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.

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 August 18, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 18, 2019

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Barb Born

August 18, 2019: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

Men and women of science and culture are called to make their particular contribution to solving the vast and complex problems connected with work, which in some areas take on dramatic proportions. This contribution is very important for coming up with the proper solutions. This is a responsibility that requires that they identify the occasions and risks present in the changes taking place, and above all that they suggest lines of action for guiding change in a way that will be most beneficial to the development of the entire human family. To these men and women falls the important task of reading and interpreting the social phenomena with wisdom and with love of truth, leaving behind concerns imposed by special or personal interests. Their contribution, precisely because it is of a theoretical nature, becomes an essential point of reference for the concrete action prescribed by economic policies. (320) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Psalm: 40:2, 3, 4,18

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. “The Lord is my strength and my song.” “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (1808) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No reference 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

Truth illuminating injustice sets the world on fire. The initial response may demoralize those experiencing the fire of purification. The call to change attitudes, behaviors and relationships. The rebirth for the common good, where all are respected, valued and affirmed. People may think they have the power to quench the truth, maintain the status quo of elitism dominating the narrative, but power can only insulate itself from truth for so long. For the intensity of truth exposes injustice that people will accept and affirm no more. When power mimics truth, questions arise, percolating to the surface. Who is excluded? Who is exploited? Who is fiscally abuses? What are the long-term detrimental consequences to humanity and creation? Concern draws us up from the depths of wallowing in truths only affirming the paradigm for some and not all. The need to climb from darkness into light pulling ourselves up one hand at a time draws us continually closer to the truth. The gaze into once dark shadows to brilliantly see connectivity of issues beyond the simplicity of a single ray of light to see the full spectrum radiating into our face. We can only embrace the truth or run and hide if absorbing the full spectrum is too challenging. A process that may separate people along ideological divides. But we have a great cloud of witnesses, the prophets, named and unnamed who would not separate themselves from truth. They were there at critical times of chaos, giant leaps in technology, freeing of the oppressed, standing up to oppressive regimes of political, social, philosophical and religious paradigms. They risked credibility, substance and at times their lives. Jesus, the leader and prefecture of faith is the ultimate witness to truth in spiritual dimensions and social reality. By repositioning the message of the cross from shame to salvation, He exposed the truth of God’s love for humanity. A constant reminder each time we gaze at the crucifix that we should not grow weary or lose heart as we strive to illuminate truth and set the world on fire for justice..

Individual Reflection:Hebrews 12:1-4

Read the book Cloud of Witnesses, Jim Wallis and Joyce Hollyday. Who do you find inspirational and relevant to illuminating truth in today’s world?

Family Reflection: Luke 12:49-53

What truth needs to be illuminated today? How can your family illuminate that truth?

Prayer: Reflect on the primacy of love forming truth in the breadths of justice

Discovering that they are loved by God, people come to understand their own transcendent dignity, they learn not to be satisfied with only themselves but to encounter their neighbour in a network of relationships that are ever more authentically human. Men and women who are made “new” by the love of God are able to change the rules and the quality of relationships, transforming even social structures. They are people capable of bringing peace where there is conflict, of building and nurturing fraternal relationships where there is hatred, of seeking justice where there prevails the exploitation of man by man. Only love is capable of radically transforming the relationships that men maintain among themselves. This is the perspective that allows every person of good will to perceive the broad horizons of justice and human development in truth and goodness. (4) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

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.youtube.com/watch?v=iqZbJ3epNh8

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 August 11, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 11, 2019

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Barb Born

August 11, 2019: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

The complete fulfillment of the human person, achieved in Christ through the gift of the Spirit, develops in history and is mediated by personal relationships with other people, relationships that in turn reach perfection thanks to the commitment made to improve the world, in justice and peace. Human activity in history is of itself significant and effective for the definitive establishment of the Kingdom, although this remains a free gift of God, completely transcendent. Such activity, when it respects the objective order of temporal reality and is enlightened by truth and love, becomes an instrument for making justice and peace ever more fully and integrally present, and anticipates in our own day the promised Kingdom… (58) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalm: 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48

