those with unbelief, the ridicule of derision and discrediting, disgrace of reproach. Transformed by renewal of our minds, as our souls thirst for the Lord our God, the totality of the Paschal Mystery helps us to take up our cross and deny ourselves to follow Jesus. A passion, too strong for us to deny, inflames our hearts with a spiritual fire. To liberate it from being imprisoned in our being, we must share the power and glory we amassed from gazing toward God, so our lips shall glorify Him. And stronger than words, we loose our life for His sake by giving ourselves to serve others. People may envision this mentality as being duped, but they think only as human beings conforming themselves to this age of individualism and self satisfaction. God asks us to not dwell in this focus as as obstacle to His ways. By His mercies, we are parched and lifeless no more, but satisfied by the riches of His banquet to know what is good, pleasing and perfect.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 63
On a late summer, Sunday afternoon, retreat from your busyness for one hour to reflect and pray about how you thirst for God.
Family Reflection: Matthew 16:21-27
Visit Oxfam America’s web site to learn about their GROW campaign: http://www.oxfamamerica.org
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