August 11, 2013: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 loose oneself for 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 freedom of all persons…contributing by means of their choices either to build up or to impoverish (society).” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (163, 192, 193)
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Readings
First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6-9
Psalm: 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Gospel: Luke 12: 32-48
August 10th Feast of St. Lawrence
“… Arrested by the prefect, he was commanded to deliver up the value property of the Church; he pointed to a crowd of poor people, saying, ”Here are the true treasures of the Church”…”
From Daily Roman Missal Introduction to the Feast of St Lawrence
August 11th St Claire
Shared in the vision of St Francis of Assisi
August 14th St Maximilian Kolbe
“…Hatred is not a creative force. Only love is a creative power.”
From Daily Roman Missal Introduction to the Memorial for St Maximilian Kolbe
August 15th The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
From http://marynow.wordpress.com/
Throughout Mary’s life, she trusted the mystery of God’s divine plan. In an inseparable union with her Son, in the work of salvation history, she traveled from the manager, to immigrant status and journeys to the temple leading many miles to stand in solidarity with the cross. Much of the time, she lived in obscurity. Not a central figure in the feeding of five thousand, healings or partaking at the Last Supper, her faith did not diminish for she journeyed in humility. She believed in the mystery to kneel at the foot of the cross, while most of the disciples retrenched in fear of persecution. The Holy Spirit first approached her by seeking a fiat of participation, accompanied her always and fulfilled her prayers in support of the early Church. Completing her earthly journey, she was taken up body and soul to share in her Son’s resurrection in the glory of heaven. Mary, as our guide, showed unwavering commitment to living the mystery. Do we grasp the mystery, in humility, with the same resolve?
Mary’s assumption, rooted in Jesus’ sinless nature, is her singular participation in the resurrection. With that hope, we wait for the resurrection of all believers. As we live our lives waiting in faith, that hope punctuates each day from the sun rising, the answered stanzas of a prayer and a smile radiating on our face, until we participate in the resurrection for all eternity.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“In Jesus the Kingdom of God is at hand. He calls his hearers to conversion and faith, but also to watchfulness…” (2612) From Daily Roman Missal Introduction to the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: no references to Lectionary readings this week
Reflection
With faith will you seek justice? Will you go beyond the obvious to ask why, peer into the abyss of quandary, but in faith believe in an attainable solution of equity? The ancients, prophetic voices, elevated injustice, so lack of awareness by ignorance was not a feasible means to avoid responsibility.Only ignorance of the heart obscured vision of justice. We have received and inheritance of justice, as disciples of Jesus and the richness of Church teachings. An inheritance to not squander, but use judiciously to share the message embedded in our marrow. Sharing our passion for equity and justice, we are not ashamed to acknowledge God as initiator of the precepts. He crafts the work of our hands to sign the works of our deeds. We may be put to the test—is our faith in the quantifiable or the mysteries of hope? Jesus admonishes us to loosen our grip of fear, so we may grasp His kingdom—an inexhaustible treasure now and in heaven that no one can steal or destroy. If we treasure living as faithful and prudent stewards of justice, there will our hearts be.
Individual Reflection: Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19
Write an editorial to your local or regional newspaper about an issue of injustice in your area. Raise awareness of an issue and offer positive, inclusive means to seek equity.
Family Reflection: Luke 12:32-48
Organize a walk at your parish or in your neighborhood to raise awareness of a local injustice. Use the funds raised to support future community dialogue to seek creative means to address the issue for the common good.
Blogs to Visit:
http://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born July 29, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.