Twenty sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 1, 2017

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Barb Born

October 1, 2017: Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
October 7th is the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Mediate on the Luminous Mysteries and the call to abandon selfishness and stand in solidarity
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/rosaries/scriptural-rosary-for-justice-and-peace.cfm

Readings
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-323

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Before we make our own this first exclamation of the Lord’s Prayer, we must humbly cleanse our hearts of certain false images drawn “from this world.” Humility makes us recognize that “no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him,” that is, “to little children.”The purification of our hearts has to do with paternal or maternal images, stemming from our personal and cultural history, and influencing our relationship with God. God our Father transcends the categories of the created world. To impose our own ideas in this area “upon him” would be to fabricate idols to adore or pull down. To pray to the Father is to enter into his mystery as he is and as the Son has revealed him to us.

The expression God the Father had never been revealed to anyone. When Moses himself asked God who he was, he heard another name. The Father’s name has been revealed to us in the Son, for the name “Son” implies the new name “Father.”(2779)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Philippians 2:8
The unsurpassed apex of the perspective indicated here is the life of Jesus of Nazareth, the New Man, who is one with humanity even to the point of “death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). In him it is always possible to recognize the living sign of that measureless and transcendent love of God-with-us, who takes on the infirmities of his people, walks with them, saves them and makes them one. In him and thanks to him, life in society too, despite all its contradictions and ambiguities, can be rediscovered as a place of life and hope, in that it is a sign of grace that is continuously offered to all and because it is an invitation to ever higher and more involved forms of sharing.
Jesus of Nazareth makes the connection between solidarity and charity shine brightly before all, illuminating the entire meaning of this connection: “In the light of faith, solidarity seeks to go beyond itself, to take on the specifically Christian dimensions of total gratuity, forgiveness and reconciliation. One’s neighbour is then not only a human being with his or her own rights and a fundamental equality with everyone else, but becomes the living image of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and placed under the permanent action of the Holy Spirit. One’s neighbour must therefore be loved, even if an enemy, with the same love with which the Lord loves him or her; and for that person’s sake one must be ready for sacrifice, even the ultimate one: to lay down one’s life for the brethren (cf. 1 Jn 3:16)”. (196)

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 many times have selfishness ruined a friendship, polarized a workplace, ruined a celebration? Looking at one’s self-interest with disregard for the interest of others is a recipe for ruin where we die to a life Jesus modeled for us in obedience to the Father. When we feel alienated to humanity, over utterances to “I will not” in a heartfelt request to live in the vineyard of the Lord, the Father gives us time to reexamine our response. The iniquities of our youthful days of faith may produce cavalier attitudes where we speak before pondering the ramification of engagement faith asks us to undertake. Selfishness and immature faith also takes the stance of positive affirmation to assume responsibilities in the vineyard of the Lord, only to shrink from the task because we are too busy with personal agendas, lack of courage, a defeated attitude of why bother it won’t make a difference. Grounded in humbleness, the Lord guides us in His way so we can joyfully enter the Lord’s vineyard not just to hang out and chill but work to bring about the kingdom of God. With a humble attitude, we become teachable to learn the Lord’s path of truth. When humbleness replaces selfishness, we learn to look out not for our own interest but the interest of others for the Lord’s vineyard is not just for our solitary abode but a collective gathering for humanity’s common good.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 21:28-32
October 4th is Memorial of St Francis of Assisi.
How does St Francis help you envision the vineyard of the Lord as he embraced creation and challenged injustice in the Church and society? St Francis, Pray for us.

Family Reflection: Philippians 2:1-11
October 2nd is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
This week start the daily practice of praying to one’s Guardian Angels

Prayer: Prayer for Dismantling Racism Written by the Pax Christi Anti-Racism Team

Dear God, in our efforts to dismantle racism, we understand that we struggle not merely against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities – those institutions and systems that keep racism alive by perpetuating the lie that some members of the family are inferior and others superior.

Create in us a new mind and heart that will enable us to see brothers and sisters in the faces of those divided by racial categories.

Give us the grace and strength to rid ourselves of racial stereotypes that oppress some of us while providing entitlements to others.

Help us to create a Church and nation that embraces the hopes and fears of oppressed People of Color where we live, as well as those around the world.

