January 30, 2022: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
In order to make society more human, more worthy of the human person, love in social life — political, economic and cultural — must be given renewed value, becoming the constant and highest norm for all activity. “If justice is in itself suitable for ‘arbitration’ between people concerning the reciprocal distribution of objective goods in an equitable manner, love and only love (including that kindly love we call ‘mercy’) is capable of restoring man to himself”. Human relationships cannot be governed solely according to the measure of justice. “Christians know that love is the reason for God’s entering into relationship with man. And it is love which he awaits as man’s response. Consequently, love is also the loftiest and most noble form of relationship possible between human beings. Love must thus enliven every sector of human life and extend to the international order. Only a humanity in which there reigns the ‘civilization of love’ will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace”. In this regard, the Magisterium highly recommends solidarity because it is capable of guaranteeing the common good and fostering integral human development: love “makes one see in neighbor another self”. (583) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Psalm: 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17
Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision, the goal of our journey here below. Then we shall see God “face to face”, “as he is”. So faith is already the beginning of eternal life: When we contemplate the blessings of faith even now, as if gazing at a reflection in a mirror, it is as if we already possessed the wonderful things which our faith assures us we shall one day enjoy. (163) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
1st Corinthians 12:31-14:
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)”. 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). Personal behavior 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)
1st Corinthians 13:12
The new reality that Jesus Christ gives us is not grafted onto human nature nor is it added from outside: it is rather that reality of communion with the Trinitarian God to which men and women have always been oriented in the depths of their being, thanks to their creaturely likeness to God. But this is also a reality that people cannot attain by their own forces alone. Through the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, in whom this reality of communion has already been brought about in a singular manner, men and women are received as children of God (cf. Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:4-7). By means of Christ, we share in the nature of God, who gives us infinitely more “than all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). What mankind has already received is nothing more than a token or a “guarantee” (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14) of what it will receive in its fullness only in the presence of God, seen “face to face” (1 Cor 13:12), that is, a guarantee of eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3).( 122)
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
Actions without heart enshrine the precedent of ulterior motives. A premise Paul built upon to awaken the Corinthians and us today. He knew their attachment to speaking in tongues, prophecy and portrayals of faith, but done without the depth of soulful meaning. The lack of heart translating to executed with stylized demeanor, but lacking love. Efforts of futility, for efforts fail to create the results God desires and instead resonate gifts used like an echoing gong or clashing cymbals. Instead the essence of patience, kindness without jealous, rude dude, pompous attitude, grounded in utility to the community’s greater good over self interest encompasses the Divine spirit. Reflecting authenticity personifies love, not defines love . Self- imposed aestheticism, a self-imposed sacrifice, even exemplary faith, lacking love makes a mockery of one’s actions. On the other dimension of the spectrum, behavior indicative of actions lacking love, also incriminate by the absence of love. Recognizing the dynamics of actions undertaken in love requires abandoning a childish faith of thinking we have to earn God’s love, but from God’s mercy let our thanksgiving echo in actions formed as a loving response. Coming face to face with the Divine mystery of the cross, the perfect act of love that endures for eternity, after all prophecies, utterances of tongues and knowledge will pass away. A reality to trust in all phases of our lives. Metaphorically our rock, refuge and fortress signifying the strength and security giving us confidence from God’s abiding presence and we proclaim His wondrous deeds, as we declare His justice by acting justly in love. Always ready to act promptly without vacillating about cultural critiques, regime changes depositing a new king on the throne requiring new prophecies to accentuate the paradigm shifts, like Jeremiah encountered when accepting his spiritual appointment. A reminder that today, any day, is a time of spiritual fulfillment and deserves our cognizance of God’s fidelity. A lineage from prophets from lands of the northern kingdom, that Jesus reminded people their ancestors ignored. Elijah and Elisha reflecting God’s mercy to not just the chosen few, but those outside the devout silo, those viewed as the least, the widow of Zarephath, and unclean, Naaman the Syrian. A constant reminder faith is not just about me and Jesus, but the love of God for all humanity that we are asked to emulate.
Individual Reflection:
February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. Learn about and act to preserve wetlands: https://www.worldwetlandsday.org
Family Reflection: February 2nd is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commonly referred to as Candlemas, for a day of blessings candles. Learn about global Candlemas religious traditions and foods:
https://aleteia.org/slideshow/slideshow-7-candlemas-traditions-from-around-the-world-2/7/
http://gourmetpedia.net/traditions/candlemas/
http://www.thepastonaplate.com/2012/02/feasts-and-festivals-st-brigids.html
Prayer: As Poverty Awareness month concludes, pray how you will help address poverty in your community: https://www.povertyusa.org/poverty-usa-catholic-campaign-human-development
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.
Link: http://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 January 29, 2022 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.