May 2016 - Church of the Nativity

Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia
6th Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
A Message from our Pastor
Fr. Bob Cilinski
“Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
I am going away and I will come back to You”
John 14:12
My dear parishioners,
Today we begin the beautiful month of May. Today is the
closest Sunday to the second anniversary of our late Pastor,
Father Richard Martin’s return to God. Father Martin loved
the poor and founded Operation Starfish here at Nativity in
1998.
Last year we began a parish tradition of taking the annual
Starfish Collection during the Easter Season on the Sunday
closest to Father Martin’s anniversary. The funds donated
today will be used by Food for the Poor to complete the
development of Good Shepherd Village, about a 1 1/2 hour
drive from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The village of 120 homes is
being built in memory of Father Martin. His spirit and
presence still lives on in Nativity and in Good Shepherd
Village in Haiti.
In His “Farewell Address” at the Last Supper, Jesus
promises us that He will always be with us in the Holy Spirit
to be an advocate, friend and guide. His Word, His Spirit and
His Peace are Easter gifts to every one of us.
Love and Blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski
Pastor
How are you honoring Mary this Month?
The Nativity Rosary Ministry Invites You
to Come Pray With Us!
We don’t just make them, we pray them!
We will be praying the
Franciscan Crown Rosary.
The Franciscan Crown Rosary is a seven decade rosary
whose origin dates back to 1422. The seven joys of Mary are
mediated on throughout this rosary. It is also called the
Seraphic Rosary. Want to learn more? Please join us as we
pray this beautiful rosary to honor our mother,
the Blessed Virgin Mary during her month
on Thursday, May 26th at 7:00pm in the
Nativity School Chapel. For more information, please contact
Mary Trippe Everett at (703) 942-8066.
SECOND ANNIVERSARY
MEMORIAL FOR
FATHER RICHARD MARTIN
Operation Starfish Weekend
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
Today, on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we commemorate
the second anniversary of the return to God of our late
Pastor, Fr. Richard Martin. We remember him this
weekend in a way he would love and appreciate — by
continuing his parish tradition, begun in his honor last
year, of taking the annual Starfish collection on the
Sunday closest to his anniversary.
The funds from our second collection today will be used
by Food For the Poor to complete the development of
Good Shepherd Village, near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This
village is being built in memory of Fr. Martin. It was
dedicated by our Pastor, Fr. Bob Cilinski, and Nativity
parishioners at a ceremony last October. When completed
this year, Good Shepherd Village will have 120 homes
with sanitation and clean drinking water, a primary
school, community center, regional market, and a
beautiful meditation garden with a mural of the Good
Shepherd.
In July, fifteen college students, led by Nativity’s college
minister, Alison Fram, will visit Good Shepherd Village
and open a new clinic to provide health care to the
residents in the area.
Operation Starfish gifts may be placed in the collection
basket, dropped off in the church office, or mailed to the
church. Online gifts are accepted through our
arrangement with Our Sunday Visitor at
https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/898. Call the church
office at 703-455-2400 if you have any questions.
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia
6th Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
MOTHER’S DAY CARDS AND MASSES
A Novena of nine Masses will be said during the month
of May for Mothers, living and deceased. Spiritual
Bouquet cards may be found in the Church vestibule
and Parish office. Mother’s names will be placed
on the Altar during the month of May.
PHASE II CONSTRUCTION ON
NATIVITY CHURCH
TO BEGIN ON MAY 9, 2016
On Monday May 9, 2016, we will begin construction of our
New Enclosed NARTHEX of the Church, new offices and
reception area, a new meeting room, expanded restrooms
with additional family restrooms, and a new pantry to serve
the NARTHEX lobby which includes a new HVAC system
for these areas. Construction is expected to take five months.
During construction, the front entrance to the Church, the
Gift Shop and the office area will be closed, as well as the
atrium walkway from the school lobby.
Our “Temporary Entrance to the Church” will be the two
side doorways on the left side of the Church. A third
exit/entrance to the Church is on the choir side that allows
access to and from the school.