Heal your family God, and make us one with you, in union with our brother Jesus, and empowered by your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Blogs to Visit:
http://marynow.wordpress.com/
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
http://idocst.wordpress.com/
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
https://smrep.wordpress.com/
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters

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

By Barb Born September 15, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 24, 2017

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Barb Born

September 24, 2017: Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

“…the spiritual life comes to be identified with a few religious exercises which can offer a certain comfort but which do not encourage encounter with others, engagement with the world or a passion for evangelization. As a result, one can observe in many agents of evangelization, even though they pray, a heightened individualism, a crisis of identity and a cooling of fervour. These are three evils which fuel one another. ” (78) Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The economy of law and grace turns men’s hearts away from avarice and envy. It initiates them into desire for the Sovereign Good; it instructs them in the desires of the Holy Spirit who satisfies man’s heart.
The God of the promises always warned man against seduction by what from the beginning has seemed “good for food . . . a delight to the eyes . . . to be desired to make one wise.” (2541)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Matthew 20:1-16
The essential characteristic of the lay faithful who work in the Lord’s vineyard (cf. Mt 20:1-16) is the secular nature of their Christian discipleship, which is carried out precisely in the world. “It belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will”[1139]. By Baptism, the laity are incorporated into Christ and are made participants in his life and mission according to their specific identity. “The term ‘laity’ is here understood to mean all the faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. That is, the faithful who, by Baptism are incorporated into Christ, are placed in the People of God and in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ, and to the best of their ability carry on the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world”. (541)

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

Look around for all the ways you can invite people to live the faith you treasure living in the vineyard of the Lord. Will you join me at Mass this Sunday evening? How about coming to hear a great speaker? Would you be interested dialoguing about the Bible in our Scripture study group? Our parish is hosting a beach clean up, want to help? Have you considered joining the vigil in support of immigrant rights? Would you like to help teach life skill classes to homeless women? I know you like chocolate, have you ever purchased fair trade chocolate to stand in solidarity with farmers so they receive a living wage? Look around your faith life and add a few more opportunities to offer someone an invitation. If people are left to wander in on their own accord, they might be standing outside of our churches pondering what faith means, how could it relate to my life, what are the real precepts, do I have a false reality of what it really is, should I make a leap of faith and check it out.

Our generosity of invitation can take peoples’ faith journey out of idleness into an experience of God’s generosity. For we have a faith rooted in God’s abundance that we should not question how we are called to share our belief. We must never forget Divine grace is limitless, for God is not stingy. He desires we come to his vineyard, even if it takes some awhile to find the location of Divine mercy rich in forgiveness and slow to anger. As the Lord is good to all and just in all His ways, we too should share the generosity we have received from laboring in the vineyard and invite others to join us, as we magnify Christ in our lives in a way worthy of His Gospel.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 20:1-16a

Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in inviting someone to join you on an aspect of your faith journey. A worship experience, learning experience, volunteer experience, advocacy experience or justice experience.

Family Reflection: Isaiah 55:6-9

Invite parishioners, family and friends to join in learning more about Share the Journey Campaign, a global initiative to journey with migrants, started by Pope Francis and includes Caritas, CRS and Catholic Charities :
https://justiceforimmigrants.org/webinars/webinarwednesday-share-journey-campaign/
English resource:
https://justiceforimmigrants.org/2016site/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Share-the-journey-info.pdf
Spanish resource
https://justiceforimmigrants.org/2016site/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Share-the-Journey_spanish.pdf

Prayer: Prayer after Communion for Twenty Fifth Week of Ordinary Time

Graciously raise up, O Lord, those you renew with this Sacrament, that we may come to possess your redemption both in mystery and in the manner of our life, Through Christ our Lord

***Reflect on “in mystery and in the manner of our life”***

Blogs to Visit:
http://marynow.wordpress.com/
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
http://idocst.wordpress.com/
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
https://smrep.wordpress.com/
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters

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

By Barb Born September 17, 2017 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 17, 2017

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Barb Born

September 17, 2017: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

“…Jesus of Nazareth makes the connection between solidarity and charity shine brightly before all, illuminating the entire meaning of this connection: “In the light of faith, solidarity seeks to go beyond itself, to take on the specifically Christian dimensions of total gratuity, forgiveness and reconciliation. One’s neighbour is then not only a human being with his or her own rights and a fundamental equality with everyone else, but becomes the living image of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and placed under the permanent action of the Holy Spirit. One’s neighbour must therefore be loved, even if an enemy, with the same love with which the Lord loves him or her;…” (196) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings
First Reading: Sirach 27: 30-28:7
Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The practice of all the virtues is animated and inspired by charity, which “binds everything together in perfect harmony”; it is the form of the virtues; it articulates and orders them among themselves; it is the source and the goal of their Christian practice. Charity upholds and purifies our human ability to love, and raises it to the supernatural perfection of divine love. (1827)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Romans 14:6-8

