October 6, 2019: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Racism is a form of violence. Read, reflect and act to be a voice of inclusion in your family, community, society and the Church.
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf
Readings
First Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3 and 2:2-4
Psalm: 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life. Even temporal goods like health and friendship can be merited in accordance with God’s wisdom. These graces and goods are the object of Christian prayer. Prayer attends to the grace we need for meritorious actions. (2010) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references
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
Violence may surround us in verbal and physical reminders. Disunity may rock the sensibility of the Church. Misery and ruin can emulate from caustic actions, but we must express our concerns, voice our displeasure, propose positive remedies. Not in rash utterances, but with pondered, prayerful resolve. Working for justice, grounded in faith to live in the synergy of God’s love. For in hearing God’s voice our hearts are not hardened but malleable to be formed with thanksgiving for the guidance from the Shepherd. For seeing the Lord’s works, how can anyone tempt God by walking away in bewilderment from His decrees? Sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, let the flame of faith ignite our actions to not wimp out as cowards when facing challenges in society and the Church, but trust in the Lord’s strength, in the richness we have been entrusted with. For our faith need not be the size of boulders, as tall as the mountain top, but only the size of a mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds. With that belief, that kernel of faith, that love, that hope enlivened by the Holy Spirit, God works through us. We give Him the glory knowing doing His will is not our doing, but doing what pleases him. Things that may seem incomprehensible, unattainable, unrealistic to human intellect are fathomable with just a smidgeon of faith open to the wonder of God. Let the wonders unfold, hope arise to address challenges lapping at human sensibilities, for despair is not from God. Grounded in prayer, acclaImed in worship, we kneel before our creator to never again ignore His voice like we did traversing the deserts of our lives.
Individual Reflection: Habakkuk 1:2-3 and 2:2-4
Reflect on the root causes of violence in your community. Bring together people at your parish to dialogue on this issue and create initiatives to address these issues.
Family Reflection: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
October 11th is the International Day of the Girl. A quarter of young people, most of them girls, are neither employed nor getting an education or training, to not participate in society. Educate your family about these issues and support global efforts to improve opportunities for girls, the future women in society, to use and develop their gifts.
https://www.unicef.org/gender-equality/international-day-girl-2019
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/girl-child
Prayer: October 7th is Our Lady of the Rosary. Reflecting on the just concluded Season of Creation, meditate on the Rosary on Caring for Creation
https://franciscanaction.org/sites/default/files/C4C%20Guided%20Rosary.pdf
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 September 23, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.