Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 22, 2018

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Barb Born

April 22, 2018: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for Creation on this Earth Day

The biblical message and the Church’s Magisterium represent the essential reference points for evaluating the problems found in the relationship between man and the environment.The underlying cause of these problems can be seen in man’s pretension of exercising unconditional dominion over things, heedless of any moral considerations which, on the contrary, must distinguish all human activity.

The tendency towards an “ill-considered” exploitation of the resources of creation is the result of a long historical and cultural process. “The modern era has witnessed man’s growing capacity for transformative intervention. The aspect of the conquest and exploitation of resources has become predominant and invasive, and today it has even reached the point of threatening the environment’s hospitable aspect: the environment as ‘resource’ risks threatening the environment as ‘home’. Because of the powerful means of transformation offered by technological civilization, it sometimes seems that the balance between man and the environment has reached a critical point”. (461) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:8-12
Psalm: 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
Second Reading: 1st John 3:1-2
Gospel: John 10:11-18

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Jesus entrusted a specific authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The “power of the keys” designates authority to govern the house of God, which is the Church. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, confirmed this mandate after his Resurrection: “Feed my sheep.” The power to “bind and loose” connotes the authority to absolve sins, to pronounce doctrinal judgments, and to make disciplinary decisions in the Church. Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the apostles and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one to whom he specifically entrusted the keys of the kingdom. (553) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Fourth Sunday of Easter Cycle B

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

Reflection
Do you do good to puff up your ego or because it is WWJD and followed by the lineage of believers? If is it is a resolve from various egotistical nuances of our lives, we have minimal ways to anchor our action or have it rooted in the name of Jesus. All the name of Jesus entails, the youth from Nazareth, crucified, God raised him on the third day and has the power to heal even today. Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church, our faith and should be the cornerstone of why we do good, the solid firm foundation anchoring our deeds of charity, mercy and justice. We cannot let Jesus’ rejection by his own people and chastisement of his justice even to this day detract from our attachment to the Lord. By our thanksgiving, we proclaim he is good, his mercy. endures forever, for we know it is better to take refuge in the Lord than trust in man, nationalistic or spiritual princes corrupted by status, power, prestige or love of money.

Most of us are city folk, never set foot on a farm or field, never attended to an animal except our dog, cat or goldfish. So how do we understand the reality and mindset of a shepherd Jesus metaphorically emulates? Not just any shepherd, but the Good Shepherd. Beyond a job description laden with responsibility easily denied in the face of challenging situations wrought with self-preservation, the Good Shepherd models for us in contemporary thought people before profits. Creating compassionate care for the whole person, secure environs in psychological and spiritual realms, so wolves preying on human weakness find strength and courage prevail to muster solidarity in Jesus’ name instead of scattering to realms of isolation and despair. The Lord’s patience embraces spiritual sheep, every human person, even thought they might appear distanced from the flock, for the voice of Jesus audible in inaudible tones penetrates through time to the heart. A proclamation by the Good Shepherd with his actions striving for unity of one flock, all humanity. By our doing good, not for our own profit, benefit or self-edification, but in Jesus’ name we acclaim the Good Shepherd by modeling his example of service.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
Learn about the global Catholic climate movement and encourage your diocese to get involved:
http://catholicclimatemovement.global/earth-day-2018/

Family Reflection: Acts 4:8-12
Learn about your carbon footprint and ways to reduce your impact on climate change at the Catholic Climate Covenant website:
http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/reduce-your-carbon-footprint

Prayer: Laudato Si introductory paragraph…How will offer praise in thanksgiving for creation this Earth Day?

“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.