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 fulfilment. (325)

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 gives us the prerogative to demand more of others than God does? Why do we desire to yield such power and control? How can we believe we can handle hate? Reality fails to consume us…God is mercy.

We list to and fro, tacking port and starboard, not plowing forward through the rough seas of forgiveness. Instead we tend to focus on the outcome of a challenging situation perceivably solved by vengeance. To think we win all the while skidding around smearing hate. But in reality we only construct more impenetrable barriers , to take us further from God’s mercy, making it less conceivable for us to forgive as God forgives.

Forgiveness must not reign as platitudes, but bask in action. A process of engagement, not envisioned at distances beyond the range of sight. Literal steps dealing with concrete reality. Forgiveness requires a pliable heart lived in the world. A resolve to love as God loves to know resurrection continually unfolds across creation if we don’t act as mercy police.

Let us FORGIVE !
F= Frequently Seek ways to forgive more often than not
O=Offer Be an initiator of forgiveness
R= Resolve Seek resolution and dispel darkness to replace dissonance with consonance
G=Given Forgiveness is a gift to others and ourselves, so don’t practice forgiveness begrudgingly
I= In Define the attributes you associate with forgiveness
V=Virtuous Practice forgiveness with courage and trust in your moral precepts to respect the dignity of all people with love and mercy
E= Empathy Promote understanding by entering into the culture and feelings embedded in the forgiveness paradigm

Individual Reflection:Romans 14:7-9
September 20th is the Memorial of St Andrew Kim and Companions. He was the first native Korean priest in the 1800’s. Pray for peace on the Korean Peninsula this week and ask for St Andrew Kim’s intercession.

Family Reflection: Matthew 18:21-35
September 21st is the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. He was a despised person in his community until Jesus called him to be an Apostle. Talk about people you know in your life that have experienced a transformation through faith.

Prayer: Let us pray this day for people fleeing and experiencing natural disasters.

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

By Barb Born September 7, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 10, 2017

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Barb Born

September 10, 2017: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Times

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
“If we claim to be followers of Jesus, we cannot be mere fans or admirers. Rather, we have to take him at his word and do what he says…outlandish love is the hallmark of Christianity. Jesus challenges us to practice God’s own all-inclusive, all-embracing, unconditional love for the whole human race, not just because it is the only practical option, but because it is the way God relates to humanity. According to Jesus, God loves God’s enemies, and we should try to be like God.” The Questions of Jesus: Challenging Ourselves to Discover Life’s Great Answers, pp.56-7, Fr John Dear

Readings
First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm: 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction; it is benevolence; it fosters reciprocity and remains disinterested and generous; it is friendship and communion: Love is itself the fulfillment of all our works. There is the goal; that is why we run: we run toward it, and once we reach it, in it we shall find rest. (1829)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Matthew 18:20
God, in Christ, redeems not only the individual person but also the social relations existing between men. As the Apostle Paul teaches, life in Christ makes the human person’s identity and social sense — with their concrete consequences on the historical and social planes — emerge fully and in a new manner: “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ” (Gal 3:26-28). In this perspective, Church communities, brought together by the message of Jesus Christ and gathered in the Holy Spirit round the Risen Lord (cf. Mt 18:20, 28:19-20; Lk 24:46-49), offer themselves as places of communion, witness and mission, and as catalysts for the redemption and transformation of social relationships. (52)

