peaceonjustice

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.

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

https://www.epicureanexpats.com/making-tamales-on-tamale-day/

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 January 29, 2020 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 26, 2020

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Barb Born

January 26, 2020:Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

The message of peace is not about a negotiated settlement but rather the conviction that the unity brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity. It overcomes every conflict by creating a new and promising synthesis. Diversity is a beautiful thing when it can constantly enter into a process of reconciliation and seal a sort of cultural covenant resulting in a “reconciled diversity”. ..(230) Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3

Psalm: 27:1, 4, 13-14

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Gospel:Matthew 4:12-23

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelization, “that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life.” For lay people, “this evangelization . . . acquires a specific property and peculiar efficacy because it is accomplished in the ordinary circumstances of the world.”

This witness of life, however, is not the sole element in the apostolate; the true apostle is on the lookout for occasions of announcing Christ by word, either to unbelievers . . . or to the faithful. (905) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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

Jesus went around all of Galilee teaching, proclaiming and curing. He was not selective, exclusive, calculating who he would interact with. A personification ofGod’s inclusiveness. When we raise our eyes and look around our parishes, our Church do we see the welcome of inclusiveness or the judgment of exclusion. As “Church”, do we venture forth beyond the end of the parking lot, the other side of the street to spiritually envision that our “Church” would be dynamically vibrant if we lived like we fully understood the word “all”?With divisions created by a us and them mentality, Church fails to be united in same mind and purpose. Whether divisions exist from rivalries or fear of “others”, the end result is a failure to prioritize our belonging to Christ. A subtle robbing the cross of its meaning places personal priorities ahead of the basis of salvation. We must be courageous to live with the embodiment of all. The ones to welcome everyone, speak out when injustice of exclusion perks factions. With the Lord as our life’s refuge, whom should we be afraid of? If we desire to dwell in the house of the Lord all the day of our lives, let us trust we have the faith to desire the doors are wide open, without gatekeepers denying entry to some sisters and brothers, so seats are empty, voices and wisdom of life silenced. For then we walk in darkness due to the pettiness of a few, gloom rests above the assembled, joy stymied and yoke of judgment burdens souls. We must smash attempts to make a hypocrisy of the Gospel by inserting human precepts over the words and witness of the Lord. Not dismantling divisiveness by verbal or physical violence, as in the day of Midian, but the witness of collaboration, standing with the excluded, not retreating from humanity to dismiss attempts to negate the proclamation of all, the fullness of its meaning in our Church, by trusting in the fidelity of the Lord.

Individual Reflection:1st Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

January 26th is the feast day of Its Timothy and Titus, disciples of St Paul. This week read the letters St Paul wrote to Its Timothy and Titus articulating challenges faced in the early Church. What insights do they give you to address challenges in the Church today?

Family Reflection: Matthew 4:12-23

February 2nd is the Presentation of the Lord. Did you celebrate Epiphany with Kings Bread? If so, who will prepare tamales for the celebration on February 2nd?

Prayer: For unity

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/16-056-prayer-for-peace-prayer-card.pdf

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

https://www.cctwincities.org/education-advocacy/catholic-social-teaching/notable-quotations/option-for-the-poor/

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 January 17, 2020 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 19, 2019

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Barb Born

January 19, 2020: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Reflect on these quotes and engrain them in your actions

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

Psalm: 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 1:1-3

Gospel: John 1:29-34

Catechism of the Catholic Church

John the Baptist is “more than a prophet.” In him, the Holy Spirit concludes his speaking through the prophets. John completes the cycle of prophets begun by Elijah. He proclaims the imminence of the consolation of Israel; he is the “voice” of the Consoler who is coming. As the Spirit of truth will also do, John “came to bear witness to the light.” In John’s sight, the Spirit thus brings to completion the careful search of the prophets and fulfills the longing of the angels. “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. . . . Behold, the Lamb of God.” (719) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

