peaceonjustice

As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.

Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.

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

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-angelus-15-july-2018-missionary-discipleship.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 February 13, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection February 5, 2019

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Barb Born

February 10, 2019: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

Read Pope Francis’ thoughts on discipleship:

“The first point recalls that the centre of mission is the Person of Jesus Himself. When Jesus sends the Apostles on mission, they are not going forth to spread their own message, or to demonstrate their own abilities. Rather, like rays emanating from a centre, the disciples proclaim the message of Jesus, and to bring His presence and His work into the world. They are called to speak and act as His messengers.”

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

Psalm: 138: 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 15:1-11

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“Christ, sent by the Father, is the source of the Church’s whole apostolate”; thus the fruitfulness of apostolate for ordained ministers as well as for lay people clearly depends on their vital union with Christ. In keeping with their vocations, the demands of the times and the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostolate assumes the most varied forms. But charity, drawn from the Eucharist above all, is always “as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate.” (864) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifth 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

Discipleship is not a one boat endeavor. If a boat was big enough for all disciples, the monolithic size would make navigation problematic, getting stuck on sand bars a frequent occurrence, while keeping everyone confined in one place and it could possibly sink from the weight of having so many people on board. The boats of discipleship need to go in all directions of the compass, to reach out in the vast expanse and lower nets in various locales. Disciples must learn their job is not concluded with one voyage into the deep, come back to shore, disembark, clean the boat, wash the nets and go home to relax thinking they worked so hard and need to retire. For discipleship is not accomplished with the boat pulled up to a dock or beached on the shore, but when we allow our boat to untie from the dock or set sail on a rising tide and put out into the deep. The place where currents flow fast, winds blow and waves crest. Beyond the mundane of looking at the ocean to the astonishment of being on the water to see the vastness of the Divine realm. A place where we realize in humility the significance of our discipleship and impartation of effective grace to empower discipleship in such vastness to tread in waters not in vain. For in discipleship we toil while holding fast to the Word that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, He was buried, raised on the third day and appeared to many. For in belief we are being saved, purged of iniquities, a continually unfolding awareness of God’s promise that build strength within us to live as disciples , so our ears are tuned to the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?” Not a mandate of forcing us to go, but an invitation. If we respond affirmatively, we venture into the deep sometimes rowing our boat and if we are really cruisin’ it feel like the boat has dual outboards at full throttle. Going as disciples we affirm our creed, seeing faith’s relevance to challenging issues of poverty, racism, violence, environmental degradation. For in our discipleship we are not afraid, we give thanks to the Lord by manifesting His ways in our world by our presence and the work of our hands as we follow Him.

Individual Reflection: Luke 5:1-11

Select one item to advocate for this week and encourage five friends to join you

https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/act/action-center/

Family Reflection: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8

As a form of discipleship, encourage your parish to initiate and offer to participate in Ending Poverty in Community for Young Advocates

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/who-we-teach/youth/epic-lesson-one-facing-poverty.cfm

Prayer: Prayerfully reflect on how the Nicene Creed manifests in your discipleship

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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.wearesaltandlight.org/learn-together/understanding-social-sin/

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 February 5, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection February 3, 2019

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Barb Born

February 3, 2019: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Right and Responsibilities

The demands of the common good are dependent on the social conditions of each historical period and are strictly connected to respect for and the integral promotion of the person and his fundamental rights. These demands concern above all the commitment to peace, the organization of the State’s powers, a sound juridical system, the protection of the environment, and the provision of essential services to all, some of which are at the same time human rights: food, housing, work, education and access to culture, transportation, basic health care, the freedom of communication and expression, and the protection of religious freedom. Nor must one forget the contribution that every nation is required in duty to make towards a true worldwide cooperation for the common good of the whole of humanity and for future generations also. (166) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19

Psalm: 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15,17

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Gospel:Luke 4:21-30

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision, the goal of our journey here below. Then we shall see God “face to face”, “as he is”. So faith is already the beginning of eternal life:

