church of the nativity, burke va 29th sunday in ordinary time october 22, · pdf...
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Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
“Our Gospel did not come to you in word alone but also in power
and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.” - 1 Thes 1-1:5
My dear parishioners,
through the Propagation of the Faith. Each of us are called to be missionaries. Today on Mission Sunday, in prayer and sacrifice, let us together answer that call. Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor
A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski
ALL SAINTS DAY Wednesday, November 1st
The Solemnity of All Saints is on Wednesday, November 1st. The Mass schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, October 31 Vigil Mass at 7:30PM
Wednesday, November 1 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 12:00PM,
6:00PM and 7:30PM in Spanish
ALL SOULS DAY Thursday, November 2nd
The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed
Each year All Souls Day is a day of special prayer for all those who have died. We pray that those souls in need of perfection may swiftly pass through their purification and
come into the presence of God. Envelopes will be available in the back of the church and at the parish office.
It is the grace of the Communion of Saints that we can have this special relationship of prayer with those who have
departed this life. The Mass schedule is as follows:
Thursday, November 2 7:30AM and 7:00PM
MASS OF REMEMBRANCE Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00PM
One of our most beloved traditions at Nativity Church occurs every year during the month of November. This is the month when the whole Church remembers those who have passed from this world in hope of eternal life. At Nativity we celebrate a special Mass for those of our parish family who have died in the past year.
We wish to invite your family and friends to this special Eucharist.
This special Mass will take place on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00pm. Please know that you are in our prayers and in the prayers of the community of Nativity.
Love and blessings, Fr. Bob Cilinski
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING
New Servers: 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 need to attend TWO training sessions this fall. The training sessions will be held in the church at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 26th.
Returning Servers: Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:00pm, the workshop will last 45 minutes.
All Soul’s Day Mass with Bishop Burbidge On Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 at 12:00 noon
Holy Mass will be celebrated at Fairfax Memorial Park on 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. If outdoor services at the
Cemetery are cancelled due to inclement weather, Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Holy Mass at St. Leo the Great,
3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA.
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT
“We, the People of Nativity Catholic Church, by our baptism, are joyful disciples of Jesus Christ. We strive to love God,
love others, and form new disciples. We celebrate Jesus Christ in Word, Sacrament and Service.”
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
The 2017 Altar Flower Book has still a few dates available. This is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one,
living or deceased. Openings are available for October 29th and November 12th. If you are interested, please call 703-455-2400
or stop by the parish office to sign up.
Our Lady of Knock Charity Card Party
Our Lady of Knock Society invite you to join them for their 22nd annual Charity Card Party on Saturday, November 11th at 6:30pm in Church of the Nativity cafeteria. Tickets go on sale after weekend Masses starting this weekend, October 21st, through November 5th or until sold out. A donation of $20 per ticket is requested.
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of fun, door prizes (to include beautiful gift baskets assembled by our members and gift certificates from local merchants) and a money raffle - all for a good cause.
For more information or questions, please call: Janet Rozga at (703) 440-8390
Trunk or Treat 2017 Friday, October 27 from 7:00-8:00pm
Nativity families are invited to a Christ centered, safe, parish family celebration. No RSVP required but cars are required to
register, space is limited to 40 cars. For more information visit: www.nativityburke.org
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
“May the infinite depth and breadth of Christ’s Divine Mercy remind us that no wound is too great for God to heal.” Pray for Life: April 2016 USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. https://goo.gl/rgX7jH
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 campaign continues through Sunday, November 5, 2017. 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].
Open House – parents/guardians are invited to visit their children’s classes during sessions this week.
Religious education classes on Tuesday, October 31, are canceled for All Saints Vigil.
Religious education classes will be held on Sunday, November 5; Monday, November 6; and Tuesday, November 7.
Catechists and assistants for grade seven are to attend an important information meeting on Thursday, November 9, at 7:00pm in room 240.
Religious Education Program schedules are listed on the calendar and under Current News and Events at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd. To contact the office call 703.455.0372, email [email protected], or simply stop by our office.