Catechism of the Catholic Church

In Jesus “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” He calls his hearers to conversion and faith, but also to watchfulness. In prayer the disciple keeps watch, attentive to Him Who Is and Him Who Comes, in memory of his first coming in the lowliness of the flesh, and in the hope of his second coming in glory.In communion with their Master, the disciples’ prayer is a battle; only by keeping watch in prayer can one avoid falling into temptation. (2612) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No reference 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 we act like we understand, trust, believe, have faith that the Father is PLEASED to give us the Kingdom? The freedom to transcend miser mode to freely give alms, not grasping to every possession like a hoarding hyena howling revelry over the status of one’s means. The money bags we carry must be resilient fibers to proverbially harbor incomprehensible treasures inaccessible from theft of personal property or destroyable by greed, corruption and irresponsible actions. A process of constant vigilance for the presence of the Lord, with our ever waiting, listening, discussing, praying. Always, at all times, not just at an appointed hour. The second or third watch, well into the night, awaiting the dawn while most are asleep, unprepared to welcome the honored guest, for they slumber. Yet the prudent are waiting. Not the time to goof off, act belligerent, as if no one is watching. Entrusted with the gift of faith, the Lord calls us to act in a worthy manner, respectful, thankful to God and others of the call we received to serve within the web of Divine relationship.

God waits mercifully, patiently for our embrace with lavish gifts. Once experienced, but if we withdraw leaves an indefinable aura of broken relational fidelity only plausible in human frailty, never by Divine abandonment. A divide of deeper revelation of who we should be then before the initial embrace of God in one’s life. For in God’s love for us, He entrusts us with much to share from what we have been given, much love as an expression of how He loves us and to act as if we believe. Not second guesses to God, but with fidelity to the call, living with courage in the knowledge of our faith. Courage demanding vigilance, not withdrawn indecisive action with muted mouths baffled by the world. A perseverance with hope, feeling blessed to be people the Lord acknowledges as followers of His ways in trustworthy belief even when sojourning in unfathomable territory, in unexplainable circumstances, alien to human minds, God does not hesitate to build an eternal homeland or ashamed in intimacy that we call Him Father. For to live in piety and overt reverence hastens to distance us from God, creating a divide instead of forming unity we must manifest in the world.

ndividual Reflection: Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

This document is proposed also to the brethren of other Churches and Ecclesial Communities, to the followers of other religions, as well as to all people of good will who are committed to serving the common good: may they receive it as the fruit of a universal human experience marked by countless signs of the presence of God’s Spirit. It is a treasury of things old and new (cf. Mt 13:52), which the Church wishes to share, in thanksgiving to God, from whom comes “every good endowment and ever perfect gift” (Jas 1:17). It is a sign of hope in the fact that religions and cultures today show openness to dialogue and sense the urgent need to join forces in promoting justice, fraternity, peace and the growth of the human person.

The Catholic Church joins her own commitment to that made in the social field by other Churches and Ecclesial Communities, whether at the level of doctrinal reflection or at the practical level. Together with them, the Catholic Church is convinced that from the common heritage of social teachings preserved by the living tradition of the people of God there will come motivations and orientations for an ever closer cooperation in the promotion of justice and peace. (12) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

How can you encourage your parish community to collaborate with other faith traditions on social ministry promoting justice and peace to build up the kingdom of God?

Family Reflection: Luke 12:32-48

When buying school supplies, buy a backpack and supplies to share with another student.

Prayer: August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Share in Mary’s gladness

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://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2017/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20170806.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 August 7, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 4, 2019

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Barb Born

August 4, 2019: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the “nothingness of the creature” who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exalt him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he has done great things and holy is his name.14 The worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world.(2097) Catechism of the Catholic Church