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 mercy and justice of God’s words should never harden our hearts, but only desire to expose them to more of His providential character. Faith, infused with grace, prevents us from giving credence to “wicked ways”of today by remaining silent in our words and actions. We don’t need to act as theology police writing tickets of dismissal to those jawing contrary to God’s ways. But out of compassion establish dialogue to inquire why, how come, what leads you to act with that demeanor, talk with such jargon. For listening gives us insights as to why people think, act and speak like they do. A platform for you to acknowledge where they are and share in a positive way how your perspective might differ. Building a bridge of common ground, shared experiences but also expressing why you feel and believe as you do. This approach grounds itself in love. Love of God and His ways and love for another person to take the time and interest to listen. Love that will inflict no vengeance and only desire goodness to prevail. At times dialogue requires moving beyond one on one to collectively exchange thoughts two or three exponentially. Not to gang up on another viewpoint, but again grounded in love ask questions and listen. By allowing another to express their opinions, verbalize the thought process how often they come to realize a glitch in their logic, missing a piece to the puzzle of life and so often that is God. Forceful rhetoric never allows dialogue to happen, as the response resorts to hunker down and defend one’s position. Joy of faith and life vanishes. To dialogue expresses our humbleness before God and others, to kneel out of reverence to the Divine and respect all members of His creation. We are part of the flock He guides, moving, flowing, not a pillar embedded deep into the earth, unmovable lacking the potential to reach out and touch another, to turn and keenly gaze in another direction to understand the path another has journeyed. As we see God’s works and wonder, why would we rebel and harden our hearts as to wander selfishly, placing ourselves in a parched desert and cease the immense responsibility and reward of loving God, neighbor and ultimately ourselves.

Individual Reflection:
September 15th is Our Lady of Sorrows. How do the seven sorrows Mary endured reflect challenges we face in society today.

Family Reflection:
September 12th is the Most Holy Name of Mary. Discuss the sacredness of her name. Also talk about the names of each family member; meaning, significance, why the name was chosen

Prayer: St Bonaventure to Our Lady of Sorrows
O most holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and the death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object: Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen.

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

By Barb Born August 30, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 3, 2017

Posted on August 26, 2017 by Barb Born

September 3, 2017: Twenty second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

“Some of you said: this system can no longer be endured. We must change it; we must put human dignity again at the center and on that pillar build the alternative social structures we need. It must be done with courage, but also with intelligence, with tenacity but without fanaticism, with passion but without violence. And among us all, addressing the conflicts without being trapped in them, always seeking to resolve the tensions to reach a higher plane of unity, peace and justice.”
Pope Francis, October 28, 2014
From: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/index.cfm

Readings
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm: 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: Roans 12:1-2
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods. “Let the proud seek and love earthly kingdoms, but blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow. Trust in God is a preparation for the blessedness of the poor. They shall see God.(2547)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Twenty second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Reflection

Without God, our lives lack living water, leaving us lifeless and parched. Lifeless without vitality to live life with purpose. Parched like earth cracking, peeling back to let life flow through but unable to return goodness. Our thirsting for God emulates in our soul, the deepest longings unattainable, unanswerable from compilation of material possessions. The searching leads to an uncontainable font of God’s power and glory manifest as mercy, a balm to sooth our yearnings. The richness of a banquet with definable choices our soul clings to with praise. For God provides in abundance the way we feel His presence, see His face to know we are loved beyond a quantifiable sum. But how often do we become an obstacle to ourselves embracing God, while God never tires of embracing us. Do we trifle with obsession over culture wars, the nuances of the day in fashion, music or hairstyles instead of gravitating to renew our minds so we are holy and pleasing to God? Then we can live in the world with kindness and mercy instead of revealing in disdain by building walls of division over this age’s culture to sever paths of dialogue. For to discern the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect abandons hate for love, neglect for compassion, absolutes for mercy and vengeance for peace. The filter of rational cerebral thinking moves to allow God to open the eyes of our heart. A place where we know the essence of hope implicit in our call to no longer live our lives without God. Where we lose our life as we thought it should be formatted to surrender into the Lord’s way, we experience the paradox of finding our life. Jesus found that by surrendering into the Father by way of the cross, we too have a cross to carry. If it seems heavy, awkward, a stigma, the wood has splinters, it’s not perfect since the wood is cracked, we must ask ourselves are we living without allowing God to fashion, view our cross while we are parched and lifeless in disbelief or do we live with the Lord’s promise that He will come with His angles and Father’s glory to repay everyone according to their conduct? So what seemed like a cost of serving God, acting justly, caring mercifully, costs us nothing eternally, for we will be repaid . And we know in God’s generosity that means being repaid awesomely beyond belief.