To provide for the needs of the Community during
construction, our offices will be relocated to a temporary
trailer near the church. There will also be a handicapped
accessible restroom trailer available as well as access to the
school restrooms.
Let us pray for the success of our new renovations and the
safety of all the workers. Many thanks to the Nativity
Parishioners for your generosity.
Your Pastor
Father Bob Cilinski
Congratulations
to father Bob Cilinksi
on the 37th anniversary of your
Ordination to the Priesthood,
May 12th, 1979
God Bless you and grant you many
more years in His service.
The next baptism class will take place on
Thursday, May 19th at 7:30pm in Nativity School.
Please call the parish office to register at (703) 455-2400
Novena Masses
May 8……………..7:30am
May 9……………..7:30am
May 10……………7:30am
May 11……………7:30am
May 12 …………...7:30am
May 13……………7:30am
May 13……………9:00am
May 14……………9:00am
May 14……………5:00pm
“Those who love Me will keep My Word.”
Is your love for the Lord leading you
to grow in holiness as a priest,
deacon or in the consecrated life?
Call Father J.D. Jaffe at
(703) 841-2514, or email at:
[email protected]
The Message of Fatima Is Simple: PRAY
The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of
Fatima will take place on Friday, May 13, 2016.
Parishioners are invited to pray the Rosary from
7:00-8:00 PM on May 13th
at the Nativity outdoor Fatima Grotto.
You are encouraged to bring folding chairs/kneeling
pads as desired. Pope Francis has said "The Rosary
is a prayer that always accompanies me; it is also
the prayer of the ordinary people and the saints … it
is a prayer from my heart." For more information,
contact Jane Hamilton at [email protected]
Donuts will be served
after all masses
this weekend
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia
6th Sunday of Easter
“Let us treat others with the same passion
and compassion with which we want to be
treated.... if we want life, let us give life …
The Golden Rule also reminds us of our
responsibility to protect and defend human
life at every stage of its development.”
Pope Francis, Visit to the Joint Session of
the United States Congress (9/24/15) www.goo.gl/eWyqyG
May 1, 2016
Sharing Hope
A support group for men and women going through
separation and divorce, will meet on Friday, May 6th,
8:00pm, at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church Hall,
Fairfax, off Rte. 123. Our topic will be “Annulments.”
Newcomers are warmly welcomed and there is no fee.
For further information, directions or encouragement,
please call Maureen at 703-978-6318 or check our
website, Google: Sharing Hope, Fairfax, VA
A WOMAN’S CHOICE is a pr egnancy r esour ce 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.aHYPERLINK
"http://
www.awomanschoicecenter.com/"womanschoiceHYPERLINK
"http://www.awomanschoicecenter.com/"center.com/ (703-5384305)
24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline:
1-800-395-HELP (4357)
Project Rachel (healing after abortion):
1-888-456-HOPE (4673)
Pregnancy Resource Centers Phone Numbers:
Catholic Charities National: 1-800-CARE-002
Catholic Charities Local: 703-425-0100
A Woman's Choice: 703-538-4305
THE YARD SALE IS NEXT MONTH!
During your annual spring clean-up and before tossing
out your former “treasures”, please consider storing them
in a corner of your garage or basement for donation
to the Annual Yard Sale.
Altar Flower openings are available starting May 29
If interested, please call (703-455-2400) or stop by
the parish office to sign up.
Family Bingo Night
On Saturday, May 21 at 6:00pm, sponsored by St. Mary of
Sorrows Council 8600 Knights of Columbus. Proceeds will
support TEACH, whose mission is ‘ Empowering Guatemalan
Children Through Education’. The Bingo will be held in Farrell
Hall, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. Cost of
admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Tickets are
available from TEACH Board members and will also be sold
at the door. All ages are invited to come, play and win some
great prizes. More information:
[email protected] or 703-978-1147,
Religious Education Program Senior Graduation on
Sunday, May 1, 4:00pm in the church.
Practice for First Communicants in the church,
6:00pm-7:30pm: Group 1 on Wednesday, May 4;
Group 2 on Thursday, May 5.
Mass for First Communicants on Satur day, May 7:
Group 1 at 9:00am; Group 2 at 11:30am.
