church of the nativity, burke va 26th sunday in ordinary timechurch of the nativity, burke va 26th...

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 30, 2018

"Would that the Lord might bestow the Spirit on all" Numbers 11:29

My dear parishioners, The spirit was moving and breathing among the Israelites in a manner they did not expect. The disciples also were unnerved by the movement and power of the spirit on those who were not part of the group of disciples. Jesus opened their hearts to look beyond their own expectations. Eventually, but not without great struggle, they began to learn that God was willing to work through all people, even sinners, even gentiles, even the poor, even women, even children, the blind, the deaf , the outcast. "For it is God, who gives to all, life and breath and every other gift, who, as Savior, calls that all be saved." Lumen Gentium, Vatican II. "Whoever is not against us is for us" says Jesus. All people are most dear to God. The majority of the work with regard to sowing seeds of vocations to the priesthood and religious life is done by all the people of God. We see firsthand at Nativity the difference that Sr. Donatella, Sr. Mary Attilia, and Sr. Ernestine have made in the lives of others. Thank you for all your efforts to promote the priesthood and religious life through your words and example, as well as your prayers. May the witness of Pope Francis, and our sisters and priests and those who share in ministry bestow on all the "spirit" of God to bring healing and peace to the world. There will be a “Listening Sessions” at Nativity on Wednesday, October 17 at 7:15pm in the Fr. Martin Center to the discuss the abuse crisis in the church. This will be an opportunity for the priests and staff of the parish to “listen” to the concerns, feelings, and advice of the parishioners as we strive to bring healing, protection, and renewal to the church. The Listening Session will begin and end with prayer as we seek guidance of the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen us with courage and counsel. May our efforts be enlightened by the Holy Spirit and all our decisions pleasing to God. Love and blessings,

Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor

The Importance of Sunday Mass

As the body will die without food, the soul will expire without nourishment. As Catholics, that spiritual nourishment comes at the Sunday Eucharist. The Lord’s Day is essential for

our faith. Make Sunday Mass the heart of your week.

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

Retreat for persons facing a serious illness A Retreat for People Facing a Serious Illness will be held at the

San Damiano Spiritual Life Center in White Post, VA from October 5 - 7. Fr. Bob Cilinski and Fr. Jack O’Hara will serve

as Spiritual Directors along with a retreat team of doctors, nurses and helpers. The cost of the retreat is free for all

retreatants. If you are facing a serious illness please, consider taking this time for spiritual renewal. Call Catholic Charities at

703-841-3830 to begin the application process.

A big thank you to the priests, pastoral staff, & parishioners for

sharing in the Anniversary Celebration of my Ordination to the Priesthood, and making the

day a true celebration of faith and love. I am appreciative a million times over for your loving support. You, my Nativity family, are a blessing from God....... AMEN.

Fr. Cedric Wilson

Altar Server Training New Servers: We welcome boys and girls, who are now in the 5th through 12th grade, who would like to be Altar Servers for either the English or Spanish Masses, to attend TWO (out of THREE) training sessions this Fall. The training sessions will be held in the church at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 11th, Tuesday, October 16th and Thursday, October 25th.

Returning Servers: A workshop for current servers will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 6:00pm. The workshop will last 45 minutes. This workshop will provide important updating and renewal.


Baptisms take place the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. The next baptismal class is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 7:30pm in the Nativity School Teachers Lounge.

Please call the office at 703-455-2400 to sign up.

In order to schedule a baptism, the following forms are required: 1. Application for Baptism form (can be found on our website under Sacraments), 2. A copy of the baby’s birth

certificate and 3. Letters of eligibility from BOTH Godparents. For any further questions, please contact

Anna Marty at the parish office.

PLAY FOR THE NATIVITY STARS

Arlington Diocese Northern Virginia Junior CYO (NVJCYO) Basketball

2018-2019 Registration closes on October 21, 2018

All Boys and Girls registered in grades 3 through 8 in Nativity’s Religious Education Program (CCD) or enrolled in Nativity Catholic School are eligible to play in CYO basketball. Registration website: ONLINE REGISTRATION at

https://reg.sportspilot.com/106530/login

PRINT and SIGN the Medical Participation form and Code of Conduct forms. SUBMIT signed forms to the Church Office/School Office with your registration checks. Cost (Fee and Uniform Deposit): $80 per child AND a $50 uniform deposit (two separate checks required). Uniform deposit checks will be destroyed when uniforms are returned. Make checks payable to Church of the Nativity (write NVJCYO Basketball on the memo line). Registration deadline is October 21, 2018 to turn in signed medical forms, Code of Conduct forms, and check payments.

