October 17, 2021: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
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) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm: 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Gospel:Mark 10:35-45
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift, as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: “Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith.” To live, grow and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God; we must beg the Lord to increase our faith; it must be “working through charity,” abounding in hope, and rooted in the faith of the Church. (162) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Mark 10:35-40, 40, 42
Jesus refuses the oppressive and despotic power wielded by the rulers of the nations (cf. Mk 10:42) and rejects their pretension in having themselves called benefactors (cf. Lk 22:25), but he does not directly oppose the authorities of his time. In his pronouncement on the paying of taxes to Caesar (cf. Mk 12:13-17; Mt 22:15-22; Lk 20:20-26), he affirms that we must give to God what is God’s, implicitly condemning every attempt at making temporal power divine or absolute: God alone can demand everything from man. At the same time, temporal power has the right to its due: Jesus does not consider it unjust to pay taxes to Caesar.
Jesus, the promised Messiah, fought against and overcame the temptation of a political messianism, characterized by the subjection of the nations (cf. Mt 4:8-11; Lk 4:5-8). He is the Son of Man who came “to serve, and to give his life” (Mk 10:45; cf. Mt 20:24-28: Lk 22:24-27). As his disciples are discussing with one another who is the greatest, Jesus teaches them that they must make themselves least and the servants of all (cf. Mk 9:33- 35), showing to the sons of Zebedee, James and John, who wish to sit at His right hand, the path of the cross (cf. Mk 10:35-40; Mt 20:20-23). (379)
Mark 10:42-45
See Catholic Social Teaching above
(193)
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
Service must be grounded in trust, not blind obedience. Trust in the narrative beyond fear or defiable constructs of power bendable, breakable. A way of life, language framing questions beyond I will, I want, I can, to a language grounded in prayer inquiring about the needs of others beyond assumptions or cursory summations by eye or intellect. Living with essence of destiny, a cup not slurped down, but sipped with a savoring palate understanding a continuum of time leads to a destination honed in reverence . A place not of one’s crafting, but made possible by a change of one’s heart. The essence of immersion in water from Hebrew scripture and our transformation in the waters of baptism to die and rise with Christ. Connections that were superficial to James and John, but a path Jesus , as the Good Servant, invited them into the depth of spiritual inquisitiveness. For service without a foundational basis, as why one serves, is only slavery to another, a way of life left to the control of worldly powers. As Jerusalem’s restoration after exile depended upon God’s providence, the restoration of our lives trusts in God’s restoration of ourselves to friendship with Him and the metamorphosis of our surroundings. The acuity of our perception to understand God is not just a supreme judge, but oozes with compassion and mercy for all people. A paradigm’s divinely honed foundational structured on communion, not jealously, rivalry of indigent rhetoric where people lord over others. Not feeling coy for being in the inner circle and exclusive journeys to mountaintops, but fleeing from the foot of the cross or having intercessory inquiries attempt to secure promontory positions of prestige, like the mother of James and John did their bidding, as portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew. Service is leadership realizing the end game is not about “me”., but serving in the footsteps of the One who served for us. Servant means one who serves at table, attending to all the details making for a satisfying meal that satiates the senses of fulfillment. A faithfulness not obedience lacking a cognizant reality of why one does what they do. A style grounded in asking questions of what do you wish me to do for you against a backdrop of blanket absolute demands. Questions to make people ponder, come to awareness of systemic follies inherent in asking for everything that contributes to rifts in their relationships with others and God. For to disacknowledge the Great High Priest, who like the priest on the Day of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies, Jesus in His divine nature coming from heaven offered the ultimate sacrifice, tested in every way but sin, like prophesized in the words of Deutero-Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, that He would justify many and their guilt He shall bear. His act of grace from where we receive mercy to live as servants, for we place all our trust in Him.
Individual Reflection: Isaiah 53:10-11
October 18th is the Feast of St Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. He stressed the universality of Christ for all people. How can you strive to seek that universality in your faith and engagement in the world ?
Family Reflection: Mark 10:35-40
This week collect all the junk mail received . Research how the family can opt out of receiving junk mail, to help prevent the degradation of creation, from the use of natural resources to print and distribute each piece of junk mail and the disposal in landfills.
Prayer:
During Respect Life Month, pray each day for a different life issue that needs to be addressed in our Church and the world. Write a brief reflection each day about why the issue is a life issue and at the end of the month share your reflections with your pastor and diocesan reflect life office.
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 October 15, 2021 St Teresa of Avila Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.