January 22, 2012: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching; Solidarity
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm: 25
Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Mark 1:15 paragraph 49
1st Corinthians 7:31 paragraphs 48 and 264
” The awareness that the form of this world is passing away is not an exoneration from being involved in the world…” paragraph 264
When is it our time to be the messenger, to step in and keep the message going? Will we continue to cast our nets into the sea of continuity or come to continue the legacy? The tasks may seem enormous, but we must approach announcing the message with the journey of a single day. A process requiring surrender, in sackcloth humbleness, to the paths the Lord teaches us and guides us in truth. No longer lingering as a casual observer, mundane tasks left behind remain but a memory of our static world passing away. We become more fully engaged in seeing people society classifies as great and small come to believe in justice as a perpetual fast from evil. May this become an essence of our prayer during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18th to 25th).
Individual Reflection: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Familiarize yourself with the depths of rural poverty in America, including Native Americans living on reservations, due to lack of jobs and adequate housing. Reflect upon how our urban society, living in mainly in great cities, can work to improve human dignity for rural Americians challenged by poverty. Consider taking a service vacation this summer to participate in activities that strengthens economic justice for rural Americans.
Family Reflection: Psalm 25
Discuss how the Lord has taught His ways to each family member this week, as part of their faith journey. (The conversion of St Paul on his faith journey is celebrated on January 25th)
The reflection may be reproduced in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.