WE NEED COACHES! If interested in volunteering time to coach a team, email [email protected] for information. Virtus training class scheduled on-site at

Church of the Nativity on October 9th for all new coaches.

Youth Soccer Challenge

The Nativity Knights of Columbus Council is teaming up with the Holy Spirit Knights to hold this year's Soccer Challenge Competition as a combined Council/District event, on

Saturday, October 13, 2017, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Holy Spirit Church (on the Field behind the school).

If you are a youth aged 9-14 who is interested in competing or require additional information, please contact Br. Dave Zivich, at [email protected], 703-440-8437.

ECHO Food Collection

The monthly food collection for ECHO will take place NEXT weekend! Please bring non-perishable foods to the entrance of the church. Needed are: flour (2 lbs preferred), Spaghetti sauce, vegetable oil, canned pasta, canned meat, bags (dry) beans, bagged rice (2 lb. size preferred), Jello/pudding, juice (large bottles/cans). Laundry detergent and personal items such as deodorant, razors, shaving cream and shampoo are also needed. All canned food items are welcomed. ECHO also accepts small appliances, but they must be in working order. For more information, call 703-569-9160.

ECHO Center is located at: 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield

Christmas Wreaths Sale After Masses during two weekends in October (October 13/14 and 20/21), Nativity’s Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be taking orders for LIVE Christmas wreaths and greens products, for delivery after Masses December 1 & 2 -- this will be the ONLY delivery weekend this year.

Sales feature three new products this year. These fragrant greens holiday decorations will stay fresh for weeks if cared for accord-ing to product instructions. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the scouts and Troop. Support the scouts and Troop this year by buying a live green wreath, spray, living tree, garland or centerpiece, or even sending a mail order gift to relatives and friends who live elsewhere in the States. If you wish to send a greens product as a gift to friends or loved ones outside our area, mail order forms (one form per item) will be available next weekend at the parish office to fill out in advance and turn in at the Troop sales table October 13/14. Thank you for your support!

Olivewood Handmade Carvings sale

Next weekend after all Masses, there will be a display of beautiful olivewood handmade carvings from the Holy Land for sale. These Carvings are made by the Christians of Bethlehem who use them as their source of income. These brothers and

sisters of ours are enduring hardships at this moment because of the volatile situation in their home country. Christians in the

Holy Land used to make up more than 37% of the population. There are less than 1% now. As Christians of faith,

YOU can support them by purchasing some of these beautiful carvings after Mass. Thank you!

Women of Nativity Meeting

The next monthly WON meeting will be on Wednesday, October 10th in the Fr. Ready Room. Our social gathering will start at 7:00pm and meeting at 7:30pm. Our guest speaker for

the evening will be our pastor Fr. Bob CIlinski.


“Through the loving care of my family and friends, they affirm what I also know—that my life is, always has been, and always will be, worth living.” “Maggie’s Story: Living Like Dad” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities www.usccb.org/maggies-story

Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.

Are you suffering from an abortion experience? PROJECT RACHEL offers spiritual and psychological healing. Call

703-276-0373 ([email protected]) for a referral for private, sensitive and confidential counseling and/or

reconciliation. (Project Rachel is a post-abortion healing program open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington).

The Falls Church 40 Days for Life continues through Sunday, November 4, 2018. 40 Days for Life is a focused Pro-Life effort

that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil, 40 days of community outreach. See full details at https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/falls-church/

Sign Up For Vigil Hours, become a "Prayer Warrior" and Stand Up For Life! For more info, please contact Soledad Olivera,

703-863-0710, [email protected].

