October 4, 2020: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Discovering that they are loved by God, people come to understand their own transcendent dignity, they learn not to be satisfied with only themselves but to encounter their neighbor in a network of relationships that are ever more authentically human. Men and women who are made “new” by the love of God are able to change the rules and the quality of relationships, transforming even social structures. They are people capable of bringing peace where there is conflict, of building and nurturing fraternal relationships where there is hatred, of seeking justice where there prevails the exploitation of man by man. Only love is capable of radically transforming the relationships that men maintain among themselves. This is the perspective that allows every person of good will to perceive the broad horizons of justice and human development in truth and goodness. (4) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm: 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-43
Catechism of the Catholic Church
At all times and in every race, anyone who fears God and does what is right has been acceptable to him. He has, however, willed to make men holy and save them, not as individuals without any bond or link between them, but rather to make them into a people who might acknowledge him and serve him in holiness. He therefore chose the Israelite race to be his own people and established a covenant with it. He gradually instructed this people. . . . All these things, however, happened as a preparation for and figure of that new and perfect covenant which was to be ratified in Christ . . . the New Covenant in his blood; he called together a race made up of Jews and Gentiles which would be one, not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit.”(781) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-seventh 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
Faith exists not just to savor, but share. To bear fruit that gives flavor to life, an accentuation, a zest that we partake, nurture in the vineyard. For fruit cannot be cultivated in parched wastelands, laden with stones hindering the growth of strong roots, far removed from lovely, gracias confines. An allegory with transcendent endings relevant to historical, eschatological happenings. In Isaiah, the vines are planted lovingly, with great expectations to produce choice fruit. But inattentive, unappreciative, loathsome reactions led to sour grapes. A literal example figuratively representing the Chosen Ones turning their backs to God. Denying themselves the radiance of all that has been done for them. The freedom from slavery, the Promised Land yielded not the sweetness of praise but rebellious vines growing out of control. Enough for Divine indignation to let barriers of protection crumble, grazing conquerors enter and make spoils from grazing on the land and controlling the people. A separation leading to exile in distant lands leading to echos for a newness of life reverberating back to the promised land.
Another era, on restored lands, the allegory is Divinely retold, with a similar theme and nuances of the day. For the prophets had come and gone, spiritual and physical battles ensued with similar consequences found in the words of Isaiah. Even sending the Divine gift to humanity leaves rulers seeking inheritance of ownership over a vineyard they should only be nurturing to bring forth produce to supply the wine press. They rejected the cornerstone of salvation, the foundation for their lives. In trying to gain material aims of self-satisfaction, their wretchedness cost them everything in the kingdom of God. For God desires people in the vineyard who will produce fruit, not hoard, squander, trample the goodness of God’s design.
Today, we are in God’s vineyard and must be attentive that we produce fruit, not just savor what God has given us or in dismay turn into sour grapes. To be cognizant of voices, leaders seeking to silence workers diligently striving to cultivate what is entrusted to their care. To protect what has been planted diligently by those before us and leave a vibrant garden for those in future generations to nurture and inspire their faith. An act of stewardship reflecting God’s love shinning on us and thru us. For the allegory of Isaiah, the parable of Jesus is our story today in the lived reality of how we matriculate our faith with prayer, petition and thanksgiving to guard our hearts from diminishing our spiritual obligation to tend God’s vineyard…our world, our Church, our faith. Not something that should give us anxiety, but the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and yearning guards our hearts and minds to do the will of our Savior, Christ Jesus. So we keep on doing what we have learned, received, heard and seen and the God of peace is with us as we tend to the vineyard.
Individual Reflection:Isaiah 5:1-7
October 4th marks the end of the Season of Creation, but our striving to care for creation is a continual responsibility. In the context of your faith, how will you care for creation in the coming week, month and year?
Family Reflection: Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
October 7th is the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Discuss how the rosary helps each family member to focus on Christ.
Prayer: October 4th is the feast day of St Francis
Pray his Canticle of Creation
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
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.
About
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 September 29, 2020 St Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael, The Archangels, Pray for us ! Protect us, enlighten us, heal us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.