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

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

By Barb Born April 17, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Third Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 15, 2018

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Barb Born

April 15, 2018: Third Sunday of Easter

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity and Care for God’s Creation

***Prepare to celebrate Earth Day next Sunday***

When we speak of the “environment”, what we really mean is a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it. Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it. Recognizing the reasons why a given area is polluted requires a study of the workings of society, its economy, its behaviour patterns, and the ways it grasps reality. Given the scale of change, it is no longer possible to find a specific, discrete answer for each part of the problem. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems. We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature. (139) Laudato Si

Readings
First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Psalm: 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Second Reading: 1st John 2:1-5a
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Catechism of the Catholic Church

He who believes in Christ becomes a son of God. This filial adoption transforms him by giving him the ability to follow the example of Christ. It makes him capable of acting rightly and doing good. In union with his Savior, the disciple attains the perfection of charity which is holiness. Having matured in grace, the moral life blossoms into eternal life in the glory of heaven. (1709)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Luke 24: 36
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)

Luke 24:46-49
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

Do we question Jesus is expiation for not only our sins, but those of the whole world? The atonement offered for all inequities in every conceivable corner of the globe to potentially radiate joy on a vast milieu of faces. Goodness acclaimed not in frozen inaction of “thou shall not” but articulating commandments in the world by the anthesis of opening to perform blessings on humanity and oneself. A process of utilizing our creativity inspired by the Holy Spirit to manifest the positive power of the commandments to initiating goodness, respecting the sacredness of God’s creation, living and inert. Much more than knowing of or about Jesus and failing to act to act on concepts embedded in the commandments. Inaction boldly exclaims the lack of one’s understanding of truth Jesus proclaimed. For grasping and grappling with truth only manifests in love. A love embedded in living each stanza of the commandments initially written on stone and ultimately the truth Jesus offered on the cross to love God with all our heart and our neighbor as our self. But do we let ignorance get in the way of this love? Ignorance on our part to ask God for senseless demands that only perpetuate worldly injustice? Or like blind sheep following earthly leaders exclaiming holy glory while aligned with voices fostering divisiveness and fear. An unfathomable prerogative to a Savior who looks upon salvation for the whole world. So a reviling thought to look at salvation for only the spiritual elite, as the Lord’s face doesn’t shine on me, I, but us, all of us. Hearing our prayers in a collective stanza of humanity’s needs wrought with passion and security. A peaceful place to fall into the serene Divine embrace. Once we experience that reality, we can only retell the story as we journey the road of life and partaking of the broken, shared road of life. For there the Lord is with a greeting of peace proclaimed by the prophets, written in the Scriptures, fulfilled in the Passion. A peace that opens our minds beyond robotic obedience, where the love of God becomes truly perfected in one’s life. An acknowledgement of repentance and conversion that sins do not define one’s identity but wiped away we experience Divine filiation as a witness of Divine love.

Individual Reflection: Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Read Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, Rejoice and Be Glad
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html
Share the document with five people and ask a link be placed in your parish bulletin and website.

Family Reflection:
Show your family’s commitment to care for God’s creation as a precept of faith. As a family, ask to read a stanza of Laudato Si before mass on Earth Day, April 22nd. Paragraphs 159 and 160 would make a meaningful reflection for the family to present:
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
The notion of the common good also extends to future generations. The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us. We can no longer speak of sustainable development apart from intergenerational solidarity. Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others. Since the world has been given to us, we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us. The Portuguese bishops have called upon us to acknowledge this obligation of justice: “The environment is part of a logic of receptivity. It is on loan to each generation, which must then hand it on to the next”. An integral ecology is marked by this broader vision.

What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up? This question not only concerns the environment in isolation; the issue cannot be approached piecemeal. When we ask ourselves what kind of world we want to leave behind, we think in the first place of its general direction, its meaning and its values. Unless we struggle with these deeper issues, I do not believe that our concern for ecology will produce significant results. But if these issues are courageously faced, we are led inexorably to ask other pointed questions: What is the purpose of our life in this world? Why are we here? What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? What need does the earth have of us? It is no longer enough, then, simply to state that we should be concerned for future generations. We need to see that what is at stake is our own dignity. Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us. The issue is one which dramatically affects us, for it has to do with the ultimate meaning of our earthly sojourn.

Prayer: Prepare to celebrate Earth Day next Sunday

A Christian prayer in union with creation from Laudato Si

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!

Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.

