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 October 7, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection October 13, 2019

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Barb Born

October 13, 2019: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

Faith and reason represent the two cognitive paths of the Church’s social doctrine: Revelation and human nature. The “knowing” of faith understands and directs the life of men and women according to the light of the historical-salvific mystery, God’s revelation and gift of himself to us in Christ. This understanding of faith includes reason, by means of which — insofar as possible — it unravels and comprehends revealed truth and integrates it with the truth of human nature, found in the divine plan expressed in creation. This is the integral truth of the human person as a spiritual and corporeal being, in relationship with God, with other human beings and with other creatures.

Being centered on the mystery of Christ, moreover, does not weaken or exclude the role of reason and hence does not deprive the Church’s social doctrine of rationality or, therefore, of universal applicability. Since the mystery of Christ illuminates the mystery of man, it gives fullness of meaning to human dignity and to the ethical requirements which defend it. The Church’s social doctrine is knowledge enlightened by faith, which, as such, is the expression of a greater capacity for knowledge. It explains to all people the truths that it affirms and the duties that it demands; it can be accepted and shared by all. (75) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: 2nd Kings 5:14-17

Psalm: 98, 1, 2-3, 3-4

Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 2:8-13

Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head. (2637) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-eighth 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

How do we offer thanksgiving for our salvation? A place beyond belief to the transformation of one’s soul. For belief, as only a cerebral manifestation remains nothing more than knowledge. The ability to articulate notions of faith, but lacking substance of actions, so words are hollow utterances. Baptism cannot leave us unchained from God. Going into the waters of the Triune God, three dunks, pours to emerge anew, a cleansing of our spiritual hard drive to live as children of God. What gift do we give in return? Beyond ceremony to the grace of the sacrament, the realization we can no longer our lives to any other god, money, fame, fortune, greed, lust, but only to the Lord. A salvation expressed in His justice, kindness and faithfulness. Not a salvation acclaimed on just His Holy Mountain, but all the ends of the earth, all people transformed break into songs of praise. A place where people are not chained in bondage to a pew, but sent forth to live the transformation with the hope of eternal glory. For in baptism we died with the Lord to live with Him. If we preserver, we reign with Him. On the contrary, to deny the cross, deny our rebirth inherent in baptism, to deny salvation, he denies us because we are no where to be found, so He can immerse us in His love. Not because the Lord is unfaithful, but because we never showed up or ran away, never looking in the rear view mirror to see He is chasing us with a Divine yearning. For the Lord cannot deny the essence of Himself, the One who seeks union with humanity. He wants us refreshed, reborn, renewed. It is His will in all circumstances we relish, revelry in His Divine affirmation by giving thanks. A thanks beyond thank you to the forayes of thanksgiving expressing in the lives we lead, in our Amen at the Eucharist table. We know He has pity on us in our escape into frailties, but He desire we not linger there. Jesus can spiritually talk to us in Word and Sacrament, but the grace of transformation actualizes when we let the transformation take hold of who we are, how we act to not stand behind a facade of holy innuendos, but crack open grace letting the drops of baptismal water cascade into a tsunami of Divine love. A force flowing to transform ourselves and the world, moving in unknowing directions beyond waters lapping on the shore, venturing into the deep. A faith where we can swim in God’s mercy and always return to our Source to give thanks, as we hear His call to go forth in the transformative expression of faith. God is always, He is eternally transcendent, expressed in the creed, lived in love. We only partake in that thru faith. To enter that place we can never grasp by ourselves or understand in mere human contemplation. A place we enter by grace and acclaim in thanksgiving.

Individual Reflection: Luke 17:11-19

The Samaritan was the only one to go back and thank Jesus. Today, where do we see people of other faith traditions or people professing no faith living Christian values.? How can we collaborate to transform the world?

Family Reflection: 2nd Kings 5:14-17

Discuss the significance of baptism on faith.

Prayer: October 18th is the feast of St Luke, the Evangelist

During this liturgical year, the Gospel readings have focused on Luke. Prayerfully reflect on one of the readings that has transformed you, moved you to action.

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.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf

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 October 8, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection October 6, 2019

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Barb Born

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/study-guide-open-hearts-2019-09.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

https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—dgreports/—dcomm/—publ/documents/publication/wcms_598669.pdf

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:

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://cac.org/solidarity-with-the-world-2018-06-01/

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.