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

How do you make Jesus known in the world? An affirmation of His imparting the Holy Spirit to remain with us, for truly He is the Son of God. From our spiritual camaraderie with Jesus, He desires we not laden ourselves in religiosity of sacrifice embedding ourselves with undue burden. Emanating forth from the freedom He desires for us, we respond to lovingly do His will. Not laws of detailed specifications, in flow chart specificity, mandates unattainable, but love from the forgiveness etched in our hearts. Leaving a lasting impression to not retreat from society, but announce the message we have received. For one’s lips are not restrained when one calls upon the name of the Lord. A pronouncement of justice, as the Gospel defines society’s right relationships to not exploit, burden or deny what each person dually deserves. Holiness cannot be a personal persona void of an engagement in the world to craft systems of obedience to what our ears hear when open to the reality and punctuality of the Lord. Not reading every other line of challenging texts, but delving into each line and reading between the lines to see how it relates to where the Lord has placed us. We can be sour grapes or sing a new song when we face and do not elude that reality. A process of not micro seconds, but hones in waiting, to wet our appetite, sharpen our senses, expand our heart, open our eyes. Waiting sometimes allows us to cry out to the Lord from the depths of confusion to the realm of surrender. A process to gain clarity of mission and message, for justice to emerge from injustice. The Lamb of God has taken away the sins of the world, so we should live exuberantly in the grace of forgiveness. To wallow in sin denies why Jesus journeyed to the cross, it wastes our time rehashing what He already took care of. Time that should be productively utilized to do His will, not placating ourselves in piety of sacrifice or offerings of which He desire not. A pretentious spiritual demeanor robs us, wastes precious time when we could be absorbed in serving the Lord.

Individual Reflection: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Plan to attend a remembrance vigil in your community. Ask that a petition in the Prayers of the Faithful for January 26th remember the victims of the Holocaust.

Family Reflection: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Take a walk in the silence of winter and reflect on God’s gift of creation, even when nature seems dormant.

Prayer: January 25th is the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul

Prayerfully celebrate your conversion

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2017/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20170108.html

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 January 17, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Baptism of the Lord Lectionary Reflection January 12, 2020

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Barb Born

January 12, 2020: The Baptism of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Today, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, the Gospel (Mt 3:13-17) describes the scene which occurred at the River Jordan: Jesus, too, is in the midst of the penitent crowd which approaches John the Baptist to receive baptism. He stood in line. John would like to prevent him from [being baptized], saying: “I need to be baptized by you” (3:14). The Baptist, indeed, is aware of the great distance there is between him and Jesus. But Jesus has come precisely to bridge the gap between man and God: if He is completely on God’s side, He is also completely on mankind’s side, and reunites what had been separated. For this reason he asks John to baptize him, so that all righteousness may be fulfilled (cf. v. 15), namely, that the plan of God may be fulfilled, the plan which passes by way of obedience and solidarity with fragile and sinful mankind, the way of humility and of God’s full closeness to his children. Because God is very close to us, very close!

At the moment in which Jesus, baptized by John, comes out of the waters of the River Jordan, the voice of God the Father is heard from on high: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (v. 17). At the same time the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, alights upon Jesus, who publicly begins his mission of salvation; a mission characterized by a manner: the way of a humble and gentle servant, armed only with the power of truth, as Isaiah had prophesied: “He will not cry or lift up his voice, … a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice” (42:2-3). A humble and gentle servant.

This is Jesus’ way, as well as the manner of Christ’s disciples’ missionary work: To proclaim the Gospel with gentleness, but also firmness, without shouting, without reprimanding anyone, but gently and firmly, without arrogance or imposition. The true mission is never proselytism, but drawing people to Christ. But how? How is this attraction to Christ achieved? With one’s own witness, starting from the unwavering union with him in prayer, in adoration and in concrete works of charity, which is service to Jesus present in the least of his brothers and sisters. In imitation of Jesus, the good and merciful Shepherd, and moved by his grace, we are called to make our life a joyous testimony that illuminates the way, that brings hope and love.

This feast makes us rediscover the gift and the beauty of being a community of baptized, that is, of sinners — we all are sinners — saved by the grace of Christ, truly integrated, by the work of the Holy Spirit, in the filial relationship of Jesus with the Father, welcomed into the bosom of Mother Church, making possible a brotherhood that knows no barriers or borders.

May the Virgin Mary help all of us Christians to maintain an ever keen and grateful awareness of our own Baptism and to faithfully follow the path opened by this Sacrament of our rebirth. Ever with humility, gentleness and firmness. Pope Francis Baptism of the Lord 2017 (Cycle A readings)

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm: 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel:Matthew 3:13-17

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. Already he is anticipating the “baptism” of his bloody death.Already he is coming to “fulfill all righteousness”, that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father’s will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins.²³⁴ The Father’s voice responds to the Son’s acceptance, proclaiming his entire delight in his Son. The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to “rest on him”. Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism “the heavens were opened” – the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed – and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation. (536) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Acts 10:34

“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[281]. 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)