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

By Barb Born April 12, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Divine Mercy Sunday Second Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 8, 2018

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Barb Born

April 8, 2018: Divine Mercy Sunday Second Sunday of Easter

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God’s Creation

Serious ecological problems call for an effective change of mentality leading to the adoption of new lifestyles, “in which the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others for the sake of the common good are the factors that determine consumer choices, savings and investments”. These lifestyles should be inspired by sobriety, temperance, and self-discipline at both the individual and social levels. There is a need to break with the logic of mere consumption and promote forms of agricultural and industrial production that respect the order of creation and satisfy the basic human needs of all. These attitudes, sustained by a renewed awareness of the interdependence of all the inhabitants of the earth, will contribute to eliminating the numerous causes of ecological disasters as well as guaranteeing the ability to respond quickly when such disasters strike peoples and territories.The ecological question must not be faced solely because of the frightening prospects that environmental destruction represents; rather it must above all become a strong motivation for an authentic solidarity of worldwide dimensions. (486) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Psalm: 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1st John 5:1-6
Gospel: John 20:19-31 (Cycles A, B and C)

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in him. From the beginning, the first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Christ: “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”‘ It And they invite people of every era to enter into the joy of their communion with Christ:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us- that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. (425) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction Divine Mercy Sunday Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

John 20:19, 21, 26

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.

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

Faith is transmission of love. Love from the Father to the Son. Love from the Son to those who believe. Love of believers to keep the commandments offering light and hope in the world. A chain of love never unbroken by the Divine, a gift for us to live and share. For love exists not as a concrete fact, but ever present manifestation of everlasting belief.

Jesus desires us to experience that love even when we doubt, for He returned to Thomas. With Jesus, His love is persistent without being pestering. He desires not to be a nuisance, but nudges us to surrender into Divine embrace. Something so powerful, we only deny it with our freewill stubbornness listing us away.

Divine love manifests strength and courage. The strength of love to overcome discord, remedy sorrow, affirm mission and purpose hope. Love and courage may seem at opposite perimeters of the spectrum, but courage rises out of love to remedy deficits of communication, injustice and despair.

We can close doors all around us to communication, dialogue, support mainly out of fear of unknown possibilities. Sitting amidst our closed doors Jesus offers us peace. The courage to get out of our chair, grasp the door handle to at least take a peek into the ocean of mercy awaiting us when we step out of our isolation into sharing faith with love in action. A faith realizing we own nothing and what we think we possess is really God’s. If we live with one heart and mind in union with the Father, we should only use resources we need not lavishing for desires. For that witnesses to the resurrection of the Lord, if we share justly and equitably not selfishly.

What signs and presence of Jesus have you seen in your life, even today, that gives you life? How will you write those experiences literally and figuratively in the world that you and others may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? An act of faith to continue the manifestation of the transmission of Divine love.

Individual Reflection: John 20:19-31
What doors do you need to open in your life of faith?

Family Reflection: 1st John 5:1-6
Register your acts of kindness to honor the memory of Dr Martin Luther King Jr:
http://www.mlk50forward.org/love-for-humanity-50-acts-of-service-or-kindness-campaign/

Prayer: The Divine Mercy Chaplet in song
https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0919C1NU

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

By Barb Born April 3, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Lectionary Reflection April 1, 2018

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Barb Born

April 1, 2018: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Read Pope Francis’ Easter 2017 message:
https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/urbi/documents/papa-francesco_20170416_urbi-et-orbi-pasqua.html

Readings
First Reading: Its 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm: 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1st Corinthians 5:6b-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life. This new life is above all justification that reinstates us in God’s grace, “so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Justification consists in both victory over the death caused by sin and a new participation in grace. It brings about filial adoption so that men become Christ’s brethren, as Jesus himself called his disciples after his Resurrection: “Go and tell my brethren.” We are brethren not by nature, but by the gift of grace, because that adoptive filiation gains us a real share in the life of the only Son, which was fully revealed in his Resurrection. (654) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Cycles A, B and C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

John 20: 19, 21, 26

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[281]. The Incarnation of the Son of God shows the equality of all people with regard to dignity: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28; cf. Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13, Col 3:11).

