Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection September 16, 2018

September 16, 2018: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibility

The lay faithful must strengthen their spiritual and moral lives, becoming ever more competent in carrying out their social duties. A deepening of interior motivations and the acquisition of a style appropriate for their work in the social and political spheres are the results of a dynamic and ongoing formation directed above all to the attainment of harmony between life, in all its complexity, and faith. In the experience of believers, in fact, “there cannot be two parallel lives in their existence: on the one hand, the so-called ‘spiritual’ life, with its values and demands; and on the other, the so-called ‘secular’ life, that is, life in a family, at work, in social relationships, in the responsibilities of public life and in culture”.

Bringing faith and life together requires following the path judiciously indicated by the characteristic elements of Christian living: the Word of God as a reference point; the liturgical celebration of the Christian Mystery; personal prayer; the authentic experience of Church enhanced by the particular formational services of discerning spiritual guides; the exercise of the social virtues and a persevering commitment to cultural and professional formation.  (546) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings 

First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9a

Psalm: 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: James 2:14-18

Gospel:  Mark 27-35

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction; it is benevolence; it fosters reciprocity and remains disinterested and generous; it is friendship and communion: Love is itself the fulfillment of all our works. There is the goal; that is why we run: we run toward it, and once we reach it, in it we shall find rest.  (1829) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-fourth 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 try to save our lives with the security of a good job, not venturing beyond neighborhoods appearing safe, devouring the latest health food, optimizing exercise or pampering ourselves with luxuries? Jesus asks us not to save our lives for our sake, but to lose them for His sake AND the sake of the gospel.  A disposition contingent on the word AND.  For the sake of Jesus AND the gospel entails we live our lives for Jesus, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior AND the gospel.  For Jesus wants us to embrace his divinity and humanity AND all the meaning he bestowed through the gospel to give us life.  The spiritual reality and incarnation of Jesus does not divest itself from the meaning of the gospel.  And the gospel disassociated from Jesus has no credence.  So we m must be fully cognizant of losing our lives for Jesus’ sake AND that of the gospel, for they are inseparable from one another.  Our worship of divine praise must tether us to gospel precepts.  Our reception of the Real Presence must guide us to gospel focused lives. Lives lived with the entire spectrum of gospel values must be rooted in our faith in the Lord.  We cannot be “or” people , but must live engaged in the depth and breadth of understanding the relational meaning of AND.  

AND, a word that takes our faith to manifest works crafted by the gospel.  For we look at the world with vision framed by gospel acclamations to care for the most vulnerable needing substance to meet the basic needs of human dignity.  A stance beyond cliche platitudes to serve in loving charity and strive for justice leavening systemic change.  This is where we find life in losing the safety of self-indulgence to live our lives for Jesus through his gospel expressed by our actions to free our souls.  When we come to understanding this spiritual paradigm of AND, we can rebel no more or turn our backs on the Lord, for He is our help in seeing what gives us life.

Individual Reflection: James 2:14-18

What is one way you will manifest your faith through works this week?  How can you invite and encourage others to do likewise?

Family Reflection: Mark 8:27-35

What is the biggest challenge to incorporate living for Jesus AND the sake of the gospel?  What are three ways your family might better live faith in the context of “AND”?

Prayer: September 21st is the Feast Day of St Matthew

Reflect on the lectionary readings and how Jesus calls you to follow him everyday.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092115.cfm

Blogs to Visit:

http://marynow.wordpress.com/

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.

http://idocst.wordpress.com/

How we do Catholic Social Teaching.

https://csmresources.wordpress.com/

Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.

https://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  September 3, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary Reflection July 2, 2017

July 2, 2017: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
Ponder prophets of today. How can you share in their mission?

