August 11, 2019: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The complete fulfillment of the human person, achieved in Christ through the gift of the Spirit, develops in history and is mediated by personal relationships with other people, relationships that in turn reach perfection thanks to the commitment made to improve the world, in justice and peace. Human activity in history is of itself significant and effective for the definitive establishment of the Kingdom, although this remains a free gift of God, completely transcendent. Such activity, when it respects the objective order of temporal reality and is enlightened by truth and love, becomes an instrument for making justice and peace ever more fully and integrally present, and anticipates in our own day the promised Kingdom… (58) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9
Psalm: 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48
Catechism of the Catholic Church
In Jesus “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” He calls his hearers to conversion and faith, but also to watchfulness. In prayer the disciple keeps watch, attentive to Him Who Is and Him Who Comes, in memory of his first coming in the lowliness of the flesh, and in the hope of his second coming in glory. In communion with their Master, the disciples’ prayer is a battle; only by keeping watch in prayer can one avoid falling into temptation. (2612) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No reference this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
Do we act like we understand, trust, believe, have faith that the Father is PLEASED to give us the Kingdom? The freedom to transcend miser mode to freely give alms, not grasping to every possession like a hoarding hyena howling revelry over the status of one’s means. The money bags we carry must be resilient fibers to proverbially harbor incomprehensible treasures inaccessible from theft of personal property or destroyable by greed, corruption and irresponsible actions. A process of constant vigilance for the presence of the Lord, with our ever waiting, listening, discussing, praying. Always, at all times, not just at an appointed hour. The second or third watch, well into the night, awaiting the dawn while most are asleep, unprepared to welcome the honored guest, for they slumber. Yet the prudent are waiting. Not the time to goof off, act belligerent, as if no one is watching. Entrusted with the gift of faith, the Lord calls us to act in a worthy manner, respectful, thankful to God and others of the call we received to serve within the web of Divine relationship.
God waits mercifully, patiently for our embrace with lavish gifts. Once experienced, but if we withdraw leaves an indefinable aura of broken relational fidelity only plausible in human frailty, never by Divine abandonment. A divide of deeper revelation of who we should be then before the initial embrace of God in one’s life. For in God’s love for us, He entrusts us with much to share from what we have been given, much love as an expression of how He loves us and to act as if we believe. Not second guesses to God, but with fidelity to the call, living with courage in the knowledge of our faith. Courage demanding vigilance, not withdrawn indecisive action with muted mouths baffled by the world. A perseverance with hope, feeling blessed to be people the Lord acknowledges as followers of His ways in trustworthy belief even when sojourning in unfathomable territory, in unexplainable circumstances, alien to human minds, God does not hesitate to build an eternal homeland or ashamed in intimacy that we call Him Father. For to live in piety and overt reverence hastens to distance us from God, creating a divide instead of forming unity we must manifest in the world.
I
ndividual Reflection: Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
This document is proposed also to the brethren of other Churches and Ecclesial Communities, to the followers of other religions, as well as to all people of good will who are committed to serving the common good: may they receive it as the fruit of a universal human experience marked by countless signs of the presence of God’s Spirit. It is a treasury of things old and new (cf. Mt 13:52), which the Church wishes to share, in thanksgiving to God, from whom comes “every good endowment and ever perfect gift” (Jas 1:17). It is a sign of hope in the fact that religions and cultures today show openness to dialogue and sense the urgent need to join forces in promoting justice, fraternity, peace and the growth of the human person.
The Catholic Church joins her own commitment to that made in the social field by other Churches and Ecclesial Communities, whether at the level of doctrinal reflection or at the practical level. Together with them, the Catholic Church is convinced that from the common heritage of social teachings preserved by the living tradition of the people of God there will come motivations and orientations for an ever closer cooperation in the promotion of justice and peace. (12) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
How can you encourage your parish community to collaborate with other faith traditions on social ministry promoting justice and peace to build up the kingdom of God?
Family Reflection: Luke 12:32-48
When buying school supplies, buy a backpack and supplies to share with another student.
Prayer: August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary
Share in Mary’s gladness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqZbJ3epNh8
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 August 7, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
