mass of remembrance thursday, november … commemoration of all the faithful departed ... mass of...
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Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
“Blessed are the sorrowing for they will be consoled.” - Matthew 5:1-12
My dear parishioners, This week we celebrate the feast of All Saints on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
Happy Eve of All Hallows….. and Happy Feast Day of All the Saints. Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor
Reflection
Dressed in white baptismal garments and waving palm branches
of victory, the redeemed people of God shout praises before the
heavenly throne. Who are these dressed in white? Where have
they come from? They are people from every nation, race, and
tongue: apostles, martyrs, evangelists, missionaries, popes,
bishops, doctors, presbyters, religious, virgins, married men and
women. With loved ones who have gone before us, we praise
and thank God for the salvation that is ours.
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. All Souls Day envelopes
will be available in the back of the church and 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
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 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
RETURNING ALTAR SERVER TRAINING
Returning Servers: Boys and girls who are in the 5th through 12th grade, who are returning Altar Servers for either the English or Spanish Masses, need to attend a Returning Altar Server workshop which 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.
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
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.
Thank You from the 7th Grade Haiti Service Project
Thank you to everyone who brought in school supplies for the children in Nativity Village at Despuzeau, Haiti. We were able
to pack up twelve boxes of pens, pencils, paper, binders, crayons, etc. for the children. Thank you also for the $300 in
donations which will be used to ship these items. Thank you for your support!
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
'The sufferings caused by chronic or terminal illness cry out for our compassion, a word whose root meaning is to ‘suffer with' another person. True compassion alleviates suffering while maintaining solidarity with those who suffer. It does not put lethal drugs in their
hands and abandon them. “ USCCB, “To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement on Assisted Suicide” https://goo.gl/BVQ3dE.
A WOMAN’S CHOICE is a pregnancy resource center that provides free pregnancy testing, referrals for medical treatment,
housing, social service assistance and tangible support for pregnant women, including clothing and equipment. www.awomanschoicecenter.com/ (703-538-4305).
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].
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 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.
Class cancellations are posted in Current News and Events on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd.
For Inclement Weather Policy information, click the link at the bottom of Current News and Events at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd.
Interested in advertising in the bulletin? Call Rick Cortez at 412-292-0132 or e-mail: [email protected]
Virginia Catholic Conference, http://www.vacatholic.org/documents/Political _Ac-tivity_Guide.pdf.
A few principles to keep in mind:
Substitute Teachers Wanted Love working with children? Want flexibility?
Consider subbing at Nativity Catholic School! 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
Successful background check
To apply, email [email protected] or call (703) 455-2300 ext.146
SHARING HOPE
A support group for men and women going through separation and divorce will meet this Friday, November 3rd at 8:00pm at
St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church Hall, Fairfax. Our topic will be: “Out of the Shadow.” Newcomers are
warmly welcomed and there is no fee. For further information, directions or encouragement, please call Maureen at :
703-978-6318 or check out our website, google: Sharing Hope, Fairfax, VA.
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
Monday, October 30 7:30am Special Intention for Eli Grant
Tuesday, October 31 7:30am † Robert M. Green 7:30pm Special Intention for Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Wednesday, November 1 7:30am Special Intention for Mary Jo Smith (All Saints) 9:00am Special Intention for Brittani Carbone 12:00pm † Wilfredo Dizon 6:00pm † Luzmila Guevara de Hurtado 7:30pm Spanish Mass
Thursday, November 2 7:30am All Souls
Friday, November 3 7:30am All Souls
Saturday, November 4 9:00am All Souls 5:00pm All Souls (Spanish) 7:00pm † Giovanni Jimenez
Sunday, November 5 7:30am All Souls 9:00am † Sam and Dorothy Peraino 11:00am † Richard Blake 12:45pm Parishioners 5:30pm † Samuel Cuomo
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.
Follow Bishop Burbidge on Twitter
Bishop Burbidge has over 12,200 followers on Twitter! His daily reflections and posts are popular and insightful.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Donated with Love by
Scott and Beth Monroe
With Special Intention for
All who are Ill and in Pain, their Friends and Family, and their Children.
