peaceonjustice

Lectionary reflections related to Catholic Social Teaching

Main menu

Skip to primary content
Skip to secondary content
  • Home
  • About

Monthly Archives: June 2016

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 10, 2016

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Barb Born
Reply

July 10, 2016: Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love. The Church “has an endless desire to show mercy”. Perhaps we have long since forgotten how to show and live the way of mercy. The temptation, on the one hand, to focus exclusively on justice made us forget that this is only the first, albeit necessary and indispensable step. But the Church needs to go beyond and strive for a higher and more important goal. On the other hand, sad to say, we must admit that the practice of mercy is waning in the wider culture. In some cases the word seems to have dropped out of use. However, without a witness to mercy, life becomes fruitless and sterile, as if sequestered in a barren desert. The time has come for the Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more. It is time to return to the basics and to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters. Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instils in us the courage to look to the future with hope. (10)  Misericordiae Vultus: BULL OF INDICTION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY

Readings

 

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Psalm: 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

Gospel:

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Without the help of grace, men would not know how “to discern the often narrow path between the cowardice which gives in to evil, and the violence which under the illusion of fighting evil only makes it worse.” This is the path of charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor. Charity is the greatest social commandment. It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of it. Charity inspires a life of self-giving: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.”  (1889) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

 

Luke 10:27-28

Man and woman are in relationship with others above all as those to whom the lives of others have been entrusted “For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning, … I will require it … of man [and] of every man’s brother” (Gen 9:5), God tells Noah after the flood. In this perspective, the relationship with God requires that the life of man be considered sacred and inviolableThe fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex20:13; Deut 5:17), has validity because God alone is Lord of life and death. The respect owed to the inviolability and integrity of physical life finds its climax in the positive commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18), by which Jesus enjoins the obligation to tend to the needs of one’s neighbour (cf. Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31;Lk 10:27-28). (112)

 

Colossians 1:15

Christian realism sees the abysses of sin, but in the light of the hope, greater than any evil, given by Jesus Christ’s act of redemption, in which sin and death are destroyed (cf. Rom5:18-21; 1 Cor 15:56-57): “In him God reconciled man to himself”.It is Christ, the image of God (cf. 2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), who enlightens fully and brings to completion the image and likeness of God in man. The Word that became man in Jesus Christ has always been mankind’s life and light, the light that enlightens every person (cf. Jn 1:4,9). God desires in the one mediator Jesus Christ, his Son, the salvation of all men and women (cf. 1 Tim 2:4-5). Jesus is at the same time the Son of God and the new Adam, that is, the new man (cf. 1 Cor 15:47-49; Rom 5:14): “Christ the new Adam, in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his most high calling”.In him we are, by God, “predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29). (121)

 

Colossians 1:15-16, 1:15-18, 1:18, 1:20

Faith in Jesus Christ makes it possible to have a correct understanding of social development, in the context of an integral and solidary humanism. In this regard, the contribution of theological reflection offered by the Church’s social Magisterium is very useful: “Faith in Christ the Redeemer, while it illuminates from within the nature of development, also guides us in the task of collaboration. In the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, we read that Christ is ‘the firstborn of all creation,’ and that ‘all things were created through him’ and for him (Col 1:15-16). In fact, ‘all things hold together in him’, since ‘in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things’ (v. 20). A part of this divine plan, which begins from eternity in Christ, the perfect ‘image’ of the Father, and which culminates in him, ‘the firstborn from the dead’ (v. 15-18), in our own history, marked by our personal and collective effort to raise up the human condition and to overcome the obstacles which are continually arising along our way. It thus prepares us to share in the fullness which ‘dwells in the Lord’ and which he communicates ‘to his body, which is the Church’ (v. 18; cf. Eph 1:22-23). At the same time sin, which is always attempting to trap us and which jeopardizes our human achievements, is conquered and redeemed by the ‘reconciliation’ accomplished by Christ (cf. Col 1:20)”. (327)

 

Colossians 1:15-17

Human activity aimed at enhancing and transforming the universe can and must unleash the perfections which find their origin and model in the uncreated Word. In fact, the Pauline and Johannine writings bring to light the Trinitarian dimension of creation, in particular the link that exists between the Son—Word — the Logos — and creation (cf. Jn1:3; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:15-17). Created in him and through him, redeemed by him, the universe is not a happenstance conglomeration but a “cosmos”.[574] It falls to man to discover the order within it and to heed this order, bringing it to fulfilment: “In Jesus Christ the visible world which God created for man — the world that, when sin entered, ‘was subjected to futility’ (Rom 8:20; cf. ibid. 8:19-22) — recovers again its original link with the divine source of Wisdom and Love”.[575] In this way — that is, bringing to light in ever greater measure “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8), in creation, human work becomes a service raised to the grandeur of God. (262)