Acts 10:36

Working for peace can never be separated from announcing the Gospel, which is in fact the “good news of peace” (Acts 10:36; cf. Eph 6:15) addressed to all men and women. At the centre of “the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15) remains the mystery of the cross, because peace is born of Christ’s sacrifice (cf. Is 53:5) — “Upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we were healed”. The crucified Jesus has overcome divisions, re-establishing peace and reconciliation, precisely through the cross, “thereby bringing the hostility to an end” (Eph 2:16) and bringing the salvation of the Resurrection to mankind. (493)

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

Jesus opted to be numbered among humanity in repatriation for humanity’s iniquities. An opening up of grace, the flowing of the Holy Spirit. The initial sacramental grace opening up the fullness of communion with the Divine. A sacrificial offering showing no partiality, but an invitation to every nation’s people acting upright to the Lord. An invitation to go around doing good, mitigating oppression, as we strive to follow the example of the Lord. For as God was with Him, He is with us, if we surrender to partake in the grace. The opportunity to opt for receiving the blessings of peace, a refrain mighty and majestic, worthy of a King. Resiliency of a bruised reed, a smoldering wick unwilling to be snuffed out completely. Embers enflaming victory embedded in spiritual and societal justice lighting humanity’s path. Arising people from spiritual dungeons, spiritual prisons of doubt, despair, anxiety, fear, sorrow, worn down by not embracing God’s forgiveness to the illumination of Christ. Not achieved in triumphant edicts, boisterous babble, inept human monarchies, failures from trusting military might, but the humility of a servant resolute for equity. A peace flowing from the water of His baptism that we only must seek to immerse ourselves in. A holy covenant fitting for us to join in with God’s beloved Son, our beloved brother.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 3:13-17

Pope Francis has designated the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, a celebration of the Word of the Lord. How can you suggest your parish celebrates this creatively?

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20190930_aperuit-illis.html

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-09/pope-motu-proprio-sunday-word-of-god.html

Family Reflection:y: Acts 10:34-38

January is National Poverty Awareness Month. How will your family help to raise awareness and work to alleviate poverty in your community?

http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/poverty-education/poverty-awareness-month.cfm

Prayer: Reflect on your baptismal promises and how you articulate them by the way you live your life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h-pEo_PM6E

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

https://www.crs.org/resource-center/holy-family-refugee-family-digital-retreat

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 January 10, 2020 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary Reflection January 5, 2020

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Barb Born

January 5, 2020: The Epiphany of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Offer this ten minute digital retreat for family and friends

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm: 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The magi’s coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that “the full number of the nations” now takes its “place in the family of the patriarchs”, and acquires Israelitica dignitas (is made “worthy of the heritage of Israel”). (528) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Epiphany of the Lord, Cycles A, B, C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 72

At the beginning of its history, the people of Israel are unlike other peoples in that they have no king, for they recognize the dominion of Yahweh alone. It is God who intervenes on Israel’s behalf through charismatic individuals, as recorded in the Book of Judges. The people approach the last of these individuals, Samuel, prophet and judge, to ask for a king (cf. 1 Sam 8:5; 10:18-19). Samuel warns the Israelites about the consequences of a despotic exercise of kingship (cf. 1 Sam 8:11-18). However, the authority of the king can also be experienced as a gift of Yahweh who comes to the assistance of his people (cf. 1 Sam 9:16). In the end, Saul is anointed king (cf. 1 Sam 10:1-2). These events show the tension that brought Israel to understand kingship in a different way than it was understood by neighbouring peoples. The king, chosen by Yahweh (cf. Dt 17:15; 1 Sam 9:16) and consecrated by him (cf. 1 Sam 16:12-13), is seen as God’s son (cf. Ps 2:7) and is to make God’s dominion and plan of salvation visible (cf. Ps 72). The king, then, is to be the defender of the weak and the guarantor of justice for the people. The denunciations of the prophets focus precisely on the kings’ failure to fulfill these functions (cf. 1 Kg 21; Is 10:1-4; Am 2:6-8, 8:4-8; Mic 3:1-4). (377)

The prototype of the king chosen by Yahweh is David, whose humble origins are a favourite topic of the biblical account (cf. 1 Sam 16:1-13). David is the recipient of the promise (cf. 2 Sam 7:13-16; Ps 89:2-38, 132:11-18), which places him at the beginning of a special kingly tradition, the “messianic” tradition. Notwithstanding all the sins and infidelities of David and his successors, this tradition culminates in Jesus Christ, who is par excellence “Yahweh’s anointed” (that is, “the Lord’s consecrated one”, cf. 1 Sam 2:35, 24:7,11, 26:9,16; Ex 30:22-32), the son of David (cf. Mt 1:1-17; Lk 3:23-38; Rom 1:3).