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
Nativity Rosary Ministry
The rosary board is filled with World Mission Rosaries. Bishop Sheen inspired this rosary in 1952. The color of each decade represent a different continent. Our intentions is to pray for the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Bishop Sheen has said, "Peace will come only when the hearts have changed. To do this we must pray, not for ourselves, but for the world." Please, take a rosary and pray for world peace.
The Italian Heritage and Cultural Society of Nativity Parish presents: Genealogy 101
Who do you think you are? So, asks the question posed by the Discovery Channel series. Genealogy is the study of our family lineage. Whether you want to write a family history, build your family tree, or find out more about your heritage, genealogy is a great way to help you do all of these things and more! Topics we will cover include: Getting Started and Staying Organized, Tracing Your Family’s Roots, Vital Records, Census Records, Immigration Records, Naturalization Records, Military Records, Cemetery Records, Finding Relatives through DNA Testing. We will meet once per month (see schedule below) at 7:00pm in room 245 of the Nativity School.
These workshops are an introduction to genealogy, and you don’t have to have Italian heritage to enjoy finding your ancestors. If you are new to genealogy, or just starting to find your ancestors, then these workshops are for you! These workshops will give you the knowledge and tools necessary to find your ancestors, and it’s free!
Sign up for free at https://bookwhen.com/ihcsignup. Workshop size is limited to twenty people, so sign up soon and don’t miss out! Schedule: November 8, and December 6, 2017. January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6, 2018. And, remember Genealogy is fun!
For more information, Contact Martin Novak at [email protected]
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
Come pray with Bishop Burbidge for more Priests and Religious at a diocesan-wide Holy Hour for Vocations on Friday, November 3rd
from 7:30-8:30pm, at St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal. Light reception to follow. For more information please visit:
www.ArlingtonVocations.org or call 703 841 2514.
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 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’ll 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. Thursday, January 25, 2018, 7:00-9:00PM.
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.
November is the Month of the Holy Souls. One special event will be our annual Mass of Remembrance, to pray for Brother Knights that have passed away. Please save the date: Wednesday, November 8th, 7:00 pm at Nativity Church. This is a special Mass for our Council. Family members and friends are invited and welcome. R.s.v.p. now at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4bafab23a3f85-annual
Fall Family Event, Bowling: Our next family event is Saturday, 18 November, 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Bowl America. Go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945adae2ba0fd0-fall and sign up for this fun event for the whole family. The Council will provide two games, shoe rental, and refreshments/snacks. See Br. Russ Smith for any questions.
Students Score School Supplies
Successful Service Effort. When it all comes together, you can see the
Holy Spirit at work! I saw it again just last week. The Seventh Grade was collecting school supplies for the children in Haiti, who were to attend a new school -- Ecole de Despuzeau -- built by Nativity’s Operation Starfish, the brainchild of our late pastor, Richard B. Martin, working closely with Food for the Poor. During the July 2016 Nativity mission trip to Haiti, our College and Young Adult Ministry chose Despuzeau -- a dry, barren village 25 miles outside of Port-au-Prince -- as the next Nativity Village. Through coordinating efforts and resources, this young group raised the money to help build a house and break ground for Ecole de Despuzeau -- a school for the village -- . With a new school, you need school supplies -- and that’s where our Seventh Grade students came in. They collected 12 large boxes of school supplies from pencils, to paper, to paints -- and everything in between. In a community that will ultimately include 80 Homes, a Community Center, a Vocational Training School and an Animal Husbandry Business Co-op, a primary school seemed the obvious addition. “Despuzeau has moved from a place of despair,” said Lesly Clervil, Food for the Poor Haiti Project Manager, “to a place of joy, of greatness!” Clervil’s face is flush with happiness, standing amid several Despuzeau residents and Nativity college kids. ************************************** UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES -- JOIN US! Nov. 13, 2017 * 9:00 am-11:00 am Nov. 14, 2017 * 9:00 am-11:00 am ************************************* SCHEDULING NOTES: The Barnes & Noble Book Fair will be held on Thursday, December 14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the store in Fairfax. ************************************** 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].