In honor of the season of creation, from your creation care ministry:

Prayer to Become Stewards of God's Creation

Creator God, As we feast our eyes on autumn reds and yellows, we sense your creative power. As we marvel at the uniqueness of each winter flake, we rejoice that you know us each by name. As we hear the songs of birds of spring, we yearn to sing your praises. As we breathe the delicious scents of summer flowers, our souls rest in your love. Forgiving God, We have not lived out our responsibility to be faithful stewards of creation. For this, we seek your pardon. Our over-consumption has impacted the poorest members of our human family most of all. For this, we ask your mercy. Our actions have endangered both the lives of our children today as well as those yet to be born. For this, we seek your forgiveness. Living God, As we meet you in nature, inspire us to see anew our place in the web of life. In our daily lives, help us to make daily choices that reflect global solidarity. As we reflect on the teaching of our faith, equip us to advocate for laws and policies that reflect your call to faithful stewardship. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

(From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2010)

ALEXANDRIA 2018 LIFE CHAIN

ALEXANDRIA LIFE CHAIN, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2018, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, FRANCONIA ROAD EAST OF SPRINGFIELD

TOWN CENTER, EAST OF FRONTIER DRIVE

Life Chain is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of Pro-Life individuals standing for 60 minutes praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of

solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Catholic Church recognizes and supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Pick up signs at St Lawrence Catholic Church,

6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. www.lifechain.net

Go to Formed.org and enter our Parish code: M4CJ3W on the homepage. Create a personal account with your user name/email and password. Start enjoying the best

Catholic content all in one place! IMPORTANT: Do not sign up as an individual. Our Parish access code

provides more content than an individual subscription. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Benson at

[email protected]


Monday, October 1 7:30am † Joseph Peterson

Tuesday, October 2 7:30am † Marie Wegener 12:00pm † Melissa Bowlisy Wednesday, October 3 7:30am † Mickey Martin (Sunrise) 3:00pm † Pedro Arab

Thursday, October 4 7:30am † Kathy Davis 12:00pm Special Intention for Fr. James Barkett Friday, October 5 7:30am † Leslie Mooney (School Mass) 9:00am † Pete Brintnall Saturday, October 6 9:00am † Rigoberto Amas 5:00pm † Marshall Levitan 7:00pm † Felicita Tavara

Sunday, October 7 7:30am † Cathy Powers Schourek 9:00am Parishioners 11:00am † Daniel Hunter 12:45pm † Andrew Mraz 5:30pm † Ruth Elbo Ines

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org

In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.

ALTAR FLOWERS Donated with Love by

Ninamarie Maragioglio In Celebration of the Nuptials of Joia Hertz and John Wertman

For all the women of Nativity, we invite you to join the 70 ladies who participated in “Walking With Purpose” last year. “Walking With Purpose” is a women’s small group Bible study designed to enable women to grow closer to Christ through Scripture. The best part is that we all take this journey together.

For newcomers, the first study is “Opening Your Heart” which will meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm, beginning October 16th. For those returning to “Walking With Purpose,” the new study is “Keeping in Balance” which will be offered Monday mornings, from 8:30 – 10:30 am and Tuesday evenings, from 7:00-9:00 pm., beginning October 15 & 16th. Registration is available on the church website under Devotional groups. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected].

Knights of Columbus Catholic College Fair

Are you facing a college selection decision? Are you interested in learning more about what Catholic colleges and universities have

to offer? Then come to the Knights of Columbus Catholic College Fair at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, October 3 in the school gym at

Holy Spirit School, 800 Braddock Road in Annandale. This fair brings together representatives from Catholic colleges and universities from across the country. Come learn about the

wide variety of programs and majors available at these schools and their financial aid programs.

For additional information, please call (703) 850-0390.

Save the Date: Prayer Workshop for Couples Saturday, October 20, 2018

Join us for a Communication and Prayer Workshop on Saturday, October 20th, at the Church of the Nativity from

9:00am – 2:30pm. The event begins with Holy Mass and will feature talks on expression and understanding, Q&A, and time for

prayer. Cast out into the deep, and enrich your already profound relationship with God and your fiancé/e or spouse. Breakfast and lunch are included, the cost is $55 per couple.