Individual Reflection: Romans 12:1-2
As our Church reflects on the Day Prayer for Peace and of Racial Justice in Our Communities, what can you do to encourage dialogue about racial injustice at your parish and broader community? https://togoforth.org/2016/08/18/5-ways-you-can-cultivate-peace-and-work-for-racial-justice/
How can the example of St Peter Claver (His feast day is September 9th) help us to cease racial strife and renew our minds with what is good, pleasing and perfect to direct our actions in respect for all people as children of God?

Family Reflection: Matthew 16:21-27
In this season of creation what will your family do to better care for God’s creation? How will you encourage your parish to better understand that caring for God’s creation is a precept of our face? Help support your parish to include this insert in your parish bulletin and post on the parish website:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/upload/WDPCC-Bulletin-Insert-Final.pdf
Offer to lead the after Mass prayer opportunity each week to celebrate this season:
http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/resource/finding-god-in-the-wilderness-season-of-creation-prayer-service-series-2017

Prayer:
PRAYER FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Let us pray . . .
O Lord our God, in your mercy and kindness, no thought of ours is left unnoticed, no desire or
concern ignored.
You have proven that blessings abound when we fall on our knees in prayer,
and so we turn to you in our hour of need.
Surrounded by violence and
cries for justice, we hear your voice telling us what is
required . . .
“Only to do justice and to love goodness,
and to walk humbly with your God” (Mi 6:8).
Fill us with your mercy so that we, in turn, may be merciful to others.
Strip away pride, suspicion, and racism
so that we may seek peace and justice in our
communities.
Strengthen our hearts so that they beat only to the rhythm of your holy will.
Flood our path with your light as we walk humbly toward a future
filled with encounter and unity.
Be with us, O Lord, in our efforts, for only by the prompting of your grace
can we progress toward virtue.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/16-056-prayer-for-peace-prayer-card.pdf

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

By Barb Born August 26, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty first Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 27, 2017

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Barb Born

August 27, 2017: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
The new relationships of interdependence between individuals and peoples, which are de facto forms of solidarity, have to be transformed into relationships tending towards genuine ethical-social solidarity. This is a moral requirement inherent within all human relationships. Solidarity is seen therefore under two complementary aspects: that of a social principle and that of a moral virtue.

Solidarity must be seen above all in its value as a moral virtue that determines the order of institutions. On the basis of this principle the “structures of sin”that dominate relationships between individuals and peoples must be overcome. They must be purified and transformed into structures of solidarity through the creation or appropriate modification of laws, market regulations, and juridical systems.

Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue, not a “feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all”. Solidarity rises to the rank of fundamental social virtue since it places itself in the sphere of justice. It is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good, and is found in “a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour with the readiness, in the Gospel sense, to ‘lose oneself’ for the sake of the other instead of exploiting him, and to ‘serve him’ instead of oppressing him for one’s own advantage (cf. Mt 10:40-42, 20:25; Mk 10:42-45; Lk 22:25-27)”. (193)

Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm: 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the “rock” of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. “The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head.”401 This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church’s very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope. (881)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Reflection
Jesus did not appoint a leader with a Pharisee mentality, clerical rigidity or a person with more letters after their name from advanced degrees than in their given name. Peter, a fisherman, a man used to getting his hands dirty with physical labor. Mary Magdalene appointed to announce the resurrection to humanity, amidst her past challenges, but her heart maintained fidelity to the Lord at the foot of the cross and seeking the Lord at the tomb while others hid in fear. People that others might describe as “characters”, Jesus appointed to lead, preach and share the Good New.

Who leads at your parish today? Are they going through the motion of offering sacramental grace without heart felt compassion, more concerned with rubrics than reality of the good the Good News could impart in the world? Do attempts by people at the parish to get their hands dirty by addressing social concerns in the community get rebuffed by disdained opposition prioritizing their perceived holy endeavors to the exclusion of all the Good News the Church has stockpiled in centuries of tradition?

Where does preaching the Good News by ALL members of the faith community cease to be a reality? Women denied access to the altar, people excluded from educational opportunity, the young told to wait in line for their turn and time, people of color underrepresented to share their experiences, the homeless excluded for carrying too much baggage literally and figuratively. Have more people been excluded than included? Does grabbing the air, never grasping the brass ring on a carousel provide a metaphor of the reality faced by voices excluded in our Church?