When we contemplate the blessings of faith even now, as if gazing at a reflection in a mirror, it is as if we already possessed the wonderful things which our faith assures us we shall one day enjoy. (163)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

1st Corinthians 12:31

Among the virtues in their entirety, and in particular between virtues, social values and love, there exists a deep bond that must be ever more fully recognized. Love, often restricted to relationships of physical closeness or limited to merely subjective aspects of action on behalf of others, must be reconsidered in its authentic value as the highest and universal criterion of the whole of social ethics. Among all paths, even those sought and taken in order to respond to the ever new forms of current social questions, the “more excellent way” (cf. 1 Cor 12:31) is that marked out by love. (204)

1st Corinthians 12:31-14-1

The immediate purpose of the Church’s social doctrine is to propose the principles and values that can sustain a society worthy of the human person. Among these principles, solidarity includes all the others in a certain way. It represents “one of the fundamental principles of the Christian view of social and political organization”.

Light is shed on this principle by the primacy of love, “the distinguishing mark of Christ’s disciples (cf. Jn 13:35)”[1218]. Jesus teaches us that “the fundamental law of human perfection, and consequently of the transformation of the world, is the new commandment of love” (cf. Mt 22:40, Jn 15:12; Col 3:14; Jas 2:8)[1219]. Personal behaviour is fully human when it is born of love, manifests love and is ordered to love. This truth also applies in the social sphere; Christians must be deeply convinced witnesses of this, and they are to show by their lives how love is the only force (cf. 1 Cor 12:31-14:1) that can lead to personal and social perfection, allowing society to make progress towards the good. (580)

1st Corinthians 13:12

The new reality that Jesus Christ gives us is not grafted onto human nature nor is it added from outside: it is rather that reality of communion with the Trinitarian God to which men and women have always been oriented in the depths of their being, thanks to their creaturely likeness to God. But this is also a reality that people cannot attain by their own forces alone. Through the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, in whom this reality of communion has already been brought about in a singular manner, men and women are received as children of God (cf. Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:4-7). By means of Christ, we share in the nature of God, who gives us infinitely more “than all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). What mankind has already received is nothing more than a token or a “guarantee” (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14) of what it will receive in its fullness only in the presence of God, seen “face to face” (1 Cor 13:12), that is, a guarantee of eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3). (122)

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 let the words of the unassuming amaze us? People not of noble lineage, a priestly class or scholastic elitism, but people that cause us to say “who”. A reminder to stop and listen to words spoken by who God puts in front of us, in person, thru written manifestos or media vibes. People proclaiming glad tidings when hostilities reign. Voices liberating people in captivity from judgment. Those not welcome in their own environs but exiled, fleeing unjust systems. Prophets that go wherever God sends them, even to places not among the rhetorically defined chosen people. For in the obscure, when famine reigns, lepers suffer is where God most profoundly manifests His presence. When the spirit of entitlement, self-preservation dominate, the voices of God’s reign get run out of town, off the airways, banished from our sight, but they can never be silenced for God’s power of love for humanity is never unquenchable. Love drowning out clashing cymbals. Love voiding superficial knowledge. For God’s voice harkened in the obscure, proclaimed in sacred spaces by prophets the greatest and the least patiently utter their message, kindly offer thoughts not seeing their own interests or waste time brooding over mistreatment, but just keep moving along propelled by faith. Prophets make us look in the mirror with deep clarity to come face to face with God’s desires to live and be His love in the world by mouths declaring His justice and salvation day by day, every day to proclaim His wondrous deeds.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

February 5th is the start of Lunar New Year celebrated in many Asian cultures. Visit a parish with Asian parishioners to share in their customs during this festive time.

Family Reflection: Luke 4:21-30

As a family, reflect on the USCCB material discussing social sin. How do you see elements of this in your community? How might you bring this discussion to your parish? What ways as a family do you address social sin? What prophetic voices proclaim the reality of social sin?

