November 11, 2018: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities
The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ, the measure of the maturity of all things. Here we can add yet another argument for rejecting every tyrannical and irresponsible domination of human beings over other creatures. The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us. Rather, all creatures are moving forward with us and through us towards a common point of arrival, which is God, in that transcendent fullness where the risen Christ embraces and illumines all things. Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to lead all creatures back to their Creator. (83) Laudato Si
Readings
First Reading: 1st Kings 17:10-16
Psalm: 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The charity of Christ is the source in us of all our merits before God. Grace, by uniting us to Christ in active love, ensures the supernatural quality of our acts and consequently their merit before God and before men. The saints have always had a lively awareness that their merits were pure grace.
After earth’s exile, I hope to go and enjoy you in the fatherland, but I do not want to lay up merits for heaven. I want to work for your love alone. . . . In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you with empty hands, for I do not ask you, Lord, to count my works. All our justice is blemished in your eyes. I wish, then, to be clothed in your own justice and to receive from your love the eternal possession of yourself. (2011) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
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 give to the Lord the best of all He has given us? Can we fathom we own nothing and the gifts we have been given are to be freely given away? Or do we feel we own our possessions and dole them out for our subsistence and pleasure? If excess exists making a visible contribution to the Lord might be an act of pseudo conscience glittered with prestige. Giving of excess, monetarily or of our time, places ourselves on a pedestal instead of worshiping God. An expression of self-sufficiency to marginalize our dependance on God. Personal control displacing the need to surrender to the will of God.
When will we individually and collectively as Church cease honoring the elite flaunting excess and associated religiosity? Plaques, pews and programs engraved with names of significant donors. A faith robed in pompous salutations and places of honor for voices mocking the Gospel in depth and breadth. The pretext of lengthy prayers exposing personal agendas of my rights, while neglecting the witness of the poor, widows and orphans of our day. People of purported financial means my designate large sums of money to strangle the Gospel of justice for the oppressed or strengthening the workplace so the hungry may gain the dignity to feed themselves to set captives of economic larceny free, while encircling the Church in a defensive posture. A spiritual game plan with structures making welcome contingent on classifications of perfection defined in human precepts. How truly holy are those free of agendas, trusting in God. Those using the last measure of flour or coins from their poverty contribute to the kingdom their whole livelihood, all they are, all they have. They truly understand, throughout all generations, life in abundance only comes from giving back to God all he has given them. An acknowledgement and witness that He will sustain them in spiritual strength, serenity and salvation, without spiritual emptiness or dryness.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
How will you secure justice for the oppressed this week? What are some incremental actions you can take to contribute to a more just world?
Family Reflection: 1st Kings 17:10-16
Make some little cakes and give them away to share the gifts and time God has given your family.
Prayer: Justice prayer
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/upload/JFI-Justice-Prayer.pdf
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 November 3, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
