Catholic Commission for Social Justice
CCSJ held its annual retreat on Monday 12 March. Members expressed their thanks to Vanessa Sabga and her family for hosting the retreat in their beautiful home which has a panoramic view of the city of Port of Spain. Leela, Chair of CCSJ, welcomed members of the Commission as well as CCSJ’s 2 Admin Assistants, Parish Link Coordinator and 2 Vicariate Link Coordinators (VLC) who have responsibility also for promoting social justice in the Archdiocese.
The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) urges you to perform the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, thus relieving the bodily, material and spiritual needs of our neighbours. The greatest commandment that God has given to us is to love Him and to love our neighbour. God calls us to be merciful. Mercy is a virtue.
Download the CCSJ’s poster for the season of Lent, and its new bumper sticker. Contact the Office to obtain actual copies of each.
Gospel Mk 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Homily
In 1993, after I was appointed rector of the regional seminary at Mt. St. Benedict, I felt an irresistible urge, in fact the need to visit three shrines in Europe, Lourdes, Fatima, and Assisi.
Today’s Gospel, Mark 1:12-15, is only six lines long, yet there is much in it on which we should reflect during this Lenten period, for example, Jesus’ temptation by Satan while he was in “the wilderness” for 40 days.
Our Church teaches us that we must do good and avoid evil at all times – even when no one is looking. In the sixth petition of the Lord’s Prayer we ask God: “…lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Conscience formation is critical if we are to avoid temptation.