November 8, 2015: Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
“The common good’s inclusiveness can only be recognized when the most vulnerable and marginalized in our midst, locally and globally, are active participants. When they lack the basic necessities of life, humanity denies their dignity.” From: https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Readings
First Reading: 1st Kings 17:10-16
Psalm:146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The charity of Christ is the source in us of all our merits before God. Grace, by uniting us to Christ in active love, ensures the supernatural quality of our acts and consequently their merit before God and before men. The saints have always had a lively awareness that their merits were pure grace.
After earth’s exile, I hope to go and enjoy you in the fatherland, but I do not want to lay up merits for heaven. I want to work for your love alone…. In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you with empty hands, for I do not ask you, Lord, to count my works. All our justice is blemished in your eyes. I wish, then, to be clothed in your own justice and to receive from your love the eternal possession of yourself. (2011)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
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
What do we give that molds us into disciples? Do we live without taking possession, as our own, the land the Lord is giving us? Forgetting the commandments to not bring us carefully into harmony close to the Lord, not editing the commandments to placate detractors set on single focus or adding harsh precepts to enslave people with ritual precision, omits the workings of the Holy Spirit. Commandments are not a noose around our neck to dampen and choke our faith, but words of freedom to live faith in the world with joy. Grace enlivens our generosity to live as disciples trusting in the once and for all time salvation Christ offered in taking away our sins. For we knowingly trust the proverbial storehouse with the jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry through all generations.
The scribes maintained a pious posture in long robes, reciting lengthy prayers and accepting seats of honor in the synagogues, nourishing elements of spiritual pride fullness lacking soulful substance. Ironically, they administered the estates of widows, extracting a fee to further fluff their fiscal status. Living as the Lord’s disciples, He has set us free from the captivity of accumulation by giving us sight to see real treasure focused in sincerity of heart and mind on dedication to serve Jesus’ mission of justice for the oppressed, spiritual and physical food for the hungry and protecting the strangers in our midst through all generations. The highest court of our spiritual quest lies not with scribes interpreting Divine rubrics to clutch power and exclude, but the Last Judgment articulated in Matthew 25. Life may seem like a lush, fragment bed of roses for influential scribes living with pomp and air of elitism. The family of God must be the thrones on the roses to prick their conscience out of love for humanity, to raise issues, be a voice for those hunkered down by oppression and exclusion in our communities, in our Church. When we live as Jesus’ disciple, like the widow with two coins, we come to the temple of God, God’s kingdom on earth, open to engage our whole being, our whole livelihood lived with priorities of service, simplicity and surrender from our self-serving lifestyle.
Individual Reflection: Mark 12:38-44
Help support people enhance their livelihood, by giving a gift of animals in the name of family and friends this Christmas from CRS’ gift catalogue:
https://secure.crs.org/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1465&FOLDER=1431
Family Reflection: 1st Kings 17:10-16
Use some flour and oil to make bread or cake and share with your neighbor.
Prayer
Take time during the week to not get absorbed reciting lengthy prayers (Mark 12:40), but just say a sincere “Thank you” to Jesus for the gift of salvation.
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, October 31, 2015 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.