The PTO’s Turkey Trot has been canceled.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Donate Your Used Car to Catholic Charities and Help a Family Become Self-Reliant!
If you are thinking of replacing your old car with something new, please consider donating your old car to Catholic
Charities. We take used vehicles and give them directly to families in desperate need of transportation. We accept non-
working cars to fund our volunteer programs. We handle all the paperwork. You receive an IRS donation receipt. To donate,
email [email protected] or call (703) 841-3898.
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.
Morning of Recollection for Married Couples Saturday, November 4, 2017
An event sponsored by the Office of Marriage, Family, and Respect Life and will be led by Fr. Francis Peffley, Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of Sorrows, and Sr. Gaudia Skass, from the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy (St. Faustina). It will be held at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church and begins with Mass at 9:15 a.m. followed by continental breakfast. Talks will include, “The Seven Secrets of a Happy Marriage” and “Wounds & Healing.” The morning is free to attend, but please register at [email protected].
John Paul the Great Open House Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School turns 10 this
year! Come to the Open House on Sunday, November 5, from 1:00-4:00pm to learn about all that has been accomplished in
the last decade! The first 100 eight graders to pre-register receive a free t-shirt! Visit jpthegreat.org or email
[email protected] or call 703.445.0300 for more info!
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
Lunch N’ Life
Are You 50 or Better? Please join us for the next Lunch N’ Life sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax - Burke on Thursday, November 16th, (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 6304 Lee Chapel Road in Burke. The Female Re-Enactors of Distinction will present “FREED,” a sharing of Civil War stories by African-American women. For reservations, call Bea Stephenson at 703-273-5730 by November 10th. The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office at(703) 323-4788. See www.scfbva.org for more information. See attached flyer: http://scfbva.org/files/nov_lunch_event_flyer2017_43530.pdf
NOVA - Annandale Symphony Concert November 10, 2017 at 8:00 PM
The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke, in conjunction with the Reunion Music Society, will be selling tickets to a concert performance by the NOVA - Annandale Symphony to be held on Friday, November 10th, at 8:00 p.m., at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, NOVA - Annandale Campus. The orchestra, under the direction of Christopher Johnston, will present “An Autumn Potpourri.” Ticket prices: Adults - $15; Students - $10; children under 12 – free. SCFB benefits by receiving a percentage of our ticket sales. For more details, see www.scfbva.org. See attached flyer: http://scfbva.org/files/rms_flyer_nov7_2017.doc
SALT Conference
Social Action Linking Together (SALT) will sponsor the SALT Fall Advocacy Training Conference on Saturday,
November 11, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, at the Virginia International Uni-versity (VIU), Conference Room (VD-301), 4401 Village Drive, Fairfax, Virginia. Sister Simone Campbell, will be the keynote
speaker on “21st Century Poverty: Needed Action.” Delegate Ken Plum will address “Advocacy is
moving to the state levels. Are you moving with it?” Gay Gardner, with Interfaith Action for Human Rights will speak
to “Making Solitary Confinement Truly a Last Resort.” This event is free. All are welcome! Come to meet the keynote speaker and meet and greet other social justice
advocates in the community. For more information: Contact John Horejsi at [email protected] or visit the SALT web
site at www.S-A-L-T.org, Upcoming Events page.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 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…
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 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
DOMINGO XXX ¿RESUMIMOS EL EVANGELIO?