Interested in advertising in the bulletin? Call Rick Cortez at 412-292-0132 or e-mail: [email protected]
TIME TO ORDER YOUR
CHRISTMAS WREATHS & GREENS!
After masses THIS weekend, Nativity’s Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be taking orders for live Christmas wreaths and greens products, for delivery the weekend of November 25/26 (weekend AFTER Thanksgiving) and the following weekend Dec 2/3. This is the FINAL weekend to place orders for wreaths and greens. You can order and pay now OR pay later. Proceeds from the sales will support the Troop in its acquisition of equipment, supplies and its administration. Please support Boy Scout Troop 1100 this year by buying a live green wreath, spray, living tree, garland or centerpiece.
Nativity Parish's Italian Heritage and Cultural Society
Please join Nativity Parish's Italian Heritage and Cultural Society meeting on October 26 from 7:00-9:00pm for an in-depth discussion and personal account of:
"THE TREATMENT OF ITALIAN AMERICANS DURING WWII" - A TIMELINE OF THE ORIGINS AND
RESOLUTION OF ITALIANS AS “ENEMY ALIENS”
It all started with the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1792, and ended on Columbus Day 1942. Our speaker, John DiBella will discuss this issue that affected so many Italians in the United States during World War II and how it related to his family in particular. Along with John, Rita Foradori Schug will be joining in a panel discussion and relate her own family stories including an immigrant mother and uncles who served in US and Italian forces who were also incarcerated in P.O.W. camps in Germany and Colorado. For more information, contact Diane Schug-O’Neill at [email protected] or Phyllis Giasson at [email protected], or visit our website at www.nativityburke.org/nihcs
Virginia Catholic Conference, http://www.vacatholic.org/documents/Politica l_Activity_Guide.pdf.
A few principles to keep in mind:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Father Cedric Wilson
October 27th
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
Monday, October 23 7:30am Special Intention for Elige Grant Tuesday, October 24 7:30am † Toni Rausch Wednesday, October 25 7:30am † Josephine Morreale (Heatherwood) 10:00am Special Intention for Cherisse Decena
Thursday, October 26 7:30am † John Betts Friday, October 27 7:30am † George Bett
Saturday, October 28 9:00am † Sean O’Connor 5:00pm † Maria Lee (Spanish) 7:00pm † Abel Tapia Lucero Sunday, October 29 7:30am † Richard Creedon 9:00am † Evelyn O’Neill 11:00am Parishioners 12:45pm † Alfred Linhares 5:30pm † Yungsek Che
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.
2 Minute Reflections and Weekly Challenges http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/2minutes2virtue
ALTAR FLOWERS
Donated with Love by
Janice Brintnall and Family In Loving Memory of
Clarke Brintnall
All Souls Day Novena Mass Schedule November 2017
November 2 7:30am November 3 7:30am November 3 9:00am November 4 9:00am November 4 5:00pm November 5 7:30am November 6 7:30am November 7 7:30am November 8 7:30am
Catholic Home Missions Appeal Strengthening the Church at Home
This week, we will take up the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Right now, over 40 percent of dioceses in the US are
considered home missions because they are unable to fund essential pastoral work needed in their communities.
Your support of this appeal helps ease the struggle of these dioceses. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this
appeal. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/home-missions.
Nativity’s Grief Support Group Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month,
from 7:30pm until 9:00pm, room 224. This Group is open to all.
The Book of Remembrance is in the Church near the baptismal font and Paschal candle during
the month of November in memory of our beloved dead. All are invited to place the names of loved ones
who have died in our Book of Remembrance with faith in the resurrection that Jesus promises us.
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
http://www.nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Annual Italian Dinner Dance: The Italian Dinner Dance will be held in the Parish Hall starting at 6:30 PM on Saturday, November 4th. It is always a fantastic evening of dining, dancing and entertainment. You will be provided with the best homemade Italian dinner in town for only $30 per ticket. Tickets are being sold after all weekend Masses. For further information and reservations contact Ron Cestaro at [email protected] (703) 250-1013 or Joe Miletta at [email protected] (703) 250-9584.
