May 26, 2019: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
The promotion of peace in the world is an integral part of the Church’s mission of continuing Christ’s work of redemption on earth. In fact, the Church is, in Christ, a “ ‘sacrament‘ or sign and instrument of peace in the world and for the world”. The promotion of true peace is an expression of Christian faith in the love that God has for every human being. From a liberating faith in God’s love there arises a new vision of the world and a new way of approaching others, whether the other is an individual or an entire people. It is a faith that transforms and renews life, inspired by the peace that Christ left to his disciples (cf. Jn 14:27). Moved solely by this faith, the Church intends to promote the unity of Christians and a fruitful cooperation with believers of other religions. Differences of religion must not be a cause of conflict; the shared quest for peace on the part of all believers is a vital source of unity among peoples. The Church calls on individuals, peoples, States and nations to share her concern for re-establishing and consolidating peace, placing particular emphasis on the important role of international law. (516) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Psalm: 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Gospel: John 14:23-29
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. She is the sacrament of the Holy Trinity’s communion with men. (747) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
John 14: 21, 23-24
The Church has the right to be a teacher for mankind, a teacher of the truth of faith: the truth not only of dogmas but also of the morals whose source lies in human nature itself and in the Gospel. The word of the Gospel, in fact, is not only to be heard but is also to be observed and put into practice (cf. Mt 7:24; Lk 6:46-47; Jn 14:21,23-24; Jas 1:22). Consistency in behaviour shows what one truly believes and is not limited only to things strictly church-related or spiritual but involves men and women in the entirety of their life experience and in the context of all their responsibilities. However worldly these responsibilities may be, their subject remains man, that is, the human being whom God calls, by means of the Church, to participate in his gift of salvation. (70)
John 14:27
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)
See Catholic Social Teaching theme above (516)
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
The reciprocity of love manifest from the Father, spoken by the Son invites our participation. Not a feeling but engagement in the world to keep the word of Jesus. The love Jesus invites us into is to care for the well being of others, strive for and respect a social order rooted in peace, live faith grounded in necessities of prayer and sacramental mores, but not consumed by superficial practices defining membership above spiritualness. Love embedded in believers by the Holy Spirit to guide our participation into unfolding the mystery spoken by the Lord. For the Lord’s word could be unfolded in the world in a mired of ways. All expressions of love but each uniquely defined to a specific nuance of time, a setting articulated by the Holy Spirit with a personal invitation for each of us. Each an expression of love to illuminate the world not with a narrow spectrum of incandescent light but by the expression of God’s love in and for the world with a full spectrum. A light glorified by praise to continue in the infinite unfolding of love. Love not static in one place, but discussed, discerned and carried thru discipleship to others. So faith is not for a few absorbed in self-righteousness, without mandates, so to disturb the peace of mind of a Church striving to be one accord, but all people searching to do the will of the Father articulated by the Son. An essence of love, not spewing hate. An essence of love, not pronouncing judgment. An essence of love, not sowing division. An essence of love, not mockery of faith with untenable absolutes of perfection. An essence of love to encounter where we are and not where we might be in perfection. How we take the word of the Lord and grasp it might seem like it is the sun covered with clouds to obscure its full radiance and meaning of what we should do. Only asking, trusting and being reminded by the Holy Spirit helps us to grasp the call, like the sun unfettered with clouds, with hearts not troubled or afraid, can we see the brilliance of actions emulating from love and the peace flowing forth into the world.
Individual Reflection:
May 31st is the feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
“…Our Lady’s Magnificat is a manifestation of her humility before God and her redness to serve St Elizabeth’s temporal needs is a lesson in charity.” From Daily Roman Missal for Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Who might you visit this week to give them some unexpected help?
Family Reflection:
May 27th is Memorial Day
How can your family help reclaim peaceful intentions of Memorial Day instead of glorifying war?
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-69/pdf/STATUTE-69-PgC34-2.pdf
Prayer: As we conclude May, the month of Mary….
Share an extra rosary you have with someone, as an invitation for them to incorporate the rosary into their prayer 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.
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 21, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
peaceonjustice 