Visit the link for Catholic Social Teaching Parish Resources from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati:
Visit the link for Catholic Social Teaching Parish Resources from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati:
October 13, 2013: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation
“The sacredness and dignity of human life exists not in isolation, but affirmed through individuals growing in community and seeking together the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”
From: https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Readings
First Reading: 2nd Kings 5:14-17
Psalm: 98:1,2-3, 3-4
Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 2:8-13
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church, which in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head.” (2637) From Introduction to the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
How do we chain the word of God? Is there a padlock on our actions to live the Gospel? Does an iron ball on the chain weigh us down, so the word of God cannot free us? Or will we journey as Jesus journeyed? Jesus did not journey to Jerusalem through the perceived safe, traditional route by traversing Hebrew villages, but ventured into Samaria and Galilee. Not only did he encounter different cultures, outcast in sacred tradition, but also despised lepers—the ultimate outcasts. Jesus could not miss them, for they lived outside the village. He had to notice them before entering and heard their raised voices. His pity left not condescending words to sooth their circumstance, but offered opportunities for healing. The healing was manifest only as they were going to show themselves to the priests. For the lepers the word of God no longer was chained shut, but in belief broken open by affirmation of action, the empowerment to step forth.
Will we believe the word of God is not chained on a leash to limit its impact, but ventures to every crevice of terrain to free all humanity? In belief, will the word of God free us to encounter outcasts of our day and set foot on a portion of creation we might not deem the normal territory we traverse? And taking the lead from the bi-outcast, Samaritan leper, will we go to Jesus, say thank you for healing me and unshackle the chain from the word of God—for the peace, hope, freedom and gift of faith? Realizing, in the Lord’s faithfulness, our faith not only is healing, but has saved us, let the words of Jesus to stand up and go be manifest in our actions to live the word of God.
Individual Reflection: 2nd Timothy 2:8-13
Visit: www.betterworldshopper.org
Reflect on how producers of items we purchase on a regular basis are possibly, in metaphorical terms, economic lepers of society today. How might you change your consumer purchasing decisions to restore their dignity?
Family Reflection: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
Each evening after dinner this week, break into song. Sing a song joyfully, with praise to the Lord.
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.
http://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.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born September 25, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
October 6, 2013: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
“…At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace…The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.” Themes from Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB
Readings
First Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm: 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life. Even temporal goods like health and friendship can be merited in accordance with God’s wisdom. These graces and goods are the object of Christian prayer. Prayer attends to the grace we need for meritorious actions.” (2010)
From the Introduction to the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
The mustard seed weighs .002 gram compared to a watermelon seed at.167 gram. Jesus tells the disciples, asking for their faith to be increased, it is not about the degree or intensity of faith, but just that they have faith. For when faith is present in our lives, our hearts are not hardened. We don’t test or tempt God whose works we have seen. Faith leaves us not cowards, but with love and self-control, we can let this gift of God be inflamed by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we see violence, destruction, strife and clamorous discord racking our communities, faith gives us hope of a vision for peace—and we press on towards fulfillment. Rash utterances of dismay exposes a lack of integrity, void of faith. But the hearts of those with faith are just and infused with life.
Individual Reflection: Luke 17:5-10
Donate seeds to an established community garden, so people with food insecurity can grow fresh vegetables or work to initiate a community garden to incorporate local, sustainable produce into the neighborhood’s diet.
Family Reflection: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
October 7th is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
After praying the Rosary, discuss how the Rosary helps your family to focus on Jesus.
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.
http://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.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born September 13, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
September 29, 2013: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
“In a world of social and economic strife, solidarity calls us to see others, locally and globally, as our brothers and sisters. People do not become someone to exploit and demean, but we affirm their life as part of the human family. Solidarity calls us to respect life by pursuing peace and justice to dispel the culture of violence in the world.” From cst74life.wordpress.com
Readings
First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm: 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: 1st Timothy 6:11-16
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of ‘friendship’ or ‘social charity,’ is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood.”
