May 4, 2014: Third Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation
“The human person is not only sacred but also social. Full human development takes place in relationship with others…” (46) Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB
Readings
First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm: 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Second Reading: 1st Peter 1:17-21
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Catechism of the Catholic Church
By means of touch and the sharing of a meal, the risen Jesus establishes direct contact with his disciples. He invites them in this way to recognize that he is not a ghost and above all to verify that the risen body in which he appears to them is the same body that had been tortured and crucified, for it still bears the traces of his Passion.508 Yet at the same time this authentic, real body possesses the new properties of a glorious body: not limited by space and time but able to be present how and when he wills; for Christ’s humanity can no longer be confined to earth, and belongs henceforth only to the Father’s divine realm.509 For this reason too the risen Jesus enjoys the sovereign freedom of appearing as he wishes: in the guise of a gardener or in other forms familiar to his disciples, precisely to awaken their faith. (645)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle A
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
1st Peter 1:18-19
The Church moves further into the Third Millennium of the Christian era as a pilgrim people, guided by Christ, the “great Shepherd” (Heb 13:20). He is the “Holy Door” (cf. Jn10:9) through which we passed during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000[1]. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf. Jn 14:6): contemplating the Lord’s face, we confirm our faith and our hope in him, the one Saviour and goal of history.
The Church continues to speak to all people and all nations, for it is only in the name of Christ that salvation is given to men and women. Salvation, which the Lord Jesus obtained “at a price” (1 Cor 6:20; cf. 1 Pet 1:18-19), is achieved in the new life that awaits the righteous after death, but it also permeates this world in the realities of the economy and labour, of technology and communications, of society and politics, of the international community and the relations among cultures and peoples. “Jesus came to bring integral salvation, one which embraces the whole person and all mankind, and opens up the wondrous prospect of divine filiation” (1)
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Reflection
The Emmaus journey offers a microcosm of faith. Two of Jesus’ dismayed disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, symbolically and physically distancing themselves from faith, conversing and debating the reality of the present, without their leader. Hopes dashed by religious and political leaders seeking to extinguish the Messiah offering redemption for humanity. They even questioned their fellow disciples, the women at the tomb pronouncing the reality of the Resurrection. Their demeanor broadcast a downcast spirit, as Jesus approached them on their journey. Jesus bluntly awakened their senses to their foolishness and slowness of heart to believe all the prophets spoke and that the way of the cross would lead to glory. He shared the chronology, Moses and the lineage of the prophets with fore telling references to His kingdom, not attaining power by violence of words laced with threats or physically engaging warring dominance, but peaceful, non-violence rooted in love. Welcoming Jesus’ presence, intrigued by the dialogue, the two disciples offered hospitality, the fellowship of a meal. A rest needed by all journeying, to be nourished. Another example of Jesus eating with the doubting, to feed the hungry in Spirit. By the disciples being present and pausing with an interlude from the journey, they heard the words of Jesus’ blessing. Faith broken open, Jesus gave grace to them. Doubt, despair and discouragement were consumed by their hearts afire with faith. Eyes of their hearts opened, the disciples retreated no more, but returned to Jerusalem to unite themselves with other believers and share their stories.
How do we offer hospitality in our lives? Hospitality, not just a dinner party or BBQ for friends, but seeing to it where we journey, at work, at our parishes that people are not slighted, but genuinely listened to and welcomed. Do we pause, open our eyes, physically and spiritually, to fill voids in hospitality where conversations can remind us of prophetic words that should burn our hearts to fuel our actions in the world? May the story of Emmaus remind us that God’s kingdom and our journey of discipleship is not rooted in violence of words, actions or condemnations, but an inclusive welcoming spirit. And at each Eucharist, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, the Word and breaking of the bread to send us out as joyful disciples to recount our stories that nourish faith. For we realize we have been ransomed from our futile conduct that was handed on by our ancestors, be it subtleties and insecurities of greed, power, prejudice or the lure of free spirited, pleasure seeking individualism, to have the grace of faith, reverence from the Holy Spirit (in the prayer at Confirmation) and hope in God from the precious blood Jesus shed for our freedom, as the Lord shows us the path of life.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10,11
May 3rd is the Feast of Sts Philip and James, Apostles. The Way of St James, Camino de Santiago, is a popular pilgrimage in northwest Spain. Inspired by that pilgrimage is a new musical collection, Pilgrim: Wisdom on the Way. Reflect on your faith journey as a pilgrim.
http://www.giamusic.com/search_details.cfm?title_id=23897
The musical selections were performed at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in March 2014, as Pilgrim Seeking the Way:
http://new.livestream.com/randomhouzeproductions/recongress2014/videos/45244732
Family Reflection Luke 24:13-35
How might your family offer hospitality this week?
Prayer
Lord, we have all journeyed to Emmaus, as doubt and unbelief separated us from your Kingdom. Thank you for compassionately coming to walk by our side, to dialogue and challenge us to acknowledge prophetic voices, in text and deeds, to show us the path of life. Help us to be disciples with reverence, bestowed by the Spirit, always willing to offer hospitality in whatever means you call us to serve for your glory. We thank you for breaking the bread for us, so we receive spiritual nourishment infused with your complete joy. In Jesus’ dear name we pray, Amen.
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 April 24, 2014 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern