October 27, 2019: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Read Bishop Seitz of El Paso’s letter on racism:
English https://www.hopeborder.org/nightwillbenomore-eng
Spanish https://www.hopeborder.org/nightwillbenomore-spa
Readings
First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm: 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The first movement of the prayer of petition is asking forgiveness, like the tax collector in the parable: “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” It is a prerequisite for righteous and pure prayer. A trusting humility brings us back into the light of communion between the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and with one another, so that “we receive from him whatever we ask.” Asking forgiveness is the prerequisite for both the Eucharistic liturgy and personal prayer. (2631) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
A parable reverberating across the millenniums, resolute against the pharisees of Jesus’ day and stares starkly at the screens of religious programming, voices on airwaves and reports from conferences today. Considerable content elevated on pedestals to escape the din of humanity, a lofty self-righteousness, proclaiming definite absolutes of human ideology disguised as religious truths. A smothering hum of defining other’s failings as greater than their own self-infused holiness. Jesus acknowledged not the pharisee, but the societally despised tax collector. For the Lord could see through the self-righteousness, since the prayer lacked humility to focus on self-glorification. Prayer reflecting on three attributes, greed, dishonesty and adultery, that the praise would never admit to in praise to himself. Rooted in the Law, but not the fulfillment of the law, love of God and neighbor, not throwing stones, the call to service of Matthew 25. Unlike the tax collector bowed in prayer, rooted in humility asking for mercy. A posture Jesus affirms.
Will voices today harkening their holiness and righteous practices done on a routine schedule to check the boxes of robotic faithfulness pause this Sunday to reflect on Jesus’ words to grasp the relevance for their lives, grasp the divisiveness of their actions on the Church, see and hear people seeking for God and not dismiss them as throw away sinners, but embrace them as brothers and sisters? A time to join hands in collective voices to see prayer does not start and end about us, but about our relationship to God and one another. For the Lord hears the cry of the poor, poor in not just material goods, but those affirming the poverty of their spirit and deep need for God. Those who in their poverty have praise in their mouths. Such a contrary acclamation to prayers of verbal ballistics targeting issues on a list of piety, void of any boxes defining aspects of mercy. Prayers on a trajectory to dehumanize another human being instead of piercing the clouds of heaven to reach the Most High like petitions of the oppressed which the Lord hears and affirms the right. We are entrusted with the message of salvation, as proclaimed in the communion antiphon ( 2nd Corinthians 5:19), but if our prayers, faith demeanor and witness only seek to revel in acclaiming our holiness, we have forgotten the essence of our salvation from God through His Son. A position of being a servant, emulated in humility.
Individual Reflection:Luke 18:9-14
How will you be a witness and voice against divisiveness in the Church promoted by the pharisees of today?
Family Reflection: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
For Halloween, share Fair Trade candy and the importance of purchasing fair trade products.
https://equalexchange.coop/fairtradehalloween
https://equalexchange.coop/catholic-relief-services
https://equalexchange.coop/fair-trade
Prayer: Let song be a prayer ….
As we celebrate All Saints Day November 1st and All Souls Day November 2nd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Yxf0FC12E&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNlgG_-wjpM
Blogs to Visit:
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.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born October 24, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