Since something of the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity of man before other men[282]. Moreover, this is the ultimate foundation of the radical equality and brotherhood among all people, regardless of their race, nation, sex, origin, culture, or class. (144)

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

Communication unfolded the Resurrection. Expression of silent cues and verbal acclamations. A stone displaced, burial clothes not in use, neatly rolled up. Mary of Magdala arriving before the light of day, noticing the absence of the Lord conveyed to Peter and all disciples that will ever live the proclamation of Easter morning. All aspects of the narrative woven in communication, leading to belief. Entering the tomb or gazing in the shadows different experiences, the same reality.

How does belief roll away stones entombing, sheltering our lives from the reality of the Resurrection? Will we communicate the experience to accentuate rising to the call of Gospel living on all facets, not just our comfort zone precepts or trumpet call causes? Will we live as people not buried with the burden of personal holiness, but alive with action, communicating the positive, attentive, inclusive narrative of Jesus by our actions?

As we celebrate this Easter, may we realize and live with the awareness that women were not an afterthought in Jesus’ ministry, but integral, supportive and initial proclaimer of the Resurrection. Let us communicate that reality of our tradition as an Easter blessing to the realm of faith. Let us communicate with dialogue how the full inclusion of women and their gifts of the Holy Spirit could more fully proclaim the message of the Resurrection in our world today, so women’s gift are not sinfully wasted by patriarchal pridefulness. Jesus portrayed inclusion and we should model his directives inherent in the early tradition of the Church.

Crosses adorn our churches molded of metal, finely hewn wood, but the Easter Sunday reading from Acts expresses Jesus was put to death by hanging him on a tree. Do we idolize pristine crosses that translate to communicating faith we craft into neat confines, burring away jagged edges, challenging barbed edges that could prick our conscience to not live by the letter of the law but only embraced by love? Must we communicate verbally and non-verbally more about the splinters on the gnarly, weathered tree instead of the obvious trunk?

And by all means let us communicate the Resurrection with rejoicing and gladness. For if we are somber, frowning, unwelcoming, non-inclusive, judgmental, unworthily acting disciples with malice towards the “other” do we even communicate that the Resurrection even happened, we are forgiven and are to live with love? This is the day the Lord has made for us to communicate the Resurrection— Wow !!! A time to rejoice, be glad and everyday of our lives communicate that gift with sincerity and truth.

Individual Reflection: 1st Corinthians 5:6b-8
Stand in solidarity for refugees and migrants so their lives may have an essence of resurrection:
https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/poverty-and-migrant-refugees/
Share the link with ten friends and ask it be placed in your parish bulletin and website.

Family Reflection: John 20:1-9
Research the many cultural and religious influences on the word Easter to define the day of Jesus’ Resurrection? Why does the date for Easter vary from year to year?

Prayer:
Reflect on the word Alleluia, a word that returned on Easter but was missing from our liturgies for the Lenten season : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY38dM9ASaU

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

By Barb Born March 28, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Lectionary Reflection March 25, 2018

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Barb Born

March 25, 2018: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters. This option entails recognizing the implications of the universal destination of the world’s goods, but, as I mentioned in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, It demands before all else an appreciation of the immense dignity of the poor in the light of our deepest convictions as believers. We need only look around us to see that, today, this option is in fact an ethical imperative essential for effectively attaining the common good. (158) Laudato Si, Pope Francis

Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Psalm: 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Mark 14:1-15:47

Catechism of the Catholic Church
How will Jerusalem welcome her Messiah? Although Jesus had always refused popular attempts to make him king, he chooses the time and prepares the details for his messianic entry into the city of “his father David”. Acclaimed as son of David, as the one who brings salvation (Hosanna means “Save!” or “Give salvation!”), the “King of glory” enters his City “riding on an ass”. Jesus conquers the Daughter of Zion, a figure of his Church, neither by ruse nor by violence, but by the humility that bears witness to the truth.310 And so the subjects of his kingdom on that day are children and God’s poor, who acclaim him as had the angels when they announced him to the shepherds. Their acclamation, “Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord”, is taken up by the Church in the “Sanctus” of the Eucharistic liturgy that introduces the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. (559)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, Cycles A, B and C

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Mark 14:7

Human misery is a clear sign of man’s natural condition of frailty and of his need for salvation Christ the Saviour showed compassion in this regard, identifying himself with the “least” among men (cf. Mt 25:40,45). “It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones. When ‘the poor have the good news preached to them’ (Mt 11:5), it is a sign of Christ’s presence”.

