FOR REFLECTION AND
DISCUSSION:
TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK OF THE YEAR
An
abiding awareness of God’s love
should underlie everything we think, do and experience. To realize his love for
us, we express it in doing good for
others.
Invitation:
Celebrate, give thanks and remember God’s love.
Our faith:
How many of these statements do you believe? And live?
The
“dynamic triangle” of life, both human and divine, is awareness and expression
augmented by sharing with others.
We
are responsible as stewards of
Christ’s kingship for bringing every human heart, every area and activity of
human life on earth, under the life-giving reign of Christ. This is
overwhelming. The support of stewardship is faith-sharing and celebration.
In
the Catholic Church it is considered disobedience
to do what a rule says if this will not achieve the goal of the rule. Lawmakers know it is impossible to make a law
that will “work” in every country and community if applied exactly as written.
A
steward is not someone who just takes
orders. Stewards have decision-making freedom, because they have made their own
the mind of the one they serve.
To
be faithful stewards of our “inheritance,” we need to foster awareness and
appreciation by reading, reflecting and responding with faith to the word of God.
We
are called to work for God’s “plan to bring everything in the heavens and on
earth together under Christ as head.” This is more than motivation. This is
mystery.
Luke 11: 29-32: If we refuse to use the
gift of the Holy Spirit by questioning, judging and discerning in our Church
and community, we are “unfaithful stewards.”
Luke 11: 37-41: Jesus teaches us to
change our focus from “cleaning the outside” of our visible behavior to purifying the inside of our hearts.
Luke 11: 42-46: In the Church the “law of all laws” is “Feed my
sheep.” No application of law is legal if it does not do this.
Luke 11: 47-54: Our lack of interest
in our faith or weak enthusiasm can discredit the truth entrusted to us as
Christians and keep others from looking into it.
Luke 12: 1-7: Mediocre Christians
have nothing to fear because of their religion. It is the “friends” of Jesus
who come under attack from unbelievers and Pharisees.
Luke 12: 8-12: Jesus tells us: Do not
worry how you are to defend yourselves... for the Holy Spirit will teach you.”
We were anointed with the Spirit for this at Baptism and Confirmation. As “prophets, priests and stewards” of
the King.
Decisions:
Study and reflect on the heritage of your
faith until you are enthusiastic about it!
Interpret laws faithfully. Judge everything in the light of the Holy Spirit.
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