In faith the reciprocity of giving thanks to God because of His kindness and truth builds up strength within us. Affirming kindness and truth, a blessing we receive in faith and gift in our lives to others by our forthrightness and generosity of speech and actions. A process building up strength within us for we can’t waiver with dual persona to fit the moment but rest steadfast in the bedrock of fidelity to the Divine paradigm. May this strength bolster the courage for voices silenced from preaching the Good News in our Church to dismantle walls of exclusivity harboring special interests that sequester God’s mercy for a few deemed worthy only in human eyes.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 16:13-20
Be a leader in your community and parish. Start a petition drive to address a need, the invisible or an injustice. Offer a positive solution and be willing to help initiate the change, just don’t complain!

Family Reflection: Isaiah 22:19-23
Does you family place more honor towards your individual family than the human family? Discuss this question during the week to look at ways to emphasize the importance of your personal family and stand in solidarity with the human family.

Prayer: Collect for the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts maybe fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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

By Barb Born August 21, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 20, 2017

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Barb Born

August 20, 2017: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity…. As violence swirls in our world…
In biblical revelation, peace is much more than the simple absence of war; it represents the fullness of life (cf. Mal 2:5). Far from being the work of human hands, it is one of the greatest gifts that God offers to all men and women, and it involves obedience to the divine plan. Peace is the effect of the blessing that God bestows upon his people: “The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Num 6:26). This peace produces fruitfulness (Is 48:19), well-being (cf. Is 48:18), prosperity (cf. Is 54:13), absence of fear (cf. Lev 26:6) and profound joy (cf. Pr 12:20). (489) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Psalm: 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

Catechism of the Catholic Church
Just as Jesus prays to the Father and gives thanks before receiving his gifts, so he teaches us filial boldness: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.”66 Such is the power of prayer and of faith that does not doubt: “all things are possible to him who believes.”67 Jesus is as saddened by the “lack of faith” of his own neighbors and the “little faith” of his own disciples68 as he is struck with admiration at the great faith of the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman. (2610)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Reflection

The Lord says welcome all who keep the sabbath free from profanation, keep his covenant. He will bring them to his holy mountain and make joyful in his house of prayer. Their offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on his altar. For the Lord this includes foreigners who love the name of the Lord and become his servants. Do we do likewise in our parishes? Or do we relegate immigrant parishioners to mass in their native language at the least convenient times, not welcome all in established ministries, lack the patience to work thru language barriers, exploit the generosity of tamales, egg rolls and papusas for parish events, yet those whose hands made them are bystanders and are a diversity of people young to old, financially challenged to financially astute and ethnicities given seats for a voice on parish councils or just a token representation?

If we believe in God, why are we afraid to welcome as God welcomes, to observe what is right and do what is just? For God’s face shines on all of us with equity, not partiality to the ends of the earth. Jesus acknowledged the faith of a Canaanite woman, people despised in Hebrew communities, to heal her daughter at the hour of her request. Do we take time to know people of different cultures, of their faith journey, their spiritual practices to let their witness enrich our faith? Will we encourage our parishes to come together more frequently for liturgy, to listen to a diversity of cultural music and customs? Or do we prefer the mundane, “our way of doing things?”

The Lord said his house is a house of prayer for ALL people. Shall we look around the house of the Lord we attend and see if ALL people are welcome to pray? The immigrant, the homeless, all cultures, people that are seeking God, people of other faith traditions, people seeking sacraments of initiation for their children, people in irregular marriages, people that dress casually, people that like upbeat music and clap their hands and think chant is an exotic ringtone on their cell phone, the vitality of noisy children……How long the list could be !!! God’s house is big enough to welcome all, but do our parishes check “official Catholic” ids at the door, screen out unwanted members instead of accompanying them where they are, denying sacraments, except to the perceived holy. Are pressures of orthodoxy rendering parishes more like TSA checkpoints, where people are denied putting their feet on holy ground? Or will we openly, cheerfully, joyfully and lovingly welcome all people walking in the doors of our parishes for liturgy and ministry?

Individual Reflection: Matthew 15:21-28
How can you contribute to making your parish more welcoming and inclusive to all people coming to the Lord’s house?

Family Reflection: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Attend Mass this coming Sunday in a language other than your native language.

Prayer: Collect for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
O God, who have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that loving you in all things and above all things, we may obtain your promises, which surpass every human desire, Through or Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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

By Barb Born August 12, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

peaceonjustice

Lectionary reflections related to Catholic Social Teaching

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