T he readings this week bear a certain similarity to those of last week—we

hear a prophecy from Isaiah that is reiter-ated by John the Baptist in Mark’s Gos-pel—but today the focus is different. Last week John told us to repent. Today he is the light leading us to God. Today is also known as “Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday,” as the reading from First Thessalonians com-mands us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” We are to rejoice. Right now. Combined with last Sunday, this seems like a mixed message. “Which is it? Repenting or Re-joicing?” But John is telling us that one leads to the other. As we prepare for the coming of our Savior we must first repent and then rejoice.

A LITTLE GOOD NEWS

Many years ago, Canadian singer Ann Murray had a hit song that spoke of her frustrations as she listened to the radio and read the headlines. She sang that “we sure could use a little good news today.” It strikes me that this is the message that the readings want us to leave with this week. The Gospel Antiphon proclaims, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor” (from Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4: 18). John the Baptist is here to testify to the light, to the Good News.

WILL THE REAL MESSIAH PLEASE STAND UP?

The Jewish people were waiting for their

messiah, they were waiting for a hero. They prodded John several times trying to figure out what his role actually was, and to see what he knew. It became a guess-ing game. He tried to say nothing, but fi-nally answered in a humble fashion, “I am not he.” He baptized with water as a means of leading people to the coming Christ and helping them to prepare. He somehow avoided the trappings of suc-cess that would turn his light on himself. Today he remains a road sign for us, point-ing out Christ our Light.

We all want someone to rescue us, and most likely to fix the mistakes and errors that we continue to make as individuals and as nations. Much of that is human na-ture. Would there be as much fascination with superheroes if this were not the case? How many times do you as an adult turn to your folks for advice, or wish you could talk to a deceased parent? Some need help emotionally, others spiritually, others finan-cially. The reality is that it is tough to get your “ducks in a row” and always has been. Today’s encouraging message is for us to always look to the Light for our help. May we always be like John the Baptist and testify how Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, has been our Savior. Today’s Readings: Is 61:1–2a, 10–1; 1 Lk 1:46–48, 49–50, 53–

54; 1 Thes 5:16–24; Jn 1:6–8, 19–28

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH "As the father sent me, so I send you."

1307 East Longden Ave., Arcadia CA 91006 Parish Office: 2707 Peck Rd., Monrovia, CA 91016

(626) 447-6202 / Fax (626) 447-9834 Website: AnnunciationChurch.net

Annunciation Church Masses for This Week 3rd Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec. 12th 5:00 p.m. Fr. Herbert RIP Bobby Alvero Sunday, Dec. 13th 8:00 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell RIP Virginia Brown & Richard White Jr. 10:00 a.m. VIETNAMESE Fr. Nguyen 12:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. de la Vega S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation Monday, Dec. 14th 8:30 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell RIP Allan and Shirley Ty Tuesday, Dec. 15th 8:30 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. Antonio Baclit RIP Jacques Dupont Wednesday, Dec. 16th 8:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert RIP Teresita Diaz Thursday, Dec. 17th 8:30 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. Albert Evangelista RIP Don Norton Friday, Dec. 18th 8:30 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell . RIP Ramon Rondilla, Jr. and Sr. Masses for Next Week 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, Dec. 19th 5:00 p.m. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. Teresita Camiling Sunday, Dec. 20th 8:00 a.m. Fr. Herbert S.I. Emer and Mila Cruz RIP The Han Family and Friends, Bruce Schmidt, Nazareno de Leon and Richard White, Jr. 10:00 a.m. VIETNAMESE Fr. Nguyen 12:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. Chua S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation Monday, Dec. 21st 8:30 a.m. Fr. Herbert RIP Justin Yeo Tuesday, Dec. 22nd 8:30 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. The Yeo Family RIP Edna Sepulveda Wednesday, Dec. 23rd 8:30 a.m. Fr. Chua S.I. The Lim Family Thursday, Dec. 24th Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Fr. Chua S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation Friday, Dec. 25th Christmas Day 8:00 a.m. Fr. Herbert S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation . 10:00 a.m. Msgr. O’Connell S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation 12:00 p.m. SPANISH Fr. Chua S.I. The Parishioners of Annunciation

Parish Collection Drive: Thank you for supporting our parish Winter Clothing Collection Drive. The re-sponse was abundantly generous. We are concluding a week early. You may still drop items off after Mass this weekend. We will NOT be accepting items next weekend. Thank you all very much for your generosity.

