Baptism of the Lord Lectionary Reflection January 13, 2019

January 13, 2019: The Baptism of the Lord

Catholic Social Teaching: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Relationship between baptism and Catholic Social teaching 

http://harvestinggifts.camdendiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/baptism.pdf

 

Readings 

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Psalm: 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 or 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

Gospel:Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Grace is a participation in the life of God. It introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life: by Baptism the Christian participates in the grace of Christ, the Head of his Body. As an “adopted son” he can henceforth call God “Father,” in union with the only Son. He receives the life of the Spirit who breathes charity into him and who forms the Church. (1997) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to The Baptism of the Lord  Cycle C

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Psalm 104

The Old Testament presents God as the omnipotent Creator (cf. Gen 2:2; Job 38-41; Ps 104; Ps 147) who fashions man in his image and invites him to work the soil (cf. Gen 2:5-6), and cultivate and care for the garden of Eden in which he has placed him (cf. Gen 2:15). To the first human couple God entrusts the task of subduing the earth and exercising dominion over every living creature (cf. Gen 1:28). The dominion exercised by man over other living creatures, however, is not to be despotic or reckless; on the contrary he is to “cultivate and care for” (Gen 2:15) the goods created by God. These goods were not created by man, but have been received by him as a precious gift that the Creator has placed under his responsibility. Cultivating the earth means not abandoning it to itself; exercising dominion over it means taking care of it, as a wise king cares for his people and a shepherd his sheep.

In the Creator’s plan, created realities, which are good in themselves, exist for man’s use. The wonder of the mystery of man’s grandeur makes the psalmist exclaim: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than god, and crown him with glory and honour. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Ps 8:5-7).  (255)

Psalm 104:24

The relationship of man with the world is a constitutive part of his human identity. This relationship is in turn the result of another still deeper relationship between man and God. The Lord has made the human person to be a partner with him in dialogue. Only in dialogue with God does the human being find his truth, from which he draws inspiration and norms to make plans for the future of the world, which is the garden that God has given him to keep and till (cf. Gen 2: 15). Not even sin could remove this duty, although it weighed down this exalted work with pain and suffering (cf. Gen 3:17-19).

Creation is always an object of praise in Israel’s prayer: “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all” (Ps 104:24). Salvation is perceived as a new creation that re-establishes that harmony and potential for growth that sin had compromised: “I create new heavens and a new earth” (Is 65:17) — says the Lord — in which “the wilderness becomes a fruitful field … and righteousness [will] abide in the fruitful field … My people will abide in a peaceful habitation” (Is 32:1518). (452)

Acts 10:34

“God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34; cf. Rom 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9), since all people have the same dignity as creatures made in his image and likeness. The Incarnation of the Son of God shows the equality of all people with regard to dignity: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28; cf. Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13, Col 3:11).

Since something of the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity of man before other men. Moreover, this is the ultimate foundation of the radical equality and brotherhood among all people, regardless of their race, nation, sex, origin, culture, or class.  (144)

Acts 10:36

Working for peace can never be separated from announcing the Gospel, which is in fact the “good news of peace” (Acts 10:36; cf. Eph 6:15) addressed to all men and women. At the centre of “the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:15) remains the mystery of the cross, because peace is born of Christ’s sacrifice (cf. Is 53:5) — “Upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we were healed”. The crucified Jesus has overcome divisions, re-establishing peace and reconciliation, precisely through the cross, “thereby bringing the hostility to an end” (Eph 2:16) and bringing the salvation of the Resurrection to mankind. (493)

Titus 3:5-6

Praying for rulers, which Saint Paul recommended even as he was being persecuted, implicitly indicates what political authority ought to guarantee: a calm and tranquil life led with piety and dignity (cf. 1 Tim 2:1-2). Christians must “be ready for any honest work” (Tit 3:1), showing “perfect courtesy towards all” (Tit 3:2), in the awareness that they are saved not by their own deeds but by God’s mercy. Without “the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Tit 3:5-6), all people are “foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing [their] days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another” (Tit 3:3). We must not forget the miserable state of the human condition marred by sin, but redeemed by God’s love.  (381)

