March 1, 2015: Second Sunday of Lent
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Never before has there been such a widespread awareness of the bond of interdependence between individuals and peoples…In the presence of the phenomenon of interdependence…there persists in every part of the world stark inequalities…stoked by various forms of exploitation, oppression and corruption…we are all responsible for all…(Solidarity) is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good…in the Gospel sense, to ‘lose oneself’ for the sake of the other instead of exploiting him, and to ‘serve him’ instead of oppressing him for one’s own advantage…These principles remind us…the interconnectedness of the freedoms of all the persons who interact within it, contributing by means of their choices either to build it up or to impoverish it (society).
(162, 192 and 193)Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm: 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
Catechism of the Catholic Church
From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem”. A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (554)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Romans 8:31-32
With the unceasing amazement of those who have experienced the inexpressible love of God (cf. Rom 8:26), the New Testament grasps, in the light of the full revelation of Trinitarian love offered by the Passover of Jesus Christ, the ultimate meaning of the Incarnation of the Son and his mission among men and women. Saint Paul writes: “If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?” (Rom 8:31-32). Similar language is used also by Saint John: “In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins” (1 Jn 4:10). (30)
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
God handed over for us all, His most precious possession—His Son. Do we hand over our most precious possessions for the service of God? A test of our faith to articulate the depth of our belief. A process to shed the burden of gods that define our lives with false security ,a spiral of doom, void of peace that condemns us to insatiable desires. Faith in God, the Father, frees us from condemnation, acquitted from transgressions, into the freedom to live as a child of God through the intercession of Christ Jesus. This journey, in our devotion to God, takes us to the high mountain top experience. A spiritual transfiguration that loosens the bonds of accepting faith into embracing the realm of belief. An empowerment of love to move us from spiritual timidity to become servants graced with thanksgiving from not withholding anything of who we are or have. All is a gift and we only faithfully acknowledge the gifts by freely giving them away, as God gave away His Son in love. It means coming down from the mountain, journeying to our metaphorical Jerusalems. Along the way cognizant of who is by the side of the road, asking why they must gaze in bewilderment from being excluded from the journey of life, condemned because people live worshiping the gods of fear and judgment, instead of sharing the gift of God’s acquittal from the past to step forward into the mercy of the present. Addressing religiosity that demeans and excludes, since God that prefaces His kindness on love, would not condemn or exclude. Raise the challenge, ask the questions, fear not coming down from the mountain to proclaim in peace and love what we garnered from listening in our minds, hearts and souls to the beloved Son.
Individual Reflection: Romans 8:31b-34
Attend the 40th Anniversary Rice Bowl Concert. If you are not in So Cal, join the celebration via livestream:
“40 years ago, Catholics in the United States wanted to respond to famine in Africa. Could we feed the hungry through Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving? The answer was yes—and it came in the form of a small cardboard box. St. Monica Catholic Community in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) is sponsoring a free concert event “Bring Lent to Life” commemorating the 40thAnniversary of the Rice Bowl at St. Monica Catholic Church Friday, March 6, 2015 at 8pm. Join us for a night of prayer, worship and witness to celebrate 40 years of helping people in need around the world. The evening begins with a not so typical Fish Fry at 6pm, followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm and concert featuring Ben Walther, worship leader and OCP recording artist, and Thomas Awiapo, inspirational speaker for CRS originally from Ghana. Bring the whole family! For more information visit our website at www.stmonica.net.crsricebowl If you can’t join us livestream from home at www.stmonica.net/live”
Family Reflection: Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Only about fourteen percent of children receiving school lunches in the United States receive a lunch during summer vacation. How might you parish community address this concern?
Prayer
Listen to Bob Hurd’s song Transfigure Us O Lord and reflect on the meaning of the words in your life.
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, February 19, 2015 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
