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.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

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

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born August 31, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.

Twenty third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 8, 2013

Posted on August 24, 2013 by Barb Born

September 8, 2013: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

“…At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace…The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our brothers and sisters demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.” Themes from Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB

Readings

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Psalm: 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17

Second Reading: Philemon:9-10, 12-17

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.’ ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.’ On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the Father commands: ‘Listen to him!’ Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: ’Love one another as I have loved you.” This love implies an effective offering of oneself, after his example.” (459)

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

No references this week.

For the complete text visit:

September 9^th: Memorial of St. Peter Claver

For almost forty years, this Jesuit missionary ministered to African slaves arriving in South America.

Read the Book of Philemon (the Second Reading for today) and reflect upon Paul’s plea for Onesimus.

Who are enslaved today that we need to speak out for, affirm their dignity and see them as our brothers and sisters?

September 14^th: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Reflect upon the paradox of the cross, an instrument of death leading to salvation and life.

Reflection

How have you whittled away the cross Jesus asked you to carry? Does the cross once mortised in timbers resemble a cross made of toothpicks? Has the cross diminished by economic calculations of profit and possessions? Does seeking the affirmation of family and friends saw strips of wood from our cross, making it more perfect in human sight, but our cross assumes a timid nature? And the Lord asks us not to just carry our cross, standing in place deliberating and unsure of where to step, as earthen shelter weighs down the mind with many concerns, but we are asked to follow Jesus. Our Lord that lived his human destiny interacting with a diversity of people, speaking for justice, proclaiming equality, celebrating and even weeping in struggles. Our cross, if we don’t shrink from carrying it, teaches us to number our days filled with the Lord’s kindness, joy and gladness and we gain wisdom of heart.

Individual Reflection: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Learn about the cause to establish National Peace Day: http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8183

Family Reflection: Luke 14:25-33

Discuss the cross or crucifix displayed in your home. Have each family member share what it means to them. Each day this week gather to pray at the cross or crucifix.

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.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Creation sustainability ministry resources so we may live in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born August 24, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 1, 2013

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Barb Born

September 1, 2013: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

“The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met…Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities—to one another, to our families and to the larger society.” Themes from Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB

Readings

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm: 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother’s progress and you will immediately give glory to God. Because his servant could conquer envy by rejoicing in the merits of others. God will be praised.” (2540) From Introduction to the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C of the Daily Roman Missal

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Luke 14:1-6

“During his earthly ministry Jesus works tirelessly, accomplishing powerful deeds to free men and women from sickness, suffering and death. The Sabbath—which the Old Testament had put forth as a day of liberation and which, observed only formally, lost its authentic significance—is reaffirmed by Jesus in its original meaning: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” …By healing people on this day of rest, he wishes to show that the Sabbath is his, because he is truly the Son of God, and that it is the day on which men should dedicate themselves to God and to others. Freeing people from evil, practicing brotherhood and sharing: these give to work its noblest meaning, that which allows humanity to set out on the path to the eternal Sabbath, when rest will become the festive celebration to which men and women inwardly aspire. It is precisely in orienting humanity towards this experience of God’s Sabbath and of his fellowship of life that work is the inauguration on earth of the new creation.” (261)

Hebrews 12:22-23

“Sunday is a day that should be made holy by charitable activity, devoting time to family and relatives, as well as to the sick, the infirm and the elderly. One must not forget the brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Moreover, Sunday is an appropriate time for reflection, silence, study and meditation that foster the growth of the interior Christian life. Believers should distinguish themselves on this day too by their moderation, avoiding the excess and certainly the violence that mass entertainment sometimes occasions…” (285)

For the complete text visit:

Reflection

Tables what are the shape? Oblong with a defined head and foot, round in unity, square with four distinctive facets. Our perception of physical design emanates from mental acuity of function dictating order. Where will people sit at the table? Does the formality of rank coagulate the fluidity of randomness? Life is setting tables crafted by faith and actions. Accepting the yoke of the Lord, we learn life’s tables must be inclusive and welcoming for ease of conversations, as dialogue at the table allows all to rise forth in collaboration. When we choose to come to tables in our lives, we shed individuality for solidarity. We come seeking to soften tables honed in power. By sauntering in with humility, the desire to clutch an honored seat, to metaphorically proclaim esteem, vanishes.

Individual Reflection: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

This Labor Day, reflect upon how you celebrate the gift of the Sabbath. How might you more faithfully observe the Sabbath?

Family Reflection: Luke 14:1, 7-14

For dinner this week, sit in different places at the table. Talk about your perceptions of the symbolic elements of your table.

Blogs to Visit:

Reflecting on Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. 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. With a foundation of justice, we can work for peace in the world and empower people’s human dignity.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles to uphold life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born August 20, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns. Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 25, 2013

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Barb Born

August 25, 2013: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

“The sacredness and dignity of human life exists not in isolation, but affirmed through individuals growing in community and seeking together the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21

Psalm: 117: 1, 2

Second Reading: Hebrews: 12:5-7, 11-13

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“…For it is the plan of the Son of God to make us and the whole Church partake in his mysteries and to extend them to and continue them in us and in his whole Church. This is his plan for fulfilling his mysteries in us.” (521) From Daily Roman Missal Introduction to the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Isaiah 66:18-23

“…The Prophets would announce, for the eschatological times, a pilgrimage of the nations to the Lord’s temple and an era of peace among the people…” (430)

“The definitive salvation that God offers to all humanity through his own Son does not come about outside the world. While wounded by sin, the world is destined to undergo a radical purification that will make it a renewed world, finally becoming the place where “righteousness dwells.”…” (453)

For the complete text visit:

Reflection

The faithful should not exist as an exclusive club of people partitioned, in their perceived holiness, from the streets of life. While we eat and drink in the Lord’s company at the Eucharist feast, we should not ignore what the Lord teaches us on these streets. Animated with life, the streets impart to us what life is when one doesn’t have a key to daily open a home’s front door, when one scrapes for work without a high school diploma, or the consequences of being a human being while a government denies your existence over legal technicalities. The Eucharist frees us from being people of the pews, as we merge onto the streets of life and learn with first hand experiences what Jesus is teaching us and asks us to share with others. Encasing oneself in mantras of holiness adds to the girth of religiosity, instead of shedding agendas, egos and air of superiority to enter through the narrow gate. The paradox of the narrow gate is its approachability only with a broad mind and arms open wide to welcome the diversity of people from all nations, east and west, north and south to partake in the Kingdom of God. The Lord seeks His holy mountain’s marquee to read ACCESSIBLE BY ALL, with the reward of peace where righteousness dwells. Let our personal journey, with the expediency of a coupe, plodding of a hybrid and the traction and versatility of a 4×4 mentality, be an offering to the Lord where we don’t see absorption in our personal holiness tantalizing, but invite, encourage and console others. Then on the journey of telling the Good News, we help each other see and proclaim God’s glory.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 117:1,2

Psalms’ refrain: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News

Consider starting the Good News People program at your parish. To learn more visit:

http://www.goodnewspeople-jfm.org/

Family Reflection: Luke 13:22-30

Go outside your neighborhood to volunteer, so your family sees the streets of life outside your normal routine .Discuss what this experience teaches you.

Blogs to Visit:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born August 13, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 18, 2013

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Barb Born

August 18, 2013: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Through work, we continually participate in upholding life in God’s creation. By supporting a living wage and safe working conditions, economic justice aligns with the common good in respecting workers’ dignity by providing the necessities of life. https://cst74life.wordpress.com/

“By work and industriousness, man who has a share in the divine art and wisdom-makes creation, the cosmos already ordered by the Father, more beautiful. He summons the social and community energies that increase the common good.” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 266

Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Psalm: 40:2, 3, 4, 18

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good…” (1808) From Introduction to the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: no reference to the lectionary readings this week

For the complete text visit:

Reflection

As you slice the juicy watermelon, savor a peach or let grapes pop with flavor in your mouth, do you wonder about the conditions farm workers endured, as they labored under the hot summer sun? Were they exposed to pesticides and herbicides? Did their laboring leave them mired in the pit of poverty? Farmworkers are afflicted and poor. Will we think of them each time we enjoy delicious summer fruit? Let us be a voice in solidarity for farmworkers, so they receive a just and living wage and safe working conditions. You can purchase your produce at stores that sell commodities from farms that equitably respect farmworkers or consider fair trade certified fruits and vegetables. When your state legislature considers legislation to regulate agricultural pesticides, voice your concern for farmworker safety and the wholesomeness of foods you eat. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith, we will not grow weary and lose heart in supporting those who grow harvest, process our food.

A Face of California

From https://cst74life.wordpress.com/

Agriculture is a $22 billion dollar industry in California. Thirty six percent of the nation’s three million farm workers are the backbone of the industry. They help California provide, nationally and globally, a diverse supply of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Forty six percent work with tree crops, like citrus, summer fruit and nuts, while 40 percent support planting and harvesting of vegetables. Ninety five percent are non US born, 57 percent have no documentation and 42 percent are migrant workers that travel around the state as crops rotate by season. Only 20 percent have year round work. Forty three percent of individuals and 30 percent of the families earn less than $10,000 annually. Yet only 30 percent make use of needs based services, 37 percent collect unemployment and only one percent collect Social Security or disability. Their average age is 36, with a six grade education and they have been a farm worker for 11 years. Fifty four percent are parents. With intense physical labor, many days in summer heat for ten to twelve hours per day, they suffer injuries. Twenty four percent report musculoskeletal problems, but only 30 percent have health insurance. Workers have even died in the intense Central Valley summer heat, due to reported lack of water, shady rest areas or being denied breaks. Many workers face repeated exposure to herbicides and pesticides, leading to respiratory, skin and neurological health conditions, along with birth defects in children they conceive. Complaints against unsafe working conditions can be met with dismissal, as the largely undocumented work force, where 53 percent cannot speak English and 57 percent cannot read English, lack a voice for workplace justice. Farm workers provide life in the food they harvest, for tables in California and beyond, while they personally struggle physically, economically and socially.

Individual Reflection: Hebrews 12:1-4

Read and reflect upon the book Cloud of Witnesses: Revised Edition, Edited by Jim Wallis and Joyce Hollyday

Family Reflection: Psalm 40: 2, 3, 4, 18

Shop for fruits and vegetables at a farmers market this week.

Blogs to Visit: