Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Lectionary Reflection December 29, 2019

 

December 29, 2019:Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

The sacredness and dignity of human life exists not in isolation, but affirmed through individuals growing in community and seeking together the well being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

https://cst74life.wordpress.com/

 

Readings 

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalm: 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit. In the procreation and education of children it reflects the Father’s work of creation. It is called to partake of the prayer and sacrifice of Christ. Daily prayer and the reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity. The Christian family has an evangelizing and missionary task. (2205) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Cycle A

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Sirach 3:1-16

It is in the family that one learns the love and faithfulness of the Lord, and the need to respond to these (cf. Ex 12:25-27, 13:8,14-15; Deut 6:20-25, 13:7-11; 1 Sam 3:13). It is in the family that children learn their first and most important lessons of practical wisdom, to which the virtues are connected (cf. Prov 1:8-9, 4:1-4, 6:20-21; Sir 3:1-16, 7:27-28). Because of all this, the Lord himself is the guarantor of the love and fidelity of married life (cf. Mal 2:14-15).

Jesus was born and lived in a concrete family, accepting all its characteristic features and he conferred the highest dignity on the institution of marriage, making it a sacrament of the new covenant (cf. Mt 19:3-9). It is in this new perspective that the couple finds the fullness of its dignity and the family its solid foundation.(210)

Colossians 3:14

The immediate purpose of the Church’s social doctrine is to propose the principles and values that can sustain a society worthy of the human person. Among these principles, solidarity includes all the others in a certain way. It represents “one of the fundamental principles of the Christian view of social and political organization”.

Light is shed on this principle by the primacy of love, “the distinguishing mark of Christ’s disciples (cf. Jn 13:35)”[1218]. Jesus teaches us that “the fundamental law of human perfection, and consequently of the transformation of the world, is the new commandment of love” (cf. Mt 22:40, Jn 15:12; Col 3:14; Jas 2:8)[1219]. Personal behaviour is fully human when it is born of love, manifests love and is ordered to love. This truth also applies in the social sphere; Christians must be deeply convinced witnesses of this, and they are to show by their lives how love is the only force (cf. 1 Cor 12:31-14:1) that can lead to personal and social perfection, allowing society to make progress towards the good. (580)

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 family cannot live in a surreal bubble, thinking they have attained perfection of mores, holy sanctification in idealistic form, yet live isolated from the world. Personal agendas, professional status, prime activities solidifying the bubble’s rigidity, making it more impenetrable, foster familia failure in a Gospel context.  A family failing to hear promptings of the Holy Spirit to do God’s will because the family has an already packed calendar.  Never hearing the call out of exile or open to fulfilling prophetic proclamations.  Never taking time to care for the elders or listen to the needs of their children.  Taking more time to put on stylish clothes than matriculating heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness.  Lacking patience to navigate out of the bubble and hearing worldly challenges in dialogue with others staring reality in the face.  Families living in a bubble have a false love of themselves and fail to truly love others.  Never attaining the bond of perfection but continuously on a treadmill trying to gain momentum, for Christ does not control their hearts.  Those who remain in silence to the multitude of bubbles populating society only foster their existence.  A profound need exists to tap on people’s bubbles and invite them to live in the world.  An admonishment to live with gratitude to God and hearts open to his ways.  The invitation to see life is more than just living for our selves, but in communion with humanity.  For what ever we do in word or deed, everything must be done in the Lord’s name while giving thanks to God.  The realization solidifying the value of all people to contribute and use their God given gifts.  The call to negate subordination and bestow collaboration as the model of human form and integrity to walk in the Lord’s ways.  

 

Individual Reflection: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Learn about the Synod on the Family held in the Diocese of San Diego and the positive initiatives emulating.  How might you encourage your diocese to hold such a gathering, that started with listening to the laity at each parish?

 

Family Reflection: Colossians 3:12-21

Each week in the coming year, have one family member select a family activity that will get the family into and more aware of the “world”.

Prayer: Pray the Our Father reflecting how God asks us to live as His children and in the human family

 

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  December 21, 2019  The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection: June 30, 2019

June 30, 2019: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching:

Read Chapter Two of Pope Francis Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Exsultate, On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World, reflect on these influences in the Church today and how the issue is addressed in today’s readings.

http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.pdf

 

Readings 

First Reading: 1st Kings 19:16b, 19-21

Psalm: 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

From the very beginning of the Church there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater liberty, and to imitate him more closely, by practicing the evangelical counsels. They led lives dedicated to God, each in his own way. Many of them, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, became hermits or founded religious families. These the Church, by virtue of her authority, gladly accepted and approved.  (918) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirteenth Week 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 

Living in the Spirit allows us to shed anchors of dead ways to follow the Lord.  The attitude, motions, practices consuming time, hindering focus to detract from living absorbed in the Gospel.  So we fail to serve one another in love and instead wallow in self-love, self-pity, self-gratification.  The place where. I initiates and strive to glow and devour others by imposing a consuming shadow blocking out love.  WIth the Spirit, peace prevails so the past and who we were does not define who we are right now, today.  An enabling grace to focus forward comes from seeking first the Kingdom of God and not the transitory status of family and possessions.  A peace in not seeking vengeance on those we encounter on our journey who might deny a welcome or fail to express solidarity.  For wherever our Jerusalem is we must not let the discontent, objectives of others hinder our progress, sap our joy.  For if that interrupts our path, we are letting them control our life instead of the Spirit.  They have become our inheritance of discord, dissent, division to push the Lord away from being the inheritance in our lives.  The place where we take refuge, are consoled, never disturbed, for we know the Lord never abandons us.  Our souls rejoice and we abide in confidence, not prideful but assured in the Lord’s promises.  He shows us the path of life with fullness of joys unhindered by the darkness of voices seeking a way so narrow, the world is excluded, people abandoned, faith shrinks to an unraveling holiness set on a pedestal immune from love.  That is not the freedom in which Christ has set us free, but a prison of doctrine articulating codes to make people faceless.  We must refuse this yoke of slavery and let it be ignited and consumed by the fire of love to let people feast on the goodness of the Lord and be guided by the Spirit, for we are not under the weight of untenable, unattainable laws.  

 

Individual Reflection: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Share  the Just Faith program on non-violence and peace with your parish, as an initiative for people to love their neighbor as themselves.  Offer to facilitate the group:

https://justfaith.org/cultivating-nonviolence-harvesting-peace/

 

Family Reflection: Gospel Acclamation: 1st Samuel 3:9 and John 6:68c Speak Lord, your servant is listening; you have the words of everlasting life.

Have each family member share one “anchor” they need to shed since it is a distraction from following the Gospel.

 

Prayer: Luke 9: 51-62

After prayerfully listening to the song, All are Welcome, All Belong,  reflect on who are faceless people you need to acknowledge and welcome at work, your parish, and in your community.  How will you do that in the coming week?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFzf95czK28

 

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  June 20, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 10, 2018

June 10, 2018: Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

“God shows forth his almighty power by converting us from our sins and restoring us to his friendship by grace…”  (277) Catechism of the Catholic Church

Readings 

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15

Psalm: 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: 2nd Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Gospel: Mark 3:20-35

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The harmony in which they had found themselves, thanks to original justice, is now destroyed: the control of the soul’s spiritual faculties over the body is shattered; the union of man and woman becomes subject to tensions, their relations henceforth marked by lust and domination. Harmony with creation is broken: visible creation has become alien and hostile to man. Because of man, creation is now subject “to its bondage to decay”.  Finally, the consequence explicitly foretold for this disobedience will come true: man will “return to the ground”,²⁸⁵ for out of it he was taken. Death makes its entrance into human history. (400) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Genesis 3:12

At the root of personal and social divisions, which in differing degrees offend the value and dignity of the human person, there is a wound which is present in man’s inmost self. “In the light of faith we call it sin: beginning with original sin, which all of us bear from birth as an inheritance from our first parents, to the sin which each one of us commits when we abuse our own freedom”. The consequences of sin, insofar as it is an act of separation from God, are alienation, that is, the separation of man not only from God but also from himself, from other men and from the world around him. “Man’s rupture with God leads tragically to divisions between brothers. In the description of the ‘first sin’, the rupture with Yahweh simultaneously breaks the bond of friendship that had united the human family. Thus the subsequent pages of Genesis show us the man and the woman as it were pointing an accusing finger at each other (cf. Gen. 3:12). Later we have brother hating brother and finally taking his brother’s life (cf. Gen 4:2-16). According to the Babel story, the result of sin is the shattering of the human family, already begun with the first sin and now reaching its most extreme form on the social level”[225]. Reflecting on the mystery of sin, we cannot fail to take into consideration this tragic connection between cause and effect. (116)

2nd Corinthians 5:1-2

God’s promise and Jesus Christ’s resurrection raise in Christians the well-founded hope that a new and eternal dwelling place is prepared for every human person, a new earth where justice abides (cf. 2 Cor 5:1-2; 2 Pet 3:13). “Then, with death conquered, the children of God will be raised in Christ and what was sown in weakness and corruption will be clothed in incorruptibility: charity and its works will remain and all of creation, which God made for man, will be set free from its bondage to vanity”.  This hope, rather than weaken, must instead strengthen concern for the work that is needed in the present reality. (56)

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

Who do we try to blame for our transgressions.  We synthetically absolve ourselves by making another a scapegoat.  An attempt to mitigate punishment and guilt by sliding the burden along.  At the root of our manipulation lays fear.  What will people say?  What trouble will this cause?  Instead, we should focus on the words of the Psalmist, “With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”  Our fleeing, hiding or assuming a posture of pseudo innocence should give way to unflinchingly bare the nakedness of our soul before God.  Realizing the Lord hears our contrite voice with attentive ears rendering forgiveness, He clothes us with grace.  Fear evaporates as trust ground our soul in the Divine.  Words inaudible,  but more present than our physical surroundings.  Redeeming words capable of moving us beyond any inequities to a place where we do not flee God, but scurry towards His loving embrace.  A profound realization that our past does not define who we are today.  For only in this precious moment of time ,with acknowledgement of our frailties, we resolve to absorb grace to fill empty crevasses of discontent, arrogance and fear.  God desires to talk with us, calling to our attention the goodness of creation while we attempt to defile reality in our narrow perception of God.  The defining foundational question rests in resolving do we believe and live like we are forgiven.  Not a trick question or multiple choice, but either yes or no.  To live with fear renders a NO, while letting mercy grasp the marrow of our being reverberates a resounding YES we speak in living affirmation with overflowing thanksgiving for the glory of God.  Day by day, constantly renewing us to an eternal unseen reality.  Some may view this as cavalier, a lack of serious piety or downright crazy, but God wills we seek forgiveness, the blessings of peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.  For in doing the will of God, we are unified as the family of God.  

Individual Reflection: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Learn about the Forgiveness Project:  https://www.theforgivenessproject.com

How can you encourage forgiveness in your community to mitigate the culture of violence and scapegoating??

Family Reflection: Mark 3:20-35

Learn about integrating Peace Builders into your school:  http://www.peacebuilders.com

Prayer: Dialogue in prayer this week about TRUST

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  May 30, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Lectionary Reflection December 31, 2017

December 31, 2017: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

So that this call should resound throughout the world, Christ sent forth the apostles he had chosen, commissioning them to proclaim the gospel: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Strengthened by this mission, the apostles “went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it.”
Those who with God’s help have welcomed Christ’s call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world. This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors. All Christ’s faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer.
(2 and 3) Catechism of the Catholic Church

Readings
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Psalm: 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic church.”9 It is a community of faith, hope, and charity; it assumes singular importance in the Church, as is evident in the New Testament. (2204)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Sirach 3:1-16
It is in the family that one learns the love and faithfulness of the Lord, and the need to respond to these (cf. Ex 12:25-27, 13:8,14-15; Deut 6:20-25, 13:7-11; 1 Sam 3:13). It is in the family that children learn their first and most important lessons of practical wisdom, to which the virtues are connected (cf. Prov 1:8-9, 4:1-4, 6:20-21; Sir 3:1-16, 7:27-28). Because of all this, the Lord himself is the guarantor of the love and fidelity of married life (cf. Mal 2:14-15). (210)

Colossians 3:14
The immediate purpose of the Church’s social doctrine is to propose the principles and values that can sustain a society worthy of the human person. Among these principles, solidarity includes all the others in a certain way. It represents “one of the fundamental principles of the Christian view of social and political organization”.

Light is shed on this principle by the primacy of love, “the distinguishing mark of Christ’s disciples (cf. Jn 13:35)”[1218]. Jesus teaches us that “the fundamental law of human perfection, and consequently of the transformation of the world, is the new commandment of love” (cf. Mt 22:40, Jn 15:12; Col 3:14; Jas 2:8)[1219]. Personal behaviour is fully human when it is born of love, manifests love and is ordered to love. This truth also applies in the social sphere; Christians must be deeply convinced witnesses of this, and they are to show by their lives how love is the only force (cf. 1 Cor 12:31-14:1) that can lead to personal and social perfection, allowing society to make progress towards the good. (580)