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 

After baptism, Jesus prayed.  A word of reflection to seal the sacred act to harken the Trinitarian participation.  With God’s acclamation, “You are my beloved Son, with who I am well pleased”, the Holy Spirit’s descent from the opening of heaven and Jesus’ surrender in the waters of the Jordan officiated by a prophet unworthy to loosen His sandals.  Our baptism incorporates the same ritual etched with sacramental grace of the Trinity, as we die and rise with Christ in waters blessed to impart the sacred endowment.  An episode of faith we may not be cognizant of from our infancy or freshly engrained from the living water immersing one’s being into Christian solidarity, with the same lasting eternal impact.  An act showing no partiality, but awaiting for all who believe. 

After Jesus’ baptism, He went about doing good and healing the oppressed for God was with Him.  A light to all nations to open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from confinement and bring forth from dungeons those who live in darkness.  Do we live with that zeal to let our faith make us instruments of healing in the world?  Will we let God train us to reject godless ways to live temperately, justly and devoutly, for that is the way of peace in our hearts and the world?  Recalling our baptismal promises, we treasure the kindness and generous love of God inherent in the waters of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit to become heirs in the hope of eternal life while we wait and participate in the continual renewal of the face of the earth.  This is the blessing of peace the Lord bestows on His people, if we participate and don’t retreat to self-conceived dungeons separating us from the radically inclusive love of God for all people, make ourselves captive to theological ideologies confining us to silos of exclusion or unworthiness and don’t keep on spiritual sunglasses to mute the light of the whole Gospel. For from the waters of baptism wet hair will dry, wet clothes will be changed, but the spiritual refreshment remains if we let our lives radiate the light of our baptismal candles. 

 

Individual Reflection: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Become a sponsor for someone preparing for baptism in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) at your parish.

 

Family Reflection:Titus 2:11-14;3:4-7

In 2019, how can the family more fully live their baptismal promises by living temperately, justly and devoutly?  What are some concrete examples?

 

Prayer: Baptismal promises in song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrBiS4axyUc

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  December 29, 2018 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

The Most Holy Trinity Lectionary Reflection June 11, 2017

June 11, 2017: The Most Holy Trinity

Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

The presence of the laity in social life is characterized by service, the sign and expression of love, which is seen in the areas of the family, culture, work, economics and politics according to specific aspects. Complying with the different demands of their particular area of work, lay men and women express the truth of their faith and, at the same time, the truth of the Church’s social doctrine, which fully becomes a reality when it is lived concretely in order to resolve social problems. In fact, the credibility of this social doctrine comes more immediately from the witness of action than from its internal consistency or logic.

Having entered into The Third Millennium of the Christian era, the lay faithful will open themselves, through their witness, to all people with whom they will take on the burden of the most pressing calls of our time. “Drawn from the treasures of the teaching of the Church, the proposals of this Council are intended for all men, whether they believe in God or whether they do not explicitly acknowledge him; they are intended to help them to a keener awareness of their own destiny, to make the work conform better to the surpassing dignity of man, to strive for a more deeply rooted sense of universal brotherhood and to meet the pressing appeals of our times with a generous and common effort of love”. (551) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Readings
First Reading: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Psalm: Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: John 3:16-18

Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the “mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God”. To be sure, God has left traces of his Trinitarian being in his work of creation and in his Revelation throughout the Old Testament. But his inmost Being as Holy Trinity is a mystery that is inaccessible to reason alone or even to Israel’s faith before the Incarnation of God’s Son and the sending of the Holy Spirit. (237) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the, Most Holy Trinity Cycle A

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

John 3:16

To the people of our time, her travelling companions, the Church also offers her social doctrine. In fact, when the Church “fulfils her mission of proclaiming the Gospel, she bears witness to man, in the name of Christ, to his dignity and his vocation to the communion of persons. She teaches him the demands of justice and peace in conformity with divine wisdom”. This doctrine has its own profound unity, which flows from Faith in a whole and complete salvation, from Hope in a fullness of justice, and from Love which makes all mankind truly brothers and sisters in Christ: it is the expression of God’s love for the world, which he so loved “that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16). The new law of love embraces the entire human family and knows no limits, since the proclamation of the salvation wrought by Christ extends “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). (3)

