peaceonjustice

Lectionary reflections related to Catholic Social Teaching

Main menu

Skip to primary content
Skip to secondary content
  • Home
  • About

Tag Archives: Earth Day

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

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Barb Born
Reply

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

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

Advertisements
Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Social Justice Lectionary Resources, Social Justice Prayer, Uncategorized, worship aid, worship materials | Tagged comfort, Earth Day, inspire, open ears, option for the poor and vulnerable, Paschal Mystery, resurrection, rouse, solidarity, sunrise, World Water Day | Leave a reply

Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 17, 2016

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Barb Born
Reply

April 17, 2016: Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Do you live your live in the spirit of addition:  1 + 1 + 1…=1n ?

Or do you live your life in the spirit of multiplication:  1 x 1 x 1…=1 ?

 

Readings

First Reading: Acts 13: 14, 43-52

Psalm: 100:1-2, 3, 5

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

Gospel: John 10:27-30

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

All religious, whether exempt or not, take their place among the collaborators of the diocesan bishop in his pastoral duty. From the outset of the work of evangelization, the missionary “planting” and expansion of the Church require the presence of the religious life in all its forms. “History witnesses to the outstanding service rendered by religious families in the propagation of the faith and in the formation of new Churches: from the ancient monastic institutions to the medieval orders, all the way to the more recent congregations.” (927) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday of Easter, 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

We are the Lord’s people, the flock He tends.  The times when we wander afar in vain pursuits, closed from the grace of God, yet the Lord seeks us out in His enduring kindness.  The Shepherd finds the lost sheep and mercifully returns them to the comfort and support in the sheepfold.  As part of the herd, one of the proverbial ninety-nine sheep, we hear the Shepherd’s voice in our common language of faith…BAH, BAH.  We are blessed, alive and must live humbly.  Blessed in knowing no one can take us out of the Lord’s loving hands or away from the hands of our Creator. Because the Lord’s passion for the multitudes of every nation, race, people and tongue, we hunger and thirst no more.  Alive, full of joy, we humbly embrace life knowing our lives came forth from Divine providence not our own manipulations.  We believe, so our actions reflect thanksgiving and honor the Lord by the way we live our lives in all we do.  Lives of belief, rooted in service to support the lowly, challenged sheep in the herd, moving beyond the self-interest of grazing in the best pastures and trampling other sheep to get there.  And if we truly live what we speak, BAH is reflected in our lives lived not for prestige, notoriety and puffing our ego, but to honor our Shepherd.  For in honoring Him, we say thank you across the spectrum of gratitude, for the gift of life, a meaningful life, the opportunity to serve, the blessing of supportive companions on the journey, the Church and richness of the Sacraments and ultimately our eternal salvation.  An expression of honor not to live with timidity, a lukewarmness, but a bold expression offered in compassion as discipleship welcoming and affirming the diverse herd, those in our communal pasture, those down the road or in a far off ravine, we cannot see.  For as the Lord seeks to unite all to the Father, we hear His voice and follow Him saying BAH, BAH in affirmation of knowing the Shepherd and His participation in the Divine plan.

 

Individual Reflection: John 10:27-30

Share and integrates these Earth Day resources from USCCB, Justice, Peace and Human Development (Notes for Neighbors email newsletter) in you parish:

 

10 Ways You Can Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) 

Earth Day is the perfect time to help Catholics in your area respond to Pope Francis’ call to “be ‘protectors’ of creation”!

  1. Get Catholic Climate Covenant’s free, downloadable Earth Day 2016 Program Guide.
  2. With family or friends, pray this Laudato Si’ prayer in English and Spanish.
  3. Watch the video on Care for God’s Creation from the CST101 video series by CRS and USCCB.
  4. Use these resources for liturgy and preaching on the Sunday before or after Earth Day to call attention to our role in caring for God’s creation
  5. Learn how local community organizations, including those funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, are addressing environmental issues. Join their efforts!
  6. Gift Green Street Park or Drop by Drop to your parish’s religious education program or school.  Both of these children’s books are about kids caring for creation.
  7. Gather with a group of friends and reflect on Laudato Si’ using USCCB’s discussion guide in English and Spanish.
  8. Share this Laudato Si’ bullet insert, in English and Spanish, in your parish.
  9. Get inspired by what others are doing to Act Together to care for creation.
  10. Advocate! Participate in this current action alert.

 

 

 

Family Reflection: Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5

As a family review resources at Catholic Climate Covenant and utilize ideas to reduce your carbon footprint: http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/

 

 

Prayer: This prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home

 

Father of all,
Creator and ruler of the universe,
You entrusted your world to us as a gift.
Help us to care for it and all people,
that we may live in right relationship–
with You,
with ourselves,
with one another,
and with creation.

Christ our Lord,
both divine and human,
You lived among us and died for our sins.
Help us to imitate your love for the human family
by recognizing that we are all connected—
to our brothers and sisters around the world,
to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation,
and to future generations.

Holy Spirit,
giver of wisdom and love,
You breathe life in us and guide us.
Help us to live according to your vision,
stirring to action the hearts of all—
individuals and families,
communities of faith,
and civil and political leaders.

Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth, so that we may together care for our common home.

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.

 

Involvement Opportunities

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

 

By Barb  Born April 5, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Catholic Social Teaching, Earth Day Resource Guide, Family Reflection, Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings, Lectionary Reflections, Lectionary Resources, Prayer, Religion, Social Justice, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Uncategorized, worship materials | Tagged addition, BAH, Earth Day, ego, Jesus as shepherd, multiplication, notarity, prestige, sheep, solidarity | Leave a reply

Earth Day 2012 Resource Guide and Bulletin Reflection

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Barb Born
Reply

Creation Sustainability Ministry Earth Day 2012 Resource Guide and Bulletin Announcement

click on the above link  to download file

Posted in Bulletin Reflections, Creation Sustainability Ministry Resource Guide, Creation Sustainability Resource Guide, Earth Day Resource Guide, Lectionary Reflections, Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged 3rd Sunday of Easter, care for creation, care for God's creation, creation sustainability, Earth Day | Leave a reply

Recent Posts

  • Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 22, 2018
  • Third Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 15, 2018
  • Divine Mercy Sunday Second Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection April 8, 2018
  • Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Lectionary Reflection April 1, 2018
  • Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Lectionary Reflection March 25, 2018

Archives

  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • June 2012
  • April 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011

Categories

  • Advent Resource Guide
  • Bulletin Reeflections
  • Bulletin Reflections
  • Catholic Social Teaching
  • Catholic Social Teaching Prayer
  • Christmas Resource Guide
  • Creation Sustainability Ministry Resource Guide
  • Creation Sustainability Resource Guide
  • Earth Day Resource Guide
  • Family Reflection
  • Feast of St Francis Resource Guide
  • Individual Reflection on Lectionary Readings
  • Lectionary Reflections
  • Lectionary Resources
  • Lent Resource GUide
  • Lenten Resources
  • Prayer
  • Religion
  • Social Justice
  • Social Justice Lectionary Reflections based on Catholic Social Teaching
  • Social Justice Lectionary Resources
  • Social Justice Prayer
  • St Francis Resource Guide
  • Uncategorized
  • worship aid
  • worship materials

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.com
Advertisements