August 27, 2023: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God’s Creation
September 1st starts the Season of Creation: https://seasonofcreation.org/
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.” 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
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
The prophet Isaiah places the blame for Jerusalem’s transgressions on its leaders. Shebna, master of the palace, was King Hezekiah’s chief of staff. He advised the King to participate in the anti-Asyrian revolt. Instead, the King did not take his advise and demoted him. Eliakim took Sheba’s place with an induction ceremony, where the key of the House of David was placed on his shoulder. He also languished in disappointing leadership. A historical reminder, with contemporary sentiments, that those in leadership can help facilitate change in society or maintain the status quo by trusting in political and military strategies for domestic security and personal glorification. Like Sheba’s priorities also included building an impressive tomb for himself, which in effect immortalized his frivolity leading to his fall from power in the royal court. A paradigm Isaiah counteracts by stating on that day, signaling a new beginning, only a society rooted in justice, seeking the welfare of the poor would survive. A society Jesus inquisitively asks the disciples about, through asking who is the Son of Man. An articulation of prophetic lineage, like Jeremiah who experienced rejection and suffering as a precursor to the the Messiah’s rejection by authorities and ultimate passion. A familial personification by Matthew away from the “I” and “Christ” of Mark to the Son of Man in relationship with the Father and away form militaristic, nationalistic messianic connotation. The Son of the Living God animated beyond a figure head, where Matthew places in the context of the meaning of Church. In Greek, ecclesia, used only one other time in the Gospels. To frame the Church not in the context of of one earthly leader, but embodied with the unity of all believers, the assembly of all the people of God. Where binding and loosening, traditional rabbinic activities, is imparted on the whole Church, as a structure mediating salvation and teaching by exhortations until the fullness of the coming of the kingdom. Peter nodded to by Jesus to acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ identity. A compromise spokesperson, where James might have been preferred by Jewish Christians and Paul by Gentile believers. A person representing the flaws of humanity inherent in all people with a sincerity of heart, as at times struggling to fully grasp the imperatives of living discipleship. As in all teachable moments, set against a backdrop of time and place offering visible reminders. The choice of Caesarea Philippi, a city in the northern region of Israel given by the Roman emperor to Herod the Great and rebuilt by his son Philip, who named the city after himself. Jesus’ discourse on Peter as the Rock counters worship in Caesarea Philippi of the god Pan, whose sanctuary encompassed a large rock faced cliff with hewn alcoves for statutes. A rock sanctuary of inanimate objects, or Petros, Cephas in Aramaic, meaning Rock as an active, living disciple foundational to building Jesus’ living Church, inspired by the Father. A Church where the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against the foundational messages of mercy, justice and compassion. But not to deny that institutional darkness, rooted in self deference of worshipping power, controlling thought for self-serving purposes has not appeared in leadership, like what historical kingdoms based in Jerusalem faced. For God does not need earthly strategists, but human hearts attentive to the Holy Spirit that realizes Yahweh in surpassing heights sees all things and all creation in intimacy with the Creator offers glorious praise in one’s mouth. For not a precedent of powerful, who knows from afar, but lowliness with the bandwidth available in their hearts to hear God’s decrees, not fret, strategize, but be glad in the wholistic embrace of God’s kindness and truth. A God that build up strength within us and does not leave us dangling in despair. With a covenant that last forever, we have grounds for utmost, genuine confidence with all our heart and knowing the presence of angels offer their support. As Paul puts into rhyme and rhythm an offering of praise, we must put our knowledge of God’s unsearchable ways into the rhythm of our lives. Paul reminds us from quoting Isaiah and Job, that God is a debtor to no one and only desires the bounty of praise. And the reality of Christ pronounced by Isaiah repeated in Revelation, that when He opens, no one shall shut and when He shuts no one shall open, like a peg in a sure spot. Rock solid covenant of eternal love who never forsakes the work of Divine hands.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
Reflect on the Collect for the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time. How can you actively work for unity in the Church with gladness:
O God, who causes 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
Family Reflection: Romans 11:33-36
August 27th is the feast day of St Monica. She is known for her relentless prayers for her son, St Augustine, whose feast day is August 28th. Who in the family needs prayers for the gift of faith and grace of the Sacraments?
Prayer: Join the global prayer service for the Season of Creation on September 1st: https://seasonofcreation.org/event/soc-opening-prayer-service/
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.
Link: 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 21, 2023 St Pius X Pray for us! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.