Mother’s Day, May 8 — Sunday classes only
cancelled; classes will be held as usual on Monday,
May 9 and Tuesday, May 10.
Final Religious Education classes — Sunday, May 15;
Monday, May 16; and Tuesday, May 17. Report cards
will be distributed.
2016-2017 Student Registration is now open. Take
advantage of the Early Bird Discount and register prior to
August 1. Class placement is on a first-come, first-serve
basis according to the date the registration form is
received in the Religious Education Office. Submit a
completed Student Registration form (one per family), an
Emergency Care Form for each student, payment, and a
copy of a student’s baptism certificate (including students baptized at Nativity) unless the baptism certificate
is already on file in the Religious Education Office.
Forms are available in the Religious Education Office, on
the community board in the church vestibule, and on the
website www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd; click on
Student Registration.
We need your help for the 2016-2017 religious
education school year! Please volunteer to extend the
love for the Lord and his Church to the children of
Nativity; catechists, assistant catechists, substitutes, and
babysitters are needed. The Volunteer Application form
is available in the Religious Education Office, online at
www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd; click on Volunteer
Opportunities, or call the Religious Education Office at
703.455.0372.
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia
6th Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER FOR
JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be
merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever
sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved.
Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being
enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking
happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his
betrayal, and assured Paradise to the
repentant sinner.
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you
spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!”
You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who
manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the
Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen
and glorified.
You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness
in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and
error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved
and forgiven by God.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news
to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and
restore sight to the blind.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy.
You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for
ever and ever. Amen.
Monday, May 2
7:30am † Ann Wall Snyder
Tuesday, May 3
7:30am † Joe Alcala
Wednesday, May 4
7:30am † John Hornak
Thursday, May 5
7:30am † William Sturgeon
Friday, May 6
7:30am † Edward Draskinis
9:00am † Alexandra Stafford
Saturday, May 7
9:00am † Panos Siatis
11:30am † Janet Sanders
5:00pm † Sandy Budd
Sunday,
7:30am
9:00am
11:00am
12:45am
5:30pm
May 8
Mother’s Day Novena Mass
Parishioners
† Jose Maria Gomez
† Elizabeth Wattendorf
† Dorothy Lawless Ballotta
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.
MOTHER’S DAY IS NEXT SUNDAY, GOT ROSES?
You will when you arrive for Mass! Nativity School staff
will provide you with beautiful roses in an array of colors
to give to your mom. On your way into or out of Mass
next Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th, we will
offer fresh roses; each stem is $3. Give Mom a
single, “I LOVE YOU” rose, or buy her several stems!
Pastoral Care
Please call the parish office if you have a family
member who is seriously ill. Arrangements can then be
made to have a priest visit.
If your family member is unable to attend Mass and you
would like for them to receive Holy Communion, please
call Mrs. Carol Mack, 703-455-2400, ext 117.
Eucharistic Ministers can bring the Eucharist during the
week as well as on weekends.
If you would like to have your family member’s name
placed on the parish prayer list, call the parish office to
make these arrangements.
The May morning meeting of the Prayer Shawl Ministry
will take place in the Training Room (formerly Crying
Room) at 9:30am on Monday, May 16th. The Wednesday,
May 18th meeting at 7:00pm will be in room 208. Come
and bring your project to work on or
learn how to make a prayer shawl for
someone who is seriously ill. For
more information please contact
Toni Rausch (703-455-3260);
Flo Grike (703-250-7799) or
Joanne Dezzutti (703-455-5702)
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia
6th Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
NATIVITY CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
http://www.nativityschool.org
Blood Drive:
Our next INOVA blood drive will be on
Saturday morning, 21 May, in the Nativity
cafeteria. Please consider donating this
precious gift of life. And, if you can assist,
please contact Br. Mark Altobelli at
[email protected]. Council
volunteers are also needed to help with sign ups after each
Mass on 7-8 May and 14-15 May.
Wives’ Appreciation Event:
Save the date! Our Council’s annual wives’
appreciation event will be on Saturday,
21 May. Watch this space in the future for
more information.
Diocesan Science Fair Champion 2016
We did it again!
Our Nativity Catholic School Science Team took home
the “Gold,” again second year in a row, when it won First
Place Overall at the Diocesan Science Fair. After
competing with 44 other Catholic schools -- our Nativity
students carried home the
First Place trophy
with pride and joy!
Congratulations to our
young scientists, and to our
dedicated Science teacher,
Mr. Michael Ward!
Mother’s Day is Next Sunday, Got Roses?
These Men We Call Knights. If you want to learn more
about the Nativity Parish K nights of Columbus, Council
#7992, please visit our website at:
http://fathersikoracouncil.org/
You will when you arrive for Mass! Nativity School staff
will provide you with beautiful roses in an array of
colors to give to your mom. On your way into or out of
Mass next Saturday, May 7th and Sunday,
May 8th, we will offer fresh roses; each
stem is $3. Give Mom a single,
“I LOVE YOU” rose,
or buy her several stems!
Earth Day Celebrations at Nativity
Nativity Parish Golf Tournament
To Benefit Youth Programs at
Nativity Parish
Please join Father Bob for 18 holes of golf, including driving
range, beverages, lunch following play and awards, in our
tournament to benefit the
Religious Education, Youth Ministry, CYO Sports, and
Nativity School
Monday, May 16, 2016
Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, VA
Registration Website and Information:
golf.nativityburke.org
Or contact Jean Lewis
for more information:
[email protected]
Students at Nativity kicked off Earth
Day celebrations by starting a
Nativity Garden. More details and
pictures coming soon.
Thinking about enrolling your child in a Catholic
School, but can’t make up your mind? We can
help you make that decision. Join us to see how your
child would spend his or her days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. Contact us at our website:
www.nativityschool.org; or by email:
[email protected]; or call us at
(703)455-2300, to begin the process!
Nativity Catholic School is committed to making Catholic
education accessible to those who desire it, and offers
financial assistance to make their dream come true.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
6th Sunday of Easter
BIG CLOSEOUT SALE IN THE
NATIVITY GIFT SHOP
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Due to the upcoming construction,
the gift shop will be closed for the
next couple of months.
STOP BY AFTER MASS!
Spotlight on the Arts
Summer Camps in
Theatre & Art
Expert Instructors in Drama, Music,
Dance, and Art are providing one week
camps this July for students as young as
Pre-K and as old as high school. Learn
from some of the areas top Catholic
teachers within the creative arts through
camps like Camp
Broadway, Art
Explorer, Drama
Bootcamp, Creative Kindergarten, and Art
Fun Camp. Registration is $20 off per camp
through April 15th. Plus, families registering 3
or more kids can take an additional 10%
off. All of the details can be found at:
www.SpotlightSummerCamps.com
May 1, 2016
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Paul VI Boys Soccer Camp 2016
Come join us at the Paul VI Boys Soccer Camp this
summer July 25-29, 2016!
PVI has a proven history of both team and individual
successes. We just won the VA Independent Boys State
Championship in Fall 2015 and had previously won it in
Fall 2010. In addition to numerous All WCAC,
All Met, and All State honors, we had NSCAA
All Americans in both 2014 and 2015.
The camp runs from July 25-29 from 9am to 3pm. There
is a limited number of spots which means a very good
camper-to-instructor ratio. It's a fun and instructive camp
for boys of all levels, and if your son is interested in
playing at PVI the exposure to the coaches is invaluable.
Please visit us at www.paulvi.net/camps2016.
If you have any questions, please contact Chuck LaPorte
at [email protected] of call 703-408-4782.
Summer Discernment Camps
Quo Vadis Days and FIAT Days are camps for Catholic high
school students (rising freshmen through rising seniors) to
deepen their faith, learn more about all vocations and better
discern God’s call in their lives. FIAT (for girls) runs July
10-14; Quo Vadis (for boys) runs July 16-20. Both are held at
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
For more info, visit ArlingtonVocations.org.