Prayer: Let these prophetic words and discussion questions harkening Laudato Si become your prayer in caring for the gift of God’s creation:

https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/resource/laudato-si-spoken-word

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.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/2019/calendar2019.html

Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born January 31, 2019The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 27, 2019

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Barb Born

January 27, 2019: Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Reflecting on the reading from Nehemiah noting the presence in the assembly of “children old enough to understand”, how can we listen to the voices of youth and be inclusive of them within the Body of Christ. How might you parish and diocese hold a “synod” to listen to their voices and value their gifts? What themes from World Youth Day in Panama might resonate in this process?

Readings

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:12-30

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God,” “sanctified . . . [and] called to be saints,” Christians have become the temple of the Holy Spirit. This “Spirit of the Son” teaches them to pray to the Father and, having become their life, prompts them to act so as to bear “the fruit of the Spirit” by charity in action. Healing the wounds of sin, the Holy Spirit renews us interiorly through a spiritual transformation. He enlightens and strengthens us to live as “children of light” through “all that is good and right and true.” (1695) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 4:18-19

The benevolence and mercy that inspire God’s actions and provide the key for understanding them become so very much closer to man that they take on the traits of the man Jesus, the Word made flesh. In the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus describes his messianic ministry with the words of Isaiah which recall the prophetic significance of the jubilee: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Lk 4:18-19; cf. Is 61:1-2). Jesus therefore places himself on the frontline of fulfillment, not only because he fulfills what was promised and what was awaited by Israel, but also in the deeper sense that in him the decisive event of the history of God with mankind is fulfilled. He proclaims: “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9). Jesus, in other words, is the tangible and definitive manifestation of how God acts towards men and women. (28)

1st Corinthians 12:13

“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 . 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). (144)

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

God’s Word should not make us sad and weeping, but give us hope, inspiration, freedom and understanding to live as He desires for us. Words that give Spirit and life to refresh our souls, giving wisdom. Words to rejoice our hearts from precepts of our loving God, proclaimed with clarity to enlighten our eyes to His everlasting Divine beauty. Words proclaimed to all humanity from the youngest to oldest, women and men for all to participate as one body with many parts, living as the Body of Christ given to drink of the one Cup and Spirit. A discernment on our part to see the Divine plan for unity. Without striving for unity, dysfunction, fragmentation creates spiritual chaos tumbling into hypocritical proclamation of God’s Word thru speech and actions masquerading as the Lord’s precepts. When we realize the certainty of the teaching we have received, we know the Scripture is fulfilled in our hearing of the Word. A Word we see relevant to our lives, challenging us to be part of the human family engaged in the world, not just spiritually cloistered in personal holiness.

If we are a hand let us reach out to invite the Body of Christ to be wholly inclusive. If we are a foot let us walk, or sometimes hop towards encouraging all to walk towards the decrees of the Lord. If we are a mouth let us not be hesitant to articulate the divisiveness in the Body of Christ and utter words of healing and wisdom to sear the riff. If we are ears let us hear pleas of unity, cries of sorrow from division, mourning for the hurts imprinted on the Body of Christ and transmit those feelings to the heart to let empathy heal.

Individual Reflection:

January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Attend a remembrance vigil in your community. The United Nations’ theme this year is “Demand and Defend Your Human Rights”

https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/special-focus/international-holocaust-remembrance-day

Family Reflection:

February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It is associated with the blessing of candles. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/presentation-of-the-lord/

Discuss the significance of candles in your faith. How can your family use eco-friendly candles, like those made from beeswax?

Prayer:

Light a candle and sit in silence reflecting on being a light in the world.

