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5th Sunday, Lent 2016

The circumstance of the scribes and elders reminds us not to judge ourselves as better than others. We also need to remember the concrete and literal message of the story: the Lord forgives us. Although, through baptism our sins have been forgiven, “One baptism for the forgiveness of sins,” our sins do weigh heavy upon us. For our own spiritual growth, we need to remember forgiveness is not a static, one time event; we find consolation and solace in being forgiven repeatedly, as we sin somewhat consistently and constantly.

This idea of not judging, not condemning others becomes difficult when we consider the global stage. War requires one or more of the players to judge themselves as ‘right’ and ‘better than’ the other players. If they did not, they would not feel justified in killing other humans.

To respond to war come and killing and terrorism, we ourselves take sides; it is sometimes necessary in order to decide on useful and appropriate action. While we vehemently disagree with the killing, we can avoid falling into this cycle and pit of judgment and condemnation if we forgive those we believe wrong at the outset. When we do so, our action is grounded in mercy and compassion, not anger and frustration.

Perhaps “One baptism for the forgiveness of sins” also means that our baptism bestows upon us the grace to forgive the sins of others.

4th Sunday, Lent 2016

While his own doing, the prodigal son leaves as a rich, privileged man and returns home having experienced poverty, hardship, hunger, etc. He’s lived and is now mindful of others’ struggles; he comes into solidarity with hirelings and underlings.

We all face difficulties of some sort and need to conscientiously, intentionally reflect on the similarities and parallels between our struggles and those of others. We need to concern ourselves with their situations and circumstances, which requires becoming aware of them, as well as performing useful and helpful acts. While we need to concern ourselves with hardships worldwide, it’s appropriate to ‘act locally, think globally.’

Prodigal son returns to the father prepared to be treated as a hireling; he chooses poverty over privilege, and to follow orders as opposed to giving them. In a way, the son had decided to live as if he taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. three to of the three vows associated with holy orders. It takes humility, acceptance and gratitude to live the lifestyle predicated on these principles.

Even if we have not taken Holy Orders, these vows invite all of us to think about our relationships to others, stuff and money. We reflect on the people, principles, and passions that we choose to listen, follow and put first. When we consider other people’s needs as important as our own, we are acting in solidarity with them.

3rd Sunday, Lent 2016

We often hear the default, “It’s just a job, puts food on the table.” However, most people typically want the fruits of their labors to be valued and respected. Most want to perform their job duties excellently. One of the social teaching exhorts us to assure all have gainful employment, and to compensate fairly for education, experience and responsibility. While we may not be employers, as co-workers and customers, we can recognize the labor others put into meeting our needs and desires.

The Gardener, Jesus, is our migrant farmer, putting time and energy, hope and faith into the sorry, struggling fig trees that we are. In many a work situation, we are asked to put effort into projects which seem fruitless or to help less proficient co-workers. This parable and social teaching exhorts us to help and uplift others so all might be find peace, hope and joy with their work.

The fig tree in Jesus’ parable this week is ‘sick.’ It is disabled, wounded or impaired, bearing no fruit, not fulfilling its potential. While the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is typically given to those in critical condition, the sacrament reminds us of our responsibility to accept human weakness. We are called to interact with such compassion and gentleness that we not only cause no spiritual pain, but actually heal previously inflicted psychological or spiritual pain.

This parable of the ailing fig tree, the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and the social teaching around worker’s rights and the dignity of work calls us to notice and appreciate the work of others. We are to interact in a way that causes no harm, but heals, encourages and inspires others so that they find peace, hope and fulfillment in their work.

2nd Sunday, Lent 2016

Before it became a popular TV show about zombies, the phrase ‘walking dead’ referred to people who are living yet not alive: people breathing with heart beating, yet unaware of the layers, nuances, and abundant gifts of human life. Regardless of politics, we have an obligation to be concerned with the quality of life of those around us, to help others find hope and joy in the fact and details of their life.

Many think of Catholic social teaching, “Right to life,” as centering exclusively on the issues of the death penalty and abortion. Some translate the exhortation into political action, while others feel the social factors and issues are too complex for sweeping, one-size-fits-all laws. However, we have a responsibility to the living, for their ‘right to life,’ which transcends secular laws.

While human life seems singular and internal, it can only exist in communion with others.Jesus’ communion with Elijah and Moses encourages us to take solace and consolation in our own relationships with those who have passed over. These relationships are not fixed or static, but continue to develop and deepen.

When we partake in the sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion), we are affirming our membership in the body or Christ, the Church, the Communion of Saints, living and dead. To accept our responsibility to fight for rich, full lives for those living, we need to rely on those who have preceeded us. These saints, universal and personal lawgivers and prophets, give us the strength, wisdom and courage to protect and love those in need.

1st Sunday, Lent 2016

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.