Mornings of Mercy for Divorced Catholics
Join us for a series of morning retreats that deal with topics
such as grief, parenting, suffering and hope. The first retreat
will be May 21 at St. Louis in Alexandria, starting at 8:45 a.m.
and ending before noon. The morning will include Mass, a
featured speaker, time for discussion and benediction. To learn
more or to register visit: www.arlingtondiocese.org/divorced.
More dates are available online. Please contact the Office for
Family Life at (703) 841-2550 with any questions.
Ecumenical Infant Memorial Service
Follow us on Facebook, keep in touch with your
Nativity friends and make new ones
Just search for:
NativityParishBurke
Sponsored by Divine Mercy Care will take place at the
Truro Anglican Church historic chapel on May 7th at
7:00pm. The event honors babies lost to miscarriage,
abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, or infant death. This is
an opportunity for healing, no matter when the child was
lost, and there will be a time to share personal stories as
desired. Though the service will be Christian, all faiths and
denominations, as well as those of no faith are
welcome. You may honor any child - whether your own, a
sibling, a grandchild, or a friend's child. Register at
divinemercycare.org and email
[email protected] for more info.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
6th Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2016
COLLEGE MINISTRY and
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
May 2016
Contact Director: Alison Fram
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 703-577-5329
Find us @nativitycollege or parish website
Facebook: Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry
Regular Sunday Schedule
EDGE 3:45pm—5:00pm (Grades 6-8)
LIFE Teen 6:30 Dinner (Grades 9-12)
7:00pm-8:45pm Gathering
YOUNG ADULTS
Easter Small Group/ Bible Study
Every Tuesday at 7:30pm in the Youth Room.
Announcing a New YA Core Team
Meeting on Friday, April 29, 7pm
If you’re interested in helping us come up with ideas
and plan events for the ministry, please join us! The
time commitment is minimal, with no more than one
gathering a month. Please contact Alison for where to
meet.
New Praise and Worship event– Musicians Needed!
Nativity is beginning a new praise and worship event,
beginning on Thursday, May 12, from 7:30-8:30pm. We
hope this will become a monthly event,
but we need singers and instrumentalists.
Please contact Alison if you can share
your gifts with us!
COLLEGE
SAVE THE DATE– Krakow in the Capital
On July 30, it’s a daylong World Youth Day
experience in DC for ages 18-39…visit
wydDC.org or #wydDC for more info.
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
- Regular CYM Schedule
- No CYM - Happy Mother’s Day!
- Regular CYM Schedule
- Regular CYM Schedule
- No CYM - Happy Mother’s Day!
Vacation Bible School
July 12-15 (Grades PreK - 4)
Service Camp
on the E D G E
Space is limited and filling fast!
Go to CYM Web Page for on-line registration forms.
Questions/Answers/Information
Contact VBS Coordinator
Ms. Andi Smith at [email protected]
Friday, June 10
Get on our weekly E-list for UPdates
 Send an email to Ms. Ingrid with:
July 18 – July 22
on the
On Line Registration is now Open!
Join the CYM UPdate
Haiti College Mission
Trip:
Service Camp
July 12-15 (Grades 5, 6, 7)
College Welcome Home Cookout
7-10pm on the grass at Nativity
N a t iv it y ’s
 Child/s name, School, Grade
 Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers
Find Us!
Director: Ingrid Sánchez-Seymour
Email: [email protected]
Web: nativityburke.org/ youth programs
Website: www.nativityburke.org
6th Sunday of Easter
VI de Pascua, Ciclo C.
Mi paz os doy
Autor: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap
Sitio Web: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap
Hechos 15, 1-2.22-29;
Apocalipsis 21, 10-14.22-23;
Juan 14, 23-29
«Mi paz os dejo, mi paz os doy. No como la da el mundo os
la doy a vosotros». ¿De qué paz habla Jesús en este pasaje
del Evangelio? No de la paz externa que consiste en la
ausencia de guerras y conflictos entre personas o naciones
diversas. En otras ocasiones Él habla también de esta paz,
por ejemplo cuando dice: «Bienaventurados los que trabajan por la paz, porque serán llamados hijos de Dios». Aquí
habla de otra paz, la interior, del corazón, de la persona
consigo misma y con Dios. Se comprende por lo que añade
inmediatamente: «No se turbe vuestro corazón ni tenga
temor». Ésta es la paz fundamental sin la cual no existe
ninguna otra paz. Miles de millones de gotas de agua sucia
no forman un mar limpio, y miles de millones de corazones
inquietos no componen una humanidad en paz.