Readings

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Psalm: 90 3-4, 5-6, 12-13

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The beatitude we are promised confronts us with decisive moral choices. It invites us to purify our hearts of bad instincts and to seek the love of God above all else. It teaches us that true happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement – however beneficial it may be – such as science, technology, and art, or indeed in any creature, but in God alone, the source of every good and of all love:
All bow down before wealth. Wealth is that to which the multitude of men pay an instinctive homage. They measure happiness by wealth; and by wealth they measure respectability. . . . It is a homage resulting from a profound faith . . . that with wealth he may do all things. Wealth is one idol of the day and notoriety is a second. . . . Notoriety, or the making of a noise in the world – it may be called “newspaper fame” – has come to be considered a great good in itself, and a ground of veneration. (1723) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 12:15-21
Jesus takes up the entire Old Testament tradition even with regard to economic goods, wealth and poverty, and he gives them great clarity and fullness (cf. Mt 6:24, 13:22; Lk 6:20-24, 12:15-21; Rom 14:6-8; 1 Tim 4:4). Through the gift of his Spirit and the conversion of hearts, he comes to establish the “Kingdom of God”, so that a new manner of social life is made possible, in justice, brotherhood, solidarity and sharing. The Kingdom inaugurated by Christ perfects the original goodness of the created order and of human activity, which were compromised by sin. Freed from evil and being placed once more in communion with God, man is able to continue the work of Jesus, with the help of his Spirit. In this, man is called to render justice to the poor, releasing the oppressed, consoling the afflicted, actively seeking a new social order in which adequate solutions to material poverty are offered and in which the forces thwarting the attempts of the weakest to free themselves from conditions of misery and slavery are more effectively controlled. When this happens, the Kingdom of God is already present on this earth, although it is not of the earth. It is in this Kingdom that the promises of the Prophets find final fulfillment. (325)
Luke 12:21

In the light of Revelation, economic activity is to be considered and undertaken as a grateful response to the vocation which God holds out for each person. Man is placed in the garden to till and keep it, making use of it within well specified limits (cf. Gen 2:16-17) with a commitment to perfecting it (cf. Gen 1:26-30, 2:15-16; Wis 9:2-3). Bearing witness to the grandeur and goodness of the Creator, he walks towards the fullness of freedom to which God calls him. Good administration of the gifts received, and of material goods also, is a work of justice towards oneself and towards others. What has been received should be used properly, preserved and increased, as suggested by the parable of the talents (cf. Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:12-27).
Economic activity and material progress must be placed at the service of man and society. If people dedicate themselves to these with the faith, hope and love of Christ’s disciples, even the economy and progress can be transformed into places of salvation and sanctification. In these areas too it is possible to express a love and a solidarity that are more than human, and to contribute to the growth of a new humanity that anticipates the world to come.[683] Jesus sums up all of revelation in calling the believer to become rich before God (cf. Lk 12:21). The economy too is useful to this end, when its function as an instrument for the overall growth of man and society, of the human quality of life, is not betrayed. (326)

Colossians 3:11

“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[282]. 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)
The Lord Jesus is the prototype and foundation of the new humanity. In him, the true “likeness of God” (2 Cor 4:4), man — who is created in the image of God — finds his fulfilment. In the definitive witness of love that God has made manifest in the cross of Christ, all the barriers of enmity have already been torn down (cf. Eph 2:12-18), and for those who live a new life in Christ, racial and cultural differences are no longer causes of division (cf. Rom 10:12; Gal 3:26-28; Col 3:11).
Thanks to the Spirit, the Church is aware of the divine plan of unity that involves the entire human race (cf. Acts 17:26), a plan destined to reunite in the mystery of salvation wrought under the saving Lordship of Christ (cf. Eph 1:8-10) all of created reality, which is fragmented and scattered. From the day of Pentecost, when the Resurrection is announced to diverse peoples, each of whom understand it in their own language (cf. Acts 2:6), the Church fulfils her mission of restoring and bearing witness to the unity lost at Babel. Due to this ecclesial ministry, the human family is called to rediscover its unity and recognize the richness of its differences, in order to attain “full unity in Christ”. (431)
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