Ciclo A Javier Leoz En diversas ocasiones los encargados de una ponencia o los llama-dos a desarrollar un tema, suelen concluir con la siguiente coletilla: “en resumen” o “resumiendo”. También, Jesús de Nazaret, nos hace una síntesis de todo aquello por lo que El se ha movido, ha hablado y actuado: el amor de Dios en beneficio del hombre. ¿Sirven unas normas que sean cumplidas sin ser tener en cuenta la razón por las que se pensaron? ¿Son las leyes, por lo menos al-gunas, resorte de los derechos humanos, paradigma de la dignidad de las personas? 1.Hoy, en un mundo convulsionado, confundido, complicado y en el que día a día, una y otra vez, nacen leyes –consensuadas por una mayoría- en pro del bienestar, nos podríamos preguntar: ¿Son esas leyes justas o injustas? ¿Favorecen a todos o a una minoría? ¿Están encaminadas al bien común o al bien particular? ¿Están regidas desde la ética y la moral o desde el simple capricho? El Evangelio de este día nos da la tónica que ha de llevar en su vida un cristiano: el amor a Dios y al prójimo ha de sostener lo que somos, decimos y hacemos. Los escribas que tentaban a Jesús intentaban desempeñar al dedil-lo nada más y menos que 613 mandamientos. Con ello, sin darse cuenta, miraban tanto al libro que olvidaban al autor; se fijaban tanto en la letra que vivían de espaldas al espíritu con el que fue escrita; adornaban de tal manera su existencia que, escasamente, percibían el dolor o las miserias de aquellos que les rodeaban. Porque, la cuestión, no era quién cumplía más y mejor la Ley. Jesús pone el dedo en la llaga y les recuerda que, el amor a Dios, pasa necesariamente por el amor al prójimo. No nos puede ocurrir como aquel conductor que presumía de un cumplimiento perfecto del código de normas del tráfico pero, en esa obsesión, apenas dis-frutaba ni del paisaje que cruzaba con sus coches en sus numerosos viajes y, lo que es peor, dejaba a pie de carretera a personas que necesitaban su auxilio o su atención. 2.Hoy, sin embargo, me da la impresión que –también este man-damiento angular del amor- muchos de nosotros, y también de los que no están en esta Eucaristía, lo entendemos o lo vivimos a nues-tra manera. A menudo solemos decir y escuchar: “yo amo a Dios y no necesito de la Iglesia” “yo hago el bien y, eso, es suficiente”. Y, en estas frases, que pueden ser pancarta de una gran verdad, también pueden darse motivos para la autojustificación, para no beber de las fuentes de la Palabra o, incluso, para amar a Dios y al prójimo…pues eso…”a nuestra manera” pero no “a la manera de Dios”. ¿No os parece que esto es así? Cuando decimos “yo amo a Dios” ¿Lo hacemos con todas las con-secuencias, en todo y sobre todo? Cuando presumimos de hacer el bien ¿Lo hacemos sin distinción, todos los días y a todas las horas como Dios mismo nos ama? Cuando, en un intento de posicionarnos al margen de la vivencia religiosa, solemos afirmar que “lo importante es hacer el bien” ¿no os parece que, en el fondo, se esconde una ideología en la que Dios cuenta poco o nada? Sí, hermanos. De sobra sabemos que amar a Dios y al prójimo es el resumen o la síntesis de todo el evangelio. Pero, cuando uno descu-bre el amor que Dios nos tiene (y, en contrapartida, el amor que hemos de ofrecer a los demás) es cuando cae en la cuenta que, el resto de los mandamientos, apuntalan todo ese edificio amoroso en el que conviven, disfrutan y se encuentran el amor divino con el amor humano. O dicho de otra manera: quien ama a Dios, sobre todas las cosas y quien se vuelca en el prójimo como en uno mis-mo es porque, a la fuerza, cumple a la perfección el resto de los mandamientos. ¿O no?
