July 24, 2011: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God’s Creation
First Reading: 1st Kings 3:5, 7-12
Psalm: 119
Second Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Gospel :Matthew 13:44-52
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Matthew 13:5 paragraph 12
Romans 8:29 paragraph 121
In our lives, we must allocate time for discernment. God asks us to ponder what the essence of our relationship with Him will comprise. Do our perceptions acknowledge He made us, while our youthful enthusiasm, wroth with inexperience, treads with trepidation in our actions as we seek to become servants? May we please God by not enthroning ourselves with personal riches or fostering downfall of enemies, but understanding what is right. Our part is to keep God’s words. Kindness and compassion comes to us in living this grace by shedding light to give understanding to the simple who we are called to be according to His purpose, In searching, we understand all these things to realize the treasure and joyfully reorient our lives. Each day, do we realize the preciousness of God’s creation, make wise decisions to go forward by minimizing wasteful practices and work with compassionate justice to expose every false way that negates our responsibility to care for the earth? For our discernment derails ritualistic obligation, so we know all things work for good for those who love God.
Individual Reflection: 1st Kings 3:5, 7-12
Is there something you need to discern in your life now? A job change, volunteer involvement or educational opportunity? How are you open to God’s grace in this discernment?
Family Reflection: Romans 8:28-30
Visit the website of Tree Musketeers: http://www.treemusketeers.org
Learn how youth care for the earth. Might you start a chapter in your neighborhood?
The reflection may be reproduced in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