You can designate Nativity Church or Nativity School as the beneficiaries of your Amazon Smile! You can choose Nativity by going to: YOUR ACCOUNT, YOUR AMAZON SMILE and designating Nativity. Amazon then contributes a small percentage of each purchase to Nativity. For questions, please contact Ann Benson: 703 455 2400.

2018 White House Christmas Ornaments

now for sale at the Nativity Gift Shop! Only $20 each

while supplies last, get yours before they are gone!


http://www.nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at [email protected] if you are interested in joining our order or know someone who is.

Council Meeting and Open House. The next council meeting is Tuesday, 2 October. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm.

Adopt-a-Highway. The Nativity Council has adopted Old Keen Mill Road between Lee Chapel and the Fairfax County parkway. Our next cleanup will be on October 13th.

Estate Planning Workshop. All parishioners, couples and individuals, are cordially invited. Thursday, October 25, 7:00-9:00 PM, your Knights of Columbus field agent, Thom Harrington, and Seidl Law Offices, PC are sponsoring an Estate, Tax, Business, and Retirement Planning Workshop. The workshop will be held in the Seidl Law Manassas office at 9705 Liberia Ave, Suite 252, in Manassas. Handout materials and slide copies will be available to "bring home" the numerous elements for effectively planning for you and your family’s future. Because space is limited, your RSVP to attend is essential. Email [email protected] or call 703-810-3200 (Ext 1) to RSVP.

The following are nearby opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 3rd Degree (Knighthood): Saturday, 13 October, Newport News Council 5480 District 5. 1st Degree (Admission): Tuesday, 16 October 7:30, Council 7992, Nativity Church, Burke VA. 1st Degree (Admission): Saturday, 20 October at 9:00am, Council 8600, St Mary of Sorrow Historic Church Hall, Fairfax Station.

Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at [email protected] if you'd like to participate in these ceremonies so that we can coordinate with the host Councils.

We’re Back at School There’s Still Time to Join Us ~~

For details, contact Shannon Murphy at (703) 455-2300, or [email protected].

************************************** An Evening of Science and Wonder

Curiosity, wonder -- and a great deal of laughter -- filled the air at our recent Science event hosted by the Children’s Science Center, a local non-profit on a mission to instill a love of learning Science, technology, engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in all children by providing opportunities to explore, create, and be inspired. And, boy -- did they deliver!

The Center’s staff -- and our very talented parents -- led us through a series of hands-on experiments and activities that were both educational and fun. From ‘Castle Geometry: Math in 3D!,’ ‘Are You My Baby?: Animal Adaptations,’ ‘How Slow Can You Go?: Defying Gravity,’ ‘Fingerprint Analysis: Forensic Science’ and ‘Shrink Me!: Taking Metric Measurements,’ among others.

************************************** We’re Back to School! It’s Good to See Our Friends, Grow in

Our Faith & Knowledge, and Have Fun While We’re at it! Join us at Nativity to see how your child would spend his or her

days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. We may be just the school for which you’ve been searching!

Contact us at www.nativityschool.org, (703)455-2300, or [email protected].

Got An Inquisitive Preschooler? Introduce Us! It’s Not Too Late -- A Few Preschool Seats Left. This Fall: Preschool Day Extends; Week Lengthens. This Fall, our Preschool class will meet Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to NOON, with an OPTIONAL Preschool Afternoon Extension from NOON to 2:30 p.m. An Extended Care Program may be available as well. We’re accepting applications for the 2018-19 School Year now. Come join us -- take a tour, visit our classroom, and see our campus. Learn how we spend the rest of our school day! For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Educa-tion Program Director, at 703-455-2300.

Bishop Ireton High School - Open House

We invite everyone to attend our Open House on Sunday, October 21 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Whether you are a current 8th grader, a transfer student, or earlier in your education we invite you to come! The Open House allows you to explore our school, while learning about all we have to offer academically, spiritually, athletically and artistically. The event will kick off with a presentation in our Auditorium from faculty, staff and students. From there, families are free to explore the school and visit stations located throughout the building. When: Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm Where: 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 Parking: Parking is available in the lower lot (first right turn after turning onto Cambridge Road). Please proceed from the lower lot to the auditorium entrance to check in.

