September 15, 2013” Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
“Biblical justice is the goal we strive for. This rich biblical understanding portrays a just society as one marked by the fullness of love, compassion, holiness and peace…” (68) Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, USCCB
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Psalm: 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
Second Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17
Gospel: Luke 15:1-32 (Long Form), Luke 15:1-10 (Short Form)
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners. The angel announced to Joseph: ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ The same is true of the Eucharist, the sacrament of redemption: ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (1846) From the Introduction to the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Psalm 51:4
“The principle of the universal destination of goods also applies to water, considered in the Sacred Scriptures as a symbol of purification and of life. “As a gift from God, water is a vital element essential to survival; thus, everyone has a right to it.” Satisfying the needs of all, especially those who live in poverty, must guide the use of water and the services connected with it. Inadequate access to safe drinking water affects the well-being of a huge number of people and is often the cause of disease, suffering, conflicts, poverty and even death. For a suitable solution to this problem, it “must be set in context in order to establish moral criteria based precisely on the value of life and the respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings.” (484)
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
Ninety-nine sheep, left in the desert, had confidence they would be nurtured, even though they were vulnerable to attack by jackals and wolves. They didn’t wander away looking for food of their choosing, but knew only food provided by the shepherd could satisfy them. Seeking shade was not a priority, for they needed to be in the world as the shepherd was in the world. They didn’t bolt for the mirage of a luxury farm with large barns and individual stalls with HD-TV and lined with premium hay. The ninety-nine sheep knew the shepherd had their interest at heart. The shepherd was trusted and they responded with loyalty. It was no surprise to them when the shepherd came back with a colleague riding securely on his shoulders. The lost sheep had not been berated or endured a long chase by a sheep herding dog, for the shepherd came himself to gently assimilate the lost sheep into the community. A joyful expression was etched on the shepherd’s face as he shared with friends the story of divine providence in locating the lost sheep. The ninety-nine sheep wiggled their ears and refrained from exclamations of bah, bah, for they had no disdain towards the lost sheep, since they knew the shepherd would do the same for them.
We have all experienced the love and grace of Jesus, our shepherd. So will our parishes celebrate and rejoice with all who walk thru the doors, knowing we need all to be a community and not a country club? Or does you parish have an air of entitlement that just welcomes the holy in their sight, so people with a blemish are judged by past wanderings and segregated to a pew on the street of life? Knowing we all have wandered from the shepherd, this week how will you invite others to be part of the flock that trusts the shepherd?
Individual Reflection: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 and Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (484)
Learn about the work of Dig Deep Water to establish water equity:
Family Reflection: Luke 15:1-32
Have each family member write a parable or draw a picture of how they experience the love and grace of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
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.
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.