EN RESUMEN
J.Leoz
Ayúdame a entregarme y amar y a no buscar razones para amar
Ayúdame, Señor, a perdonar y a no filtrar interesadamente el perdón
Ayúdame, Señor, a conocerte y a no excusarme con decir que “ya te conozco”
EN RESUMEN, SEÑOR Recuérdame que, no es tan importante
el que yo sepa mucho de Ti cuanto que yo te quiera de verdad
Que lo esencial no es fijarme en la letra sino en las consecuencias que al leerla
para mi vida entraña y exige EN RESUMEN, SEÑOR
Indícame cómo escuchar y vivir tu Palabra Cómo cumplir y vivir tu Ley
En dónde poner el acento y de donde quitarlo
Dónde y cómo está el prójimo y no “mi amigo querido”
EN RESUMEN, SEÑOR Que no sea un sabelotodo
y si un eternamente abierto a todos Que no presuma de haberte conocido
cuando, por lo que sea, doy la espalda a mi hermano
Que no caiga en la vanidad de creerme perfecto cuando, bien de sobra sé, que Tú sólo eres el Santo
EN RESUMEN, SEÑOR Ayúdame a mirar con amor
como Tú miras Ayúdame a ver las cosas
como Tú las ves Ayúdame a caminar
con tus mismos pasos Ayúdame a vivir
con tus mismos pensamientos. Pues, sé Señor, que la letra a veces mata
pero tu Espíritu siempre da la vida. Amén.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017
Bonifacio Fernández, cmf - Miércoles, 27 de septiembre de 2017
El matrimonio es una continuada experiencia de amor entre un hombre y una mujer. Una experiencia muy especial e
intensa de amor interpersonal, íntimo, profundo, responsable. Es un amor intenso, total y tendencialmente para toda la
vida, en todas las circunstancias.
Experiencia vivida
El amor matrimonial despierta y hace visible lo mejor de ambos cónyuges. Y esto en un proceso de crecimiento y con-
vivencia diaria con todas sus vicisitudes. Amar al cónyuge es darle vida e invitarle a crecer como persona y como
cónyuge. Significa crecer juntos como hombre y como mujer que se complementan y se entregan al cien por cien. La
relación conyugal es mucho más que un acuerdo de dones y roles. No es cuestión de conveniencia, de buscar com-
pañía y apoyo en otra persona, de satisfacción sexual. Esas expectativas no son capaces de crear una auténtica rela-
ción de amor matrimonial.
Experiencia contada
Dentro de la comunidad de los creyentes este amor conyugal es signo sacramental. Quienes viven esta experiencia de
amor saben lo significativa que es para ellos. Saben también que su experiencia recuerda y remite más allá de sí mis-
mos, que no sólo está en sus manos, sino que están ellos en manos de este amor, que lo poseen y son poseídos por
él. Los cónyuges cristianos experimentan la presencia de un amor mayor, que los alienta y recrea, que conecta con su
deseo profundo de que su amor dure para siempre, que inspira y robustece en la lucha por la creciente fidelidad. El
amor conyugal remite al amor de alianza de Cristo con la Iglesia. Lo significa y lo representa como un espejo.
Experiencia sagrada
En la comunidad de los creyentes descubrimos que la experiencia de amor conyugal, que se expresa en la convivencia
íntima y el caminar diario, es lo que más se parece al amor intenso y fiel con que Cristo ama su Iglesia, la acompaña,
se comunica con ella, le entrega la intimidad de su palabra y de su confianza, la cuida como su propio cuerpo. Como
los otros sacramentos también el matrimonio comunica lo que significa. Por eso podemos hablar del amor conyugal
como reflejo y espejo, manifestación y comunicación del Amor. Es cierto que el amor de Cristo a su pueblo se hace
presente también en otros sacramentos y formas de vida. Pero en el matrimonio se significa, se hace presente y se
comunica la intimidad, la intensidad y la fidelidad de ese amor divino inabarcable. En los matrimonios se nos revela y
comunica todo el alcance del «como yo os he amado», del «nos amó hasta el extremo». La asombrosa profundidad del
amor incondicional y fiel del Mesías por su pueblo se hace presente, visible y efectivo en el amor conyugal de los es-
posos. Ellos son la presencia significativa y fascinante de ese amor activo de Cristo al mundo. Gracias a ellos, y en
ellos, Jesucristo resucitado sigue teniendo corazón y manos, labios y pies, para mostrarse entrañablemente fiel y en-
amorado de todos y cada uno de nosotros. El matrimonio es sacramento de amor y profecía en acción.
Amor conyugal