With her social doctrine not only does the Church not stray from her mission but she is rigorously faithful to it. The redemption wrought by Christ and entrusted to the saving mission of the Church is certainly of the supernatural order. This dimension is not a delimitation of salvation but rather an integral expression of it[82]. The supernatural is not to be understood as an entity or a place that begins where the natural ends, but as the raising of the natural to a higher plane. In this way nothing of the created or the human order is foreign to or excluded from the supernatural or theological order of faith and grace, rather it is found within it, taken on and elevated by it. “In Jesus Christ the visible world which God created for man (cf. Gen 1:26-30) — the world that, when sin entered, ‘was subjected to futility’ (Rom 8:20; cf. Rom 8:19-22) — recovers again its original link with the divine source of Wisdom and Love. Indeed, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only Son’ (Jn 3:16). As this link was broken in the man Adam, so in the Man Christ it was reforged (cf. Rom 5:12-21)”. (64)

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

The Trinity magnifies love, given as a gift. To perceive the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as authoritarian importers of condemnation are figments of our imagination wedging us farther apart from the Divine mystery that anchors faith. The Trinity is not just for the most holy, most righteous, most devout, but everyone with faith. A faith Jesus said did not need to be gigantic, humongous, but the size of a mustard seed. One of the smallest seeds as a metaphor for faith nurtured by the love of the Trinity grows into a large plant metaphorically blossoming into vibrant flowers and offers shelter to the workings of creation. The gift of the Trinity allows us to be gifts to others. To disavow the Trinity one condemns oneself thru the separation from the infinite love, unable to live in peace. The void from a freefall into a spiritual blackhole. An infinite abyss of searching, loathing our contentment thru modalities further deepening the angle of ascent into ambiguity. For the Trinity nudges us to mend our ways to see with eyes of faith, live with hearts of justice and hands of compassion. A process of not living with fingers pointed in judgement, but hands applauding and voices encouraging the embrace of Trinitarian precepts establishing a road of personal and universal peace. A process of not coalescing to submission of dominate paradigms of earthly decrees, but the collegiality of collaboration. A time to listen, discuss, ask questions and discern, so agreement with one another is not forced intimidation, but a mutually attained understanding of unraveling just a smidgen of the mystery. A process where acceptance turns to belief, so acceptance of another solidifies into agreement. The Trinity comes to us rich in kindness and fidelity and slow to anger about our expression of unbelief. Will we give the Trinity permission to come into our company and exhibit the freedom to take us into the mystery or does our timidness leave us harnessed to our stiff ways?

Individual Reflection: 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13
May we be encourage the Trinity’s fragrance of non-violence in the world: The Catholic Non-Violence Initiative launched with a Vatican Conference in April 2016: https://nonviolencejustpeace.net

The conference’s final statement calls on the Church to:
• Continue developing Catholic social teaching on nonviolence. In particular, we call on Pope Francis to share with the world an encyclical on nonviolence and Just Peace;
• Integrate Gospel nonviolence explicitly into the life, including the sacramental life, and work of the Church through dioceses, parishes, agencies, schools, universities, seminaries, religious orders, voluntary associations, and others;
• Promote nonviolent practices and strategies (e.g., nonviolent resistance, restorative justice, trauma healing, unarmed civilian protection, conflict transformation and peacebuilding strategies);
• Initiate a global conversation on nonviolence within the Church, with people of other faiths, and with the larger world to respond to the monumental crises of our time with the vision and strategies of nonviolence and Just Peace;
• No longer use or teach “just war theory”; continue advocating for the abolition of war and nuclear weapons;
• Lift up the prophetic voice of the church to challenge unjust world powers and to support and defend those nonviolent activists whose work for peace and justice put their lives at risk.
See the full statement here: An appeal to the Catholic Church to re-commit to the centrality of Gospel nonviolence.
In this time of great violence and injustice, we invite people everywhere to join this powerful initiative by:
• Learning more about the Nonviolence and Just Peace conference
• Studying, endorsing and spreading the appeal
• Reading the background papers
• Studying and practicing Gospel nonviolence
• Getting involved in spreading, integrating and activating Gospel nonviolence in the Church and in your context
• Staying in touch
Conference sponsors included the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Pax Christi International

