July 7, 2013: Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
“…Solidarity also includes the Scriptural call to welcome the stranger among us…” Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, (53), USCCB.
Readings
First Reading Isaiah 66: 10-14c
Psalm 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Second Reading Galatians 6:14-18
Gospel Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Luke 10:5
“The peace of Christ is in the first place reconciliation with the Father, which is brought about by the ministry Jesus entrusted to his disciples and which began with the proclamation of peace: “Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to this house.” Peace is then reconciliation with one’s brothers and sisters, for in the prayer that Jesus taught us, the “Our Father,” the forgiveness we ask of God is linked to the forgiveness that we grant to our brothers and sisters: “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” With this twofold reconciliation Christians can become peacemakers and therefore participate in the Kingdom of God, in accordance with what Jesus himself proclaims in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. (492)
Luke 10:7 Paragraph 259
Isaiah 66:12
“…Peace…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. The kingdom of the Messiah is precisely the kingdom of peace…” (491)
To read the full text visit:
Reflection
In 2012, 45.2 million people struggled as refugees, for their dignity and survival. They bear the marks of persecution in physical scars and mental anguish. Fifteen million people fleeing their own nation. Over 28 million displaced within their country. Almost another million asking for a safe haven through asylum. These people are seeking peace not as a salutation, but a way of life. A fullness of peace, exemplified by the prophets, beyond just an absence of war towards peace inherent in security and well-being.
As Church, the Body of Christ, we stand in solidarity to bear refugees’ marks of persecution. The Lord sends out those who find triumph in the cross to bear witness to peace, by attentive presence, offering respect and humility. Appearing daunting, as lambs among wolves and with expediency, so cursory greetings are sidestepped, we give corroboration to God’s presence in every town and place. From all ends of the earth, seventy times over, the proclamation of peace brings rejoicing. For evil that appeared embedded can fall from power like a lightning-bolt screeches across the sky. Through our hands, feet and hearts, many have participated in denouncing evils inflicted upon refugees. We rejoice, not gloating over our actions, but because our souls find comfort and joy in the Lord’s power to proclaim peace to the household of humanity.
Individual Reflection Psalm 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Learn about the work of Catholic Relief Services to support refugees.
http://crs.org/lebanon/world-refugee-day-comfort-and-care/
How can you raise awareness of this in your diocese?
Family Reflection: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
What was the 2010 census population of your city? Compare that to the 45.2 million refugees in the world. How many cities of the population of your town would it take to equal the global refugee population? Are refugees residing in your town? From what countries? How are they struggling to find peace?
Blog Sites to Visit
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born June 21, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