Jesus says: “You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me” (Mt 26:11; cf. Mk 14:7; Jn 12:8). He makes this statement not to contrast the attention due to him with service of the poor. Christian realism, while appreciating on the one hand the praiseworthy efforts being made to defeat poverty, is cautious on the other hand regarding ideological positions and Messianistic beliefs that sustain the illusion that it is possible to eliminate the problem of poverty completely from this world. This will happen only upon Christ’s return, when he will be with us once more, for ever. In the meantime, the poor remain entrusted to us and it is this responsibility upon which we shall be judged at the end of time (cf. Mt 25:31-46): “Our Lord warns us that we shall be separated from him if we fail to meet the serious needs of the poor and the little ones who are his brethren”. (183)

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

The Palm Sunday narrative concludes with the stone rolled across the entrance of the tomb while Mary and Mary Magdalene watched the apparent finality. Two women mentioned. How many others peering from afar? The discourse not a cliff hanger but a silent reminder of power structures thinking they have the last word. Fourteen steps of betrayal woven with tenderness. If we could pause the action and enter the story how would we see ourselves reacting to the course of events? Can we enter the struggles of injustice in our world today? Are we in or out of the picture?

This Holy Week will we rush through ignoring the intricacies, refusing to enter the silence, more concerned with the lavishness of Easter dinner instead of the starkness of the cross? How can we take the journey of Holy Week and not leave it behind when the sun rises on Easter morning? For by ignoring the overcome of betrayal, defusing earthly power that thinks they control everything by their dictates or decrees, we forsake the message of the Resurrection. May living the Paschal Mystery of Holy Week give us voice from pausing to hear. Our faces like flint not cold, chilled to the world around us, but prophetic in our attributes. Resulting in a well trained tongue to comfort, inspire and rouse the weary from our time well spent in absorbing the Mystery with ears open to hear and hearts tamed from rebellion against God.

Individual Reflection: Isaiah 50:4-7
Thank you Mary Martin for sharing this resource from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

Four weeks of Prayer from Water Day to Earth DayENG

Family Reflection: Mark 14:1-15:47
As a family, spend 15 minutes in silence each day this week

Prayer: Watch the Art and Faith video for Palm Sunday Cycle B
https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/lent/arts-and-faith-for-lent/cycle-b/arts-and-faith-palm-sunday-cycle-b

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

By Barb Born March 21, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fifth Sunday of Lent Lectionary Reflection March 18, 2018

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Barb Born

March 18, 2018: Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Readings Cycle B
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm: 51: 3-4, 12-13, 134-15
Second Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel: John 12:20-33

Cycle A readings may replace the Cycle B readings for this Sunday. Cycle A readings are used at liturgies with the third scrutiny for those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The desire to embrace his Father’s plan of redeeming love inspired Jesus’ whole life, for his redemptive passion was the very reason for his Incarnation. And so he asked, “And what shallI say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.” And again, “Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” From the cross, just before “It is finished”, he said, “I thirst.” (607) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Those who recognize their own poverty before God, regardless of their situation in life, receive particular attention from him: when the poor man seeks, the Lord answers; when he cries out, the Lord listens. The divine promises are addressed to the poor: they will be heirs to the Covenant between God and his people. God’s saving intervention will come about through a new David (cf. Ezek 34:22-31), who like King David — only more so — will be defender of the poor and promoter of justice; he will establish a new covenant and will write a new law in the hearts of believers (cf. Jer 31:31-34).