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 29, 2019

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Barb Born

September 29, 2019:Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Solidarity in the Mustard Seed

Readings

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Psalm: 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: 1st Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of “friendship” or “social charity,” is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood.

An error, “today abundantly widespread, is disregard for the law of human solidarity and charity, dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. This law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father, on behalf of sinful humanity. (1939) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

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

Opulence makes solidarity obsolete. To relax in contentment from surroundings of luxury, dining on scrumptious cuisine without a care in the world forgets we are from God, we own nothing and our ultimate destiny is to return to Him. Living with the best money can buy leads one quickly into exile from God. A march away from the promised land to the captivity of possessions. Far away from the lowly left behind, struggles for food. But God will give them sight in the land of the living and protect their souls from their endurance in richness of faith. We must shed the luxury of purple garments, made with the most expensive dyes and exquisiteness of fine linen for the simplicity of life. To know it is not what we have or wear that define who we are, but our faith. The pursuit of righteousness, our devotion for the sacred, faith the size of a mustard seed that we trust God to bloom forth for His glory. Lives practicing patience and gentleness, grounded in love of God and neighbor. Faith we confess with our mouth, live by our life and affirm by Amen at each journey to the Eucharistic table. Faith to be attentive to who is at the door, the door of our heart. Confessing our poverty allows our soul to rise to God, but in prioritizing wealth one dies to the goodness of God to be buried under the weight of false pretenses that ignites a life of despair. A separation from God untraversable until one surrenders into the peace of Christ, a place beyond words, inviting us into the mystery. A faith witnessed by the prophets affirming the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Individual Reflection:1st Timothy 6:11-16

September 30th is the Memorial of St Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church. He is credited with translating the Bible into Latin and the text was adopted by the Church as the official text of the Bible. Each day this week spend 20 minutes reading the Bible. As a study reference, use the New Jerome Biblical Commentary

Family Reflection: Luke 16:19-31

September 29th is the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the Archangels. Talk about the ways angles have been messengers and protectors in our faith.

Prayer: October 2nd is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYQZACnHhN8

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://catholicclimatecovenant.org/program/feast-st-francis

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

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 22, 2019

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Barb Born

September 22, 2019:Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for Creation

Prepare to celebrate the Feast of St Francis on October 4th: We are all connected: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor

Readings

First Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Psalm: 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-8

Gospel: Luke 16:1-13

Catechism of the Catholic Church

A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable. The disordered desire for money cannot but produce perverse effects. It is one of the causes of the many conflicts which disturb the social order. (2424) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Amos 8:4-8

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)

Luke 16:9-13

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)

Luke 16:13

To the subjects, whether individuals or communities, that exercise ownership of various types of property accrue a series of objective advantages: better living conditions, security for the future, and a greater number of options from which to choose. On the other hand, property may also bring a series of deceptive promises that are a source of temptation. Those people and societies that go so far as to absolutize the role of property end up experiencing the bitterest type of slavery. In fact, there is no category of possession that can be considered indifferent with regard to the influence that it may have both on individuals and on institutions. Owners who heedlessly idolize their goods (cf. Mt 6:24, 19:21-26; Lk 16:13) become owned and enslaved by them. Only by recognizing that these goods are dependent on God the Creator and then directing their use to the common good, is it possible to give material goods their proper function as useful tools for the growth of individuals and peoples. (181)

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 prophet Amos reminds us the needy are not trampled under foot by just physical force, but crushing blows of economic violence. Systems propelled by greed, dishonesty, yet in hypocrisy stopping to pause as the moon sets on the sanctity of religious observances or Sabbath rest. Exploiting the lowly, buying and selling them like a pair of shoes. The dignity of humanity reduced to a factor of production of an economic equation seeking profits over people’s well being. They may think their motives of economic righteousness escape the view of God, society’s view hidden behind lens of items with lowest cost to fuel lifestyles of opulence measured by consumption instead of compassion. But the Lord lifts up the poor by letting crack form in the gilded profits for stories of oppression to wipe out and horrify the decency of humanity. Salaries of CEOs’ exponentially obscuring a living wage for those on the lowest rung. Tax structures fostering a lingo of buy back, buy out funneling capital into coffers of capitalism instead of a daily meal for potential future daily workers coming to school with hunger pains. It is the moral duty of all to help the poor shake the dust from their clothes and seat them at the table with their oppressors. As the refrains of liberation echo across the land, the paradigm of wealth reflects upon the tradition of the early Church where people collectively gave and took only based on need. To worship wealth only distances one from God, an idol crafted in numbers, electronic ledgers and square feet of a residence. An idol to placate status and distract from worshipping God. One cannot serve two masters, an economic system prioritizing profits and the eternal profits of salvation. The ends of each are radically divergent. Severing right relationships by serving mammon severs one from friendship with God. Being trustworthy of God’s dictates lets collective benefits form an economy to satisfy basic human needs, food, clothing, shelter, education instead of the opulent wants of the few. A society to simplify life, conserve resources, preserve creation with mindfulness towards future generations.