Handy Knights: Need a hand with minor home repairs? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected] to let us know what your needs are and provide a way to get into contact with you. One of our Handy Knights will be in touch to assess your problem and hopefully provide a quick fix – no charge for help, donations accepted to help pay it forward to others. Although this ministry is willing and able, it is not intended for jobs better suited for (or requiring) a certified professional or contractor. If we can't fix it, we will help you find someone who can.
ESTATE PLANNING 101 FRATERNAL BENEFITS NIGHT: Your Knights of Columbus field agent, Thom Harrington, and Seidl Law Offices, PC are sponsoring an Estate, Tax, Business, and Retirement Planning Workshop presented by Attorney James P. Seidl and his associate, Sonia Rustici, JD. Each workshop will be held in the new Manassas insurance office at 9705 Liberia Ave, Suite 252, in Manassas. ALL NATIVITY PARISHIONERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. Seating is limited. The presenter for this workshop is Sonia Rustici, JD an associate of Jim Seidl. Because space is limited, your RSVP for the date you wish to attend is essential. Email [email protected] or call 703-810-3200 to RSVP. Tuesday afternoon, October 24, 2017, 1:30-3:30 PM and Thursday, January 25, 2018, 7:00-9:00 PM
Trunk or Treat: Please join our Brother Knights in supporting Nativity's "Trunk or Treat" festival on Friday, 27 October, at 6:30 pm. This provides a safe environment for Nativity youth and their families to enjoy the holiday. The Council will provide light food and refreshments. Contact Br. Barry Basselgia at [email protected] if you can assist.
Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony SAVE THE DATE, Thursday, November 9th at 7:30pm:
All parishioners are invited to join the Knights of Columbus for a patriotic ceremony at the Holy Spirit School Gymnasium, 8800 Braddock Road, Annandale. Local scouts from both parishes will help retire the colors and the West Point Glee Club will perform. If you have a worn or soiled flag that needs to be retired, drop them off in the special collection boxes available in the Narthex. Please contact PGK Sam Morthland @ 703-455-2186.
Council Meeting: The next council meeting is on Tuesday, 7 November. The rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm.
St. Francis of Assisi’s
Blessing of the Animals
All eyes were focused on those among us who are furred, feathered, clawed, winged, or finned -our animal companions! As part of our celebration of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, we host our own “Blessing of the Animals” in his name and on his Feast Day, October 4.
Legendary for his compassion, the Patron Saint of animals (and merchants and Ecology) is often described has having the ability to talk with animals.
Father Korpi offered the blessing and led the children
in prayer. While many children were holding their pets for the blessing, others
held photos, or stuffed animals, in lieu of the actual
pet.
**************************************
~~ SAVE THE DATE ~~ TURKEY TROT
5K Run/Walk Saturday, November 4
BURKE LAKE PARK Register Now!
************************************** Love working with children? Want flexibility?
Consider subbing for us …
We are in need of substitute teachers with the following minimum qualifications: A love of children!
2-plus years of college, ability to follow a lesson plan and give effective instructions in the absence of the teacher.
Proficiency in maintaining effective classroom management skills and a successful background check.
To apply, email [email protected] or call (703) 455-2300 ext.146
Join us at Nativity to see how your child would spend his or her days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke sponsors a monthly meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (Noon – 1:30 PM) for caregivers to learn and to share with others experiencing similar challenges. Before attending, contact the facilitator,
Eileen Thompson at 703-451-8626 or [email protected].
ECHO Fall Yard Sale
Join us on October 28 for the ECHO Yard Sale. All proceeds go to the ECHO general operating fund and support regular program activities. Located in the St. Bernadette gym at 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA, the sale will run from 8:00am until 12:00pm
The Catholic Healing Ministry of the Diocese of Arlington will celebrate a Mass and Healing service on Thursday, October 26th at 7:30pm at St. Luke, McLean, VA.
Fr. Bill Korpi will be the celebrant. For further information call 540-347-0809
or www.healingministry.net (Note: This is a change from the originally scheduled host
church of Our Lady of Good Counsel.)
