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Musings for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
In our Psalm Refrain taken from Psalm 15, the psalmist asks the question, “O Lord, who may abide in your tent?” This question is asked of God because we often raise the question, “Is she, or he, good enough to go to heaven?” Too often we as Catholics like to exclude people, especially people who don’t look like, speak like or think like us. We are very much like our ancestors. We want to know who is in and who is out. If God does not tell us, then we will decide. In addition, we are anxious about whether we are good enough in the eyes of God.
Sacred scripture, reflecting the mind of God reminds us that we are called to imitate God. We are called to walk blamelessly, doing what is right. Notice that there is no prerequisite for taking part in this or that ritual. We are to imitate God. The mind and heart of God is placed within our hearts and minds at the moment of our conception; we are made in the image and likeness of God. Having said that, we need the support, encouragement and the formation that being part of a faith community offers us. It is good for us to belong to the parish and not in name only. We need to gather with our sisters and brothers, and we need to listen to the sacred scriptures, to receive the Body of Christ, and to mark our lives with sacramental moments and rituals which celebrate who we are and encourage us to deepen the relationship God has offered to us.
We are created to dwell within God’s tent and in our lives; God continuously calls to us to abide in God’s tent. As this week unfolds, let us do as God does, let us act with mercy and compassion.
Season of Creation – Taken from Season of Creation: Celebration Guide – To Hope and Act With Creation…Website – EN_Celebration Guide_Season of Creation.pdf – Google Drive
“… Each year, from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for thisworldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for Creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth.
We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. This year, the theme for the season is “To hope and act with Creation”.
Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, many are beginning to despair and suffer from eco-anxiety. As people of faith, we are called to lift the hope inspired by our faith, the hope of the resurrection. This is not a hope without action but one embodied in concrete actions of prayer and preaching, service and solidarity.
This season, we are also uniting our Christian voices through a joint advocacy initiative to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which calls for a halt to new fossil fuel projects.”
“Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident. No one can ignore the fact that in recent years we have witnessed extreme weather phenomena, frequent periods of unusual heat, drought and other cries of protest on the part of the earth that are only a few palpable expressions of a silent disease that affects everyone. […] I ask everyone to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful.” Pope Francis
Please note: Fr. Doug will be away from September 8 – 12 inclusive. I will be away in Ottawa taking part in Oblate meetings regarding the ministry of the Oblate priests and brothers who are still active in OMI Lacombe Canada. |