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

What a disservice flows from idealizing a nuclear family! An air of perfection unattainable while maintaining rational sanity. Stereotypical, storybook persona void of humility, shuttered by holiness from the reality of lives lived interacting with the world. Focusing on the family’s righteous purity subtracts from time, energy and inertia to see the family’s panoramic view in the broader picture of life. Insulating, isolating in their personal, holy realm steals from the family the genuine encounter with the human family. A place taking the focus off us to we frees the nuclear family from self-absorption to allow themselves to be absorbed into the human family. The opportunity to dialogue, share, cooperate for the greater common good. The pressure of spiritual and economic success and status drifts to seeing the imperatives of the broader picture, not a minuscule segment. Idealizing the nuclear family creates an injustice for families, eventually leading to injustice for the entire human family. For a nuclear family may have a ruse that by their pious lifestyle they think they are a loving family, but is love really to love themselves but render disdain to a world they label as immoral, pagan or secular? Jesus loved the world by being in the world. When will we individually and as the Body of Christ start acknowledging and prioritizing the way our Lord loved in his humanity instead of harkening a theology retreating from the world? As people of faith, families of faith, what do we have to fear by living in the world? To withdraw only seal families further from using their gifts in service of God’s kingdom. Don’t let us fool ourselves into fake holiness with a pristine, retractionist model idealizing families, for Jesus said go forth to be disciples and at the end of Mass we are sent forth. Focusing inward is 180 degrees contrary to going forth. Practicing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another must be ordered not just among kin but all humanity to manifest the message of Jesus to live in love and the fullness of His peace into which we are called in one Body. With thanksgiving, a process respecting and caring for all members and sectors of society. We must come into the temple of the Lord with the Holy Spirit, like Simeon, to see while we may live in a nuclear family our Catholic faith call us to a much broader perspective. Only if the nuclear family instills that persona to resist the temptation to not fully live, but just exist as a pious entity will the Word of Christ dwell richly in them. Further, chastisement of families labeled broken, irregular, separated adds fracturing of the human family. The spirit of welcome, especially at our parishes gets laden with guilt, contempt to block entry from participating as the Body of Christ and ultimately from being sent forth to engage with the broader human family. Shunning segments of society that fail to fit in a preconceived, precise, pseudo holy box leave a lot of people feeling like they live in crevasses unable to climb out. A sense of abandonment be it by the Church or the broader society and they may be outside the idealized “norm” on no account of their own doing. To love as Jesus loves, the bond of perfection requires lives of faith, not lives crafting labels to absolve the responsibility to love. Jesus, Mary and Joseph journeyed as a nuclear family, but their model to us transcends that finite unit to their participation in the broader human family and God’s kingdom. Let us loving follow in their footsteps.

Individual Reflection: Colossians 3:12-21
Utilize the National Migration Week resources at your parish and among family and friends
https://www.sharejourney.org/resource-library/national-migration-week-toolkit/

Family Reflection: Luke 2:22-40
If you are a non-immigrant family share dinner and your journeys with an immigrant family. If you are an immigrant family do likewise with a non-immigrant family.

Prayer
During National Migration Week from January 7th to14th offer a prayer for migrants in a specific part of the world each day, after first researching the challenges they are facing

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 December 19, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Twenty first Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection August 27, 2017

August 27, 2017: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
The new relationships of interdependence between individuals and peoples, which are de facto forms of solidarity, have to be transformed into relationships tending towards genuine ethical-social solidarity. This is a moral requirement inherent within all human relationships. Solidarity is seen therefore under two complementary aspects: that of a social principle and that of a moral virtue.

Solidarity must be seen above all in its value as a moral virtue that determines the order of institutions. On the basis of this principle the “structures of sin”that dominate relationships between individuals and peoples must be overcome. They must be purified and transformed into structures of solidarity through the creation or appropriate modification of laws, market regulations, and juridical systems.

Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue, not a “feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all”. Solidarity rises to the rank of fundamental social virtue since it places itself in the sphere of justice. It is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good, and is found in “a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour with the readiness, in the Gospel sense, to ‘lose oneself’ for the sake of the other instead of exploiting him, and to ‘serve him’ instead of oppressing him for one’s own advantage (cf. Mt 10:40-42, 20:25; Mk 10:42-45; Lk 22:25-27)”. (193)

 

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.”401 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
Jesus did not appoint a leader with a Pharisee mentality, clerical rigidity or a person with more letters after their name from advanced degrees than in their given name. Peter, a fisherman, a man used to getting his hands dirty with physical labor. Mary Magdalene appointed to announce the resurrection to humanity, amidst her past challenges, but her heart maintained fidelity to the Lord at the foot of the cross and seeking the Lord at the tomb while others hid in fear. People that others might describe as “characters”, Jesus appointed to lead, preach and share the Good New.