When sought or accepted with a religious attitude, poverty opens one to recognizing and accepting the order of creation. In this perspective, the “rich man” is the one who places his trust in his possessions rather than in God, he is the man who makes himself strong by the works of his own hands and trusts only in his own strength. Poverty takes on the status of a moral value when it becomes an attitude of humble availability and openness to God, of trust in him. This attitude makes it possible for people to recognize the relativity of economic goods and to treat them as divine gifts to be administered and shared, because God is the first owner of all goods. (324)

Jeremiah 31:33

The precepts of the sabbatical and jubilee years constitute a kind of social doctrine in miniature. They show how the principles of justice and social solidarity are inspired by the gratuitousness of the salvific event wrought by God, and that they do not have a merely corrective value for practices dominated by selfish interests and objectives, but must rather become, as a prophecy of the future, the normative points of reference to which every generation in Israel must conform if it wishes to be faithful to its God.

These principles become the focus of the Prophets’ preaching, which seeks to internalize them. God’s Spirit, poured into the human heart — the Prophets proclaim — will make these same sentiments of justice and solidarity, which reside in the Lord’s heart, take root in you (cf. Jer 31:33 and Ezek 36:26-27). Then God’s will, articulated in the Decalogue given on Sinai, will be able to take root creatively in man’s innermost being. This process of internalization gives rise to greater depth and realism in social action, making possible the progressive universalization of attitudes of justice and solidarity, which the people of the Covenant are called to have towards all men and women of every people and nation. (25)

Psalm 51:4

See Catholic Social Teaching theme for the week and Family Reflection action

John 12:24

When — concerning areas or realities that involve fundamental ethical duties — legislative or political choices contrary to Christian principles and values are proposed or made, the Magisterium teaches that “a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political programme or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals. In cases where it is not possible to avoid the implementation of such political programmes or to block or abrogate such laws, the Magisterium teaches that a parliamentary representative, whose personal absolute opposition to these programmes or laws is clear and known to all, may legitimately support proposals aimed at limiting the damage caused by such programmes or laws and at diminishing their negative effects on the level of culture and public morality. In this regard, a typical example of such a case would be a law permitting abortion. The representative’s vote, in any case, cannot be interpreted as support of an unjust law but only as a contribution to reducing the negative consequences of a legislative provision, the responsibility for which lies entirely with those who have brought it into being.

Faced with the many situations involving fundamental and indispensable moral duties, it must be remembered that Christian witness is to be considered a fundamental obligation that can even lead to the sacrificing of one’s life, to martyrdom in the name of love and human dignity The history of the past twenty centuries, as well as that of the last century, is filled with martyrs for Christian truth, witnesses to the faith, hope and love founded on the Gospel. Martyrdom is the witness of one who has been personally conformed to Jesus crucified, expressed in the supreme form of shedding one’s blood according to the teaching of the Gospel: if “a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies … it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). (570)

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
Covenants written on paper, etched in stone may appear as impressive documents, articulating decrees, signifying stipulations and rights. But how easily they can become nullified, torn into shreds, cracked with the blow of a hammer into unintelligible phrases. God gave it a try with stone tablets after graciously leading the chosen people out of the land of Egypt, but the people did not respect the covenant. Instead they mocked the Divine design with whining, preoccupation with personal needs. To counter the lacking bonds of a written covenant, God transformed the covenant experience to a personal heartfelt expression. Something that could not be taught to the letter of the law rendering only light or dark dichotomies, but expressing the tenderness of mercy opening hearts to see God’s desire of accompaniment for His people. A covenant not based on intellectual philosophizing grasped by the learned few, but open to all people from the least to the greatest to know the Lord. A covenant manifest in Jesus to move beyond the baptism of repentance harkened by John to the baptism of forgiveness where sin is remembered no more to render a clean heart. What will we do with the compassion shown to us by God? How will we express the joy of salvation that can only be written upon our heart? No longer are we slaves to the covenant of the law, unattainable in the foibles of human weakness, but servants. Dyeing to selfish desires, leaving behind temporary pleasure in understanding the eternal design rooted in a loving Creator who asks us to produce much fruit in believing the purpose of life is greater than our finite action. A realization of understanding God harkens us to engage in the world by the spirit of multiplication. For as we give what God has written on our hearts that blessing flows to others which they share exponentially. Following Jesus means not just in rhetorical exclamations but serving by acting on what has been written on our hearts, for He desire to draw not just a few or the pious, but everyone to Himself.