 

Colossians 1:15-20

The entrance of Jesus Christ into the history of the world reaches its culmination in the Paschal Mystery, where nature itself takes part in the drama of the rejection of the Son of God and in the victory of his Resurrection (cf. Mt 27:45,51, 28:2). Crossing through death and grafting onto it the new splendour of the Resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new world in which everything is subjected to him (cf. 1 Cor 15:20-28) and he creates anew those relationships of order and harmony that sin had destroyed. Knowledge of the imbalances existing between man and nature should be accompanied by an awareness that in Jesus the reconciliation of man and the world with God — such that every human being, aware of divine love, can find anew the peace that was lost — has been brought about. “Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). Nature, which was created in the Word is, by the same Word made flesh, reconciled to God and given new peace (cf. Col 1:15-20). (454)

 

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

Faith exists not out yonder, up in the sky or across the sea to leave us with intrepidation and appointing an emissary to fetch the precept.  We might fret how to grasp such Divine beneficence perceived far off, but the reality lies very near to us already embedded in our hearts, perched in our mouths.  We are poised to proclaim the commandments rooted in love of God and neighbor, but they must not linger internally forever.  As Moses said to his people and Jesus proclaimed in the parables, we are called to carry out faith, not clutch it tightly within us.  If hesitancy stutters us, fear trembles us, despair consumes us, we must turn to the Lord in our need to live what God calls us to do.  Our need never flees, diminishes or pops up occasionally, but is present continually. A need we think we might placate by worldly externalities, affirming social sin or cocky personal demeanor, but only by continually turning to the Lord will our faith manifest into action steeped in the Lord’s kindness.  Faith void of action denies our trust in the Lord, the head of our Church, preeminent in all things, with the ability to reconcile all things, robed in peace through His sacrifice on the cross.  Jesus gives us life by helping us to know our neighbor with compassionate service, empowering our hands beyond prayerful postures to share the life we have been given by touching the messiness of our world.  Life that does not allow us to detour to the smooth side of the road to isolate us, bask in pious purity or feeling status in life leaves us elevated above the grittiness of worldly reality.  We only truly live when we continually turn to the Lord and share mercy without differentiation.  Otherwise, we ignore Jesus’ call to live like the civilly despised Samaritan to use our resources and time in service of others.  A command of “Go and do likewise”, not sit or avoid. Words embodied in the Eucharist if our Amen resounds with sincerity.

 

Individual Reflection: Luke 10:25-37

July 11th is the Memorial of Saint Benedict.  Read the Rule of St Benedict. St Benedict, Pray for us

 

Family Reflection: Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

July 14th is the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint.  Learn about her life, devotion to the Eucharist, how she is a model for New Evangelization and patroness of the environment, as we care for God’s creation.  Saint Kateri, Pray for us.

 

Prayer: Pray the prayer for the Year of Mercy, words embodying the parable of the Good Samaritan

Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us to be merciful like the
heavenly Father,
and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.
Show us your face and we will be saved.
Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew
from being enslaved by money;
the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness
only in created things;
made Peter weep after his betrayal,
and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us,
the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:
“If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
of the God who manifests his power above all by
forgiveness and mercy:
let the Church be your visible face in the world, its
Lord risen and glorified.
You willed that your ministers would also be
clothed in weakness
in order that they may feel compassion for those
in ignorance and error:
let everyone who approaches them feel sought
after, loved, and forgiven by God.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us
with its anointing,
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace
from the Lord,
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may
bring good news to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,
and restore sight to the blind.
We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession
of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father
and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.

Blogs to Visit:

http://marynow.wordpress.com/

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.

http://idocst.wordpress.com/

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  June 27, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice Lectionary Resources, Uncategorized, worship materials | Tagged action, Eucharist, option for the poor and vulnerable, St Benedict, St Kateri, Year of Mercy | Leave a reply

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 3, 2016

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Barb Born
Reply

July 3, 2016: Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

“…At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace…”

Themes from Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB

 

 

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c

Psalm: 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel Acclamation/Alleluia: Colossians 3:15a, 16a

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Before Pilate, Christ proclaims that he “has come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.” The Christian is not to “be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord.” In situations that require witness to the faith, the Christian must profess it without equivocation, after the example of St. Paul before his judges. We must keep “a clear conscience toward God and toward men.”(2471)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

 

