parishworks! 1Vol. 10 No. 18 September 06, 2014

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Sunday GospelSeptember 7, 2014

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.

If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.If he does not listen, take one or two others along

with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat

him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall

be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Reflection:The wellbeing and harmony of the community is

threatened when two or more members are not at peace with one another. It is because of its repercussion to the community that every conflict is a communitarian responsibility. First, on effort to reconcile is done on the level of conflicting parties; then, with their close friends

The Birth of Maryby Gene C. Alberto

When Mary was born is not exactly known. Some authors say in Jerusalem, others say in Nazareth. Her father, Joachim, was of the royal house of David, and her mother, Anne, was of the priestly family of Aaron. Joachim and Anne had been married many years but had no children. They grieved greatly over this. They loved God and longed to please Him in every possible way. They knew and loved Holy Scripture. Like every good, holy Jewish couple, they longed for the coming of the Messiah. They hoped to have Him among their descendants if God so chose to bless them. They promised God to consecrate their first-born to Him. Their prayers and their holy living continually stormed heaven for them. Finally, God worked a miracle of love and blessed them with a baby girl. Mary or Miriam, as she was called, means lady or mistress.

Mary brought much joy to her father and mother. Like any little baby, she learned to coo and laugh, to prattle and to sing. Her parents taught her to talk, to walk, and to pray. As a tiny child she understood well that her parents had vowed her to God. When she was three years old, tradition relates, she joyfully went to the temple in Jerusalem with her father and mother to consecrate herself to God.

In the home of her loving parents, Mary learned to read and to write. She learned to sew and to embroider. She learned to cook and to manage a house, to pray and to sing. She was treated as other children her age. However, she never cried or caused anyone any trouble. Even as a child, she maintained a pleasant countenance mixed with gravity and certain majesty. While she showed a special attention from her father and mother, they were inspired by God to handle and caress her with unusual restraint. She ate less than other children and she slept much less, for whenever could, she prayed and

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The Birth of Mary ... from page 1

meditated and performed interior acts of love for God. When she accepted any services or benefits from anyone, she always received it with humble gratitude and begged the Lord to reward that person.

At her tender age, Mary began to perform works of charity toward the poor. She begged alms for them from her parents, and she set aside part of her meals for them. Then she would give them what she had. When she gave her alms to the poor, she used to kiss their hands. And each case she prayed fervently to God to give them spiritual graces as well.

Daily, Mary grew closer to God, corresponding with the many graces He lavished upon her. Grace prompted her to make a vow of virginity, something unknown to the Jews. She knew the coming of the Messiah from her study of Holy Scripture. She knew, too, that the time of His coming was close at hand. Devotedly she prayed that His coming would be soon.

Did she then know that she would be the mother of God made man? Did she know of the crib, of the cross of

the Eucharist? Did she know what her fiat would mean to all mankind? Did she know of the lowly manger with the smiling Babe on the hay? Did she know that her Child divine would with Calvary’s key open heaven’s door? That he was the Way, the Truth, the Light that would shine…leading men back to God once more?

God has been so very good to us. Joy could be labeled to so many things. Yet our greatest joy, the world’s greatest joy, heaven’s greatest joy has been Jesus. Mary gave us Jesus.

The Birth of the Blessed Virgin marked the beginning of salvation. May this feast of her Nativity serve to obtain peace for the whole world.References:

• The Life of Our Lady, by Rev. Edward A. Ryan, S.J.

• The Madonna of Nazareth, by Rev. Daugelis de, S. J.

• Cause of our Joy, by Most Rev. Paul M. Fusilie, STD

• Treasury of Saints, David Self, by permission of Westminster Abbey

A Ray of HopeBy: Mary Allen Bueno

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,” – Hebrews 6:19

As I scroll down through the shared stories on my newsfeed, my heart is getting filled with so much grief and sadness as the stories of crime and injustices unfold right in front of me. From rape victims to shameless taxi modus, from country wars to Christian persecutions, from unending Political issues to requests of the death penalty come back-- name it; it’s all over the news. For a moment, I asked myself “What is happening in the world?” It seems to me that as each day passes, more and more evil works are becoming so rampant to the extent that we can’t help but feel hopeless.

But just as cruelness and injustices unfold, this week, God has shown me that in the end, what we have is still a beautiful world. What we have to do is see right through it and appreciate all the little things around us.

