Reverencing & Restoration: Caring for Earth
... a project of the Southeast Portland Vicariate for the 2005 Lenten Season
FOURTH SUNDAY
INTRODUCTION
In a collaborative effort with the staff of the Catholic Institute of Education in South Africa, we offer this resource as a compliment to the inserts prepared on the theme of Caring for Creation and Catholic Social Justice values.
This reflection guide contains separate reflections on the scripture readings for each of the five Sundays of Lent. Each reflection includes questions for reflection or discussion. The reflections focus on the issue of environmental justice. We are in a critical moment as the human family on planet Earth, and we need to reflect on how we relate in thought, word and deed to the Creation of which we are an integral part. We need a change of heart in order to realize deeply that "the fundamental relation between humanity and nature is one of caring for creation."1 That this is a key perspective of Christian faith is pointed out by Pope John Paul II: "Christians, in particular, realize that their responsibility within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of their faith." 2
A printable PDF document of each week's reflection is available for download.
March 6, 2005 - 1Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41
The readings focus our attention of the theme of darkness and light in all its many forms. The Gospel tells the story of the blind man who has his sight restored by Jesus. After listening to this story, we may be tempted to ask ourselves: 'Who really is blind in this story? The man who was cured, or the arrogant authorities who refused to see or hear the truth?'
In Samuel, we learn that the truth is not always as it appears and that God's ways are not ours. As persons we tend to judge by appearances, but the truth is seen in the light of God's wisdom. Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel to choose one as king. But God wanted the youngest son, David, a shepherd, to be anointed as king.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us that, though we were once in darkness, we now live in the light and that the effects of this are that we are to live lives of goodness, right living, and truth. The Psalm assures us that God is with us to guide us along the right path even in the midst of the darkness of sin, evil, and uncertainty.
We are called to live in the light of truth and to allow new insights, often gifts of the Spirit, to enlighten our own beliefs and ideas so that we come into right relationship with people, events and all of creation. Scientific discoveries and new theological insights are bringing us to acknowledge new truths. We and all of creation are interdependent and interconnected. What happens to one affects us all. As one author has written: 'The pain we experience in the face of human suffering is a sure sign of our interdependence.' Do we experience this same pain in the face of environmental destruction caused by human activity?
- What new insights about creation have affected my relationships with people and with the environment?
- What are the challenges to my way of living that come as a result of these new insights? How do I lessen the impact of my life style on planet earth?
- Am I open to the
surprises of God in my life? A God who sees things differently than
I do?
1 US Catholic Bishops.1991.
Renewing the Earth
2John Paul II.1990. Peace With God The Creator, Peace With All Of Creation:
Message for the World Day of Peace.
Last updated March 1, 2005
A project of the
Southeast Portland Vicariate
Website hosted by St.
Philip Neri Catholic Church Peace & Justice Commission