August 16, 2020: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
August 19th is World Humanitarian Day to recognize the gifts and service of those involved in areas of strife and conflict to provide humanitarian outreach. This year the United Nations shares the stories of 24 women involved in humanitarian efforts.
https://unhabitat.org/events/world-humanitarian-day-2020
https://www.worldhumanitarianday.org/about/
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Psalm: 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11:11-15, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Just as Jesus prays to the Father and gives thanks before receiving his gifts, so he teaches us filial boldness: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.”66 Such is the power of prayer and of faith that does not doubt: “all things are possible to him who believes.” Jesus is as saddened by the “lack of faith” of his own neighbors and the “little faith” of his own disciples as he is struck with admiration at the great faith of the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman. (2610) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
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
God has an infinity for an inclusion of wholeness. A house of prayer for all people, receptive to the praise of all nations. If one thinks otherwise, God has not abandoned them, but they have forsaken God. An unholy arrogance dismissing one’s relationship to God and all His creation. Unbelief forgetting the spiritual lineage of humanity. A front row seat discarded to wander into the wilderness. But Jesus crosses boundaries, to move beyond the Holy Temple in the sacred city of Jerusalem and venture into land viewed by the chosen people of Israel as pagan territory laced with defiling practices. But Jesus in rhetorical consciousness plies the sensibilities of the disciples to show those viewed as devout can defame the sacred gift of faith by portioning segments of humanity as unworthy for the gift of faith. Yet Jesus acknowledges every soul’s hungering for faith as the woman exemplifies from a scrap. What might seem like a discardable portion to a “believer” can awaken the faith of another person to garner the initial glimpse into infinite reality. A faith that is a kernel of belief to render healing of body, mind and soul. The mission of Jesus crossing boarders only by talking to someone viewed as “unclean”, a Gentile by the society of His roots. He ministered in dialogue, listening to her rebuttal of traditional verbiage and opened doors, purged legalistic mandates allowing the Gospel to expand, faith to grow. Jesus also crossed boarders of social mores by speaking to a woman in a patriarchal world. By allowing her to state her faith, He gave her voice, just was He commissioned Mary Magdalen with voice to proclaim the Resurrection. As Jesus gave voice to women at pivotal points of His ministry, at these pivotal times in our Church and the world, we should follow Jesus’ example and give women voice to lead and proclaim our faith. Since for Jesus, the lineage of all people flows from the Father and faith is the Divine spark within them needing to be released to ignite the faith of others. To snuff out the voice of some, smoothers, extinguishes the movement of the Spirit to mute the spiritual potential of what the Trinity desires for the Church. For even those deemed “foreigners” to faith, not raised in the “tradition” can join themselves to the Lord and in living His decrees become His servants to live on His holy mountain in prayer and place on His altar the offering and sacrifices of their lives in thanksgiving for the mercy they have received.
Individual Reflection: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
Read the book Jonah, Jesus and Other Good Coyotes: Speaking Peace to Power in the Bible by Daniel Smith-Christopher. Analyze how you “cross boarders” to listen, dialogue and learn from people in “camps” outside your normal boundaries.? What can you do to increase “crossing boarders” in your life ?
Family Reflection:
As summer concludes, what can you recycle or share to minimize clutter in your home? Look at Earth 911 for ideas to better care for God’s creation: https://earth911.com
Prayer: How does your faith in God surpass every human desire?
O God, who have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that, loving you in all things and above all things, we may attain your promises, which surpass every human desire. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Collect for Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 August 7, 2020 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.