Individual Reflection: Amos 8:4-7

In light of Laudato Si, share the resources about income and wealth disparity. Where do you see the impact of these statistics in your community? How can you support workers facing injustice in your community?

https://networkadvocates.org/advocacytoolbox/educate/mindthegap/

Family Reflection: Luke 16:1-13

Educate your family to the reality of human slavery in the world today that exploits human dignity.

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html

Prayer:

https://vimeo.com/353795539/693a2671e8

In this Season of Creation how can your parish reach out to other faith traditions to collectively support care for creation?

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://education.crs.org/issues/water

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

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 15, 2019

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Barb Born

September 15, 2019: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Water is a human right…see Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church quote below

Readings

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

Psalm: 51:3-4, 12-1317, 19

Second Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17

Gospel:Luke 15:1-32

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners. The angel announced to Joseph: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The same is true of the Eucharist, the sacrament of redemption: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (1846) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 51:4

The principle of the universal destination of goods also applies naturally to water, considered in the Sacred Scriptures as a symbol of purification (cf. Ps 51:4; Jn 13:8) and of life (cf. Jn 3:5; Gal 3:27). “As a gift from God, water is a vital element essential to survival; thus, everyone has a right to it”. Satisfying the needs of all, especially of those who live in poverty, must guide the use of water and the services connected with it. Inadequate access to safe drinking water affects the well-being of a huge number of people and is often the cause of disease, suffering, conflicts, poverty and even death. For a suitable solution to this problem, it “must be set in context in order to establish moral criteria based precisely on the value of life and the respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings”. (484)

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 molten calf, a real cow that moos, a heard of cows, in reality or as metaphorical symbols of created, crafted items or possessiveness of creation transcend to idols when they become symbols of worship. To transfer deference owed to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to items we see or own, distorts our lives prerogatives away from the Creator to created things. Materialism displaces the sacred, as we fail to trust the unseen and eternal while grasping for the present, but transitory. Living our lives for immediate eyefuls, hands laden with gratification instead of pondering the realm of life woven together. Infinite molecules of creation, countless drops of water filling the ocean without the work of human inertia, yet define the majesty of God, mercy beyond words, making an invitation for no distractions by idols needed for a serene, hopeful, joyful life. A life modeled by the poor who are in communion with God. We can say gimme, gimme, gimme but satisfaction, contentment never comes. And only in a place far from God does one come to their senses to realize the hollowness, futility idols impart. The sin of not loving God above everything and everyone. To surrender idols, the possessions, feelings of grandeur about oneself comes with a spiritual power washing of one’s heart to renew the inherent spark of God in all souls to not spurn Him. An affirmation of God trusting us to do His will, even if we have been a persecutor, blasphemer or down right arrogant in unbelief and living with the proverbial swine. But the patience of God looks merciful on us to search us out when lost from His ways and celebrates with joy when we come to our senses. And He asks those living in His ways not to dismiss, insult, point fingers or pout about and dismiss God’s lavish mercy towards those struggling with belief and walking down a path of returning to their Source. For if we have truly abandoned idols and believe and relish God’s mercy then we should encourage and affirm all seekers with the love God has loved us with. In doing any less means we have turned our faith into an idol. Placed on a pedestal of sanctimonious holiness unwilling to join the party of life. Crushing all pearls of great wisdom into chards of sharp projectiles to deflate, discount the sincerity of faith arising in others. Withhold from them the ring of fidelity, the celebration due all believers and wallow in indigent attitudes to not celebrate all God offered them in the collective celebration of faith. A faith of acknowledgment, but minuscule reality of what God offers, no matter where people are on their journey. The failure to see the life arising in them from God is indivisible even as others share the infinite gift. Their lack of rejoicing when a lost sheep returns means they do not have life, are still lost, struggling, even if not acknowledged, while in isolation with personal holiness from the union with the lavishness of God. Idols come from extremes, with possessions to piousness, to both discount God’s centrality and abundance that ask we seek balance in our lives to love God and neighbor.