What distracts us from God is idolatry. Not necessarily material items, the status symbols of prestige and wealth, but also emotions that separate one from God. A deviation from trusting God first renders the feeling into the status of an idol. Classic expressions of fear from failure to achieve at a high level of satisfaction and prestige leading to being unaccepted makes striving for success rooted in personal goals idolatry. Of having material possessions and not being able to freely give to others in need, the letting go of what is really God’s, makes possessions idols instead of placing the will of God first. When lives become rooted in toil, vanity dominates, but what really lasts is the question to ponder. All possessions exist with finite use and ownership. All emotions in time cease to be relevant, for our ultimate existence is only truly defined by our relationship to God. Hardened hearts loosing the elasticity for love of God become molded by clasping to possessions. We must number our days aright with the gracious care of the Lord to prosper the work of our hands and mind for His glory. To be filled with kindness, joy and gladness all our days to seek with priority what is above and imperishable. The elimination of greed, impurity, immorality and evil desires to renew ourselves in the image of the Creator. To realize the goodness inherent in all people and not grasp to idolatry of ethnicity or social status as perceived by society. Checking a bank account, portfolio or balance sheet may lure one into feeling rich and the feeling to take it easy, eat, drink and be merry from a bountiful harvest of assets. But that is only a facade of security which quickly can evaporate or is left behind at death. As Jesus reminded the voice in the crowd, one’s life does not consist of possessions. Our true wealth is faith and attachment to anything else is idolatry. Each day we must live as we own nothing for the freedom of detachment to place our dependance totally on God.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13

What emotion is idolatry for you?

Family Reflection: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Where do you see greed in the world? How can the family counteract greed?

Prayer: August 6th is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Reflect on Pope Francis’ comments

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.youtube.com/watch?v=giQgWakrgQs&list=PLt5PsPjJAk-0b9BYRHUAxnlKMIv7qyZca&index=4

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 July 30, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 28, 2019

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Barb Born

July 28, 2019: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

Take the call to family, community and participation into your prayerful realm with God this week

Readings

First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32

Psalm: 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8

Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel Acclamation: Romans 8:15bc

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The acts of faith, hope, and charity enjoined by the first commandment are accomplished in prayer. Lifting up the mind toward God is an expression of our adoration of God: prayer of praise and thanksgiving, intercession and petition. Prayer is an indispensable condition for being able to obey God’s commandments. “[We] ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (2098) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 11:11-13

The definitive salvation that God offers to all humanity through his own Son does not come about outside of this world. While wounded by sin, the world is destined to undergo a radical purification (cf. 2 Pet 3:10) that will make it a renewed world (cf. Is 65:17, 66:22; Rev 21:1), finally becoming the place where “righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:13).

In his public ministry, Jesus makes use of natural elements. Not only is he a knowledgeable interpreter of nature, speaking of it in images and parables, but he also dominates it (cf. the episode of the calming of the storm in Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:45-52; Lc 8:22-25; Jn 6:16-21). The Lord puts nature at the service of his plan of redemption. He asks his disciples to look at things, at the seasons and at people with the trust of children who know that they will never be abandoned by a provident Father (cf. Lk 11:11-13). Far from being enslaved by things, the disciple of Jesus must know how to use them in order to bring about sharing and brotherhood (cf. Lk 16:9-13). (453)

Romans 8:15

The Face of God, progressively revealed in the history of salvation, shines in its fullness in the Face of Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead. God is Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; truly distinct and truly one, because God is an infinite communion of love. God’s gratuitous love for humanity is revealed, before anything else, as love springing from the Father, from whom everything draws its source; as the free communication that the Son makes of this love, giving himself anew to the Father and giving himself to mankind; as the ever new fruitfulness of divine love that the Holy Spirit pours forth into the hearts of men (cf. Rom 5:5).

By his words and deeds, and fully and definitively by his death and resurrection[30], Jesus reveals to humanity that God is Father and that we are all called by grace to become his children in the Spirit (cf. Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6), and therefore brothers and sisters among ourselves. It is for this reason that the Church firmly believes that “the key, the centre and the purpose of the whole of man’s history is to be found in her Lord and Master”. (31)

