May 12, 2019: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
http://www.osservatoreromano.va/en/news/path-good-shepherd
On the path of the Good Shepherd: See, Call, Talk, Touch, Heal
Readings
First Reading: Acts 13: 14, 43-52
Psalm: 100:1-2, 3, 5
Second Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
Gospel: John 10:27-30
Catechism of the Catholic Church
All religious, whether exempt or not, take their place among the collaborators of the diocesan bishop in his pastoral duty. From the outset of the work of evangelization, the missionary “planting” and expansion of the Church require the presence of the religious life in all its forms. “History witnesses to the outstanding service rendered by religious families in the propagation of the faith and in the formation of new Churches: from the ancient monastic institutions to the medieval orders, all the way to the more recent congregations.” (927) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday of Easter, 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
When have you shook the dust from your feet? What were the circumstances? How did you feel? Did you speak boldly to ruffle established structures filled with jealousy over contending voices bringing light for a newness of life?
Shaking dust from our feet means trusting God that the seeds we planted by our words and actions will bear fruit. Trusting that by moving on we are trusted with a new mission, should fill us with joy not apprehension. As part of God’s flock, we should serve the Lord with gladness, not questioning or distress. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we know the Shepherd knows us and we follow Him, we have eternal life and will never perish. Given to the Son by the Father, we can never be separated, taken out of His hand. For God’s love for us is greater than any force of worldly discourse.
Following His faithfulness present to all generations, we hunger and thirst no more with a spiritual contentment emanating from the Good Shepherd for people of every race, nation and tongue. The universality of the Lord’s message and call to follow him in every situation with courage. A command with assurance He makes us a light to the world where it could be easy to withdraw into a cocoon of selfish gratification unconcerned with our sisters’ and brothers’ spiritual focus and basic needs inherent in a unified common good. A perspective that we act as an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth. An instrument promoting the dignity of all people to bring forth the Kingdom of God. A process when we need to follow our Good Shepherd and promptings of the Holy Spirit to at times shake the dust from our feet and move on to a new mission, a new venue with boldness and courage.
Individual Reflection: Acts 13:14, 43-52
Reflect on an element of your life where you need to shake the dust from your feet and move on to a new mission?
Family Reflection: Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
As a family reflect on the historical roots of Mother’s Day in America. How can the celebration reclaim this focus and dismiss the element of consumerism?
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
Prayer: Prayer to the Good Shepherd
https://www.crs.org/resource-center/prayer-good-shepherd
Prayer to the Good Shepherd
Lord of the 23rd Psalm,
I have known death,
and you have refreshed my soul.
I have known fear,
and you have comforted me.
I have known hunger,
and you have set a feast before me.
In the darkest valley
no calamity of humankind or nature has separated us.
Teach me to walk as you walk
Beside those in mourning
so that they will know joy,
Beside those in fear
that they will know comfort,
Beside those in hunger
that they will feast until their cup overflows.
As your goodness and love follow me,
May mine follow my neighbor
That the threat of the worst terrors
May turn to the knowledge of the comforts of
the house of the Lord,
Where you have invited us to dwell forever.
And so let me strive to help build on earth
What you have promised us in heaven.
In the face of all calamity, present and yet to come,
Let me lead my neighbor beside quiet waters,
The quiet waters of the Good Shepherd.
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.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born May 2, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
peaceonjustice 