Individual Reflection: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Plan on hosting the Catholic Climate Covenant video on plastic pollution at your parish. What steps can you take personally and at your parish to minimize plastic pollution?
http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/earthday

Family Reflection: Psalm 52:3-4, 12-13, 14-15
Learn about World Water Day on March 22nd. How can you share this information with your parish and take steps to address some of these concerns?
http://worldwaterday.org

Prayer:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/prayer-to-address-the-sin-of-racism.cfm

Prayer to Address the Sin of Racism from USCCB

We pray for healing to address
The persistent sin of racism
Which rejects the full humanity
Of some of your children,
And the talents and potential You have given.
We pray for the grace to recognize
The systems that do not support
The dignity of every person,
That do not promote respect
For those who are seen as other,
Who bear the legacy of centuries
Of discrimination, fear, and violence.
We pray for graced structures
So children of color in Flint, and all children,
Have access to clean water and health care.
We pray for graced structures
So children of color in Mississippi, and all children,
Have quality education that will allow them to develop their gifts.
We pray for graced structures
So children of color in Camden, and all children,
Have homes where families can live in dignity and security.
We pray for graced structures
So children of color in Chicago, and all children,
Can grow up without fear, without the sound of gunshots.
Lord of all, we ask you to hear and answer our prayers.
Give us eyes to see how the past
Has shaped the complex present,
And to perceive how we must create
A new way forward,
With a new sense of community
That embraces and celebrates
The rich diversity of all,
That helps us live out your call to reject
The sin of racism, the stain of hate,
And to seek a compassionate solidarity
Supported by Your grace and Your love.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

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

By Barb Born March 13, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Fourth Sunday of Lent Lectionary Reflection March 11, 2018

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Barb Born

March 11, 2018: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation
Read about the interrelated elements inherent in family, community and participation:
http://www.catholicsocialteaching.org.uk/themes/community-participation/explanation/

Readings Cycle B
First Reading: 2nd Chronicles 36:14-16-19-23
Psalm: 137 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: John 3:14-21

Cycle A readings may replace the Cycle B readings for this Sunday. Cycle A readings are used at liturgies with the second scrutiny for those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Believing is possible only by grace and the interior helps of the Holy Spirit. But it is no less true that believing is an authentically human act. Trusting in God and cleaving to the truths he has revealed is contrary neither to human freedom nor to human reason. Even in human relations it is not contrary to our dignity to believe what other persons tell us about themselves and their intentions, or to trust their promises (for example, when a man and a woman marry) to share a communion of life with one another. If this is so, still less is it contrary to our dignity to “yield by faith the full submission of. . . intellect and will to God who reveals”, and to share in an interior communion with him. (154) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

John 3:16

To the people of our time, her travelling companions, the Church also offers her social doctrine. In fact, when the Church “fulfils her mission of proclaiming the Gospel, she bears witness to man, in the name of Christ, to his dignity and his vocation to the communion of persons. She teaches him the demands of justice and peace in conformity with divine wisdom”[3]. This doctrine has its own profound unity, which flows from Faith in a whole and complete salvation, from Hope in a fullness of justice, and from Love which makes all mankind truly brothers and sisters in Christ: it is the expression of God’s love for the world, which he so loved “that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16). The new law of love embraces the entire human family and knows no limits, since the proclamation of the salvation wrought by Christ extends “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). (3)

With her social doctrine not only does the Church not stray from her mission but she is rigorously faithful to it. The redemption wrought by Christ and entrusted to the saving mission of the Church is certainly of the supernatural order. This dimension is not a delimitation of salvation but rather an integral expression of it[82]. The supernatural is not to be understood as an entity or a place that begins where the natural ends, but as the raising of the natural to a higher plane. In this way nothing of the created or the human order is foreign to or excluded from the supernatural or theological order of faith and grace, rather it is found within it, taken on and elevated by it. “In Jesus Christ the visible world which God created for man (cf. Gen 1:26-30) — the world that, when sin entered, ‘was subjected to futility’ (Rom 8:20; cf. Rom 8:19-22) — recovers again its original link with the divine source of Wisdom and Love. Indeed, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son’ (Jn 3:16). As this link was broken in the man Adam, so in the Man Christ it was reforged (cf. Rom 5:12-21)”. (64)