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 Lord did not take a second hand observation about the inequities of Sodom and Gomorra. Instead, amidst the chaos, He visited. The Divine ever present, while the world, the Church seems to have lost the spiritual tangibility of God to continually muddle along in their affairs. Only when coming to the dialogue of prayer will the transcendence of humanity feel the caress of the Divine. As Luke deletes, who resides in heaven, to a salutation of reverencing the Father’s name, brings the petitioner into the Father’s mercy, love and grace. The oratory towards a beneficent Father. The desire for His ways, bringing forth His kingdom. The realization that fails to happen within our own initiative, but only by the strength He provides. A strength in daily bread not to hoard or become glutenous with, but a bread graciously, freely shared as we have received. A Divine invitation to be as merciful as the Father. In prayer, we must refrain from bidding in prayer with God like we are at a swap meet. Bidding to secure the best deal for ourselves, desiring the cheapest price or in the realm of prayer the least surrender of our own ways. We must seek prayer beyond a capitalistic contract to engage in prayer with the Divine as a friendship. The opportunity to share openly the deepest realms of our soul, the most sincere desires four heart. A time to also listen to God’s aspirations for our lives as to how we should share the bread He gives us. The affinity of letting go, as an experience of spiritual freedom He wishes us to experience. Then we learn to ask not selfishly, but spiritually and receive the infinite embrace of God. A process where we do not become stagnant but continually seek God in all the essence of life to find the Divine ever waiting in new encounters. Helping us to know we are not passive participants sitting in a pew with hands folded, but have persistence to knock on doors of injustice, questioning why the dead bolts are secured to exclude, demean and discount all God’s children and creation. A.S.K. ask, seek, knock helps us to ask questions of God that in our discovery He answers for us through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Individual Reflection: Genesis 18:20-32

Listen to these You Tube videos about Laudato Si. How can you prayerfully acts to live the message of Laudato Si?

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO2W1tFFtdJn9V9_DvEbz9Bygt7XsYXRj

Family Reflection:Luke 11:1-13

https://www.kateri.org

Prayer: July 31st is the Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola

This week pray the Examen promoted by St Ignatius

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVItxNMrNnw

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.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2019-06/pope-francis-mass-santa-marta-serve-love-give-freely.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 July 24, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 21, 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Barb Born

July 21, 2019: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

June 11, 2019 homily by Pope Francis on Christian service:

Readings

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a

Psalm: 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Catechism of the Catholic Church

God put us in the world to know, to love, and to serve him, and so to come to paradise. Beatitude makes us “partakers of the divine nature” and of eternal life. With beatitude, man enters into the glory of Christ and into the joy of the Trinitarian life. (1721) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time , Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 10:40-42

In his preaching, Jesus teaches man not to be enslaved by work. Before all else, he must be concerned about his soul; gaining the whole world is not the purpose of his life (cf. Mk 8:36). The treasures of the earth, in fact, are consumed, while those in heaven are imperishable. It is on these latter treasures that men and women must set their hearts (cf. Mt 6:19-21). Work, then, should not be a source of anxiety (cf. Mt 6:25,31,34). When people are worried and upset about many things, they run the risk of neglecting the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Mt 6:33), which they truly need. Everything else, work included, will find its proper place, meaning and value only if it is oriented to this one thing that is necessary and that will never be taken away (cf. Lk 10:40-42). (260)

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

In service, do we proclaim Christ or blunder in technicalities, the nuances of like doing a job instead of prioritizing why we are serving.? Do we make the connection between what we do and who we serve, so ministry it is He who we proclaim? So we are not basking in accolades, but acting like an instrument of service. While the Luke passage frequently is interpreted to define work in a subsistence mode of professional focus, the word at time of Luke’s writing expressingly referenced Christian ministry. Early texts referenced Jesus entering a “home”, as a prefiguration of early Christian households, as gathering for worship. Further, Mary assumed the position of one feasting on the Word. As Jesus notes, “It will not be taken from her.” For no one can separate us from our encounters with the Lord, or snatch those memories, unlike treasured physical items subject to theft, rot or obsolescence.

What puts us in the presence of the Lord to separate us from our busyness? The Psalmist reminds us, “He who does justice lives in the presence of the Lord.” Lives not lived seeking harm to another. Values rooted not in the evil of money or convicts the innocent of defacing society. All rooted in a heart of goodness echoing truth on one’s tongue. The essence of Christ living in us gives hope in the present age and glory of eternity.

Like Abraham, do we find ourselves scurrying when the Lord appears, a systematic furry of proper order of a good host with water for ritualistic washing, leading to a full course meal, with Abraham enlisting Sarah for help. All acts of hospitality greeting as stranger. But did the host pause to savor the Divine presence, listen to the proposed Divine gift of a son? No for laughter permeated their service, the essence of unbelief, a ha, ha, ha to slight the Divine visit and impending return.

Christina service requires the balance of a disciple that Jesus fostered, a blend of listening, pondering and acting. The insights balanced by questions, retreats balanced by crowds. Taking cue from the Holy Spirit of when to sit at the feet of Jesus and time to stand, serve and savor the Divine encounter. The process of distancing ourselves from prioritizing the metronome precision, a mechanistic thwarting of the fluidity of the Spirit to serve with a serene balance.

