April 22, 2018: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Catholic Social Teaching: Care for Creation on this Earth Day
The biblical message and the Church’s Magisterium represent the essential reference points for evaluating the problems found in the relationship between man and the environment.The underlying cause of these problems can be seen in man’s pretension of exercising unconditional dominion over things, heedless of any moral considerations which, on the contrary, must distinguish all human activity.
The tendency towards an “ill-considered” exploitation of the resources of creation is the result of a long historical and cultural process. “The modern era has witnessed man’s growing capacity for transformative intervention. The aspect of the conquest and exploitation of resources has become predominant and invasive, and today it has even reached the point of threatening the environment’s hospitable aspect: the environment as ‘resource’ risks threatening the environment as ‘home’. Because of the powerful means of transformation offered by technological civilization, it sometimes seems that the balance between man and the environment has reached a critical point”. (461) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
Psalm: 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
Second Reading: 1st John 3:1-2
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The “power of the keys” designates authority to govern the house of God, which is the Church. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed this mandate after his Resurrection: “Feed my sheep.” The power to “bind and loose” connotes the authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgments, and to make disciplinary decisions in the Church. Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the apostles and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one to whom he specifically entrusted the keys of the kingdom. (553) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Fourth Sunday of Easter Cycle B
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
Do you do good to puff up your ego or because it is WWJD and followed by the lineage of believers? If is it is a resolve from various egotistical nuances of our lives, we have minimal ways to anchor our action or have it rooted in the name of Jesus. All the name of Jesus entails, the youth from Nazareth, crucified, God raised him on the third day and has the power to heal even today. Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church, our faith and should be the cornerstone of why we do good, the solid firm foundation anchoring our deeds of charity, mercy and justice. We cannot let Jesus’ rejection by his own people and chastisement of his justice even to this day detract from our attachment to the Lord. By our thanksgiving, we proclaim he is good, his mercy. endures forever, for we know it is better to take refuge in the Lord than trust in man, nationalistic or spiritual princes corrupted by status, power, prestige or love of money.
Most of us are city folk, never set foot on a farm or field, never attended to an animal except our dog, cat or goldfish. So how do we understand the reality and mindset of a shepherd Jesus metaphorically emulates? Not just any shepherd, but the Good Shepherd. Beyond a job description laden with responsibility easily denied in the face of challenging situations wrought with self-preservation, the Good Shepherd models for us in contemporary thought people before profits. Creating compassionate care for the whole person, secure environs in psychological and spiritual realms, so wolves preying on human weakness find strength and courage prevail to muster solidarity in Jesus’ name instead of scattering to realms of isolation and despair. The Lord’s patience embraces spiritual sheep, every human person, even thought they might appear distanced from the flock, for the voice of Jesus audible in inaudible tones penetrates through time to the heart. A proclamation by the Good Shepherd with his actions striving for unity of one flock, all humanity. By our doing good, not for our own profit, benefit or self-edification, but in Jesus’ name we acclaim the Good Shepherd by modeling his example of service.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
Learn about the global Catholic climate movement and encourage your diocese to get involved:
http://catholicclimatemovement.global/earth-day-2018/
Family Reflection: Acts 4:8-12
Learn about your carbon footprint and ways to reduce your impact on climate change at the Catholic Climate Covenant website:
http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/reduce-your-carbon-footprint
Prayer: Laudato Si introductory paragraph…How will offer praise in thanksgiving for creation this Earth Day?
“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.
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.
https://smrep.wordpress.com/
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 April 17, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.