JOYFUL GOSPEL LIVING (June 2026)
“Living for God in Christ Jesus.”
At their Annual Plenary Session in Orlando, FL (June 10-12), the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) consecrated the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus after concluding a 9-day novena to the Sacred Heart. Bishop O’Connell visited Sacred Heart Parish (Mount Holly, NJ) on May 31st to lead us in this beautiful consecration. On June 3rd, our parish started the novena at our daily 7:00 and 8:30 AM Masses.
As the USA prepared to observe the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, the bishops likewise offered a focus for Catholics called “We Hold These Truths.” Although St. Paul wrote this weekend’s epistle to the Romans, it also speaks powerfully to the truths for all who believe in Christ today. What would our country be like if we truly lived for God in Christ Jesus?
In the news and special TV broadcasts for America’s 250th, we hear about both familiar and unknown stories about the founding of our country. Many of the earliest settlers to the colonies came to seek refuge from religious persecution, including Catholics. The bishops opened a doorway for us to explore living in Christ Jesus at this link:
https://www.usccb.org/weholdthesetruths
The America 250 video series offers five episodes of how Catholics contributed to the history of the US:
- Episode 1: Catholics and the Founding
- Episode 2: Immigration
- Episode 3: Devotions and Liturgy
- Episode 4: Healthcare
- Episode 5: Chaplains
It is never easy to live for God in Christ Jesus because the world’s ways are not always God’s ways.
At the bottom of the link for “We Hold These Truths,” there are links for resources to participate in 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. In the resource for the works of mercy, the bishops tell us:
“As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our country. One opportunity for parishes and individuals to participate is by contributing to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy come to us directly from the Scriptures in the Gospel of Matthew. Rooted in our lives of faith, the actions that Jesus calls us to in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms are central elements of our Catholic identity. Pope Leo XIV instructs in Dilexi Te, ‘As we contemplate Christ’s love, ‘we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others, and confirmed in our efforts to share in His work of liberation as instruments for the spread of His love’ (no. 2).”
Here were some suggestions for how to serve:
- Assist women who face a crisis pregnancy;
- Donate to food pantries and clothing closets;
- Participate in a community beautification program;
- Raise money for an overseas development project;
- Sponsor a refugee family;
- Tutor children;
- Volunteer at homeless shelters.
Where is God calling us to live for Him in Christ Jesus? Where will we find Jesus when we show mercy?
One of my favorite activities as an OCIA catechist is to share perspectives on Catholic Social Teaching (CST) with people who are in formation to enter the Church. As Catholics, our living for God is grounded in both Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Magisterium. The USCCB website has excellent resources to reflect on social teaching:
Living in a democracy, we value the truths that our founding leaders captured in the US Constitution, an enduring blueprint for liberty and justice for all. Through the lens of CST, it is Jesus who encourages us to live our faith more deliberately. As the 4th of July approaches, there is an opportunity for us to look farther than just fireworks and historical commemoratives. As our country moves on toward the Tricentennial, how will we shape a better future that begins with the consideration of the life and dignity of the human person?
On the bishops’ link for the Seven Themes of CST, the first theme reminds us “that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.” In his first encyclical on artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV took great care to address the potential for both the good and the harm of society when technology rapidly advances and fails to consider the life and dignity of human beings.
Image by Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, for USCCB Catholic Social Teaching
I have enjoyed exploring the “More” links for each of the seven themes because there is always a beautiful artwork by local artist Br, Mickey McGrath, OSFS, Scripture references that reinforce the theme, an insight into our Catholic tradition, a CST short video, and a downloadable prayer card for each theme. Prayer helps us greatly to live in Christ Jesus, as we see in the Life and Dignity Prayer:
“God of all life, help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life formed in Your image, a reflection of Your holiness. Help us to recognize You in all whom You have created: children not yet born, families affected by poverty and war, people of different abilities, people from other lands, and all who are victims of hatred and racism. Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom You have created, regardless of stage of life, or wealth, or ability, or color, or creed, for every person is fully equal in your loving eyes. Share with us Your holy knowledge that we are all Your children, each bestowed with inherent dignity. May Your justice reign forever! Amen.”
So, let us choose to live for God in Christ Jesus by seeing Him in those whom we encounter:
“Whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”
Teresa S. Redder, OFS
Saint Katharine Drexel Regional Minister