One Voice-A Concert to Heal, Inspire and Encourage Unity - Thursday, October 26 at 7:00 PM. The Bishop O'Connell High School choral program presents an evening of popular music,
featuring selections by well-known American songwriters. This concert is appropriate for audiences of all ages.
Admission is FREE. For more information, visit www.bishopoconnell.org/chorus. Bishop O'Connell is located
at 6600 Little Falls Road in Arlington.
PLAY FOR THE NATIVITY STARS
Arlington Diocese Northern Virginia Junior CYO (NVJCYO) Basketball 2017-2018
Registration closes on November 5, 2017
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.
PRINT and SIGN the Medical/Participation Form and Code of Conduct forms and SUBMIT SIGNED Forms to the Church Office/School office with your registration checks.
Cost: Fee and Uniform Deposit, $75 per child AND a $50 uniform deposit (two checks preferred). Uniform deposit checks will be destroyed when uniforms are returned (no later than April 1).
Make checks payable to the Church of the Nativity; write players name and NVJCYO Basketball on the Memo Line.
Signed NVJCYO Medical/Participation Form and Code of Conduct forms must be submitted to the Church Office with payment.
Interested in Coaching? For Program and Schedule information, email: [email protected]
ONLINE REGISTRATION at:
h tt p s : // r e g . s p or ts p il o t. c o m / 1 0 65 3 0 / l o g i n
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
If you have a family member or friend, aged 18 years of age or older, with a mental illness we would welcome you to
a National Alliance on Mental Illness of Northern Virginia Family Support Group where we will share strategies and information to help ourselves and our loved ones.
The next monthly meeting will take place in Classroom 242 in the Nativity School, on Wednesday, October 25th,
from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. For more information, go to www.NAMI-NorthernVirginia.org and visit the “Families” page.
The group is led by co-facilitators trained by NAMI.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
Get our weekly CYM Update—Get on our list!
• Send an email to Ms. Ingrid to • [email protected] • Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate • Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers
Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329
Find us on parish website
COLLEGE MINISTRY and
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
YOUNG ADULTS
Serving people ages 21-39
Weekly: - Every Tuesday- Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room: Discussion of “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis - Every Thursday- Basketball from 8:30-10:30pm in the Gym at Nativity
Coming up… NEW YA Family Ministry - Saturday, Oct. 21, 8:30-10:30am (Kindegarten Room)
Corn Maze and Bonfire - Saturday, October 28, 6:30-10:00pm at The Maze in The Plains. Join us for this evening out! R.S.V.P by October 27th to [email protected] “Mighty in Spirit - Day of Encounter”
Join us on Saturday, November 4, 10:00am-3:30pm, Fr. Ready Room for an in-house retreat about the Holy Spirit and YOU. Please RSVP to [email protected]
“Joyful Noise” Praise and Worship Friday, November 17, 7:30-9:00pm in the Church
COLLEGE MINISTRY
Serving people ages 18-21 Our goal is to help you re-connect with your parish,
with your faith, and with friends.
Visit our web site and social media
@nativi tycathol icyouthminist ry
@nativi tyCYM
www.nat ivi tyburkecym.org
Nativity Youth Ministry Sunday Nights Schedule
EDGE Middle School Ministry Grades 6, 7, 8 3:30 pm — 5:00 pm
GLORY High School Ministry 6:30 pm Meal 7:00 pm Ministry 8:30-9:00 pm M-Hang Out
Bring a Friend and an Open Heart!
THANK YOU for the GLORY DAYS RECEIPTS! Place itemized receipts in the collection baskets at Mass.
Thank you for Supporting Youth Ministry!
For new and continuing ministry with our parish teens. If you have felt the call to work with youth—give us a call—we’ll help you answer.
College Age Students, Young Adults, Parents, and Grandparents, Retirees….all are welcome to share the faith! Volunteering is a great way to meet new peers and be involved in the Nativity-Family!! Contact Ms. Ingrid to talk.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
SIN VIVIR AL MARGEN Domingo XXIX
Javier Leoz Donde no llega la razón, llega el corazón.