Who leads at your parish today? Are they going through the motion of offering sacramental grace without heart felt compassion, more concerned with rubrics than reality of the good the Good News could impart in the world? Do attempts by people at the parish to get their hands dirty by addressing social concerns in the community get rebuffed by disdained opposition prioritizing their perceived holy endeavors to the exclusion of all the Good News the Church has stockpiled in centuries of tradition?

Where does preaching the Good News by ALL members of the faith community cease to be a reality? Women denied access to the altar, people excluded from educational opportunity, the young told to wait in line for their turn and time, people of color underrepresented to share their experiences, the homeless excluded for carrying too much baggage literally and figuratively. Have more people been excluded than included? Does grabbing the air, never grasping the brass ring on a carousel provide a metaphor of the reality faced by voices excluded in our Church?

In faith the reciprocity of giving thanks to God because of His kindness and truth builds up strength within us. Affirming kindness and truth, a blessing we receive in faith and gift in our lives to others by our forthrightness and generosity of speech and actions. A process building up strength within us for we can’t waiver with dual persona to fit the moment but rest steadfast in the bedrock of fidelity to the Divine paradigm. May this strength bolster the courage for voices silenced from preaching the Good News in our Church to dismantle walls of exclusivity harboring special interests that sequester God’s mercy for a few deemed worthy only in human eyes.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 16:13-20
Be a leader in your community and parish. Start a petition drive to address a need, the invisible or an injustice. Offer a positive solution and be willing to help initiate the change, just don’t complain!

Family Reflection: Isaiah 22:19-23
Does you family place more honor towards your individual family than the human family? Discuss this question during the week to look at ways to emphasize the importance of your personal family and stand in solidarity with the human family.

Prayer: Collect for the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
O God, who cause 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.

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 August 21, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 4, 2016

September 4, 2016: Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

 

The solemn proclamation of human rights is contradicted by a painful reality of violations, wars and violence of every kind, in the first place, genocides and mass deportations, the spreading on a virtual worldwide dimension of ever new forms of slavery such as trafficking in human beings, child soldiers, the exploitation of workers, illegal drug trafficking, prostitution. “Even in countries with democratic forms of government, these rights are not always fully respected”.

 

Unfortunately, there is a gap between the “letter” and the “spirit” of human rights, which can often be attributed to a merely formal recognition of these rights. The Church’s social doctrine, in consideration of the privilege accorded by the Gospel to the poor, repeats over and over that “the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others” and that an excessive affirmation of equality “can give rise to an individualism in which each one claims his own rights without wishing to be answerable for the common good”.  (158) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

 

Readings

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Psalm: 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” On the mountain of the Transfiguration, the Father commands: “Listen to him!” Jesus is the model for the Beatitudes and the norm of the new law: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love implies an effective offering of oneself, after his example. (459)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Sunday of 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

Do we live faith as misers, eking by with minimalistic commitment? A faith of convenience, attending mass if no other worldly obligations preclude, disciples only in our comfort zone, looking for opportunities of charity with the click of a donate button on our computer, putting our cross in a U-Haul instead of holding the sacred journey in our hands.  When we prioritize family relationships, earthly endeavors and causes over our commitment to God, we trivialize faith.  Our discipleship is a façade of piety.

 

As Jesus addressed the great crowds following him, he wanted them to know faith is not a lark, but a profound paradox. Living in the world, but detached from the absorption of ownership, control and manipulation of our possessions to glorify our self-worth in a cocky arrogance of striving towards a pedestal laden with false expectations.  Jesus is upfront and tells us true discipleship takes us to a new horizon of calculating our journey of life.  He asks us to consider the costs far removed from the sum total on a calculator, to the unquantifiable emotional and spiritual costs that may separate us from desires and expectations of family and friends, impose us to the ridicule of society and cause us to surrender in battles of dominance.  Discipleship leaves us humble, surrendering and open to the balm of spiritual grace.  A process of gaining wisdom of the heart over cerebral knowledge.  Forlorn looks vanish, for we receive God’s kindness leading to a spirit of joy and gladness under the gracious care of the Lord our God.  Realizing the fragility of life, we live with divine strength to trust not doubt, hope not despair, love not hate.  Our family, friends and endeavors resonate with new meaning framed in the context of discipleship.  For in prioritizing faith, life gains a deeper, more profound meaning woven with God’s, not our design.  We profess faith not with hollow platitudes, but by the way we live our lives.