Retirement Fund For Religious Collection This Weekend: “Every dollar makes a difference in covering our expenses,” says a Trappist abbot. Hundreds of U.S. religious communities struggle to provide for aging members because most senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests served for little pay. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps these communities bridge the gap, offering support for medications, nurs-ing care and other necessities. Please be generous.

Christmas Mass Schedule: We will continue our Masses in our parking lot for the foreseeable future, which includes Christmas liturgies. Following is the schedule that will be followed:

† Thursday, December 24—4:00 p.m. (English) † Thursday, December 24—6:00 p.m. (Vietnamese) † Friday, December 25—8:00 a.m. (English) † Friday, December 25—10:00 a.m. (English) † Friday, December 25—12:00 p.m. (Spanish) The guidelines currently in place with remain the same with regard to mask wearing, social distancing, etc. Please contact the Parish Office if you have any questions.

Current New Mass Times: Our Vigil Mass begins at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and our Spanish Mass returns to its usual time of 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. Also, Confessions will be held on Saturdays from 3:30—4:30 p.m. These times will be in effect until further notice.

Outdoor Masses: † The Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Vietnamese Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and the Spanish Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. The 8:00 a.m. English Mass is the same. † If you wish to bring your own chair(s) and sit outside your car during Mass, you are welcome to do so. To ensure everyone’s safety, chairs must be placed in front of your car only, in order to maintain appropriate social distancing from the cars around you. Personal-sized only umbrellas are allowed so as to not block the view of attendees who might be seated behind you. † Masks are required when you enter the parking lot, if you remain in your car with any of the windows rolled down, or if you choose to sit outside your car during Mass. They are optional if you choose to remain in your car with the windows rolled up. We are trying to maximize the parking spaces for those attending Mass and ask that all support volunteers (ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, music ministers, etc.) park inside the gate area just outside the Parish Hall. Daily Mass streams at 11:00 a.m., Sunday Mass in English at 11:00 a.m., and Spanish Mass at 2:00 p.m.. You can access these Masses on our website (www.annunciationchurch.net), Facebook (Annunciation Catholic Church), or YouTube (Annunciation Catholic Church Arcadia).

3rd Sunday of Advent Dec. 13, 2020

April 7, 2002

Offering Collection $9,310.50

Thank you and God bless you.

Bishop Amat High School: Bishop Amat High School warmly welcomes you to attend their Virtual Open House to learn more about their academic, athletic and extra cur-ricular activities and programs. Their first Open House will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 9th and their second on Wednesday, Jan. 6th. Here are some other important activities and dates for prospective students and parents to know: Test Taking Seminar (Saturday, Jan. 9th); Class of 2025 Application Deadline (Saturday, Jan. 15th); Entrance Test (Saturday, Jan. 23rd). Visit the Bishop Amat website for additional infor-mation at: wwwbishopamat.org. Please contact Mrs. Monica Leon at (626) 962-2495, Ext. 7449 or melon@bishopamat.org for any questions you might have, or for additional information. Daily Mass Schedule: Daily Mass is being celebrated at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday in the patio area on the north side of the Parish Offices. Park-ing is available either in the Parish Office parking lot, or on Peck Road, and the seat-ing is all socially-distanced. Masks are required.

Your Church Contributions: To make your contribution, you can: use our website (www.annunciationchurch.net), drop it through the mail slot in the Parish Office door, or mail it using the pre-addressed envelope in your monthly mailed package.