Bishop Ireton High School, a Catholic preparatory high school began its proud heritage of academic excellence in 1964. As a Salesian community of learning, Bishop Ireton is dedicated to the educational and spiritual

formation of young men and women, challenging them to Advance Always in scholarship, service, and in the love of God and one another. The

school is accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and AdvancED.

http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/

Website: www.nativityburke.org 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 30, 2018

Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation Give a child the gift of a Catholic education and receive

most of your donation back in federal and state tax savings!

The Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit Program will award a 65% tax credit (on top of a regular charitable deductions) for donations made to the Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation, which will, in turn, provide scholarships for new students wishing to attend our diocesan Catholic Schools. You do not have to itemize in order to receive the 65% tax credit! Donations must be preauthorized in advance. Please call Jeanne Combos at 703-841-2764 or go online to download the preauthorization request form at: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/Scholarship-Foundation/

Mass for Homeschool Families Homeschool families are invited to celebrate Mass with

Bishop Burbidge at Holy Trinity Parish on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. You are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch for

your family after the Mass. A light reception of beverages and desserts will be provided.

Holy Hour for Vocations

Join Bishop Burbidge for a Holy Hour for Vocations at a parish near you. The Holy Hours will start at 7:30 pm, followed by a light reception. The next Holy Hours will be on October 19,

at The Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington and November 30 at St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton.

More dates will be announced in the spring. There is no need to RSVP for these events. For more information visit

www.ArlingtonVocations.org.

The Retrouvaille Program is for Married Couples Facing Difficult Challenges in their Relationship

A Marriage program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship.

No marriage is without hope There is light at the end of the tunnel

A Christian marriage program, Catholic in origin, where couples of all faiths or no faith background are encouraged to attend. Primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. Presenters are not trained marriage counselors, but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love.

It is for couples with marriages that are struggling, not communi-cating well, and those who are considering marriage separation or divorce. It is also for those who are already separated or divorced that want marriage help. Some couples come to Retrouvaille dur-ing the initial signs of a marriage problem. Other couples are in a state of despair and hopelessness when they attend the program. Some couples have been married for many years, while others have been married only a short time and encountered trouble.

The program gives couples the opportunity to sign off, get away, and examine their lives together in a real and realistic way. It’s based on the belief that marriage is the most significant relationship on earth and is worth investing your time, energy and efforts to make it the best it can be. The weekend is hard work, but more worthwhile than can ever be explained.

For more information visit Retrouvaille.org * The registration fee is per $250 couple, and is non-refundable, as it covers the initial deposit for lodging for the weekend. The registration fee does not cover the full cost of the weekend. We are a self-supporting, non-profit organization, so on the weekend, you will have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation to cover your full program expenses, including lodging, meals, and pro-gram materials. The registration couple will be able to provide an estimated total cost for the program, as expenses vary based on the number of couples attending. No one is ever denied the chance to heal their marriage due to financial challenges and assistance is available.

SEPARATED? DIVORCED? WIDOWED?

Coping/Rebuilding of Northern Virginia, 14812 Dyer Drive Woodbridge, VA 22193

PRIME TIME SINGLE CATHOLICS (PTSC) Invites single Catholics 40 and over to attend their Annual Dinner Dance from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17.

Our chaplain is Father Mark Morretti, parochial vicar of Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling, Virginia. Events of the group are listed in “The Scene” section of the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Our public website, https://ptscnva.wixsite.com/website, provides detailed information about the group. For more details email [email protected].

http://www.copingrebuilding.com/


Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329

Find us on the parish website

COLLEGE MINISTRY and

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39

Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”

Instagram - @nativityyam

Weekly: - Every Tuesday - Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room. Topic: A discussion of “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis.Drop-ins welcome!

Every Thursday - Basketball returns! 8:30-10:30pm in the Gym.

Friday, 10/12 - Joyful Noise with Adoration and Confession from 7:30-9:00pm in the Church. Join for prayer, praise and worship, and a chance for confession.

Save the date! Diocesan Young Adult Mass and Reception with Bishop Burbidge -

Sunday, 10/28, 5:30pm right here at Nativity!

.

