July 7, 2019: Fourteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Adequate responses to current problems cannot be superficial. Rather, what is needed is precisely a conversion, a “turning around”, that is, a transformation of hearts and minds. Striving to overcome problems such as hunger and food insecurity, persistent social and economic distress, the degradation of ecosystems, and a “culture of waste” calls for a renewed ethical vision, one that places persons at the center, desiring to leave no one on the margins of life. A vision which unites rather than divides, includes rather than excludes. It is a vision transformed by taking into account the ultimate purpose and goal of our work, efforts, lives and earthly sojourn. From June 8th, 2019 address by Pope Francis: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2019/june/documents/papa-francesco_20190608_fondazione-centesimusannus.html
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14c
Psalm: 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18
Gospel Acclamation: Colossians 3:15a, 16a
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Before Pilate, Christ proclaims that he “has come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.” The Christian is not to “be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord.” In situations that require witness to the faith, the Christian must profess it without equivocation, after the example of St. Paul before his judges. We must keep “a clear conscience toward God and toward men.” (2471) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Luke 10:5
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)
Luke 10:7
In his preaching, Jesus teaches that we should appreciate work. He himself, having “become like us in all things, devoted most of the years of his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter’s bench” [ 573] in the workshop of Joseph (cf. Mt 13:55; Mk 6:3), to whom he was obedient (cf. Lk 2:51). Jesus condemns the behaviour of the useless servant, who hides his talent in the ground (cf. Mt 25:14-30) and praises the faithful and prudent servant whom the Master finds hard at work at the duties entrusted to him (cf. Mt 24:46). He describes his own mission as that of working: “My Father is working still, and I am working” (Jn 5:17), and his disciples as workers in the harvest of the Lord, which is the evangelization of humanity (cf. Mt 9:37-38). For these workers, the general principle according to which “the labourer deserves his wages” (Lk 10:7) applies. They are therefore authorized to remain in the houses in which they have been welcomed, eating and drinking what is offered to them (cf. Lk 10:7).( 259)
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
Luke defines not our mission’s focus, but the mission’s structural prerogatives. Our Divine cues to not strategize on particulars, but savor the consequences, ultimate purpose of our mission. The process of changing hurt, harm and hostility in the world and at the same time allow transforming influences into our soul. A process not accomplished sealed in our bubble, a vacuum of isolation, but accomplished in partnership, paired in community. No matter what town we live in or place we visit, we are laborers for the Master of the Harvest. Not slaves, but collaborators with Divine mercy treading in what might seem like vicious turf, howling with wrath. The opportunity to impart the peace from our souls to rest on thirsty, receptive ground. At the same time, one’s call to receive the hospitality of others, not fussing over the morsels on one’s plate, but appreciate the offering of another’s toil and persistence as a gift. An exchange between giver and recipient crafts a welcoming encounter. Also, one must be cognizant to not forcibly cram one’s mission on others inconsiderate of their needs, hurts and harboring anxiety. The Holy Spirit leads us to fertile venues, so our prerogative should be to seek the essence of peace and lavish peace upon the foundational bedrock of human and Divine relationship. The place where a basin of mercy bathes wounds with a healing balm, instead of tense, glares of anxiety. Mission’s ends must never strive toward actualizing one’s pride by analyzing what we did or say seemingly utterly profound or granting us power of unfathomable strength to strategically thwart evil. The essence to cause rejoicing comes only from realizing we serve the Lord, the Master of the Harvest, with the mission He entrusts us with. Different and unique for each follower of the Lord, summarized with a glance to the cross. For faith’s expression rests not in dictates of regulations imposed in human terms. The cross imparts not a physical marking, like one used to identify ownership of a beast, slave or possession in antiquity, but a mark deeply imprinted on one’s soul invisible to human sight after the water of baptism and oil of confirmation’s chrism dries, but more authentic when manifest by the character one’s mission aligned to the peace of Christ in one’s heart and the Word of Christ dwelling richly in the fabric of one’s being.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
While you are enjoying the summer sunshine, also be a voice for integrating solar energy at your parish, through solar panel installation or opting for solar power through green power options with the electricity supplier.
Family Reflection: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Have your family learn about immigration issues and make a commitment in some way to support immigrants:
https://justiceforimmigrants.org
Prayer: Communion antiphon Matthew 11:28
Come to me all who labor and are burdened and will refresh you says the Lord
Prayerfully, with thanksgiving, reflect how the Lord refreshes you as you labor with your mission to serve the Master of the Harvest
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 July 3, 2019 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