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.devp.org/en/cst/solidarity

Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

By Barb Born January 23, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection January 20, 2019

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Barb Born

January 20, 2019: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10

Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:4-11

Gospel: John 2:1-11

Catechism of the Catholic Church

On the threshold of his public life Jesus performs his first sign – at his mother’s request – during a wedding feast. The Church attaches great importance to Jesus’ presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence. (1613) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Second Sunday of 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

The Holy Spirit exudes diversity. A variety of spiritual gifts given not to manifest the recipient, but good of community. A seal of affirmation prioritizing the common good. An invitation believers must affirm by engaging in a variety of service collectively acknowledging the same God. No gift is more prestigious, of greater significance than any other gift. As we joyfully affirm our gifts, the Lord rejoices as we proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations. We must not discount gifts of others, minimalism their contributions, exclude their input to trivialize the gifts the Holy Spirit bestows.
As Mary, the Mother of Jesus, instructed the server at the wedding of Cana, to do whatever Jesus tells you, we too must heed His requests. Initiatives imparted thru the Holy Spirit, Gospel precepts. For He desires perfection in the Kingdom, making up for the imperfection of six stone jars, one short of a perfect seven, by the miracle of converting water to wine. A sign of a New Covenant replacing the Old, a foretaste of the Messianic banquet. A sign revealing Jesus’ glory and so we today may believe like His disciples did. Belief enthralling us to be receptive and actualize our spiritual gifts. A status of restoration of our exile from God that we should delight in. An inseparable covenant only we could break by living in a state of denial.

Individual Reflection:

How has Jesus worked miracles to reveal His glory in your life? As the Holy Spirt for guidance to share those experiences.

Family Reflection:

Acknowledge one spiritual gift of each family member and during the week, affirm that gift.

Prayer: Prayer after communion for Second Week in Ordinary Time

Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love and in your kindness make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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://harvestinggifts.camdendiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/baptism.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 January 16, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Baptism of the Lord Lectionary Reflection January 13, 2019

Posted on December 29, 2018 by Barb Born

January 13, 2019: The Baptism of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Relationship between baptism and Catholic Social teaching

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Psalm: 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel:Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Grace is a participation in the life of God. It introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life: by Baptism the Christian participates in the grace of Christ, the Head of his Body. As an “adopted son” he can henceforth call God “Father,” in union with the only Son. He receives the life of the Spirit who breathes charity into him and who forms the Church. (1997) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to The Baptism of the Lord Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 104

The Old Testament presents God as the omnipotent Creator (cf. Gen 2:2; Job 38-41; Ps 104; Ps 147) who fashions man in his image and invites him to work the soil (cf. Gen 2:5-6), and cultivate and care for the garden of Eden in which he has placed him (cf. Gen 2:15). To the first human couple God entrusts the task of subduing the earth and exercising dominion over every living creature (cf. Gen 1:28). The dominion exercised by man over other living creatures, however, is not to be despotic or reckless; on the contrary he is to “cultivate and care for” (Gen 2:15) the goods created by God. These goods were not created by man, but have been received by him as a precious gift that the Creator has placed under his responsibility. Cultivating the earth means not abandoning it to itself; exercising dominion over it means taking care of it, as a wise king cares for his people and a shepherd his sheep.

In the Creator’s plan, created realities, which are good in themselves, exist for man’s use. The wonder of the mystery of man’s grandeur makes the psalmist exclaim: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than god, and crown him with glory and honour. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Ps 8:5-7). (255)

Psalm 104:24

The relationship of man with the world is a constitutive part of his human identity. This relationship is in turn the result of another still deeper relationship between man and God. The Lord has made the human person to be a partner with him in dialogue. Only in dialogue with God does the human being find his truth, from which he draws inspiration and norms to make plans for the future of the world, which is the garden that God has given him to keep and till (cf. Gen 2: 15). Not even sin could remove this duty, although it weighed down this exalted work with pain and suffering (cf. Gen 3:17-19).

Creation is always an object of praise in Israel’s prayer: “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all” (Ps 104:24). Salvation is perceived as a new creation that re-establishes that harmony and potential for growth that sin had compromised: “I create new heavens and a new earth” (Is 65:17) — says the Lord — in which “the wilderness becomes a fruitful field … and righteousness [will] abide in the fruitful field … My people will abide in a peaceful habitation” (Is 32:1518). (452)

Acts 10:34

“God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34; cf. Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9), since all people have the same dignity as creatures made in his image and likeness. The Incarnation of the Son of God shows the equality of all people with regard to dignity: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28; cf. Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13, Col 3:11).