Individual Reflection:

Support campaign for hospitality and print posters for your parish to let immigrants know they are welcome:

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/campaignforhospitality/light-in-the-darkness/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=bdf049b8cb-NEWS_VOICES_070219&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f721035495-bdf049b8cb-198139669&mc_cid=bdf049b8cb&mc_eid=41e71f1b5c

Family Reflection:

July 25th is the Feast of St James. During the summer plan a walking pilgrimage to a Church in your region. Maybe take public transit and walk the remaining distance to reflect the essence of the Camino de Santiago experience to the Church of St James in Spain.

Prayer: Print 25 of these prayer cards and share by personally giving them to people

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ignatiansolidarity/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/06/27155337/Light-in-the-Darkness-2019-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.futurechurch.org/2019-mary-of-magdala-celebration-planning-resource

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 July 15, 2019 St Bonaventure, Pray for us The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 14, 2019

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Barb Born

July 14, 2019: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Reflect on loving your neighbor as yourself, how must you affirm your dignity as a child of God to truly love your neighbor?

Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14

Psalm: 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 or 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20

Gospel: Luke 10:35-37

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Without the help of grace, men would not know how “to discern the often narrow path between the cowardice which gives in to evil, and the violence which under the illusion of fighting evil only makes it worse.” This is the path of charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor. Charity is the greatest social commandment. It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of it. Charity inspires a life of self-giving: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (1889) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 10:27-28

Man and woman are in relationship with others above all as those to whom the lives of others have been entrusted. “For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning, … I will require it … of man [and] of every man’s brother” (Gen 9:5), God tells Noah after the flood. In this perspective, the relationship with God requires that the life of man be considered sacred and inviolable. The fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex 20:13; Deut 5:17), has validity because God alone is Lord of life and death. The respect owed to the inviolability and integrity of physical life finds its climax in the positive commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19:18), by which Jesus enjoins the obligation to tend to the needs of one’s neighbour (cf. Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31; Lk 10:27-28). (112)

Colossians 1:15

Christian realism sees the abysses of sin, but in the light of the hope, greater than any evil, given by Jesus Christ’s act of redemption, in which sin and death are destroyed (cf. Rom 5:18-21; 1 Cor 15:56-57): “In him God reconciled man to himself”. It is Christ, the image of God (cf. 2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), who enlightens fully and brings to completion the image and likeness of God in man. The Word that became man in Jesus Christ has always been mankind’s life and light, the light that enlightens every person (cf. Jn 1:4,9). God desires in the one mediator Jesus Christ, his Son, the salvation of all men and women (cf. 1 Tim 2:4-5). Jesus is at the same time the Son of God and the new Adam, that is, the new man (cf. 1 Cor 15:47-49; Rom 5:14): “Christ the new Adam, in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his most high calling”. In him we are, by God, “predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29). (121)

Colossians 1:15-16, 1:15-18, 1:18 and 1:20

Faith in Jesus Christ makes it possible to have a correct understanding of social development, in the context of an integral and solidary humanism. In this regard, the contribution of theological reflection offered by the Church’s social Magisterium is very useful: “Faith in Christ the Redeemer, while it illuminates from within the nature of development, also guides us in the task of collaboration. In the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, we read that Christ is ‘the firstborn of all creation,’ and that ‘all things were created through him’ and for him (Col 1:15-16). In fact, ‘all things hold together in him’, since ‘in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things’ (v. 20). A part of this divine plan, which begins from eternity in Christ, the perfect ‘image’ of the Father, and which culminates in him, ‘the firstborn from the dead’ (v. 15-18), in our own history, marked by our personal and collective effort to raise up the human condition and to overcome the obstacles which are continually arising along our way. It thus prepares us to share in the fullness which ‘dwells in the Lord’ and which he communicates ‘to his body, which is the Church’ (v. 18; cf. Eph 1:22-23). At the same time sin, which is always attempting to trap us and which jeopardizes our human achievements, is conquered and redeemed by the ‘reconciliation’ accomplished by Christ (cf. Col 1:20)”. (327)