“An error today abundantly widespread is disregarded for the law of human solidarity and charity, dictated and imposed both by our common origin and by the equality in rational nature of all men, whatever nation they belong to. This law is sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Jesus Christ on the altar of the Cross to his heavenly Father, on behalf of sinful humanity.” (1939)
From the Introduction to the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
If the procession to the Eucharistic table flows into a continuous loop of self-seeking righteousness and devotional spirituality, we dine sumptuously, richly receiving the banquet’s grace. But with hands in continual prayerful posture and minds absorbed in devotional refrains, we can fail to notice the poor at our door, as angels care for their needs. To break the cycle of self-serving faith, we need to take the nourishment of the Eucharistic table to act in love, patience and gentleness to ourselves, not in loathing unworthiness, and share the grace in service towards others. Then we have paid heed to the prophets and lay hold to eternal life from our confession in the presence of many witnesses at the waters of our baptism, chrism of our confirmation and joyfully receiving in our hands and on our lips the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This should not lead us into an exile of complacency, grounded in opulence, and anoint ourselves as privileged. For in keeping our faith forever, we secure justice for the oppressed and give food to those physically and spiritually hungering. We rejoice when the Lord sets captives free, gives sight to those physically or spiritually blind, raises up the bowed down, loves the just, protects strangers, sustains the widows and the fatherless and thwarts the way of the wicked through all generations.
Individual Reflection: Luke 16:19-31
Attend or help organize a memorial service for the homeless that have died in your community.
Family Reflection: 1st Timothy 6:11-16
October 4th is the Memorial for St Francis of Assisi. Remember his respect for Creation and attend a blessing of the animals or creation sustainability event.
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.
http://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.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born September 13, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
September 22, 2013: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
“…Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation…”
Themes from Catholic Social Teaching, USCCB
“By work and industriousness, man-who has a share in the divine art and wisdom-makes creation, the cosmos already ordered by the Father, more beautiful. He summons the social and community energies that increase the common good…” Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, (266)
Readings
First Reading: Amos 8:4-7
Psalm: 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8
Second Reading: 1st Timothy 2:1-8
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13 (Long Form) 16: 10:13 (Short Form)
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable. The disordered desire for money cannot but produce perverse effects. It is one of the causes of many conflicts which disturb the social order.”
“A system that ‘subordinates the basic rights of individuals and of groups to the collective organization of production’ is contrary to human dignity. Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money and contributes to the spread of atheism. ‘You cannot serve God and mammon.”(2424) From Introduction to the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Amos 8:4-8
“At the beginning of its history, the people of Israel are unlike other peoples in that they have no king, for they recognize the dominance of Yahweh alone. It is God who intervenes on Israel’s behalf through charismatic individuals, as recorded in the Book of Judges. The people approach the last of these individuals, Samuel, prophet and judge, to ask for a king. Samuel warns the Israelites about the consequences of a despotic exercise of kingship. However, the authority of the king can also be experienced as a gift of Yahweh who comes to the assistance of his people. In the end, Saul is anointed king. These events show the tension that brought Israel to understand kingship in a different way than it was understood by neighboring peoples. The king, chosen by Yahweh and consecrated by him, is seen by God’s son and is to make God’s dominion and plan of salvation visible. The king, then, is to be defender of the weak and the guarantor of justice for the people. The denunciations of the prophets focus precisely on the kings’ failure to fulfill these functions.” (377)
Luke 16:9-13
“…Far from being enslaved by things, the disciple of Jesus must know how to use them in order to bring about sharing and brotherhood.” (453)
Luke 16:13
“To the subjects, whether individuals or communities, that exercise ownership of various types of property accrue a series of objective advantages: better living conditions, security for the future, and a greater number of options from which to choose. On the other hand, property may also bring a series of deceptive promises that are a source of temptation. Those people and societies that go so far as to absolutize the role of property end up experiencing the bitterest type of slavery. In fact, there is no category of possession that can be considered indifferent with regard to the influence that it may have both on individuals and on institutions. Owners who heedlessly idolize their goods become owned and enslaved by them. Only by recognizing that these goods are dependent on God the Creator and then directing their use to the common good, is it possible to give material goods their proper function as useful tools for the growth of individuals and peoples.” (181)
1st Timothy 2:1-2
“Submission, not passive but “for the sake of conscience”, to legitimate authority responds to the order established by God…Freedom must not be used as a pretext for evil but to serve God. It concerns free and responsible obedience to an authority that causes justice to be respected, ensuring the common good.” (380)
“…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. Christians must “be ready for any honest work”, showing “perfect courtesy towards all”, 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 Savior”, 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”. We must not forget the miserable state of the human condition marred by sin, but redeemed by God’s love.” (381)
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
Mammon, a Greek translation from Aramaic, specifies beyond worldly goods, to include privileges, status or social pedigree, that supersedes our true wealth in God. We cannot be enthralled with mammon and devoted to God. For we own, possess or hoard nothing of our own. If we love God, stewardship flows from our hearts filled with God’s grace. We delete usury charges, commissions of greed, that trample the economic stability of the needy. We see ephahs of our day diminished not just by a smaller bushel of goods to increase shekels of profits, but by exploiting workers’ rights to a living wage, safe working conditions and the right to voice concerns over practices that assault their dignity. We must speak the truth in faith, as our faith praises the Lord who lifts up the poor and the lowly from the dust of despair. Our actions must be initiated from supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving offered for everyone, including leaders. Prayer pries the grasp of self-indulgence from our being, so we embrace the Divine as the essence of our existence flowing into the river of eternity.