Readings
First Reading: 2nd Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
Psalm: 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes:

He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows. (2015) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 89:2-38

The prototype of the king chosen by Yahweh is David, whose humble origins are a favourite topic of the biblical account (cf. 1 Sam 16:1-13). David is the recipient of the promise (cf. 2 Sam 7:13-16; Ps 89:2-38, 132:11-18), which places him at the beginning of a special kingly tradition, the “messianic” tradition. Notwithstanding all the sins and infidelities of David and his successors, this tradition culminates in Jesus Christ, who is par excellence “Yahweh’s anointed” (that is, “the Lord’s  consecrated one”, cf. 1 Sam 2:35, 24:7,11, 26:9,16; Ex 30:22-32), the son of David (cf. Mt 1:1-17; Lk 3:23-38; Rom 1:3).
The failure of kingship on the historical level does not lead to the disappearance of the ideal of a king who, in fidelity to Yahweh, will govern with wisdom and act in justice. This hope reappears time and again in the Psalms (cf. Ps 2, 18, 20, 21, 72). In the messianic oracles, the figure of a king endowed with the Lord’s Spirit, full of wisdom and capable of rendering justice to the poor, is awaited in eschatological times (cf. Is 11:2-5; Jer 23:5-6). As true shepherd of the people of Israel (cf. Ezek 34:23-24, 37:24), he will bring peace to the nations (cf. Zech 9:9-10). In Wisdom Literature, the king is presented as the one who renders just judgments and abhors iniquity (cf. Prov 16:12), who judges the poor with equity (cf. Prov 29:14) and is a friend to those with a pure heart (cf. Prov 22:11). There is a gradual unfolding of the proclamation of what the Gospels and other New Testament writings see fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, the definitive incarnation of what the Old Testament foretold about the figure of the king. (378)

Matthew 10:40-42

The new relationships of interdependence between individuals and peoples, which are de facto forms of solidarity, have to be transformed into relationships tending towards genuine ethical-social solidarity. This is a moral requirement inherent within all human relationships. Solidarity is seen therefore under two complementary aspects: that of a social principle and that of a moral virtue.
Solidarity must be seen above all in its value as a moral virtue that determines the order of institutions. On the basis of this principle the “structures of sin”that dominate relationships between individuals and peoples must be overcome. They must be purified and transformed into structures of solidarity through the creation or appropriate modification of laws, market regulations, and juridical systems.
Solidarity is also an authentic moral virtue, not a “feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all”. Solidarity rises to the rank of fundamental social virtue since it places itself in the sphere of justice. It is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good, and is found in “a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour with the readiness, in the Gospel sense, to ‘lose oneself’ for the sake of the other instead of exploiting him, and to ‘serve him’ instead of oppressing him for one’s own advantage (cf. Mt 10:40-42, 20:25; Mk 10:42-45; Lk 22:25-27)”. (193)

Romans 6:4

Personal and social life, as well as human action in the world, is always threatened by sin. Jesus Christ, however, “by suffering for us … not only gave us an example so that we might follow in His footsteps, but He also opened up a way. If we follow this path, life and death are made holy and acquire a new meaning”. Christ’s disciple adheres, in faith and through the sacraments, to Jesus’ Paschal Mystery, so that his old self, with its evil inclinations, is crucified with Christ. As a new creation he is then enabled by grace to “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4). This “holds true not for Christians alone but also for all people of good will in whose hearts grace is active invisibly. For since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the Paschal Mystery”. (41)

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
When we think of ourselves as dead to sin, does our reasoning take us beyond a resolve to mend our ways? A transformation to act and speak aligned with Gospel mores, with attentiveness to sins of omission. And dead to sin means shedding burdensome cloaks of unworthiness, letting go of past facades we hid behind to shield our reality from the world and looking at life anew with opportunities for service to displace selfish ruses. For to remain slotted in the past, even though we have changed our ways, lets sin still tether our freedom of moving from death fully into life.

