March 17, 2019: Second Sunday of Lent
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Reflect on how UN Sustainable Development Goals relate to Catholic Social Teaching
https://www.caritas.eu/the-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs/
Read about the work of Catholic Relief Services work on Sustainable Development Goal 6 relating to clean water https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/program-areas/water-strategy
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm: 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel:Luke:9:28b-36
Catechism of the Catholic Church
For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to “enter into his glory”.295 Moses and Elijah had seen God’s glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah’s sufferings.296 Christ’s Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God’s servant;297 the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. “The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud.”298
You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father. (555)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Second Sunday of Lent Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Researching footnote references, so not including these references at this time.
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 Transfiguration, a gathering of the Trinity, the Father in spoken word, Jesus in His humanity radiating divinity and the Holy Spirit in billowing clouds placing the apostles in encounter with the Divine. An experience only when they became fully awake to see the dazzling Lord transfigured while in prayer. To hear the affirmation of Moses and Elijah, representation of the Law and Prophets, that Jesus fully manifest, a fulfillment of revelation leading Him to the accomplishment of His exodus in Jerusalem. To understand, grasp the relevance Peter, James and John allowed Jesus to guide them up the mountain. A journey of trust in ascent to new heights of faith. A journey leaving them fatigues but soon to awakened to the full manifestation to hear God’s voice. Human nature would say embrace the power of the moment, encapsulated in dwellings to preserve affinity. So wowed, they fell silent seeing Jesus alone. The moment when they fully realized Jesus embodied the lineage of words spoken and fulfillment of the Law given. Not just words etched with calligraphy on parchment scrolls but transfigurally etched spiritually in their hearts and souls. Words to be manifest only by leaving the comfort and seclusion of the mountain and coming into the real world. The dynamics of power between religious elites and occupying forces grasping for decisive control.
To be disciples of Jesus, we each must experience His Transfiguration, so He is not just a voice among many, but the manifestation of the Trinity inviting us up the mountain on a journey we may experience challenging. Him showing us the nexus of His humanity and divinity fulfilling the Law given and prophetic proclamations. Maybe stunned and unable to articulate our experience, Jesus asks us to embellish the world with our experience. Something that cannot be done on the mountain top, forever sitting inside a church or retreating to the comfort of our home, but fully active in the streets of our Jerusalem with challenging dynamics, crowds and buzz of human activity. An experience where the face of the Lord is never hidden from us, for we see Him in all those around us. The call for us to be courageous, not timid. To model in the world what Jesus models for us, so we do not become enemies of the cross. Our lives cannot be absorbed with earthly things to negate our citizenship in heaven, as we stand firm in the Lord by the way we live our lives on earth thru experiencing the grace of the Lord’s transfiguration.
Individual Reflection: Luke 9:28b-36
Prayerfully reflect on the song Transfigure Us O Lord
Family Reflection:Philippians 3:17-4:1
Learn about Earth Overshoot Day. During this Lenten season how can your family reduce consumption of earth’s resources?
https://www.overshootday.org/about-earth-overshoot-day/
Prayer: In preparation for the grace of Reconciliation this Lenten season, review this examination of conscience related to Catholic Social Teaching precepts:
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.
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 13, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