The failure of kingship on the historical level does not lead to the disappearance of the ideal of a king who, in fidelity to Yahweh, will govern with wisdom and act in justice. This hope reappears time and again in the Psalms (cf. Ps 2, 18, 20, 21, 72). In the messianic oracles, the figure of a king endowed with the Lord’s Spirit, full of wisdom and capable of rendering justice to the poor, is awaited in eschatological times (cf. Is 11:2-5; Jer 23:5-6). As true shepherd of the people of Israel (cf. Ezek 34:23-24, 37:24), he will bring peace to the nations (cf. Zech 9:9-10). In Wisdom Literature, the king is presented as the one who renders just judgments and abhors iniquity (cf. Prov 16:12), who judges the poor with equity (cf. Prov 29:14) and is a friend to those with a pure heart (cf. Prov 22:11). There is a gradual unfolding of the proclamation of what the Gospels and other New Testament writings see fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the definitive incarnation of what the Old Testament foretold about the figure of the king. (378)

Psalm 72:3, 7

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)

Psalm 72:7

Peace is the goal of life in society, as is made extraordinarily clear in the messianic vision of peace: when all peoples will go up to the Lord’s house, and he will teach them his ways and they will walk along the ways of peace (cf. Is 2:2-5). A new world of peace that embraces all of nature is the promise of the messianic age (cf. Is 11:6-9), and the Messiah himself is called “Prince of peace” (Is 9:5). Wherever his peace reigns, wherever it is present even in part, no longer will anyone be able to make the people of God fearful (cf. Zeph 3:13). It is then that peace will be lasting, because when the king rules according to God’s justice, righteousness flourishes and peace abounds “till the moon be no more” (Ps 72:7). God longs to give peace to his people: “he will speak of peace to his people, to his saints, to those who turn to him in their hearts” (Ps 85:9). Listening to what God has to say to his people about peace, the Psalmist hears these words: “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss” (Ps 85:11). (490)

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

A star at its rising breaks the darkness, scatters the obscurity, imparts awe. Not something to experience on a hand held screen or a big screen many days journey from the source, but out and about and deep in the recesses of our heart. A time to venture as a messenger of hope from our encounter. Not acquiesce with false rulers that might be omnipresent with echelons of worldly clout, but let the yearnings of our heart seek the star above all else. A beacon leading us to the infinity of peace, the sacredness of love. For welcoming the Incarnation and our encounter with the Word made Flesh, lets the star rise for us each day with all He brings. A star guiding us to justice flowering, blooming fruitfully each day in new ways with nuances appropriate to time and place with profound peace till darkness reigns no more. A manifestation from the river of rebirth to the ends of the earth for each fiber of humanity. That we can only lay at the feet of the Incarnation, for everything else radiates false destinations, self-serving paradigms. An expression of love to the poor feeling helpless, wrapped in pity, for the lowly to rise in dignity with hope. We only see the illumination if we lift and look our eyes about to maneuver through the clouds of oppressive injustice, lingering residue of ill conceived human agendas instead of nations gravitating to the illumination. A caravan of diversity on the same path paved with Divine riches, as they sit their earthly riches, the gift of presence at His feet, He who manifest the star. The unfolding story of concurring generations’ revelations revealed in proclamations of prophets and apostles by the Spirit transmitted by the star for all people. Endowing the promise of joyfully accepting guidance of the star to the place of holy encounter and never turning back to cooperate with powers and influences seeking to shatter the star’s light. But only depart from our encounter in new and different ways from the strength received in entering the House of the Lord and walking out mounting ourselves in joy from the reciprocity of treasures exchanged in a kingdom defying human imagination and inclination of power and dominion.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

January 20th is Dr Martin Luther King Day. How will you help your parish remember his vision for solidarity and a voice for injustice?

Family Reflection: Matthew 2:1-12

Make Kings Bread to celebrate the Epiphany. Learn about different types of Kings Bread made around the globe

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/three-kings-cake-rosca-de-reyes-recipe

https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2010/01/king-cake-for-epiphany.html

Prayer: Reflect on what you would say to Jesus, if you had been one of the magi

Blogs to Visit:

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.

Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.