Individual Reflection:1st Timothy 1:12-17

September 21st is the Feast of St Matthew. Reflect on the transformation faith and belief has brought in all aspects of your life.

Family Reflection: Luke 15:1-32

September 15th is Our Lady of Sorrows. Reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, the prophecy of Simeon, the flight to Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the temple, the meeting with Jesus on the Way of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the taking sown of Jesus’ body from the cross and the burial of Jesus. How are people experiencing those sorrows in the world today? What can your family do to comfort them and help them move forward in faith?

Prayer: September 15th is Our Lady of Sorrows. Prayerful reflect on the sequence for this day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0IJBhy6U1g

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/get-involved/learn/slavery-and-human-trafficking

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 7, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 8, 2019

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Barb Born

September 8, 2019: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

The Book of Philemon talks of a slave becoming a brother, a man. September 9th is the feast of St Peter Claver, who endured contempt from the slave traders in Cartagena, as he cared for the slaves. Unfortunately, slavery still exists in the world, many times in the form of human trafficking, in most countries on the globe. Educate your self about slavery in the world today.

https://education.crs.org/issues/human-trafficking

https://www.crs.org/get-involved/advocate/public-policy/trafficking

Readings

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Psalm: 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel:Luke 14:25-33

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the Father commands: “Listen to him!” Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love implies an effective offering of oneself, after his example. (459) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Twenty-third 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

Our timidness and hesitancy constrains our mortal minds. The weight of many concerns lingers from day to day if we fail to embrace God’s counsel. The freedom of throwing ourselves into the wild ideas of God. Unimaginable possibilities in participating as co-creators in the unfolding of the Divine experience. God imparting wisdom into the crevasses of our imagination. The Holy Spirit providing the spark to ignite our actions. An experience of every age of humanity, every season of our lives. A refuge from the mundane existence to let faith excel and propel us into God’s design. Our participation, invoked by surrender of our plans, goals and pleasures to live totally free, soothed by God’s compassion, bathed in His balm of mercy, caressed in His love. An experience to make us remember we will return to dust and the only enduring precept is our soul’s affinity for God and His ways. Our designs, dreams are but a poof of time in a day for God. Like plants sprouting to soon wilt and crunch under foot, the temporarancy of mortal ways lingers for but a moment. So we beseech the Lord to help us number our days right, gain wisdom in our heart to practice kindness over belligerence, gladness over self-pity and prosper the work of our hands and minds not for wealthy pursuits, but in service to God who is our ultimate pursuit. A pursuit like the unfolding of a rose with each petal freeing its self to expose a greater beauty, identity and fragrance of the eternal journey. A process to not look at the slavery of our past and each self-constructed idol that detracted from our visibility of God and to look at all humanity as partners in living in God’s freedom. Helping, assisting, nurturing each other to live more fully in the freedom. The sight to see beyond sin with minds ordered in forgiveness, virtue and humility expound God’s wisdom in the world. A cross we each carry, but with the foundation to see the cross as a sign of resurrection to newness of life. To hold the cross firmly, we must free our hands of possessions, animate of people and things and inanimate of self-conceived dreams, self-edifying passions ordered to our wants, to firmly grasp the wood to proceed where the Holy Spirit leads us. A renouncement of what takes us away from God, so we are able lean into the realm of God and all His love desires for us.

Individual Reflection: Wisdom 9:13-18b

September 12th is the memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary. Think of all the names Mary has reflecting various cultures, as The Lady reflecting the universality of the Church. Which title do you find most meaningful and use when asking for her intercession? Do you have a picture, icon of that title in your home?

Family Reflection: Luke 14:25-33

September 8th is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Discuss her role in salvation history, her yes to God’s invitation as the family reflects on the Magnificat from Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:46-55) and celebrate with a festive meal.

Prayer: September 14th is the Feast of the Exaltation Holy Cross

Spend time in contemplation while holding a crucifix in your hands

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.