Since something of the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity of man before other men. Moreover, this is the ultimate foundation of the radical equality and brotherhood among all people, regardless of their race, nation, sex, origin, culture, or class. (144)

Acts 10:36

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

Titus 3:5-6

Praying for rulers, which Saint Paul recommended even as he was being persecuted, implicitly indicates what political authority ought to guarantee: a calm and tranquil life led with piety and dignity (cf. 1 Tim 2:1-2). Christians must “be ready for any honest work” (Tit 3:1), showing “perfect courtesy towards all” (Tit 3:2), in the awareness that they are saved not by their own deeds but by God’s mercy. Without “the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Tit 3:5-6), all people are “foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing [their] days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another” (Tit 3:3). We must not forget the miserable state of the human condition marred by sin, but redeemed by God’s love. (381)

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

After baptism, Jesus prayed. A word of reflection to seal the sacred act to harken the Trinitarian participation. With God’s acclamation, “You are my beloved Son, with who I am well pleased”, the Holy Spirit’s descent from the opening of heaven and Jesus’ surrender in the waters of the Jordan officiated by a prophet unworthy to loosen His sandals. Our baptism incorporates the same ritual etched with sacramental grace of the Trinity, as we die and rise with Christ in waters blessed to impart the sacred endowment. An episode of faith we may not be cognizant of from our infancy or freshly engrained from the living water immersing one’s being into Christian solidarity, with the same lasting eternal impact. An act showing no partiality, but awaiting for all who believe.

After Jesus’ baptism, He went about doing good and healing the oppressed for God was with Him. A light to all nations to open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement and bring forth from dungeons those who live in darkness. Do we live with that zeal to let our faith make us instruments of healing in the world? Will we let God train us to reject godless ways to live temperately, justly and devoutly, for that is the way of peace in our hearts and the world? Recalling our baptismal promises, we treasure the kindness and generous love of God inherent in the waters of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit to become heirs in the hope of eternal life while we wait and participate in the continual renewal of the face of the earth. This is the blessing of peace the Lord bestows on His people, if we participate and don’t retreat to self-conceived dungeons separating us from the radically inclusive love of God for all people, make ourselves captive to theological ideologies confining us to silos of exclusion or unworthiness and don’t keep on spiritual sunglasses to mute the light of the whole Gospel. For from the waters of baptism wet hair will dry, wet clothes will be changed, but the spiritual refreshment remains if we let our lives radiate the light of our baptismal candles.

Individual Reflection: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Become a sponsor for someone preparing for baptism in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) at your parish.

Family Reflection:Titus 2:11-14;3:4-7

In 2019, how can the family more fully live their baptismal promises by living temperately, justly and devoutly? What are some concrete examples?

Prayer: Baptismal promises in song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrBiS4axyUc

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/homilies/2018/documents/papa-francesco_20180106_omelia-epifania.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 December 29, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary Reflection January 6, 2019

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Barb Born

January 6, 2019:The Epiphany of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

Epiphany Mass Homily Pope Francis January 6, 2018

Three actions of the Magi guide our journey towards the Lord, who today is revealed as light and salvation for all peoples. The Magi see the star, they set out and they bring gifts.

Seeing the star. This is where it starts. But why, we might ask, did the Magi alone see the star? Perhaps because few people raised their eyes to heaven. We often make do with looking at the ground: it’s enough to have our health, a little money and a bit of entertainment. I wonder if we still know how to look up at the sky. Do we know how to dream, to long for God, to expect the newness he brings, or do we let ourselves be swept along by life, like dry branches before the wind? The Magi were not content with just getting by, with keeping afloat. They understood that to truly live, we need a lofty goal and we need to keep looking up.