Family Reflection: 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13
June is a time of graduations, weddings and Father’ Day. Celebrations usually including the giving of gifts. Instead of buying a material gift, give the recipient a gift card from Kiva, so they can make a micro finance loan to assist someone in the global human family. https://www.kiva.org

Prayer: Glory Be
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

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 May 26, 2017 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

Solemnity of All Saints Lectionary Reflection November 1, 2015

November 1, 2015: Solemnity of All Saints

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities

The object of the Church’s social doctrine is essentially the same that constitutes the reason for its existence: the human person called to salvation, and as such entrusted by Christ to the Church’s care and responsibility. By means of her social doctrine, the Church shows her concern for human life in society, aware that the quality of social life — that is, of the relationships of justice and love that form the fabric of society — depends in a decisive manner on the protection and promotion of the human person, for whom every community comes into existence. In fact, at play in society are the dignity and rights of the person, and peace in the relationships between persons and between communities of persons. These are goods that the social community must pursue and guarantee. In this perspective, the Church’s social doctrine has the task of proclamation, but also of denunciation.

In the first place it is the proclamation of what the Church possesses as proper to herself: “a view of man and of human affairs in their totality”. This is done not only on the level of principles but also in practice. The Church’s social doctrine, in fact, offers not only meaning, value and criteria of judgment, but also the norms and directives of action that arise from these. With her social doctrine the Church does not attempt to structure or organize society, but to appeal to, guide and form consciences.

This social doctrine also entails a duty to denounce, when sin is present: the sin of injustice and violence that in different ways moves through society and is embodied in it. By denunciation, the Church’s social doctrine becomes judge and defender of unrecognized and violated rights, especially those of the poor, the least and the weak. The more these rights are ignored or trampled, the greater becomes the extent of violence and injustice, involving entire categories of people and large geographical areas of the world, thus giving rise to social questions, that is, to abuses and imbalances that lead to social upheaval. A large part of the Church’s social teaching is solicited and determined by important social questions, to which social justice is the proper answer.  (81) Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

 

Readings

First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

Psalm: 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

Second Reading: 1^st John 3:1-3

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity – this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed – is called “heaven.” Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. (1024)  From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Solemnity of All Saints

 

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

 

Matthew 5:9

The peace of Christ is in the first place reconciliation with the Father, which is brought about by the ministry Jesus entrusted to his disciples and which begins with the proclamation of peace: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!”’ (Lk 10:5; cf. Rom 1:7). Peace is then reconciliation with one’s brothers and sisters, for in the prayer that Jesus taught us, the “Our Father”, the forgiveness that we ask of God is linked to the forgiveness that we grant to our brothers and sisters: “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Mt 6:12). With this twofold reconciliation Christians can become peacemakers and therefore participate in the Kingdom of God, in accordance with what Jesus himself proclaims in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9)(492)

 

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

Absorbed in the nuances of our day, can we free ourselves from the triviality of daily happenings to let our minds ponder our “ultimate abode and fulfillment of the deepest human longings and supreme, definitive happiness, the communion of life and love with the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed?” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1024) All the saints named in litanies and those unknown in name intercede for us on our journey, as pilgrims advancing in faith.  How have saints ascended the mountain of the Lord to stand in His holy place?  In the words of the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches us to desire the path of blessedness, not what is vain.  An essence of spiritual joy and happiness in wrestling with our humanity, we come to realize in our frailty. We see an illuminated sliver of the Kingdom of heaven.  And like Jesus’ time, walking with the lowly, marginalized and oppressed, we see attachment to earthly wealth separates us from the holistic peace of shalom.  Learning that mourning collectively over injustice woven of physical and economic parameters, we will be comforted because we care, have hope with a resurrection spirit embedded in acts demonstrating a belief in healing of people’s societal scars and social structures.  A blending of meekness in not willing to be a doormat, with a hunger and thirst for righteousness present in the crevasses of our world that exhibits a wait full trusting in God that separates our passion to manipulate God’s kingdom on earth, as if it was our own fiefdom.  Only in letting kingdoms fall from our hands, so we gratefully accept the gift of God’s kingdom can we inherit the land and are satisfied, for we cease warring with ourselves over expanding our kingdoms that never satisfy.  A process of living as peacemakers not by the use of force, but highlighting the root cause of violence that prevent peace to speak words of reconciliation, with caring acts of support.  Without the grace of faith, the Beatitudes may appear a bizarre venture into idealistic fantasyland leading to persecution and venomous insults or exclusion from worldly structures. With the Beatitudes, Jesus invites us to see beyond the illusions of the world and walk the challenging path of the saints, so we do not sulk, frown, complain and whine, but rejoice with gladness for we grasp the promise, our reward will be great in heaven and eternally live among the presence of saints that walked before us.