Individual Reflection: Luke 16:1-13
Learn about Pax Christi’s consumerism packet, Through the Eye of A Needle. The five-week program covers affluenza, overconsumption, sweatshops, the environment and simple living.
http://paxchristiusa.3dcartstores.com/Consumerism-Packet-Through-the-Eye-of-a-Needle_p_11.html
Family Reflection: Amos 8:4-7
As a family, watch Bread for the World’s DVD, A Place at the Table. Discuss how you might share the DVD at your parish before Thanksgiving or during Advent to raise awareness and initiate advocacy to address hunger.
http://www.bread.org/ol/2013/a-place-at-the-table/
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.
http://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.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born September 9, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.
September 15, 2013” Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
“Biblical justice is the goal we strive for. This rich biblical understanding portrays a just society as one marked by the fullness of love, compassion, holiness and peace…” (68) Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, USCCB
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Psalm: 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
Second Reading: 1st Timothy 1:12-17
Gospel: Luke 15:1-32 (Long Form), Luke 15:1-10 (Short Form)
Catechism of the Catholic Church
“The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners. The angel announced to Joseph: ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ The same is true of the Eucharist, the sacrament of redemption: ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (1846) From the Introduction to the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, Daily Roman Missal
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Psalm 51:4
“The principle of the universal destination of goods also applies to water, considered in the Sacred Scriptures as a symbol of purification and of life. “As a gift from God, water is a vital element essential to survival; thus, everyone has a right to it.” Satisfying the needs of all, especially those who live in poverty, must guide the use of water and the services connected with it. Inadequate access to safe drinking water affects the well-being of a huge number of people and is often the cause of disease, suffering, conflicts, poverty and even death. For a suitable solution to this problem, it “must be set in context in order to establish moral criteria based precisely on the value of life and the respect for the rights and dignity of all human beings.” (484)
For the complete text visit:
Reflection
Ninety-nine sheep, left in the desert, had confidence they would be nurtured, even though they were vulnerable to attack by jackals and wolves. They didn’t wander away looking for food of their choosing, but knew only food provided by the shepherd could satisfy them. Seeking shade was not a priority, for they needed to be in the world as the shepherd was in the world. They didn’t bolt for the mirage of a luxury farm with large barns and individual stalls with HD-TV and lined with premium hay. The ninety-nine sheep knew the shepherd had their interest at heart. The shepherd was trusted and they responded with loyalty. It was no surprise to them when the shepherd came back with a colleague riding securely on his shoulders. The lost sheep had not been berated or endured a long chase by a sheep herding dog, for the shepherd came himself to gently assimilate the lost sheep into the community. A joyful expression was etched on the shepherd’s face as he shared with friends the story of divine providence in locating the lost sheep. The ninety-nine sheep wiggled their ears and refrained from exclamations of bah, bah, for they had no disdain towards the lost sheep, since they knew the shepherd would do the same for them.
We have all experienced the love and grace of Jesus, our shepherd. So will our parishes celebrate and rejoice with all who walk thru the doors, knowing we need all to be a community and not a country club? Or does you parish have an air of entitlement that just welcomes the holy in their sight, so people with a blemish are judged by past wanderings and segregated to a pew on the street of life? Knowing we all have wandered from the shepherd, this week how will you invite others to be part of the flock that trusts the shepherd?
Individual Reflection: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 and Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (484)
Learn about the work of Dig Deep Water to establish water equity:
Family Reflection: Luke 15:1-32
Have each family member write a parable or draw a picture of how they experience the love and grace of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
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.
http://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.
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born August 31, 2013 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concerns.