Yet we can also ask why, among all those who looked up at the heavens, so many others did not follow that star, “his star” (Mt 2:2). Perhaps because the star was not eye-catching, did not shine any brighter than other stars. It was a star – so the Gospel tells us – that the Magi saw “at its rising” (vv. 2, 9). Jesus’ star does not dazzle or overwhelm, but gently invites. We may ask ourselves what star we have chosen to follow in our lives. Some stars may be bright, but they do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honours and pleasures when these become our life. They are meteors: they blaze momentarily, but then quickly burn out and their brilliance fades. They are shooting stars that mislead rather than lead. The Lord’s star, however, may not always overwhelm by its brightness, but it is always there, ever kindly: it takes you by the hand in life and accompanies you. It does not promise material reward, but ensures peace and grants, as it did to the Magi, “exceedingly great joy” (Mt 2:10). But it also tells us to set out.

Setting out, the second thing the Magi do, is essential if we are to find Jesus. His star demands a decision to take up the journey and to advance tirelessly on our way. It demands that we free ourselves from useless burdens and unnecessary extras that only prove a hindrance, and accept unforeseen obstacles along the map of life. Jesus allows himself to be found by those who seek him, but to find him we need to get up and go, not sit around but take risks, not stand still, but set out. Jesus makes demands: he tells those who seek him to leave behind the armchair of worldly comforts and the reassuring warmth of hearth and home. Following Jesus is not a polite etiquette to be observed, but a journey to be undertaken. God, who set his people free in the exodus and called new peoples to follow his star, grants freedom and joy always and only in the course of a journey. In other words, if we want to find Jesus, we have to overcome our fear of taking risks, our self-satisfaction and our indolent refusal to ask anything more of life. We need to take risks simply to meet a Child. Yet those risks are immensely worth the effort, since in finding that Child, in discovering his tenderness and love, we rediscover ourselves.

Setting out is not easy. The Gospel shows us this through a cast of characters. There is Herod, wild with fear that the birth of a king will threaten his power. So he organizes meetings and sends people out to gather information, yet he himself does not budge; he stays locked up in his palace. Even “all Jerusalem” (v. 3) is afraid: afraid of the new things God is bringing about. They want everything to remain as it was – that is the way it has always been – no one has the courage to leave. The temptation of the priests and scribes is more subtle: they know the exact place and tell it to Herod, quoting the ancient prophecy. They know, but they themselves make no move towards Bethlehem. Theirs can be the temptation of those who are used to being believers: they can talk at length about the faith they know so well, but will not take a personal risk for the Lord. They talk, but do not pray; they complain, but do no good. The Magi, on the other hand, talk little and journey much. Ignorant of the truths of faith, they are filled with longing and set out. So the Gospel tells us: They “came to worship him” (v. 2); “they set out; they went in, and fell down and worshiped him; they went back” (vv. 9, 11, 12). They kept moving.

Bringing gifts. Having come to Jesus after a long journey, the Magi do as he does: they bring gifts. Jesus is there to give his life; they offer him their own costly gifts: gold, incense and myrrh. The Gospel becomes real when the journey of life ends in giving. To give freely, for the Lord’s sake, without expecting anything in return: this is the sure sign that we have found Jesus. For he says: “The gift you have received, give freely as a gift” (Mt 10:8). To do good without counting the cost, even when unasked, even when you gain nothing thereby, even if it is unpleasant. That is what God wants. He, who become small for our sake, asks us to offer something for the least of his brothers and sisters. Who are they? They are those who have nothing to give in return, the needy, the hungry, the stranger, the prisoner, the poor (cf. Mt 25:31-46). We give a gift pleasing to Jesus when we care for a sick person, spend time with a difficult person, help someone for the sake of helping, or forgive someone who has hurt us. These are gifts freely given, and they cannot be lacking in the lives of Christians. Jesus reminds us that if we only love those who love us, we do as the pagans do (cf. Mt 5:46-47). Today let us look at our hands, so often empty of love, and let us try to think of some free gift that we can give without expecting anything in return. That will please the Lord. And let us ask him: “Lord, let me rediscover the joy of giving”.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us imitate the Magi: looking upwards, setting out, and freely offering our gifts.

