September 11, 2016: Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Rights and Responsibilities
Contemplate this in the essence of change….
A politics concerned with immediate results, supported by consumerist sectors of the population, is driven to produce short-term growth. In response to electoral interests, governments are reluctant to upset the public with measures which could affect the level of consumption or create risks for foreign investment. The myopia of power politics delays the inclusion of a far-sighted environmental agenda within the overall agenda of governments. Thus we forget that “time is greater than space”,[130] that we are always more effective when we generate processes rather than holding on to positions of power. True statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the long-term common good. Political powers do not find it easy to assume this duty in the work of nation-building. (178) Laudato Si, Pope Francis
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
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 Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Psalm 51:4
The principle of the universal destination of goods also applies naturally to water, considered in the Sacred Scriptures as a symbol of purification (cf. Ps 51:4; Jn 13:8) and of life (cf. Jn 3:5; Gal 3:27). “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 of 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 complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
Change is possible. Our lives are not static. We may lament over our failures, missed opportunities, diminutive habits, lives wretched with anger. But that only resonates a snap shot of our lives, a paragraph in an unfolding novel. What prevents us from change? Do we let our past dictate our future? What drains our strength to begin life anew? Is a God of mercy absent from our faith? Do we envision God filled with vengeance to demean our dignity?
In reality, we prevent ourselves from changing to be more Christ like, to be merciful like our merciful God, to love as we have been loved. When we grasp God trusts us, we can trust ourselves to change, with our offenses wiped away. A clean slate, a new chapter of our lives embracing change as growth in faith, so we no longer blaspheme God, persecute righteousness or loath in arrogance. A process of stepping forward from the clutch of ignorance, we radiate our salvation. Change may not happen instantaneously, but the Lord revels in patience towards us that we may delight in our transformation.
We might ponder, “Why does God care about me amongst the billions of souls of humanity?” God desires not a majority, a quorum of people to embrace His call, but all people for He made us all in His image and likeness. He laments and probes the hearts of those most distant from Him, searching them out, dropping spiritual clues. God believes and desires redemption, a path for people to turn away from whatever they conceive as idols. For God believes in change and invites us to change, so we know, love and serve Him more sincerely, not just for His benefit, but our peace. He also asks us to relish the change in others, not moan or miss partaking in the celebration of their embracing a God of compassion, for individual change leads to collective change.
Individual Reflection: 1st Timothy 1:12-17
September 15th is the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Reflecting on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, how are people suffering those seven sorrows today. How might you be involved in our world to help address some of those sorrows.
Family Reflection: Luke 15:1-32
September 14th is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Place a cross in the center of the dinner table and read the day’s Gospel reading, John 3:13-17. Share what the words, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him”, means to each family member.
Prayer: Let the freedom of Psalm 51 be your prayer this week
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 29, 2016, Passion of St John the Baptist , St John the Baptist, Pray for us. The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.