Ephesians 2:10

The apex of biblical teaching on work is the commandment of the Sabbath rest. For man, bound as he is to the necessity of work, this rest opens to the prospect of a fuller freedom, that of the eternal Sabbath (cf. Heb 4:9-10). Rest gives men and women the possibility to remember and experience anew God’s work, from Creation to Redemption, to recognize themselves as his work (cf. Eph 2:10), and to give thanks for their lives and for their subsistence to him who is their author.

The memory and the experience of the Sabbath constitute a barrier against becoming slaves to work, whether voluntarily or by force, and against every kind of exploitation, hidden or evident. In fact, the Sabbath rest, besides making it possible for people to participate in the worship of God, was instituted in defence of the poor. Its function is also that of freeing people from the antisocial degeneration of human work. The Sabbath rest can even last a year; this entails the expropriation of the fruits of the earth on behalf of the poor and the suspension of the property rights of landowners: “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild beasts may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard” (Ex 23:10-11). This custom responds to a profound intuition: the accumulation of goods by some can sometimes cause others to be deprived of goods. (258)

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 never leaves us, Jesus never abandons us, the Holy Spirit never ceases to guide us. We turn our backs, tip toe away thinking God won’t miss us. We leave the Church thinking we are leaving Christ behind. We put on spiritual tunnel vision glasses to limit our range of vision open to the dynamic guidance of the Holy Spirit. Who left the picture? It wasn’t God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, but us ! And our displeasure with the status we find ourselves in leads us to blame God, make Him our scapegoat, when it is us, our actions, thoughts, desires that renders us into the Babylon’s of our lives. Exiled from holy environs, wrought from indifference, captive to our desires. For Jesus did not come to condemn us, but offering salvation for the world. With our lack of belief, we condemn ourselves. God’s gift of His only Son resounds His love for the world, not a persona of anonymity, animosity or control. To separate ourselves from that love only causes us to weep, with the root cause of being separates from God, no longer able to exude joyous melodies of praise and thanksgiving, as silenced tongues prevail.

And we even separate ourselves from God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit when we fail to grasp the deep richness of our faith. Do we treat the communion line like a continuous loop from one Sunday to the next? Putting one foot in front of the other to received the Lord each liturgy, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Does our focus on the holy exchange with an air of self-scantificaltion separate us from realizing sacramental grace is not just about me and my status with the Trinity, but what we do it after the sacred exchange. Do we realize faith calls us to break free of the continuous loop for a path lacking familiarity, charted by the Holy Spirit to share the gift we receive, not hoard it with the zeal of scrupulosity? When will our parishes stop aiding, fostering the mentality of the continuous loop and offer encourage and support meaningful ways to stop demeaning abuse of theology abetting, encouraging, prioritizing individual holiness? Faith calls us to come together and be sent forth. Not just sent forth to come back next week with a weeklong vacuum from faithful engagement in the world? A hypocrisy evident by so many people abandoning faith for they see with clarity that faith proclaimed and practiced lacks Gospel calls for service, justice, equality and peace. Who will be bold to break rank with the continuous loop, proclaim in action a Gospel agenda to model the dynamics, the meaning of the Eucharist’s transformative power and shatter the comfort zone of the continuous loop idolatry? A process of coming into the light out of the darkness to live the truth with works clearly seen as done in God.

Individual Reflection: John 3:14-21
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is Laetare Sunday during the austerity of Lent. A day of celebration as Easter draws near. How will you spend the day in anticipation of Easter?

Family Reflection: Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
In areas that celebrate Day Light Savings turn your clock ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday evening March 10th.

Prayer:
Make CRS Lenten prayer eggs and distribute them at your parish this week as a sign of global solidarity during Lent:
http://www.crsricebowl.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/US15153-CRS-RB-Prayer-Eggs-Color-B.pdf

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

By Barb Born March 5, 2018 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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