Lord, Protect Them Joseph Villamayor Air Force Elizabeth Villamayor Air Force Robert James Logan IV Army Adrian Mc Nally Army Ronnel Resurrecion Navy Daniel Smith Marines Patrick Thompson Navy Catherine Holdren Coast Guard Robert Wrischnik Marines Brandon Tennis Navy Rafael Hernandez, Jr. Marines Mario Monoz Marines Emma Larenas Navy Gabriel Jimenez Air Force Brian Griffiths Marines John B. Goss Marines Noe Villanueva Army Stephen Cain Marines Preston Ellis Air Force Matthew Aldrete Army Patrick Parra Army Justin R. Lozano Marines Vianca Medina Army Carlos Casillas Army Alex Quesada-Bocanegra Marines Carlos Rodriguez Army Jacob Davis Navy Shannon S. Everitt Air Force Liezl Sarte Air Force Mariel Constantino Air Force Christopher Moss Marines Nicholas Goddard Army David Aguilera Army Jason Smith Marines Brandon Patanjo Navy Michael Stanton Army Alex Ascanio Marines Matthew Martinez Army Osvaldo Santillan Air Force Lazarus Fuentes Marines Cristian Jesus Garcia Army Marco Andres Garcia Army Michael Beltran Navy

Last Week’s Offertory Collections Dec. 6, 2020: $ 7,633.00 Last Year : $ 10,124.00 Online Giving: $ 2,050.00 Together in Mission—2020

Goal Amount: $ 54,834.00 Amount Pledged: $ 65,114.00 Amount Paid: $ 60,965.37 Difference OVER Amount Paid: $6,122.37

Please Pray For: Gerrie Rothermel, Mark Brown and all who are ill. Calendar of Events: Sunday, Dec. 13th Monday, Dec. 14th Tuesday, Dec. 15th Wednesday, Dec. 16th 7:00 Individual Confessions—School Classrooms Thursday, Dec. 17th Friday, Dec. 18th Saturday, Dec. 19th

Did You Know? Avoid safety hazards while gifting with these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range; choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts that could be choking hazards; for children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet; be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swal-lowed; and when giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropri-ate safety gear, too; helmets should be worn at all times and they should be sized to fit. For more information, visit https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/winter/holiday.

H ace muchos años la cantante Ann Murray tuvo una canción exitosa que hablaba de sus frustra-

ciones mientras escuchaba la radio y leía los enca-bezados de los periódicos. Ella cantaba “seguro que hoy podemos usar un poco de buenas noticias”. Me parece que este es el mensaje que las lecturas quieren que dejemos esta semana. La antífona del Evangelio proclama: “El Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí. Me ha enviado para anunciar la buena nueva a los pobres” (frase en Isaías 61:1 y Lucas 1:18). Juan el Bautista está aquí para dar testimonio de la luz, la Buena Nueva.

POR FAVOR, ¿SE PUEDE PONER DE PIE EL VERDADERO MESÍAS?

El pueblo judío esperaba a su mesías, esperaba a un héroe. Hicieron varias cosas y varias veces a Juan para tratar de averiguar cuál era su papel en realidad, y ver qué era lo que sabía. Se convirtió en un juego de adivinanzas. Él trató de no decir nada, pero final-mente respondió de manera humilde: “Yo no soy él”. Él bautizó con agua como un medio para guiar a las personas hacia el Cristo que vendría y ayudarles a prepararse. De alguna manera evitó las trampas del éxito que encenderían su luz sobre sí mismo. Hoy

permanece para nosotros como una señal en el camino, indicando hacía Cristo nuestra Luz. Todos queremos a alguien que nos rescate, y muy probablemente para corregir los errores y fallos que seguimos cometiendo como personas y como na-ciones. Mucho de esos es la naturaleza humana. ¿Habría tanta fascinación por los superhéroes si no fuera así? ¿Cómo adulto, cuántas veces buscaste el consejo de tus padres, o deseaste poder hablar con uno de tus padres fallecidos? Alguien necesita ayuda emocional, otros espiritualmente y aquellos financi-eramente. La realidad es que es y siempre será difícil poner “las cosas de manera fácil”. El mensaje alenta-dor de hoy es que siempre veamos a la Luz por ayuda. ¡Qué siempre seamos como Juan el Bautista y testifiquemos cómo Jesucristo, la Luz del mundo, ha sido nuestro Salvador! Lecturas de hoy: Is 61:1–2a, 10–1; 1 Lc 1:46–48, 49–50, 53–54; 1 Tes 5:16–24;

Jn 1:6–8, 19–28

Chúa Nhật hôm nay được gọi là Chúa Nhật Gaudete, hạn từ Latinh mang ý nghĩa "Hãy vui lên”. Sứ điệp “Hãy vui lên” được dàn trải trong cả 3 bài đọc. Niềm vui của dân Israel được

trở về cố hương sau cuộc lưu đày, cùng với niềm vui của Đức Maria được diễn tả qua kinh Magnificat chúng ta đọc lên trong Thánh vịnh đáp ca, và niềm vui mọi nơi mọi lúc mà Thánh Phaolô nói tới trong thư gửi giáo đoàn Thessalonica, là tư tưởng chính của chủ đề phụng vụ hôm nay. Diễn bày sự vui mừng trong mọi trạng huấn mà cả ba bài đọc nhắc đến, không phải là những tình cảm hời hợt nhất thời, hay chỉ là một ý niệm trừu tượng mông lung. Đây chính là niềm vui sâu tận trong tâm hồn, khi chúng ta nhận ra những dấu chỉ rõ rệt diễn bày tình yêu quan phòng của Thiên Chúa. Trong lời kinh Magnificat, Đức Maria diễn tả niềm vui, không chỉ vì những điều kỳ diệu Thiên Chúa đã thực hiện trong cuộc đời của Mẹ, nhưng còn là vì tình yêu thương của Chúa luôn trải rộng từ đời nọ sang đời kia. Trong cái nhìn của Đức Maria, sự công chính của Thiên Chúa không phải là thay đổi vận may của kiếp người, giàu trở thành nghèo, đói khát trở nên no đủ, nhưng còn sâu xa hơn nhiều. Theo nhãn quan Kinh Thánh, những ai sống trong tương quan thân tình với Thiên Chúa, sẽ không bao giờ phải đói, phải khát. 

Làm cách nào chúng ta có thể vun trồng nơi mình một con tim quảng đại và rộng mở để có thể phân phát quà tặng như thế. Trong thơ gửi tín hữu Thessalonica, Thánh Phaolô khuyên mời chúng ta thực hành ba phương thức: “Hãy vui lên, hãy cầu nguyện và hãy dâng lời tạ ơn Chúa”. Cả ba cách thế này giúp chúng ta biết quên mình để tìm lại chính bản thân. Nếu chúng ta quy hướng cuộc đời về nơi Thiên Chúa, Thần Khí sẽ lưu lại và đốt nóng tâm hồn chúng ta, giúp chúng ta biết phân định chân lý và thực hành lời Chúa truyền dạy. Khi chúng ta biết tạ ơn Thiên Chúa mọi nơi mọi lúc, chúng ta sẽ loại bỏ được mọi cuồng vọng ích kỷ hay sự khoe trương trống rỗng bên ngoài. Thánh Phaolô mời gọi chúng ta nhận ra rằng, mỗi khi chúng ta thực hành như thế, thì đó chính là quà tặng Chúa ban. Thiên Chúa, Đấng chúng ta tin tưởng, sẽ lấp đầy nơi chúng ta những thiếu sót. 

Trong Tin Mừng, chúng ta lắng nghe lời giải trình của Gioan tiền hô, khi ông mượn lời của ngôn sứ Isaia để giới thiệu về chính Ngài. “Ngài chỉ là tiếng kêu trong sa mạc: Hãy san phẳng đường lối Chúa”. Gioan đã khẳng quyết ông chỉ là một con người bình thường, nhưng sẽ vạch dẫn cho chúng ta biết Đấng sẽ đến là ai. Ngài không phải là ‘ánh sáng’. Ngài chỉ đến để làm chứng cho ánh sáng và dẫn đưa mọi người đến với niềm tin. Dầu sao, ở một nghĩa nào đó, Gioan cũng chính là ánh sáng soi dẫn người khác, để họ nhận ra Đức Kitô. Cũng như trong căn phòng tối tăm, một nguồn ánh sáng được thắp lên để người khác nhờ ánh sáng đó, có thể nhìn ra cảnh vật. Ánh sáng chỉ là phương tiện. Cũng vây, Gioan không phải là người để chúng ta quy chiếu về, nhưng Ngài chỉ dẫn, để chúng ta nhận ra và đến với Đức Kitô, là chính Ánh Sáng thật. Đấng đó đang ở giữa chúng ta. Thế, chúng ta có nhận ra Ngài hay không?

Nhờ

Thiên

Chúa

tôi thờ,

tôi hớn

hở biết

bao.