La palabra utilizada por Jesús es shalom. Con ella los judíos se saludaban, y todavía se saludan entre sí; con ella
saludó Él mismo a los discípulos la tarde de Pascua y con
ella ordena saludar a la gente: «En cualquier casa que entréis, decid antes: la Paz a esta casa» (Lc 10, 5-6).
Debimos partir de la Biblia para entender el sentido de la
paz que da Cristo. En la Biblia shalom dice más que la sencilla ausencia de guerras y desórdenes. Indica positivamente bienestar, reposo, seguridad, éxito, gloria. La Escritura habla incluso de la «paz de Dios» (Flp 4,7) y del «Dios
de la paz» (Rm 15,32). Paz no indica, por lo tanto, sólo lo
que Dios da , sino también lo que Dios es. En un himno
suyo, la Iglesia llama a la Trinidad «océano de paz».
Esto nos dice que esa paz del corazón que todos deseamos
no se puede obtener nunca total y establemente sin Dios,
fuera de Él. Dante Alighieri sintetizó todo esto en ese verso
que algunos consideran el más bello de toda la Divina Comedia: «En su voluntad está nuestra paz».
Jesús da a entender qué se opone a esta paz: la turbación,
el ansia, el miedo: «No se turbe vuestro corazón». ¡Qué
fácil es decirlo!, objetará alguno. ¿Cómo aplacar la ansiedad, la inquietud, el nerviosismo que nos devora a todos
y nos impide disfrutar de un poco de paz? Hay quienes por
temperamento están más expuestos a estas cosas. Si existe un peligro, lo agrandan; si hay una dificultad, la multiplican por cien. Todo se convierte en motivo de ansiedad.
El Evangelio no promete una panacea para estos males; en
cierta medida, forman parte de nuestra condición humana,
expuestos como estamos a fuerzas y amenazas mucho
mayores que nosotros. Pero indica un remedio. El capítulo
del que procede el pasaje del evangelio dominical empieza
así: «No se turbe vuestro corazón. Tened fe en Dios y
tened fe también en mí» (Jn 14,1). El remedio es la confianza en Dios.
Tras la última guerra, se publicó un libro titulado Las últimas catas de Estalingrado . Eran cartas de soldados alemanes prisioneros en la bolsa de Estalingrado, despachadas en el último envío antes del ataque final del ejército
ruso en el que todos perecieron.
May 1, 2016
En una de estas cartas, reencontradas acabada la guerra, un joven soldado escribía a sus padres: «No tengo
miedo de la muerte. ¡Mi fe me da esta bella seguridad!».
Ahora sabemos qué nos deseamos recíprocamente cuando, estrechándonos la mano, intercambiamos en la
Misa el deseo de la paz. Nos deseamos el uno al otro
bienestar, salud, buenas relaciones con Dios, con uno
mismo y con los demás. En resumen, tener el corazón
lleno de la «paz de Cristo que sobrepasa todo entendimiento».
Perdonar no es olvidar, es recordar en paz Cuentos
Y es que el rencor mata, corroe, esclaviza, asfixia.
No hay nada mejor en el mundo que perdonar.
Por: Juan Rafael Pacheco | Fuente: Catholic.net
Es que el rencor mata, corroe, esclaviza, asfixia.
No hay nada mejor en el mundo que perdonar. Lo repito, nada hay
mejor que perdonar. Y si no, hagan la prueba. No se lleven que yo lo
dije, no. Hagan la prueba.
¡Haz la prueba! Decídete y perdona al que te ofendió o te causó algún
daño. Si crees que el otro piensa que fuiste tú quien tuvo la culpa, pues
igual, simple y llanamente pídele perdón, y asunto arreglado. Total, lo
importante es lograr la paz, la convivencia, el poder saludar y sonreír y
conversar con quien hasta hace poco le volteabas la cara, o le gruñías,
o le deseabas el mal, o lo ignorabas, y arriba de eso afirmabas que no,
que tú no habías dejado de quererlo, pero que no querías tener nada
que ver con esa persona.