This week, I was so blessed to join a group of my fellow youth to conduct a fair for children who were victims of the previous strong typhoons. Series of activities were organized for them and we were asked to facilitate. There were lots of singing and fun games that

goes with sweet prices. As I stood there watching the kids play and participate I felt as if my heart that was broken by the sad news and stories, was healed. Their smiles and precious

giggles made me realize that no matter how painful we go through in life, there is still a hope that in the end, we can smile and laugh about it. I wondered how these kids who have gone through so much do it effortlessly.

Another group of kids amazed me with their bravery and charm despite life’s difficult moments. They are kids who are battling against the big C. I was privileged by a sister to join her in her apostolate in giving catechisms to these children. At first I thought, it may be another sad picture for me because it really pains me to see people suffering from Cancer most especially with the young ones for I know that they have their whole life ahead of them. But I was wrong, it was an experience filled with so much hope and joy. We were discussing biblical stories with delight and laughter. I find myself lost as I laugh through their petty jokes and for that moment, the fact that they have special needs because they are sick flew

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Faith MattersBy: Gene C.Alberto

Why is Mass a sacrifice?The Mass is the sacrifice of the New Law in which

Christ, through the priest, offers Himself to God in an unbloody manner under the appearance of bread and wine.

The sacrifice of the Old Law was animals. The one true sacrifice is the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. This is continued in a different way in the Mass.

Is the Mass the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the Cross?

The Mass is the same sacrifice of the Cross. The PRIEST is the same Jesus Christ. He was visible on the Cross and is invisible at Mass. The GIFT is the same Jesus Christ. He was visible on the Cross and is hidden at Mass under the appearance of bread and wine.

The ACTION is the same, the act of love in the Heart of Jesus.

Is there any difference between the sacrifice of the Cross and the Sacrifice of the Mass?

The manner in which the sacrifice is offered is different. On the Cross Christ physically shed His blood and was physically slain, while in the Mass there is no physical shedding of blood nor physical death.

Christ really died on the Cross, but He does not die at Mass. Christ was visible on the Cross, but He is invisible at Mass. Christ’s enemies tormented Him on the Cross, but His friends join Him in prayer at Mass. Christ alone was both Priest and Gift on the Cross, but in the Mass He unites all of us with Himself.References: Luke 22:14; 19-29, Mark 14:17; Matthew 26:20

ccc 1332, 1382, 2192

Paeskwela Corner

One PAESKWELA against BullyingBy: Ciara H. Intoy, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Bullying is really evident in our society nowadays. In fact, we, the Paekswela scholars are facing this problem as we are growing up. That is why it’s really on time that these information about bullying be disseminated to us.

Last Saturday, August 30, one of our mentors, Ate Jarese Luz, discussed bullying, its types, reasons, effects and how to deal with this problem. Bullying is the use of force, threat, or aggressively dominating others and has 3 types: physical, emotional and electronic or cyberbullying. Physical bullying is any physical aggression towards another person while emotional bullying is gaining control on others by making them feel angry or afraid. Electronic or cyberbullying, as what the name suggests, is bullying through internet or mobile phones. Common reasons for bullying are isolation, the need for belonging and that person does not posses the needed social skills to keep friends.

As what the society knows, the major effects of

bullying which are depression, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts solely focus on just the victim itself but no, it also has an effect on the bully. That person may engage into criminal behaviors and aggressiveness. To prevent these effects and stop bullying, you have to tell someone. It can be a parent, teachers or the ones in authority.

As part of our activity, we were obliged to write a reflection about the discussed topic. We answered questions like “For you, what does bullying mean?” and so on. Also, our mentors chose 7 students to share the things they wrote on their reflection. This topic made me realized different things. One, all people have differences and these differences are not yet really accepted by the society that is why there are people who will still judge you. But still there is GOD who will love us despite those differences that we have. Lastly, as one church and one PAESKWELA, we CAN stop bullying!

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Coordinator Matthew Lizares Parish Works Staff Managing Editor: Susan Amoroso Web Editor: Emilio Medina Photographers: Ann Lopez, Noemi Sta AnnaGraphic Artist: Jessica Samantha Lim Bulletin Board Editor Harley Dave Punzalan Powerpoint Coordinators Ging Santos, Ellie Medina, Vince Eduard Reyes, SAAP Facebook Admin Karen Ann Phoa

Contributors:Gene Alberto, Rhoni Christel Trillana, Mary Allen Bueno, Ciara Intoy

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish.

Parish Office Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-Noon; 2:00-7:00 p.m.Sunday 7:00 a.m.-Noon; 2:00-7:00 p.m.

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Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffSusan Amoroso, Emilio Medina, Russel Matthew Patolot, Karen Ann Phoa, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Angelina Poe, Magda GanaBulletin Board EditorHarley Dave PunzalanPowerpoint CoordinatorsEllie Medina, Ging Santos, Leomar Alvarez SAAP Facebook AdminRochelle Pineda

ContributorsWina de Vera

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish.

Media and Communications Ministry Coordinator

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

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3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

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Announcements

Answer key: 1) Winged; 2) Courageous; 3) Yields, Grain; 4) Mustard; 5) Parables

Puzzle CornerJune 17, 2012 - Readings: Ezekiel

17:22-24 / Psalm 92 / 2 Corinthians

5:6-10 / Mark 4:26-34By: Karen Ann Phoa

1. “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every _ _ _ _ _ _ D E W G I N thing in the shade of its boughs.”

2. “We are always _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S A G E C O U O U R, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

3. “Of its own accord the land _ _ _ _ _ _ S L I D E Y fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full _ _ _ _ _ N A G R I in the ear.”

4. “It is like a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D R U M A S T seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.”

5. “Without _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B A R A P L E S he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.”

• June 22-24 PARISH RENEWAL EXPERIENCE (PREX)

• June 29 (Fri) KUMPISALANG BAYAN

many others back to religious observances.

Though Father Regis longed to work as a missionary among the North American Indians in Canada, he was to live out his days working for the Lord in the wildest and most desolate part of his native France. There he encountered rigorous winters, snowdrifts and other deprivations. Meanwhile, he continued preaching missions and earned a reputation as a saint. One man, entering the town of Saint-Andé, came upon a large crowd in front of a church and was told that people were waiting for “the saint” who was coming to preach a mission.

The last four years of his life were spent preaching and in organizing social services, especially for prisoners, the sick and the poor. In the autumn of 1640, Father Regis sensed that his days were coming to a conclusion. He settled some of his affairs and prepared for the end by continuing to do what he did so well: speaking to the people about the God who loved them. On December 31, he spent most of the day with his eyes on the crucifix. That evening, he died. His final words were: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

He was canonized in 1737.

St. John Francis Regis ... from page 3

Puzzle Corner

1) “If I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked one, you shall surely die,’ and you do not speak out to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S S U A D E I D the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.”

2) “Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ F L M L E N T U I L F of the law.”

3) “If your _ _ _ _ _ _ _ R O T B E R H sins against you, go and tell him his _ _ _ _ _ T U A F L between you and him alone.”

4) “If he refuses to listen to them, tell the _ _ _ _ _ _ H C R H U C. If he refuses to _ _ _ _ _ _ N I S T E L even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.”

5) “Amen, I say to you whatever _ _ _ _ N B I D on earth shall be bound in _ _ _ _ _ _ V E H A E N, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

by Pia Encarnacion09/07/14 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time; Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9 / Psalm 95:1-2; 6-7; 8-9 / Romans 13:8-10 / Matthew 18:15-20

Answer Key : 1) Dissuade; 2) Fulfillment; 3) Brother, Fault; 4) Church,

Listen; 5) Bind, Heaven

Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

Sundays 8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

Weekdays 6:30am - English 12:15n.n - English

6:30pm - English

and acquaintances up to the assembly, when the first two efforts on mediation fail. It is thus not a simple matter when we do something wrong even on the personal level. There will always be a social dimension to our every act. With this in mind, it is imperative to develop a clear social conscience that takes the common good as a factor in every act we do. The world would be a better place if we care enough for the good of others as we care for our own good.

Sunday Gospel.. from page 1

out of my mind. In my eyes, they were just normal kids who love to laugh and play. In the end of our session, they were asked to pray one by one stating a blessing they would like to thank God for, and I was surprised that their prayers roar with so much hope and thanksgiving. If you were there, I bet you would also feel amazed and happy.

I want to share these stories of my blissful encounter with kids because they are the anchor to my boat; they are my symbol of hope. With them I don’t feel hopeless at all but the exact opposite. So each time I think that this world is full of evil and sadness, I would like to think of them and turn my negative thoughts into happy ones because our God is a merciful one, he did not create this world to be bad and cruel, and after all it is made out of love and therefore, we should strive hard to be happy and never ever feel hopeless about it.

A Ray of Hope... from page 2