Donde no llegues tú, llegaré yo. Y, cuando leo estas letras, me preguntó por qué a veces es tan difícil combinar fe e ideas, política y religión, el cielo con la tierra, lo humano con lo divino. ¿Hasta dónde puede llegar la fe? ¿Hasta dónde pretenden llegar aquellos que solamente juzgan y se rigen por la razón o la ideología de la que, siempre, queda alguien al margen?
1.Cuántas situaciones de injusticia se evitarían si, por ejemplo, la moral iluminase ciertas actuaciones que las damos co-mo insignes conquistas del mundo moderno cuando, a la corta o a la larga, comprobaremos que son decadencia ¿Es intromisión denun-ciar que la humanidad, en más de una ocasión, se autodestruye cuando legisla en contra de la dignidad del propio ser humano? -Dar al César, lo que es del César, no siempre implica quedarse al margen de aquello que consideramos negativo para un progreso bien entendido. ¿No sería más bien cobardía o falta de valentía a la hora de defender unos criterios que consideramos válidos, esencia-les e irrenunciables para nuestro futuro? -Dar al César, lo que es del César, no es decir “amén” a todo lo que el poder establecido nos mete hasta los tuétanos y, normalmente, en contra de los más desfavorecidos. -Dar al César, lo que es el César, es saber que, la Iglesia, no es una institución política –ni mucho menos- pero que no puede ni debe vivir al margen de lo que gime en su interior: su ser profético que le empuja a denunciar cuando se rebasan ciertos límites, y a anunciar que, la última instancia a la que debemos someternos, es precisa-mente Dios.
2. Ser buen cristiano no significa vivir divorciados de las instancias donde se cuecen los destinos del mundo. Hoy hay diver-sas corrientes en las que se proclama aquello de “la Iglesia en la sacristía” “la fe es un ámbito privado” “en la calle hay que ser ciu-dadano, no cristiano”.
Ante estas soflamas no cabe sino, recordar, que la fe es un derecho público y privado, personal y comunitario, social y no mar-ginal. Como personas, hemos de ejercer libremente nuestro ideario cristiano sin miedo a ser tachados de entrometidos. Qué gran perjui-cio, para el Evangelio, para la Iglesia y para la sociedad misma, si –nuestro cristianismo- lo redujéramos a ser eso: buenos ciudadanos. No nos hemos bautizados para ser los necios del mundo. Más bien al contrario; nuestro bautismo nos empuja a salar aquellas situacio-nes que requieren un punto de verdad o de ilusión, de alegría o de justicia, de dignidad o de equidad. Pero ¿qué ocurre cuando la Igle-sia hace, dice o evidencia todo esto? Que escuece y se pretende silenciarla. Nunca, un paciente que se acerque a un médico, le criti-cará por el hecho de que estudie, cure y sane sus heridas. Al contra-rio, aunque le duela, sabe que en ello se le va la vida. Aquí está el término medio. La sociedad tiene sus propias normas pero, sus legisladores, no son perfectos y por lo tanto tampoco mu-chas de las cosas que dicen, hacen o estampan en cuño de ley. Y, cuando la Iglesia alerta de ciertos excesos no es por intrusión (ni mucho menos) sino porque, en la herida, se puede desangrar el futu-ro de una sociedad caprichosa, hedonista donde vence el fuerte, sufre el pobre y el “césar” (por sus deliberaciones o actuaciones) se marcha de su palacio ajeno al sufrimiento producido en su pueblo. ¿Difícil papeleta el saber hasta dónde entramos unos y hasta donde han de entrar otros? Tal vez. Lo que nunca debemos hacer como cristianos es eso….conformarnos con ser buenos vecinos. En todo caso intentar por encima de todo ser buenos cristianos. Aunque a más de uno le duela. ¡Qué se va hacer! ¡O somos cristianos o no lo somos!