 

Individual Reflection: Matthew 5:1-12a

Write a letter of thanksgiving to someone that has been a living saint in your life.

 

Family Reflection:  1st John 3:1-3

Read the Confiteor and reflect on the depth of the penitential expression:

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

 

In my thoughts and in my words…how our thoughts permeate the fabric of our humanity… like the words of Mark 7:15 , “…things that come from within are what defile.”

 

What I have done and failed to do…are sins of omission, not speaking for justice, not willingly help others many time more profound and consequential in molding our being, than sins we actually do?

 

Ask Mary, all the angels and saints and our brothers and sisters for their prayers on our journey…what  a  multitude of prayers, with the Holy Mother of God, ALL  the angels and saints and that we pray for each and every person  in the church, our sisters and brothers when this is said at Mass !  That’s a lot of prayers supporting us !

 

Prayer

Prayerfully say a litany of saints. Include the names of saints whose witness of faith have strengthened your faith.

 

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.

 

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

 

By Barb  Born, October 21, 2015  The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

Second Sunday of Lent Lectionary Reflection March 1, 2015

March 1, 2015: Second Sunday of Lent

 

Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

 

Never before has there been such a widespread awareness of the bond of interdependence between individuals and peoples…In the presence of the phenomenon of interdependence…there persists in every part of the world stark inequalities…stoked by various forms of exploitation, oppression and corruption…we are all responsible for all…(Solidarity) is a virtue directed par excellence to the common good…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…These principles remind us…the interconnectedness of the freedoms of all the persons who interact within it, contributing by means of their choices either to build it up or to impoverish it (society).

 (162, 192 and 193)Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

 

Readings

First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

Psalm: 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem”. A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (554)

From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle B

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:

Romans 8:31-32

With the unceasing amazement of those who have experienced the inexpressible love of God (cf. Rom 8:26), the New Testament grasps, in the light of the full revelation of Trinitarian love offered by the Passover of Jesus Christ, the ultimate meaning of the Incarnation of the Son and his mission among men and women. Saint Paul writes: “If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?” (Rom 8:31-32). Similar language is used also by Saint John: “In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins” (1 Jn 4:10). (30)

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

God handed over for us all, His most precious possession—His Son.  Do we hand over our most precious possessions for the service of God?  A test of our faith to articulate the depth of our belief.  A process to shed the burden of gods that define our lives with false security ,a spiral of doom, void of peace that condemns us to insatiable desires.  Faith in God, the Father, frees us from condemnation, acquitted from transgressions, into the freedom to live as a child of God through the intercession of Christ Jesus.  This journey, in our devotion to God, takes us to the high mountain top experience.  A spiritual transfiguration that loosens the bonds of accepting faith into embracing the realm of belief.  An empowerment of love to move us from spiritual timidity to become servants graced with thanksgiving from not withholding anything of who we are or have.  All is a gift and we only faithfully acknowledge the gifts by freely giving them away, as God gave away His Son in love.  It means coming down from the mountain, journeying to our metaphorical Jerusalems.  Along the way cognizant of who is by the side of the road, asking why they must gaze in bewilderment from being excluded from the journey of life, condemned because people live worshiping the gods of fear and judgment, instead of sharing the gift of God’s acquittal from the past to step forward into the mercy of the present.  Addressing religiosity that demeans and excludes, since God that prefaces His kindness on love, would not condemn or exclude.  Raise the challenge, ask the questions, fear not coming down from the mountain to proclaim  in peace and love what we garnered from listening in our minds, hearts and souls to the beloved Son.