El problema es ese. Que lo que dice el Señor es muy distinto. "Amarás
a tu prójimo como a ti mismo". Difícilmente tu propia persona te sea
indiferente.
A los que tengan algún tipo de rencilla, les ruego encarecidamente
dediquen unos minutos y presten atención a lo que les voy a contar.
Léanlo también los que como yo estamos en paz con el mundo, para la
gloria de Dios, que les será útil para llevar este mensaje a los peleones.
Jesús relata la historia de aquel rey que perdona una gran deuda a uno
de sus servidores, y al salir del palacio, éste se encuentra a un compañero que le debía unos centavos, y lo hace meter preso hasta que le
pague. Al enterarse el rey, le recriminó su injusticia enviándolo a la
cárcel. Concluye Jesús diciendo que “lo mismo hará mi Padre celestial
con ustedes, si no perdonan de corazón a sus hermanos”.
Entonces, te pregunto: De todas esas barbaridades que has cometido en
tu vida, ¿recuerdas tan sólo una que Dios no te haya perdonado? ¿No?
Y entonces, ¿quién eres tú para negarle tu perdón a alguien que mucho
o poco te haya molestado, ofendido, irritado, perjudicado o llámese
como sea lo que te haya hecho esa otra persona, y mucho peor si es un
hermano?
No, mi querido amigo, no vale la pena vivir así. No hay tranquilidad. A
mi me pasaba igual. Recuerdo una situación por la que viví, y a sabiendas de que a esa persona me la encontraba los domingos en misa, tenía
la respuesta lista por si acaso se atrevía a saludarme: “¡Vade retro Satanás! ¡Retírate Satanás!” ¡Y eso se lo pensaba decir en plena iglesia!
Hoy, sin embargo, vivo tranquilo. A esa persona--¡y a tantas otras!--no
tan sólo la perdoné, sino que le pedí perdón, porque estando ya en los
caminos del Señor, me cuestioné seriamente si no habría sido yo quien
la había ofendido. ¡Que bien se siente uno! Quise visitarla, y darle un
abrazo, pero no quiso. Que pena. Siempre está presente en mis oraciones.
El perdón no borra lo sucedido. Lo hecho, hecho queda, y a menos que
caigamos en Alzheimer, difícil es olvidar nuestra historia de vida. Pero
qué distinto es recordar esos incidentes en paz. Ahí radica la gran diferencia. Perdonar no es olvidar, es recordar en paz.
Bendiciones y paz.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
6th Sunday of Easter
VI DOMINGO DE PASCUA - C
Evangelio de la Misa: Jn 14,23-29
Vivir en gracia de Dios
En el evangelio de Juan que se lee o proclama hay en
la Santa Misa, se recogen una serie de advertencias,
que sin duda Cristo quería que no olvidásemos. Todo
suena a final, a despedida. Jesús quiere preparar a
sus discípulos para el momento de la despedida,
su Ascensión a los cielos. Pero además de advertirles
con recomendaciones a tener en cuenta, les promete
“el Defensor, el Espíritu Santo, que enviará el Padre
en mi nombre, que es quien os lo enseñará todo, e
irá recordado todo lo que yo os he dicho”.
___________________________________
Señor, Jesús, a quien veo enternecido en estas advertencias y recomendaciones que hoy leemos en el
Evangelio; pero a la vez te siento seguro en tus
palabras y retador en tus proyectos de paz, de entrega, de serenidad y alegría. Quiero escucharte como los apóstoles y hacer también mías tus propuestas: “El que me ama guardará mi palabra, y mi
Padre le amará y vendremos a él, y haremos morada
en él. El que no me ama no guardará mis palabras”.