Hoy celebramos el día del DOMUND (la jornada mundial de la propagación de la fe). Ojala que su lema “RENACE LA ALE-GRÍA” sea una llamada a que, desde el ámbito en el cual cada uno nos encontramos, sepamos también comprometernos de cerca o de lejos con aquellos que se encuentran –en primera línea- dando la cara por los más pobres pero, sobre todo, anun-ciando al POBRE de los pobres que es Cristo. Sólo así, al atar-decer de la vida, seremos capaces de cerrar los ojos con la satis-facción de haber hecho renacer la alegría de la fe en diferentes puntos de nuestra tierra. Que Santa Teresa de Jesús, cuyo Año Jubilar hemos iniciado por el quinto centenario de su nacimien-to, nos ayude también a ser eternos andariegos por los caminos del mundo con el báculo de la vida cristiana contemplativa, activa y más comprometida.
¿CESAR…..O TU, SEÑOR? Cuando confundo lo divino con lo humano,
y me quedo sólo con lo segundo Cuando, volcado de lleno en lo superficial,
olvido que Tú existes desde los mismos inicios de mis dias Cuando, escuchando tu Palabra,
me quedo con aquellas escritas por el presente Entonces, Señor, sólo entonces
me doy cuenta…que sirvo demasiado al “césar” de este mundo. Cuando pretendo una iglesia desarraigada y no profética
alejada de todo compromiso. ¿CÉSAR…..O TU SEÑOR?
Cuando dedicado al intercambio de moneda no veo que, la mayor, riqueza soy yo:
como persona y como hijo tuyo como llamado a la vida y a la gracia
a la santidad, a la sencillez y a la adoración en tu presencia Cuando, pendiente de lo que acontece a mi alrededor
te doy las migajas de unos minutos de oración o las prisas de una misa rutinaria Cuando, soñando con ser grande
dejo de lado aquel cielo en el que, para entrar, he de ser peque-ño
¿CÉSAR….O TU SEÑOR? Que no me olvide, oh Señor, que Tú eres el centro de todo Que no me olvide, Señor, de orientarme desde Ti y contigo
Que no me olvide, Señor, que –el cielo y la tierra- son todo obra de tu mano Que no me olvide, Señor,
que entre los “césares” que intentan manipular mi conciencia sólo Tú, Señor, tienes derecho a entrar en ella.
Amén. Javier Leoz
Website: www.nativityburke.org 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017
Nuestra lucha con las riquezas
Ron Rolheiser (Trad. Benjamín Elcano, cmf) - Lunes, 25 de septiembre de 2017 Hace algunos años asistí a un funeral. El hombre al que estábamos despidiendo había gozado de una vida plena y rica. Había llegado a la edad de 90 años y era respetado por haber sido a la vez dichoso y honrado. Pero había sido siempre un hombre fuerte, un líder natural, un hom-bre que se había hecho cargo de las cosas. Había tenido un buen matrimonio, formado una gran familia, logrado éxito en los negocios y mantenido papeles de liderazgo en varias organi-zaciones cívicas y eclesiales. Era un hombre que infundía respeto, aunque a veces era temido por su fuerza.
Su hijo, sacerdote, estaba presidiendo su funeral. Empezó su homilía de esta manera: “La Escritura nos dice que setenta es la suma de los años de un hombre, y ochenta la suma de los más robustos. Ahora bien, nuestro padre vivió noventa. ¿Por qué esos diez años de más? Bueno, de hecho, eso no es un misterio. ¡Dios le concedió esos diez años adicionales para madurarlo! ¡Era demasiado fuerte e inquieto para morir a los ochenta! Pero durante los últimos diez años de su vida sufrió una serie de masivos empeoramientos. Murió su esposa; nunca superó eso. Tuvo un ataque repentino; nunca lo superó. Tuvo que ser llevado a un centro de vida asistida; nunca lo superó. Todos estos condicionamientos hicieron su trabajo. Para cuando murió, pudo tomar tu mano y decir: ‘Ayúdame’. No pudo decir eso desde el momento en que pudo atar los cordones de sus propios zapatos hasta esos últimos años. Estuvo por fin dispuesto para el cielo. Ahora bien, cuando se encontró con san Pedro a las puertas del cielo, pudo decir: ‘¡Ayúdame!’, más bien que decir a san Pedro cómo podría organizar las cosas mejor”.
Esta historia nos puede ayudar a entender la enseñanza de Jesús de que los ricos encuentran difícil entrar en el reino de los cielos, mientras los niños pequeños entran con tanta naturalidad. Tendemos a comprender mal ambas cosas: por qué los ricos encuentran difícil entrar en el reino y por qué los niños pequeños entran más fácilmente.
¿Por qué los niños pequeños entran en el reino tan naturalmente? Al responder a esto, tendemos a idealizar la inocencia de los niños pequeños, que puede verdaderamente estar golpeándonos. Pero eso no es lo que Jesús está apoyando como un ideal aquí, un ideal de inocencia que para nosotros, adultos, es imposible en cualquier caso. No es la inocencia de los niños lo que Jesús alaba; más bien es el hecho de que los niños no tienen la menor pretensión de autosuficiencia. Los niños no tienen otra opción que conocer su dependencia. No son autosuficientes, y saben que no pueden tomar medidas en vez de otros. Si nadie los alimenta, van hambrientos. Necesitan decir, y decirlo con frecuencia: “¡Ayúdame!”.
Generalmente, para los adultos es lo contrario, especialmente si somos fuertes, talentosos y bendecidos con suficiente riqueza. Fácilmente alimentamos la ilusión de la autosuficiencia. En nuestra fortaleza, olvidamos más naturalmente que necesitamos a otros, que no somos autosuficientes.
La lección que vemos aquí no es que las riquezas sean malas. Las riquezas, como el dinero, el talento, la inteligencia, la salud, el buen aspecto, la habilidad para el liderazgo o la fuerza plana, son dones recibidos de Dios. Y son buenos. No son las riquezas lo que nos impide entrar en el reino. Más bien es el peligro de que, poseyéndolas, tendremos también más fácilmente la ilusión de que somos autosuficientes. Y no lo somos. Como Tomás de Aquino señala de la misma manera que define a Dios (como Esse Subsistens - Ser Suficiente en sí mismo), sólo Dios no necesita de alguien o algo más. Todos los demás tenemos esa necesidad, y los niños pequeños captan esto mejor que los adultos, especialmente los adultos fuertes y talentosos.
Además, la ilusión de la autosuficiencia genera otro peligro. Las riquezas y el confort que traen, como vemos en la parábola del rico que tiene un mendigo a su puerta, nos puede hacer ciegos a la situación y hambre de los pobres. Ese es uno de los peligros de no pasar hambre nosotros. En nuestro confort, tendemos a no ver a los pobres. Y así, no son las riquezas en sí mismas las que son malas. El peligro moral de ser rico es más bien la ilusión de autosufi-ciencia que parece acompañar por siempre a las riquezas. Los niños pequeños no sufren esta ilusión, sino los fuertes. Ese es el peligro de ser rico, rico en dinero u rico en otras cosas.
¿Cómo minimizamos ese peligro? Siendo generosos con nuestras riquezas. El Evangelio de Lucas, aun siendo el Evan-gelio más duro para con los ricos, es también el Evangelio que más claramente muestra que las riquezas no son malas en sí mismas. Dios es rico. Pero Dios es enormemente generoso con esa riqueza. La generosidad de Dios, como aprendemos de las parábolas de Jesús, es tan excesiva que resulta escandalosa. Da un vuelco a nuestro medido sentido de equidad. Las riquezas son buenas, pero sólo si son compartidas. En el Evangelio de Lucas, Jesús alaba al rico generoso pero avisa al rico que acapara. La generosidad es propia de Dios; el acaparamiento es antitético al cielo.
Y así, desde que aprendemos a atarnos los lazos de nuestro propio calzado hasta que los varios debilitamientos de la vida empiezan a despojarnos de la ilusión de autosuficiencia, las riquezas de todo tipo constituyen un peligro. Nunca debemos olvidar la petición: “¡Ayúdame!”