Baptism offers the initial plunge into the newness of life, while the cross continually challenges us to navigate spiritual minefields with GPS ( God’s Providential Steadfastness) guidance. Knowing God’s love for us allows us to understand that while we care for family, friends and those in need, our ultimate love must be for God, as everything else flows from His merciful gaze on our lives. Grasping that understanding, we acknowledge God is the source of our being, Our Creator. That gift, that love, we share with those around us. In the process, what we felt was important, critical to our existence and status fizzles into non-existence, like the effervescent fizz of a soda vanishing in the release of popping bubbles. In shedding, parting from what we thought we must possess, we find our strength rooted not in our own crafted identity, but drawn from God. A place in the garden of life where we exist not as a solitary plant, but a branch drawing on the Divine tap root and supporting strength of other branches.

Prophets, people of immense faith, modeled this way of life. Side stepping from the conventional path, validating service over status. Elisha’s demeanor, as a holy man of God, was evident to the woman of Shunem. She shattered the glass ceiling of spiritual edicts, not only talking to a man, but offered him the invitation to dine with her. The women and her husband provided a room and amenities for Elisha when he traveled to the region. Do we offer hospitality to the prophets, the voices of hope, throughout all generations continuing to our day or are the voices of prophets silenced, with the complicit silence of people with superficial faithful intent? We might not seem like we contribute must to sustain the prophets’ missions, but collective affirmations allow them to offer hope and praise from being called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light. Jesus’ invitation of giving of a cup of cold water might appear trivial, but ponder its significance for the recipient in a parched land eras before ice or refrigerators with cold water dispensers on the door. Today, how can we replicate such similar acts of hospitality and generosity where belief is sealed with the promise of eternal rewards?

Individual Reflection: 2nd Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
As you practice hospitality this summer, with picnics and outdoor dining, try to use reusable utensils, cups and dinnerware when possible, instead of plastic and styrofoam options.

Family Reflection: Psalm 117: 1bc, 2 and Mark 16:15 (Responsorial Psalm for Feast of Saint Thomas )
July 3rd is the Feast of Saint Thomas. Despite his initial doubt of the Resurrection, he eventually traveled almost half way round the globe to share the Gospel.
Discuss what doubts of faith each family member needs to shed to strengthen their faith.

Prayer: The Entrance Antiphon for the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time is Psalm 47: 2: “All Peoples clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy”
Joyfully sing one of your favorite songs as a prayer of thanksgiving.

Blogs to Visit:
http://marynow.wordpress.com/
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.
http://idocst.wordpress.com/
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
https://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 June 25, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

July 10, 2011: 15th Sunday in Ordinary TIme

July 10, 2011: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm: 65
Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Romans 8: 18-23 paragraphs 38, 64, 123, 262, 455, 522
Matthew 13:22 paragraph 325

The seed abundantly distributed on a path, challenging terrain, in fallowed fields or tended ground contains the ability to provide life giving nutrients. Seed to remain where it initially fell or blown by the wind to a new abode and different consequences. So likewise, the Word goes forth from the mouth of God and with the first fruits of the Spirit prepares our hearts to do His will. From the prophets to the Gospel, we are drenched with enriching words to be initiators of justice. Dense clods of hatred brake up to transform us, so liberated from slavery of exclusion we share in the glorious freedom to see everyone as a child of God. We must continually remain open to the Word, not turning our hearts, saying I don’t understand, to have the profound life giving message stolen from enriching our lives. Rooted in the depths of our being, the Word triumphs in persecution with joy. The Word must not be muffled in the din of life beyond the abundance of our daily bread, for anxiety and lure of worldly riches chokes initiative to bear fruit. But with the Spirit, we hear God’s Word, understand the significance for our lives rooted in faith to work for peace and justice, so God’s Word does not return to Him void.

Individual Reflection: Matthew 13:1-23
With people from work, look for a school, neighborhood center or youth social service program to mentor youth in challenging situations with job skills.

Family Reflection: Isaiah 55:10-11
Have each family member select the five words that are most important to them, discuss the significance of each word and how they personify that word in the world.

The reflection may be reproduced in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.