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

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

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

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Catechism of the Catholic Church

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

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to The Epiphany of the Lord Cycle C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 72

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

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

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

Psalm 72:7

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

The promise of peace that runs through the entire Old Testament finds its fulfilment in the very person of Jesus. Peace, in fact, is the messianic attribute par excellence, in which all other beneficial effects of salvation are included. The Hebrew word “shalom” expresses this fullness of meaning in its etymological sense of “completeness” (cf. Is 9:5ff; Mic 5:1-4). The kingdom of the Messiah is precisely the kingdom of peace (cf. Job 25:2; Ps 29:11; 37:11; 72:3,7; 85:9,11; 119:165; 125:5, 128:6; 147:14; Song 8:10; Is 26:3,12; 32:17f.; 52:7; 54:10; 57:19; 60:17; 66:12; Hag 2:9; Zech 9:10; et al.). Jesus “is our peace” (Eph 2:14). He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility among people, reconciling them with God (cf. Eph 2:14-16). This is the very effective simplicity with which Saint Paul indicates the radical motivation spurring Christians to undertake a life and a mission of peace.

On the eve of his death, Jesus speaks of his loving relation with the Father and the unifying power that this love bestows upon his disciples. It is a farewell discourse which reveals the profound meaning of his life and can be considered a summary of all his teaching. The gift of peace is the seal on his spiritual testament: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). The words of the Risen Lord will not be any different; every time that he meets his disciples they receive from him the greeting and gift of peace: “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36; Jn 20:19,21,26). (491)

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

Following the Star, not GPS, the magi , representing all people, came bringing their wares to Bethlehem. No mention of camels, but they look stalely at the giant parish creche or on a Christmas card to add ambience to our visualization of the magi meeting the Christ child. They offered their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to celebrate His kingship, honor HIs divinity and foretell HIs redemptive act on the cross. No mention if Mary accepted the gifts on behalf of her Son. Joseph did not even garner a footnote in the Scripture passage. But the main thing is the magi showed up to acknowledge Jesus, adored Him and offer Him the best gifts they had. Not a used blanket off the proverbial camel’s back that might make the manger a bit warmer on a cold winter night in Palestine. They affirmed His dignity coming to the humility of a stable that many in their position of confiding with rulers and intellectual status as a caste of wise men would not stoop to enter the lowly door. As followers of Jesus, do we show up or keep our distance, hiding in secure environs away from barnyard experiences of life’s stables because we don’t like the smell, lack of heating or comfortable seating since we think we are the honored guest not coming to honor our King?

Have we lost our gaze on the Star to search for where Jesus is today? Each day on the altar, in our hands, residing in the tabernacle. In the homeless in a manager of cardboard, the hungry rustling through straw in hopes of finding a morsel of food, those injured by injustice finding the doors of the inn locked to keep them relegated with the animals.

While the magi showed up they also resisted cooperating with unjust powers attempt to thwart Divine design. For Herod sent the magi to Bethlehem. Realizing Herod’s subversive intent desiring to repel any challenges to his sovereignty, the magi, inspired by a dream, followed their conscience to return home by another way than a visit to Jerusalem. Do we have the courage to not cooperate with powers that subvert Gospel precepts for ulterior agendas? Are we attentive to their ruses disguised as hospitable, but lurking with control to silence even a wimpier of Jesus’ message focused on living faith outside the confines of a manger nativity scene? Any ruler that deflates joy, dismisses peace and sanctifies unworthiness puts a dark cloud over the people, the Church, the Body of Christ. But they never can deluminate the brightness of the Star, they can never extinguish the light of believers who show up at the manger and offer their best gifts that they know they are regifting back to God. For with that grace, the option to travel another road to share the message from the stable opens up with an encouraging text message, a You Tube video or written words to keep the story unfolding.

Individual Reflection:

January 11th is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Look to attend a Human Trafficking awareness event in your city and invite two friends to attend.

Family Reflection:

Help to raise awareness about Human Trafficking at your parish and Become a SHEPHERD program

http://www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/human-trafficking.cfm

http://www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/become-a-shepherd-tool-kit.cfm

Prayer: On this Epiphany Sunday, write a prayer you would say to Jesus upon visiting the manger..

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.