Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

Readings
Isaiah 22:19-23
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20

Quotes
Christian love of neighbor and justice cannot be separated. For love implies an absolute demand for justice, namely a recognition of the dignity and rights of one's neighbor.
Justice in the World, 34

Church has the right, indeed the duty, to proclaim justice on the social, national and international level, and to denounce instances of injustice, when the fundamental rights of people and their very salvation demand it. . . Her mission involves defending and promoting the dignity and fundamental rights of the human person. . . Our mission demands that we should courageously denounce injustice, with charity, prudence and firmness, in sincere dialogue with all parties concerned.
Justice in the World, 36, 37

Can an individual find complete fulfillment without taking account of his social nature, that is, his being "with" and "for" others? . . . Each person, in some way, is called to work for the common good, constantly looking out for the good of others as if it were his own.
John Paul II, January 1, 2005, Message for World Day for Peace

The theology and spirituality of communion encourage a fruitful dialogue between Pastors and faithful. í¢â‚¬Â¦ To this end, we need to make our own the ancient pastoral wisdom which, without prejudice to their authority, encouraged Pastors to listen more widely to the entire People of God. Significant is Saint Benedict's reminder to the Abbot of a monastery, inviting him to consult even the youngest members of the community: "By the Lord's inspiration, it is often a younger person who knows what is best." And Saint Paulinus of Nola urges: "Let us listen to what all the faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of God breathes."
John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte 45

Thoughts for Your Consideration
In today's scriptures, authority is presented as something that comes from God. In Isaiah, God is depicted as the one removing Shebna from power and giving power and authority to Eliakim. Jesus is the one who gives authority to Peter.

We might ask ourselves, what kind of authority is God interested in giving?

What is this authority coming from God and being given by Jesus to Peter?

What is the type of authority and power and that is given to us by God?

How are we to use this gift?

Scholars believe that Shebna was to be removed as prime minister because he advocated a revolt against Assyria and an alliance with Egypt instead of maintaining a peaceful policy of noninvolvement and fidelity to Yahweh. Peter gets authority after he affirms Jesus as the anointed of God í¢â‚¬" the Christ.

The authority that comes from God is not the authority of power politics or military and economic might. It is not the cult of the self-absorbed charismatic person of power. Rather it is a spirit that comes from God and seeks to listen, serve, connect with people, be in solidarity with the poor and powerless, act with nonviolence, speak up with courage for justice, and set free all people. Any other spirit is not from God.

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group
Have you experienced any people in authority who seemed to embody the spirit of a healthy Christian authority from God? What did they do to embody this good authority?

Actions - Links
The healthy use of authority respects the rights and dignity of all people.

Good authority does not abuse others, but respects the rights and dignity of all people.

Violence against Women

• Amnesty International USA is conducting an ongoing Stop Violence against Women Campaign. For more info go to http://www.amnestyusa.org/stopviolence/index.do

• This September, the Violence against Women Act, originally pasted in 1994, will be up for reauthorization. To urge members of Congress to reauthorize this act, go to http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=11769

• You might also look at http://www.700women.org.

• "When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence against Women,
• Tenth Anniversary Edition," is a statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops against domestic violence. It can be ordered at http://www.usccb.org/publishing/violence.shtml#domesticviolence

Prayers
May Christ banish from the hearts of all people whatever might endanger peace, may Christ transform them into witnesses of truth, justice and love. May Christ enlighten the rulers of peoples so that in addition to their solicitude for the proper welfare of their citizens, they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace; may Christ enkindle the wills of all, so that they may overcome the barriers that divide, cherish the bonds of mutual charity, understand others, and pardon those who have done them wrong; by virtue of this action, may all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters, and may the most longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always among them.
John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, 171

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Heavenly God, we praise your name and thank you for your glorious goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, bless all those actively engaged in the struggle for racial justice. Holy Spirit, we beseech you to enter into the minds and hearts of all those in authority in the Church, that they may hear the voices crying out for justice and act to bring about change. Lead and inspire us, Lord, to build a community where everyone is recognized and valued as one made in your image and likeness, and redeemed by the Death and Resurrection of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

http://www.stcatherines.freeuk.com/racialpeace.htm

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The "Prayer for Those Affected by Physical, Sexual, Political or Emotional Violence," by the Rev. Patricia Sandra Horton, Birmingham, Alabama, USA can be found at: http://1stholistic.com/Spl_prayers/prayer_for-those-affected-by-violence.htm

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The Archdiocese of Detroit has a page on Family Violence including some prayers. Go to: http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/Valuing+All+Life+9186/Family+Violence+9200/Family+Violence+-+Welcome.htm