Isaiah 66:12

The promise of peace that runs through the entire Old Testament finds its fulfilment in the very person of Jesus. Peace, in fact, is the messianic attribute par excellence, in which all other beneficial effects of salvation are included. The Hebrew word “shalom” expresses this fullness of meaning in its etymological sense of “completeness” (cf. Is 9:5ff; Mic 5:1-4). The kingdom of the Messiah is precisely the kingdom of peace (cf. Job 25:2; Ps 29:11; 37:11; 72:3,7; 85:9,11; 119:165; 125:5, 128:6; 147:14; Song 8:10; Is 26:3,12; 32:17f.; 52:7; 54:10; 57:19; 60:17; 66:12; Hag 2:9; Zech 9:10; et al.). Jesus “is our peace” (Eph 2:14). He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility among people, reconciling them with God (cf.Eph 2:14-16). This is the very effective simplicity with which Saint Paul indicates the radical motivation spurring Christians to undertake a life and a mission of peace.

On the eve of his death, Jesus speaks of his loving relation with the Father and the unifying power that this love bestows upon his disciples. It is a farewell discourse which reveals the profound meaning of his life and can be considered a summary of all his teaching. The gift of peace is the seal on his spiritual testament: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). The words of the Risen Lord will not be any different; every time that he meets his disciples they receive from him the greeting and gift of peace: “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36; Jn 20:19,21,26). (491)

 

Luke 10:5

 

The peace of Christ is in the first place reconciliation with the Father, which is brought about by the ministry Jesus entrusted to his disciples and which begins with the proclamation of peace: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!”’ (Lk 10:5; cf. Rom 1:7). Peace is then reconciliation with one’s brothers and sisters, for in the prayer that Jesus taught us, the “Our Father”, the forgiveness that we ask of God is linked to the forgiveness that we grant to our brothers and sisters: “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Mt 6:12). With this twofold reconciliation Christians can become peacemakers and therefore participate in the Kingdom of God, in accordance with what Jesus himself proclaims in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). (492)

 

Luke 10:7

 

In his preaching, Jesus teaches that we should appreciate work. He himself, having “become like us in all things, devoted most of the years of his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter’s bench” [ 573] in the workshop of Joseph (cf. Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3), to whom he was obedient (cf. Lk 2:51). Jesus condemns the behaviour of the useless servant, who hides his talent in the ground (cf. Mt 25:14-30) and praises the faithful and prudent servant whom the Master finds hard at work at the duties entrusted to him (cf. Mt 24:46). He describes his own mission as that of working: “My Father is working still, and I am working” (Jn 5:17), and his disciples as workers in the harvest of the Lord, which is the evangelization of humanity (cf. Mt 9:37-38). For these workers, the general principle according to which “the labourer deserves his wages” (Lk 10:7) applies. They are therefore authorized to remain in the houses in which they have been welcomed, eating and drinking what is offered to them (cf. Lk 10:7). (259)

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

If the peace of Christ controls our hearts, we cease to be self-reliant, boastful of our accomplishments, antagonistic.  For then we can only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Beyond the hand hewn wood, to the meaning ingrained of surrender, sacrifice, victory over injustice, eternal rejoicing.  Word’s defining Christ’s mission transposed from the visual reality of the cross become richly dwelling in us.  Our eyes see the harvest of abundance we have received and the vast harvest of abundance to share.  An endeavor not on our own, but the camaraderie of other pilgrims supported by the strength of the cross.  Sharing the cross rests not in over preparation, fretting over the right words, the perfectly timed situation, but in the daily lived experiences of every town and place.  With the meekness of a lamb, even when menacing confrontations may appear on the horizon, the cross defuses hostility, anxiety by proclaiming peace.  How is that possible when fear says run and hide instead of embracing the situation with the strength of the cross? How is that possible when we feel ill equipped without resources and provisions of human origins?  But without sandals metaphorically says we are in touch with creation and the Creator in ways the world may not understand and we can only approach in the freedom of faith. Trust rules our hearts instead of the temptation to flee to our caves of contentment.  Sheltered from other believers and the world, the quarters of the proverbial cave would be so small, no room even for the cross, so we would have discarded it by the side of the road to absorb the elements of time.

