September 23, 2012: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
We are one human family… We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers…
Readings
First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Psalm: 54
Second Reading: James 3:16-4-3
Gospel: Mark 9: 30-37
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Mark 9:33-35
“…As his disciples are discussing with one another who is the greatest, Jesus teaches them that they must make themselves least and the servants of all…” paragraph 379
James 3:18
“…peace is the fruit of justice…peace is the fruit of solidarity…” paragraph 102
“…If peace is the fruit of justice, today one could say with the same exactness and the same power of biblical inspiration…peace is the fruit of solidarity…” paragraph 203
Reflection
The Lord upholds our life, but do we squirm and totter to unbalance ourselves from the place of spiritual stability? Can our desires and actions to grab for mirages of selfish ambition falter our equilibrium? Does our passion for justice, formed in concrete pillars of singular issues, cause verbal wars of superiority to kill any essence of unity and solidarity of purpose? Can we ask how all Catholic Social Teaching upholds life? Let us soften divisions, so branches of solidarity provide a cohesive network, bearing in sincerity, peaceful, gentle and merciful good fruits. In promoting a cause, we should not wage verbal war on other people or ideologies in jealousy or feeling of superiority for our position. For when Jesus asks us why are we arguing about who has the greatest cause, the deafening silence pierces our hearts, to step back and examine our actions. To be a servant means to sit down, in solidarity invite all in your midst to join you in seeking out the vulnerable, marginalized and insecure one at a time —then embrace them, uphold them as the Lord upholds you
Prayer
Lord, only when we let You uphold us can we let the experience transform us to be servants. Help us always find this peace to bear fruit for You and the One who sent You.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 54
Learn about the new DVD focused on American poverty—available in early October— The Line
Visit the website: thelinemovie.com
How does this DVD change your perception of people impacted by poverty?
Family Reflection: James 3:16 -4:3
Talk about how something you covet creates a conflict.
What can you do to alleviate the conflict?
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born September 2012 The reflection may be used for parish bulletins, newsletters or for discussion groups without copyright concerns.