COLLEGE MINISTRY

Serving people ages 18 - 21

Follow us on social media!

Facebook Group - “Nativity College Ministry”

Instagram - @nativitycollege

Your Nativity Family is praying for all college-age students as you begin

another year of classes and/or work!

Have you have heard the call to work with youth? YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ.

College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Re-tirees… all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can help.

Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry

Get the Weekly CYM UPdate!

Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] -Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell -Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails UPdate goes out Wednesdays starting in September

Serving students in Grades 6 thru 12 in a variety of

teen groupings

YOU are wanted and needed to make this ministry strong. Consider making

a difference in the life of a teen -

Leading them closer to Christ!

For Complete Information on what we offer visit Nativity web site - Youth & Family

September 2018 - June 2019

High School - Weekly Sundays - LifeTEEN - 6:30 dinner, 7pm Ministry Wednesdays - Go Deeper - Girls - 7pm Thursdays - Go Deeper Boys - 7pm

Middle School - Grades 6, 7, and 8 Weekly Sundays - EDGE - 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Service Opportunities, Fun Outings & Diocesan Events

offered throughout the year.

One Act Theater Ministry - Fall RALLY - Diocesan Event - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) Life Is VERY Good - Winter Living Stations - Lent VBC, Work Camp - Summer

Seasonal

One Act Jr. Theater Ministry - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) BASH - Diocesan Event - Spring VBC, Camp EDGE - Summer

Seasonal

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

mailto:[email protected]


EL BIEN, SIEMPRE ESTARA BIEN Domingo XXVI (B) Javier Leoz

Nunca son buenos los exclusivismos. El pensar que, todo lo bueno, está y nace de nosotros y que por el contrario lo malo anida sobre las cabezas de los demás. A los más cercanos de Jesús, les ocurría un poco eso. Comenzaban a ser un poco “creídos”. A creérselo demasiado. A pensar que, el depósito de la fe, era sólo patrimonio de su entorno, de sus manos, de sus labios. Todo lo que estaba fuera…era susceptible de ser rechazado. La sorpresa, por cierto mayúscula, les viene de Jesús. “No se lo impidáis…El que no está contra nosotros está a favor nuestro”. Es la lógica de Jesús. Hay que buscar el bien en el corazón de las per-sonas. Aceptar lo que, aparentemente nos puede parecer perdido, inservible. Y, sobre todo, no caer en la tentación de etiquetar. La etiqueta, entre otras cosas, produce exclusión, fanatismo. Y, el bien, haga quien lo haga siempre será eso: un bien. El mal, venga de donde venga, siempre tendrá el calificativo de mal. Nunca, la diferencia en el pensamiento, puede ser un muro que nos separe. Nunca, las diferentes sensibilidades (incluso dentro de la propia Iglesia) han de ser un motivo para apartar de nuestro camino y de sus iniciativas a aquellos que creemos no están en la mima línea que, nosotros, pensamos es la correcta, la adecuada, la incontestable. Entre otras cosas porque, eso, produce empobrecimiento, horizontes muy limitados.

que estamos del lado del Señor ¿SOY DE LOS TUYOS, SEÑOR?

¿Pregono, con la misma fuerza, tu mensaje de salvación y de justicia?

Sí; Señor. A veces creo que no soy de los tuyos

Que mis palabras, son sólo palabras mías Que mis obras, son construcción exclusiva

Que mis iniciativas, de deben a mí ¿SOY DE LOS TUYOS, SEÑOR?

Y es que, muchas veces Señor pienso más en mí que en Ti Mi corazón anda dividido

y volcado en muchos amores. A veces, mi mirada, lejos de ser para Ti es para aquellos que caminan a mi lado

¿SOY DE LOS TUYOS, SEÑOR? Todo lo que digo ¿habla de Ti, Señor? Todo lo que hago, ¿es por Ti, Señor? Ayúdame, Señor, hoy más que nunca

a sentirme...más tuyo. Siento que estoy lejos

Cada día más lejos de ser tuyo Por eso, en medio de tanta lucha, combate, indecisión, debilidad,

desánimo o prueba…..me pregunto ¿Soy de los tuyos, Señor?

Amén.