 

Participating in the mission of Jesus should not leave us bewildered, burned out or even alienated from people not attracted to the cross, but the spirit of rejoicing should absorb our soul.  For the ultimate paradigm rests in our names written in heaven, not how many people sponsored for the sacraments, number of cans collected for the food drive, the success of a fundraiser dinner or the number of presentations we make on social concerns. A true sense of mission comes forth in our rejoicing versus actions done in busyness from a human inspired agenda, lacking the cross, lacking peace, void of the word of Christ in Gospel ambivalence.  Mission without message misses the message of the cross and never envisions the potential of the resurrection.  Living the message of Christ with the message of the cross may appear a way of rejection, the stings and venom of life, but the paradox continually unfolds with grace.  Peace begins to wedge out hate.  Light illuminates through a crevice.  Hope nudges doubt.  Love buffers neglect.  A journey to never walk alone, only in partnership, with Jesus and those rejoicing in the cross beyond the stigma of sorrow, making it to the ultimate message of the resurrection.

 

Individual Reflection: Galatians 6:14-18

July 3rd is normally the feast day of St Thomas.  How can his transformation from doubt to belief inspire you to more deeply believe in the message of the cross?

 

Family Reflection:   Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Share a story about when you shared in the mission of Jesus.  How did the experience shape your faith?

 

Prayer: Hold a cross in your hands and silently ponder its meaning to you.

 

Blogs to Visit:

http://marynow.wordpress.com/

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.

http://idocst.wordpress.com/

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  June 19, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice Lectionary Resources, Uncategorized, worship materials | Tagged hate, journey, mission, peace, pilgrims, soul, the cross | Leave a reply

Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection June 26, 2016

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Barb Born
Reply

June 26, 2016:  Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

The principle of solidarity requires that men and women of our day cultivate a greater awareness that they are debtors of the society of which they have become part. They are debtors because of those conditions that make human existence liveable, and because of the indivisible and indispensable legacy constituted by culture, scientific and technical knowledge, material and immaterial goods and by all that the human condition has produced. A similar debt must be recognized in the various forms of social interaction, so that humanity’s journey will not be interrupted but remain open to present and future generations, all of them called together to share the same gift in solidarity. (195)

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

 

Readings

First Reading: 1st Kings 19:16b, 19-21

Psalm: 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

From the very beginning of the Church there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater liberty, and to imitate him more closely, by practicing the evangelical counsels. They led lives dedicated to God, each in his own way. Many of them, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, became hermits or founded religious families. These the Church, by virtue of her authority, gladly accepted and approved. (918)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirteenth 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

Who have we taken time to mentor? Mentor for ministering, mentor in faith, mentor about one’s profession, to share our inheritance of knowledge, praxis and faith.  All aspects of our lives where people will succeed us.  Can we share the passion of what fuels our enthusiasm, joy and peace? First by pausing to savor that diversity of inheritance not into quantifiable possessions, but the essence of what makes us whole, counsels us, exhorts us on with gladness in our hearts.  An inheritance where we are never abandoned on the path to fullness of life.

Mentorship cannot be forced onto an unwelcoming spirit lacking a vision of journeying on a common mission, for mentorship approaches sharing our inheritance as a partnership, not an indoctrination.  A partnership among colleagues or across generations.  Then our skills, talents and faith takes not on the characteristic of a possession we are enslaved to, but freely able to give it away.  For we love our neighbor as ourselves to desire they inherit the blessings of a meaningful life we have received.  Only with our lives tuned to the Spirit, do we see we must shed desires for controlling, dominating others to encourage others to join us on the journey that delights our soul.

How will the invitation to share your inheritance look?  An invite sharing the positive experiences, challenging situations in the work place, at your parish.  Helping people to see the calling in ministry may start with a simple conversation, an offering to come and join in helping with a project.  An opportunity for growth in skills and faith cultivating a transformation for an observer to immerse themselves in, releasing the abundant fruit of mentorship.

 

Individual Reflection: Luke 9:51-62

Prayerful reflect on who you might mentor.

 

Family Reflection: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Pray and discuss about what spiritual inheritance you want  to give to others

 

Prayer:

Awesome God, we thank you for the mentors you place in our lives. Their sharing of time, wisdom and compassion for us to join closer to you on our journey is a blessing in our lives. May we use their insights creatively, with joy, to share you Divine love with others.  Help us to pause in our lives to mentor others and share our inheritance from you with them.  We thank you for all the companions on our journey.  In Your dear Son’s name, we pray. Amen

 

Blogs to Visit:

http://marynow.wordpress.com/

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.

http://idocst.wordpress.com/

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 June 6, 2016  The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice Lectionary Resources, Uncategorized, worship materials | Tagged faith, inheritance, invitation, knowledge, mentors, partnership, spiritual inheritance | Leave a reply

Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection June 19, 2016

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Barb Born
Reply

June 19, 2016: Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Saint John, the disciple who stood with Mary beneath the cross, brings us to the sources of faith and charity, to the heart of the God who “is love” (1 Jn 4:8,16). He reminds us that we cannot love God if we do not love our brothers and sisters. … the cross of Christ invites us also to allow ourselves to be smitten by his love, teaching us always to look upon others with mercy and tenderness, especially those who suffer, who are in need of help” (Pope Francis, Way of the Cross with Young People, Rio de Janeiro, 26 July 2013).