Bài đọc 1 Is 61,1-2a.10-11

Tôi mừng rỡ muôn phần nhờ Đức Chúa. Bài đọc 2 1 Tx 5,16-24

Thần trí, tâm hồn và thân xác anh em phải được gìn giữ vẹn toàn trong ngày Chúa quang lâm. Tin Mừng Ga 1,6-8.19-28

Có một vị đang ở giữa các ông mà các ông không biết.

Suy Niệm

We encourage you to take notes as you reflect on this week readings / homily:

Liturgy Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Eucharistic Ministers Linda Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Lectors Christine Hunt (626) 422-3934 Sacristans Kathy Trinaystich (626) 359-6553 Altar Servers Frances Luna (626) 327-6147 Ushers Raul Arias (626) 357-6465 Music Ministry Joella Merten, Dir. (626) 821-0264 Joe Adamski (626) 437-5921 Francine Moore (626) 930-0448 Carlos Orozco (626) 371-6438 Deidre Stadler (626) 357-1433 PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Pastoral Council David Gutkind (626) 622-5024 Couples/Singles for Christ Perry Rivera (909) 594-6475 Bereavement Gary Cooper (626) 482-5041 Finance Council Jerry Gutierrez (626) 446-7837 Perpetual Adoration/Nite Adoration Leticia Carbajal (626) 277-9429 Rosary Prayer Group Gary Miller rosaryprayers@yahoo.com Meditation Group Pat Arkosy (626) 444-9355 Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304 Christian Service Temporarily Closed Grupo de Oracíón Teresa Villareal (626) 236-0374 Safeguard the Children Dianne Logan (626) 303-6299 Encuentro Matrimonial: Ramiro y Mirna Cabrera (626) 376-1079 Fatima First Saturday Devotion: Jo DeLa Torre (310) 663-1955 Divine Mercy Prayer Group Lupe Sheets (626) 716-1714 Women’s Ministry Joella Merten (626) 821-0264 BLD Prayer Community Kathy Dela Paz (626) 629-0788 Intercession Ministry Gloria Murillo (626) 316-0628 Justice & Peace Ministry Mark Mc Cormick Prayer Chain Ministry Marie Nimmrich (626) 448-3304

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH 1307 East Longden Avenue, Arcadia CA ~ www.annunciationchurch.net

OFFICE: 2701 Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 447-6202 Fax: (626) 447-9834 Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (Closed for lunch from 12:00—1:00 P.M.) Office Manager Ms. Christine Hunt Ext. 11 Receptionist Mrs. Kathleen Trinaystich Ext. 10 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2701 South Peck Road Monrovia, CA 91016 Telephone: (626) 446-1625 Monday & Wednesday 5:00—8:00 P.M. Tuesday & Thursday 2:00—8:00 P.M Closed on Fridays Director Arcie Reza Office Staff: Alexandra Dixon and Jessica Tang Confirmation/Youth Ministry Arcie Reza R.C.I.A. (Adults Only) Sandra Rivera (626) 506-9068 R.C.I.A. for Children/F.I.R.E. Children’s Liturgy Esther and Susan (626) 446-1625

Pastor: Rev. Freddie Chua In Residence: Rev. Eugene Herbert Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Timothy O’Connell

LITURGIES Saturday Evening Vigil 5:30 PM Sunday 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon (Español) 3:00 p.m. (Vietnamese) 4:45 p.m.—Liturgy of the Hours Weekday Mass Schedule 8;30 a.m. Mon. Tue. Thurs. Friday Wed. [Marian Devotion] with O.L.O.P.H. Devotion 7:00 P.M. Rosary 7:30 P.M. Mass of the B.V.M. First Friday Schedule 7:45 A.M. Reconciliation 8:30 A.M. Mass & Exposition All Day Adoration 7:30 P.M. Benediction Fatima First Saturday Devotion 7:00 P.M. Adoration 8:00 P.M. Mass Holy Days Vigil: 5:30 P.M. 8:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. Reconciliation Saturday: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M. or by appointment Matrimony Six months notice required. Please contact the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with the Pastor. Baptism Please stop by the Parish Office to pick up the necessary paperwork and to be given the name and phone number of the Baptism Catechist to contact and pre-register for your classes. Child Abuse Hotline Reporting Sexual Abuse: (800) 355-2545 Heather T. Banis (213) 637-7650 Ph.D