Satan is tempting Jesus by suggesting specific roles that He could have in society; power over nature, power over people on Earth and power in Heaven. All would belong to Him, thereby leaving Him free to belong only to Himself. Instead, Jesus asserts that He belongs to the Lord God, Father and Creator. Because His identity centers only on belonging to Father, he seems unconcerned about His role in society at the moment.
Through the sacrament of Confirmation, we affirm and assert that our identity lies in belonging to the Lord, not our role on earth.
Summarized clearly on the USCCB website, Catholic social teaching remind us that all people have a role in economics and politics, law and policy, that family life is vital and that we should seek together the common good and well-being of all. We can offer many prayers to God for those oppressed by their governments, separated from their families, and those in physical danger because of political actions. We can support organizations who address these issues on a global scale.
We know many people, however, professionally and casually who are excluded from full participation in community. They may struggle to communicate effectively, have physical limitations, or face difficult logistical situations. Maybe we don’t agree with their point of view or like their personalities, but including and connecting to them is a responsibility outlined in Catholic social teaching.
Every time we reach out and welcome these folks into Church and our communities, we allow “the grace of Pentecost in the Church” bestowed during Confirmation to flow freely. We assert, regardless of our role on Earth, we belong to the Lord.
© 2016 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 