 

Individual Reflection: Philemon 9-10-12-17

Read Philemon, the plea to free a slave, a plea for mercy.

September 9^th is the Feast Day of St Peter Claver, a Jesuit missionary , who cared for the spiritual and physical needs of South American slaves in the 1600’s. How can we be inspired by his work to address modern day slavery, human trafficking?  Read about the SHEPHERD program of the USCCB:

http://www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/become-a-shepherd-tool-kit.cfm

Learn more about the issue of human trafficking:

http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html

 

Family Reflection: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

What fair trade products will your family purchase this week to help diminish the potential of human trafficking in our world? Learn more about fair trade at: http://www.crsfairtrade.org/

 

Prayer: For the victims of slavery and human trafficking: https://www.chausa.org/prayers/prayer-library/general-prayers-and-prayer-services/healing-and-health/a-prayer-for-victims-of-human-trafficking

A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking
As shared by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.

God of freedom, beauty and truth
we believe that your deepest desire,
your most powerful energy,
is that all creation might know abundant life.

We raise our voices in anguished prayer
for our sisters and brothers,
women and girls, men and boys,
who are modern day slaves;
They are your beloved daughters and sons,
exploited sexually or forced to work
because of human violence and greed.

Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion
that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice;
that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion;
that all of us might live in such a way
that others are not made to pay the price
for our comfort and convenience.

Hasten the coming of the day when all people
and our precious Earth itself
will be treated, not as a commodity,
but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth.
Amen. May it be so.

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  August  25, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection June 19, 2016

June 19, 2016: Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Saint John, the disciple who stood with Mary beneath the cross, brings us to the sources of faith and charity, to the heart of the God who “is love” (1 Jn 4:8,16). He reminds us that we cannot love God if we do not love our brothers and sisters. … the cross of Christ invites us also to allow ourselves to be smitten by his love, teaching us always to look upon others with mercy and tenderness, especially those who suffer, who are in need of help” (Pope Francis, Way of the Cross with Young People, Rio de Janeiro, 26 July 2013).

 

Readings

First Reading: Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1

Psalm: 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Galatians 3:26-29

Gospel: Luke 9:18-24

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the “one mediator between God and men”.  But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, “the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery” is offered to all men.  He calls his disciples to “take up [their] cross and follow (him)”, for “Christ also suffered for (us), leaving (us) an example so that (we) should follow in his steps.”  In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven. (618)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

 

Galatians 3:27

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)

 

Galatians 3:28

 “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. 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. 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

 

How far back do you trace your lineage?  A few preceding generations and we lose the connectedness to our descendants.  What if we think of our ancestry back through the millenniums?  We move beyond intimacy of our immediate family, to quest for our physical antiquity.  Can we envision ourselves, like Christ, descendants of Abraham, our father in faith?  With that perspective, we abandon our tribal, nationalistic mentality to see the interconnectedness of humanity’s roots to become heirs of the spiritual promise.  A call beckoning our conscience to stop delineations between the chosen people and Gentiles, slaves and free people, even male and female.  Will we let go of our grasping to stereotypes of who is our ancestor to welcome with open arms a diversity of people in the human family and our Church?  This purposes welcoming the diversity of God’s children, but not denying our cultural identity.  For the fabric of society strengthens when layered with collective experiences and practices inherent in diversity.

 

To live with that freedom means living as sheep hearing and following the voice of the Lord.  It takes a kindness that is a greater good than living a life self-absorbed with the immediacy of self to let our soul cling to our spiritual lineage, all starting with the meaning of the cross.  A willingness to deny one’s self, daily holding the hewn wood with splinters, cracks and knots.  The imperfection of process we hold in our hands, to lose our lives in participating in the process of life for the sake of the Lord and gain all life can become.

 

Individual Reflection: Luke 9:18-24

Make a cross with items representing the fabric of your life.  Frame or mount it to hang in a visible place in your home or office as a reminder of Jesus’ words, “ Take up your cross daily and follow me.”

 

Family Reflection:  Galatians 3:26-29

Discuss the family lineage, how many generations do you know about your ancestors?  How can you look at your genealogy in the context of the millenniums of the human family?

 

Prayer: Share this prayer of peace and solidarity from CRS with your faith community

http://www.crs.org/resource-center/our-lifetimes-alone

 

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  June 6, 2016 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.