Cada día es un regalo de Dios Jesucristo La vida es una sorpresa, Dios nos sale al encuentro en cada recodo del camino. Por: P Idar Hidalgo | Fuente: Catholic.net Cada día es una maravillosa oportunidad de dar gracias a Dios por todo lo que se nos da tan gratuita, tan regalado, tan como Don. Muchas ocasiones vemos la vida como una cadena de sufrimiento,y por mo-mentos se nos hace que vivimos encadenados al desorden, al pecado, al sufrimiento, sin embargo, deten-iendo un poco la existencia, en la contemplación del amor de Dios, nos damos cuenta que cada situación vivida es una oportunidad o una prueba que nos prepara para dar respuesta a la siguiente oportunidad, por eso me parece importante ver la vida como un con nuo nacer para recuperar el sen do de sorpresa, es decir: ¡Que maravilloso es vivir la luz del sol! Que milagro respirar en este instante. La vida es una permanente sorpresa, Dios nos sale al encuentro en cada recodo del camino, con dones espirituales y materiales. Este sen do de nacer cada día para agradecer a Dios, en ningún momento significa olvidar la experiencia, es decir esa historia vivida, experimentada y disfrutada. Para poder dar una respuesta a Dios en el día de hoy, Dios en su infinita bondad me preparó el día de ayer, por eso he de nacer cada día sin olvidar. Nacer para descubrir el encanto del presente providente de Dios, sin olvidar la misericordia de nuestro padre Dios que nos ha llamado desde toda la eternidad a vivir con Él. Nacer cada día a la Providencia de Dios, sin olvidar su eterna Misericordia.

Entre otras cosas porque, la suma de personas, de esfuerzos, de creatividad y de ideas contribuye que se haga realidad el sueño de Jesucristo: ¡Id y proclamad el Evangelio! Desde el momento en que somos cristianos nos hemos de emplear, y muy a fondo, con todas aquellas causas que –como las nues-trascontribuyan en la dignidad de las personas, que pretendan un mundo mejor , que busquen el bien de los más desfavorecidos. Eso sí, sin olvidar, que nuestra motivación no es otra que la fuerza recibida del Espíritu Santo. Una fuerza que, lejos de agotarse en cada acto realizado, se renueva constantemente, se acrecienta porque –sabemos- que Dios anda detrás de todas y cada una de nuestras actividades. Pidamos al Señor que, en cada detalle que hacemos, en cada acción pastoral, en cada palabra pronunciada, en cada iniciativa empren-dida,lo hagamos en su nombre. Al fin y al cabo, será entonces, cuando el criterio de lo que emprendemos y llegamos a realizar será Jesús de Nazaret y nadie más. Y entonces, también nosotros, podremos decir que estamos del lado del Señor