 

Individual Reflection: Romans 8:31b-34

Attend the 40^th Anniversary Rice Bowl Concert.  If you are not in So Cal, join the celebration via livestream:

“40 years ago, Catholics in the United States wanted to respond to famine in Africa. Could we feed the hungry through Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving? The answer was yes—and it came in the form of a small cardboard box. St. Monica Catholic Community in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) is sponsoring a free concert event “Bring Lent to Life” commemorating the 40^thAnniversary of the Rice Bowl at St. Monica Catholic Church Friday, March 6, 2015 at 8pm.  Join us for a night of prayer, worship and witness to celebrate 40 years of helping people in need around the world. The evening begins with a not so typical Fish Fry at 6pm, followed by Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm and concert featuring Ben Walther, worship leader and OCP recording artist, and Thomas Awiapo, inspirational speaker for CRS originally from Ghana. Bring the whole family! For more information visit our website at www.stmonica.net.crsricebowl  If you can’t join us  livestream from home at www.stmonica.net/live”

 

Family Reflection: Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

Only about fourteen percent of children receiving school lunches in the United States receive a lunch during summer vacation.  How might you parish community address this concern?

 

Prayer

Listen to Bob Hurd’s song Transfigure Us O Lord and reflect on the meaning of the words in your life.

 

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.

 

Involvement Opportunities

List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites

 

By Barb  Born, February 19, 2015  The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.

 

 

June 19, 2011: Trinity Sunday Lectionary Reflection

June 19, 2011: Trinity Sunday
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

First Reading Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Psalm: 3
Second Reading: 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: John 3:16-18

The fabric of our journey contains fibers mended to heal our rift with God, for His mercy, kindness and fidelity have been evident. In belief, the rue of condemnation dissolves in the abundance of Christ’s sacrificial grace. Our path, traveled as brothers and sisters, is unified by the Holy Spirit. Experiencing the Trinity, we rejoice in our prayer life, worship and service. Peace dominate in our hearts, allows us to live peace in the world. We encourage one another, for the Trinity offers encouragement by inspiring us with courage, spirit, hope and promise.

“To the people of our time…the Church…teaches…the demands of justice and peace in conformity with divine wisdom. This doctrine has its own profound unity, which flows from Faith in a whole and complete salvation, from Hope in a fullness of justice and from Love which makes all mankind truly brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the expression of God’s love for the world, which he so loved that He gave His only Son. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, paragraph 3.

Individual Reflection: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
June is Torture Awareness Month. On the Internet research statistics of political,economic and religious torture. Ask that some of the statistics be included in your parish bulletin and a petition in the Prayers of the Faithful addresses the condemned victims of violence.

Family Reflection: 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13
Over a couple of weeks, together read Living Peace, by Fr John Dear. Discuss how you can strengthen your faith to live more peacefully.

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

June 12, 2011: Pentecost Sunday

June 12, 2011: Pentecost Sunday
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Psalm: 104
Second Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
In addition, the Second Reading from the Vigil Mass was incorporated into the reflection: Romans 8:22-27

Prepared with a blessing of peace, the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. If our lives wrestle in turmoil, distractions or distrust, we ignore that same gift. Only when we root ourselves in peace can we reflect upon our weakness, our inability to pray, so the Spirit intercedes and is manifest in our lives. We each receive different spiritual gifts for different forms of service. All gifts bestowed by the same Spirit serve the same Lord in the workings of the same God. That unity of the Trinity, we are asked to live by how we offer peace to others and take initiative in the Lord sending us to be His body. This unity can be manifest in our parishes when social justice ministries collaborate and integrate outreach into the fabric of parish life. To live as Communities of Salt and Light reflects the Holy Spirit present and active in our lives. We live with the words of Confirmation infused in our hearts and present in the work of our hands by knowing the Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, gives us a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe to be in God’s presence.

Individual Reflection: 1st Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
On the USCCB website read Communities of Salt and Light. Reflect upon how your parish might more fully implement this framework and prayerfully, under guidance of the Holy Spirit, how might you use your gifts in some of the components.

Family Reflection: John 20:19-23
As a family, together pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit for one week. After those seven days talk about what it has meant to your faith:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, You instructed the hearts of those who believe in You by the light of the Holy Spirit. Grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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