January 17, 2016: Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Moreover, when our hearts are authentically open to universal communion, this sense of fraternity excludes nothing and no one. It follows that our indifference or cruelty towards fellow creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete out to other human beings. We have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is “contrary to human dignity”. We can hardly consider ourselves to be fully loving if we disregard any aspect of reality: “Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes, which cannot be separated and treated individually without once again falling into reductionism”. Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth. (92) Laudato Si Pope Francis
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm: 96: 1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11
Catechism of the Catholic Church
On the threshold of his public life Jesus performs his first sign – at his mother’s request – during a wedding feast.The Church attaches great importance to Jesus’ presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence. (1613) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
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
After prayerful pondering, waiting with anticipation thru Advent and the celebration of Christmas, Ordinary Time returns. Will we take the lessons from the liturgical seasons and let them shape our lives? So the ordinary experiences of our daily routines exist beyond mediocrity, shuffling through life just getting by to keep a pay check without getting fired, grasping to friendships with platitudes lacking sincerity or keeping relatives at bay so they do not interfere with our lives? Instead, will we let the hope of Advent infuse us with a hopeful attitude guiding us to work for healing among the world’s brokenness? Will the peace of Christmas penetrate our demeanor to work for peace in subtle ways by offering alternatives to conflict, acting as instruments of reconciliation, God’s liaison for mercy? How can we offer gifts, like the Magi, to affirm our King? Giving the best of who we are and leaving behind worldly kingdoms strangling our quest for meaning and substance in our lives.
Moving into Ordinary Time, we take with us memories of Christmas, a season extending beyond a day, the glitter of bows and boxes and confectionary indulgences to treasure the Divine coming into our humanity to fill the emptiness. Not just a few drops of enticement quickly evaporated in the fast pace of life, but giving life in abundance, filling us to the brim with trust to do whatever the Lord tell us. We can be silent no more with indifference, branding stigmas, fear or aloofness, for by our words and deeds we celebrate the gift of Christmas each ordinary day of our lives.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Learn about the gifts of women making fair trade clothes from wax print fabrics in the Congo at the Peace Exchange website: http://www.thepeaceexchange.com/http://www.thepeaceexchange.com/
Family Reflection: Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
When doing home improvement projects considering buying recycled materials at stores such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore: http://www.habitat.org/restores
Prayer: Reflect and discern on 1st Corinthians 12:4-11
Pray to the Holy Spirit about the spiritual gifts in your life and the diversity and complementary synergy of others’ spiritual gifts, with thanksgiving, praise and gratitude.
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, January 10, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