APRENDE TU FE Jesús, un hombre como nosotros. Jesucristo Dios no ha podido descender más abajo, y el hombre no ha podido subir más arriba. Por: Pedro García, Misionero Claretiano | Fuente: Catholic.net Yo no sé si encontraremos unas palabras sobre Jesucristo tan grandiosas, y tan sencillas a un tiempo, como las que trae el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica tomándolas del Concilio, cuando nos dice: El Hijo de Dios trabajó con manos de hombre, pensó con inteligencia de hombre, obró con voluntad de hombre, amó con corazón de hombre. Nacido de la Virgen María, se hizo verdaderamente uno de nosotros, en todo semejante a nosotros, menos en el pecado. Todo esto lo sabemos desde siempre y lo confesamos continuamente en el Credo, cuando decimos que el Hijo de Dios se hizo hombre. Es la verdad fundamental de nuestra fe. Pero, ¿nos hemos puesto a pensar en lo que significa que Dios se haya hecho hombre? Pues significa esto precisamente: que el Hijo de Dios, una de las Tres Personas de la Santísima Trinidad, al hacerse hombre, y quedando Dios verdadero, ahora va a ser uno igual que nosotros. Nos va a conocer como conocemos nosotros. Nos va a querer como queremos nosotros. Nos va a amar como amamos nosotros. Va a trabajar con manos encallecidas como trabajamos nosotros. Dios va a hacer todo lo nuestro con manos nuestras, va a entender con cerebro nuestro, va a amar con corazón nuestro... Si este Dios no se gana nuestra voluntad, nuestro cariño, nuestro amor, nuestra adhesión, y si lo dejamos de lado no haciéndole caso ninguno, entonces Dios ha fracaso del todo con nosotros; pero también nosotros habremos fracasado del todo en la vida, y nos perderíamos sin excusa alguna. Porque Dios no ha podido hacer por nosotros más de lo que ha hecho. Un científico alemán protestante, aunque lo llamaríamos mejor un descreído, profesor en la universidad, lanza en una reunión de gente sabia esta atrevida pregunta: -¿Que Dios existe? No lo creo, porque, de existir, se cuidaría un poco más de los hombres. Un caballero católico acepta el desafío y le contesta: -Falso, señor profesor. Es usted quien no se ocupa de Dios, ya que Dios se ha pre-ocupado bien de usted. Porque, para salvar a los hombres, el mismo Dios se ha hecho hombre. El profesor reconoce su atrevimiento y empieza a pensar. No mucho después abrazaba el catolicismo. Tener con nosotros a Dios hecho hombre, es la condescendencia suma a que Dios ha podido llegar. El Hombre Jesús nos descubre a Dios tal como es Dios con nosotros, porque es Dios quien actúa en Jesús para decirnos cómo Dios nos ama, cómo quiere que seamos, cómo quiere que actuemos en la vida, cómo vamos a ser después para siempre. Dios ha hecho todas las cosas y en ellas ha dejado la huella de su propio ser, sobre todo de su amor. Por eso la creación entera es una revelación manifiesta de Dios. Dentro de la creación, el hombre es la criatura más excelsa, pues ha sido hecho como varón y co-mo mujer a imagen y semejanza de Dios. Pero en Jesús, Dios ha manifestado toda su gloria en la máxima expresión. El Dios hecho Hombre ha revelado al hombre todo lo que Dios es, lo que ama, lo que promete y lo que va a ser para el hombre glorificado. Si examinamos esas cuatro palabras clave del párrafo del Concilio y del Catecismo, descubrimos en ellas todo el abismo de la bondad de Dios. ¿Que Dios, en Jesús, trabaja con manos de hombre?... Entonces nosotros amamos nuestra fatiga, nuestro esfuerzo, nuestro deber diario. Si Dios ha hecho lo que hago yo, ¿por qué no voy a hacer yo lo que ha hecho Dios?... ¿Que Dios, en Jesús, piensa con inteligencia de hombre?... Entonces, ¿no veo cómo mis pensamientos pueden ser un cielo límpio, bello, que refleje toda la hermosura del alma preciosa de Jesús? ¿Que Dios, en Jesús, quiso y se determinó con voluntad de hombre?... Entonces, ¿cómo debo yo abrazarme con todo el querer de Dios, si Dios mismo me enseña a hacerlo como Él? ¿Que Dios, en Jesús, amó y ama con corazón de hombre?... Entonces, ¿no veo cómo el amor mío es un amor como el del mismo Dios?... El hecho de la Encarnación del Hijo de Dios no ha podido ser invento nuestro. No hay hombre que pueda imaginarse algo semejante. Lo sabemos por revelación de Dios, y no es extraño que esta verdad cristiana tan fundamental haya sido objeto, desde la antigüedad hasta hoy, de discusiones acaloradas. Antiguamente se decían algunos herejes: - ¿Dios unido a la materia? ¡Imposible!...Hoy se han dicho algunos: - ¿El hombre necesita a Dios? ¡No nos hace falta!... Pero la verdad cristiana se mantiene firme: Dios, en Jesús, se hace hombre; y el hombre, en Jesús, llega a ser Dios. Dios no ha podido descender más abajo, y el hombre no ha podido subir más arriba. Todo ha sido obra del amor de Dios para ganarse el amor del hombre y darle la salvación. ¿Cabe ahora en el hombre negar a Dios el amor y no aceptar la salvación que Dios le ofrece?... Algunos, harán lo que quieran. Otros, nos apegamos a ese Dios, que, en Jesús, lo es todo para nosotros...

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