 

Readings

First Reading: Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1

Psalm: 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Galatians 3:26-29

Gospel: Luke 9:18-24

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the “one mediator between God and men”.  But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, “the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery” is offered to all men.  He calls his disciples to “take up [their] cross and follow (him)”, for “Christ also suffered for (us), leaving (us) an example so that (we) should follow in his steps.”  In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven. (618)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

 

Galatians 3:27

The principle of the universal destination of goods also applies naturally to water, considered in the Sacred Scriptures as a symbol of purification (cf. Ps 51:4; Jn 13:8) and of life (cf. Jn 3:5; Gal 3:27). “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 of 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)

 

Galatians 3:28

 “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34; cf. Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9), since all people have the same dignity as creatures made in his image and likeness. The Incarnation of the Son of God shows the equality of all people with regard to dignity: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28; cf. Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13, Col 3:11).

Since something of the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity of man before other men. Moreover, this is the ultimate foundation of the radical equality and brotherhood among all people, regardless of their race, nation, sex, origin, culture, or class. (144)

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

 

How far back do you trace your lineage?  A few preceding generations and we lose the connectedness to our descendants.  What if we think of our ancestry back through the millenniums?  We move beyond intimacy of our immediate family, to quest for our physical antiquity.  Can we envision ourselves, like Christ, descendants of Abraham, our father in faith?  With that perspective, we abandon our tribal, nationalistic mentality to see the interconnectedness of humanity’s roots to become heirs of the spiritual promise.  A call beckoning our conscience to stop delineations between the chosen people and Gentiles, slaves and free people, even male and female.  Will we let go of our grasping to stereotypes of who is our ancestor to welcome with open arms a diversity of people in the human family and our Church?  This purposes welcoming the diversity of God’s children, but not denying our cultural identity.  For the fabric of society strengthens when layered with collective experiences and practices inherent in diversity.

 

To live with that freedom means living as sheep hearing and following the voice of the Lord.  It takes a kindness that is a greater good than living a life self-absorbed with the immediacy of self to let our soul cling to our spiritual lineage, all starting with the meaning of the cross.  A willingness to deny one’s self, daily holding the hewn wood with splinters, cracks and knots.  The imperfection of process we hold in our hands, to lose our lives in participating in the process of life for the sake of the Lord and gain all life can become.

 

Individual Reflection: Luke 9:18-24

Make a cross with items representing the fabric of your life.  Frame or mount it to hang in a visible place in your home or office as a reminder of Jesus’ words, “ Take up your cross daily and follow me.”

 

Family Reflection:  Galatians 3:26-29

Discuss the family lineage, how many generations do you know about your ancestors?  How can you look at your genealogy in the context of the millenniums of the human family?

 

Prayer: Share this prayer of peace and solidarity from CRS with your faith community

http://www.crs.org/resource-center/our-lifetimes-alone

 

Blogs to Visit:

http://marynow.wordpress.com/

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.

http://idocst.wordpress.com/

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  June 6, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice Lectionary Resources, Social Justice Prayer, Uncategorized, worship materials | Tagged ancestors, antiquity, Christ, family, lineage, peace, sheep, solidarity | Leave a reply

Recent Posts

  • Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection February 17, 2019
  • Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection February 5, 2019
  • Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection February 3, 2019
  • Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 27, 2019
  • Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 20, 2019

Archives

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • June 2012
  • April 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011

Categories

  • Advent Resource Guide
  • Bulletin Reeflections
  • Bulletin Reflections
  • Catholic Social Teaching
  • Catholic Social Teaching Prayer
  • Christmas Resource Guide
  • Creation Sustainability Ministry Resource Guide
  • Creation Sustainability Resource Guide
  • Earth Day Resource Guide
  • Family Reflection
  • Feast of St Francis Resource Guide
  • Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings
  • Lectionary Reflections
  • Lectionary Resources
  • Lent Resource GUide
  • Lenten Resources
  • Prayer
  • Religion
  • Social Justice
  • Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching
  • Social Justice Lectionary Resources
  • Social Justice Prayer
  • St Francis Resource Guide
  • Uncategorized
  • worship aid
  • worship materials

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.com
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy