July 21, 2019: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
June 11, 2019 homily by Pope Francis on Christian service:
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a
Psalm: 15:2-3, 3-4, 5
Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Catechism of the Catholic Church
God put us in the world to know, to love, and to serve him, and so to come to paradise. Beatitude makes us “partakers of the divine nature” and of eternal life. With beatitude, man enters into the glory of Christ and into the joy of the Trinitarian life. (1721) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time , Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Luke 10:40-42
In his preaching, Jesus teaches man not to be enslaved by work. Before all else, he must be concerned about his soul; gaining the whole world is not the purpose of his life (cf. Mk 8:36). The treasures of the earth, in fact, are consumed, while those in heaven are imperishable. It is on these latter treasures that men and women must set their hearts (cf. Mt 6:19-21). Work, then, should not be a source of anxiety (cf. Mt 6:25,31,34). When people are worried and upset about many things, they run the risk of neglecting the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Mt 6:33), which they truly need. Everything else, work included, will find its proper place, meaning and value only if it is oriented to this one thing that is necessary and that will never be taken away (cf. Lk 10:40-42). (260)
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
In service, do we proclaim Christ or blunder in technicalities, the nuances of like doing a job instead of prioritizing why we are serving.? Do we make the connection between what we do and who we serve, so ministry it is He who we proclaim? So we are not basking in accolades, but acting like an instrument of service. While the Luke passage frequently is interpreted to define work in a subsistence mode of professional focus, the word at time of Luke’s writing expressingly referenced Christian ministry. Early texts referenced Jesus entering a “home”, as a prefiguration of early Christian households, as gathering for worship. Further, Mary assumed the position of one feasting on the Word. As Jesus notes, “It will not be taken from her.” For no one can separate us from our encounters with the Lord, or snatch those memories, unlike treasured physical items subject to theft, rot or obsolescence.
What puts us in the presence of the Lord to separate us from our busyness? The Psalmist reminds us, “He who does justice lives in the presence of the Lord.” Lives not lived seeking harm to another. Values rooted not in the evil of money or convicts the innocent of defacing society. All rooted in a heart of goodness echoing truth on one’s tongue. The essence of Christ living in us gives hope in the present age and glory of eternity.
Like Abraham, do we find ourselves scurrying when the Lord appears, a systematic furry of proper order of a good host with water for ritualistic washing, leading to a full course meal, with Abraham enlisting Sarah for help. All acts of hospitality greeting as stranger. But did the host pause to savor the Divine presence, listen to the proposed Divine gift of a son? No for laughter permeated their service, the essence of unbelief, a ha, ha, ha to slight the Divine visit and impending return.
Christina service requires the balance of a disciple that Jesus fostered, a blend of listening, pondering and acting. The insights balanced by questions, retreats balanced by crowds. Taking cue from the Holy Spirit of when to sit at the feet of Jesus and time to stand, serve and savor the Divine encounter. The process of distancing ourselves from prioritizing the metronome precision, a mechanistic thwarting of the fluidity of the Spirit to serve with a serene balance.
Individual Reflection:
Support campaign for hospitality and print posters for your parish to let immigrants know they are welcome:
Family Reflection:
July 25th is the Feast of St James. During the summer plan a walking pilgrimage to a Church in your region. Maybe take public transit and walk the remaining distance to reflect the essence of the Camino de Santiago experience to the Church of St James in Spain.
Prayer: Print 25 of these prayer cards and share by personally giving them to people
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 July 15, 2019 St Bonaventure, Pray for us The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