Colossians 1:15-17

Human activity aimed at enhancing and transforming the universe can and must unleash the perfections which find their origin and model in the uncreated Word. In fact, the Pauline and Johannine writings bring to light the Trinitarian dimension of creation, in particular the link that exists between the Son—Word — the Logos — and creation (cf. Jn 1:3; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:15-17). Created in him and through him, redeemed by him, the universe is not a happenstance conglomeration but a “cosmos”. It falls to man to discover the order within it and to heed this order, bringing it to fulfilment: “In Jesus Christ the visible world which God created for man — the world that, when sin entered, ‘was subjected to futility’ (Rom 8:20; cf. ibid. 8:19-22) — recovers again its original link with the divine source of Wisdom and Love”. In this way — that is, bringing to light in ever greater measure “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8), in creation, human work becomes a service raised to the grandeur of God. (262)

Colossians 1:15-20

The entrance of Jesus Christ into the history of the world reaches its culmination in the Paschal Mystery, where nature itself takes part in the drama of the rejection of the Son of God and in the victory of his Resurrection (cf. Mt 27:45,51, 28:2). Crossing through death and grafting onto it the new splendour of the Resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new world in which everything is subjected to him (cf. 1 Cor 15:20-28) and he creates anew those relationships of order and harmony that sin had destroyed. Knowledge of the imbalances existing between man and nature should be accompanied by an awareness that in Jesus the reconciliation of man and the world with God — such that every human being, aware of divine love, can find anew the peace that was lost — has been brought about. “Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). Nature, which was created in the Word is, by the same Word made flesh, reconciled to God and given new peace (cf. Col 1:15-20). (454)

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 scholar of the law, in a legalistic posture, memorized the law, but failed to know the law. He took the traditional interpretations and parroted them back to Jesus. Reciting what he had been taught, but failing to discern, he sought to reiterate the theoretical interpretation of neighbor as someone of one’s ethnic or tribal group by rhetorically asking Jesus to affirm his interpretation at face value. Jesus instead cites a parable to show eternal life is for all who love God with all their heart, being, mind and strength and their neighbor as themselves. No deference to just the chosen people to inherit eternal life for following the law, the scholar succinctly studied, but the opportunity for all people, no matter their ethnicity, race or tongue. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem wove through Judea, not Samaritan lands. Yet Jesus placed the “other” on that road. The priest and the Levite, on their home turf prioritized their self-interest by avoiding the victim, for caring for him would necessitate the time and trouble of ritual purification from touching a bloody and potentially dead man. A point Jesus makes to draw notice to compassion from a Samaritan stopping, using his costly oil and wine. A sacramental gesture of oil and wine poured out not on an altar, but poured forth to humanity and in the sanctity of an inn. The scholar of the law profoundly touched by Jesus’ parable acknowledges the neighbor was not the priest or Levite, but the one who showed mercy. Yet he was unable to give dignity to the Samaritan, share in his inclusion of Jesus’ plan for salvation, for the scholar of the law was unable to articulate Samaritan —instead referring to him as the one who treated the victim with mercy. The innkeeper displayed mercy too, not a religious cleric, but working to provide hospitality. He could have denied the Samaritan to stay at his inn due to ethnic and religious divisions. He could have demanded payment in full and not kept a tab for when the Samaritan returned, but exhibited trust. In the end the priest and the Levite became the victims in the story, for they victimized themselves with a rigid perception of neighbor and denial of the possibly working together with the Samaritan to care for the victim. Ultimately, a denial of God’s abundant mercy in their souls. For their faith bound in laws ultimately bound them from reaching out to others and God. God’s words abound in spirit and if we move beyond reciting them to live them, we have life more precious than anything we could ever possess. It is not too mysterious or remote, but as close as extending a hand to one in need.

Individual Reflection:

July 22nd is the Feast of St Mary Magdalene. Learn about resources to celebrate her witness to faith:

Family Reflection: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

July 14th is the feast day of St Kateri Tekakwitha. Learn more about her life. St Kateri, Pray for us.

https://catholicexchange.com/st-kateri-tekakwitha-care-creation

https://tekconf.org/prayers-chaplets

Prayer: Colossians 1:15-20 is an ancient hymn inserted in the text. Let the words be a melodic prayer

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.