He aquí el secreto del cristiano: Mantener tu presencia de amor en el corazón, hasta hacer de nuestro
interior la morada donde habite la Trinidad,
la gracia santificante, esto es, el amor de Dios Padre,
el cariño de Dios Hijo, y la fuerza y el calor del Espíritu Santo. Que nunca olvide esta doctrina, que
ahonda en lo esencial de tu mensaje salvador, y, por
tanto, que siempre “viva en gracia de Dios”: esto es.
con el alma limpia de pecados mortales y encendido
en sentimientos y propósitos de bondad, amor, santidad, caridad y apostolado. Y al mismo tiempo que
“arda espiritualmente” con la urgencia de “acercar
almas a Ti” por la Confesión y la Comunión
frecuentes. Que al vivir en gracia de Dios –con la gracia santificante en el alma- me sienta más hijo tuyo,
intime más profundamente en tu cariño de hermano
y de amigo; y rebose de fortaleza sobrenatural;
y también que me desborde en alegría y ganas de
vivir y contagiar esta vida de hijo de Dios y de templo
de tu amor a todos los que me rodean o con los que
convivo habitualmente. Que esté dispuesto a acoger
al Abogado, al Defensor, al Espíritu Santo,
para celebrar más dignamente tu llegada sobre los
apóstoles, y para que mi afán por la santidad se vea
cada día fortalecido, orientado y comprometido por tu
Espíritu Santo. Que cada día pueda gozar también de
esa paz, que el mundo no proporciona y que solo Tú
puedes dar.
Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
Se ofrece clases de inglés en Sterling
Caridades Católicas – Hogar Immigrant Services ofrece
clases de inglés los martes y los jueves de 8-9:30pm. Las
clases están en la iglesia Cristo Redentor, 46833 Harry Byrd
Highway, Sterling, VA 22164. Se puede inscribirse el 10 o 12
de mayo, de 8:00pm-9:00pm. Ofrecemos varios niveles de
clases. El precio de las clases es $45 por las 7 semanas de
clases e incluye el libro. Llame a 571-208-1572
para más información.
May 1, 2016
¡Cristo está vivo! No lo dejes en el sepulcro Reflexiones Pascua
Para muchos Cristo ha perdido su actualidad, no tiene nada que enseñar a los
hombres tan avanzados de hoy.
Por: P. José Luis Richard | Fuente:
Catholic.net
La memoria del hombre no es infalible. Existe la famosa curva
del olvido: después de aprender algo, poco a poco el tiempo lo
oscurece y confunde y quizá hasta lo borra.
Algo así parece que ha pasado con la imagen de Cristo. Ha
sufrido esa misma curva del olvido. Muchos hombres aún distinguen una imagen más o menos clara de Cristo aunque algo
desfigurada. Otros la ven ya un poco borrosa. Algunos la han
perdido. Hoy Cristo nos pregunta la opinión que de Él tiene el
mundo como aquel día preguntó a sus discípulos en Cesarea
de Filipo: ¿Quién dice la muchedumbre que soy yo?
También nosotros tendríamos que responderle: "los hombres
dicen que eres Elías o uno de los antiguos profetas". Hablan de
Cristo como si se tratara de un monumento histórico o de un
personaje legendario. Para muchos hombres Cristo ha perdido
su actualidad. No ejerce atractivo en el mundo. Su doctrina ha
pasado de moda. No tiene nada que enseñar a los hombres
tan avanzados de hoy.
Otros comparan a Cristo con Juan el Bautista. Lo creen demasiado sobrio y difícil, demasiado austero. Les parece demasiado exigente y su doctrina muy pesada para los hombres de
hoy. O quizá ellos son demasiado cómodos y buscan llegar a la
cima sin moverse ni sudar. Ciertamente reconocen la validez
de su doctrina pero no se animan a hacerla propia.
Preferirían alcanzar a Cristo más fácilmente. Ser virtuosos,
pero sin esfuerzo. Desearían que Cristo no hubiera hablado de
cruz, que se hubiera limitado a contarles esas cosas tan bonitas del cielo, del banquete, de los lirios del campo...
En cambio, Pedro exclama, jubiloso, su experiencia de Cristo:
Tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios vivo.
No sabe bien todavía cómo ha llegado a esa conclusión pero
su corazón asiente a lo que acaba de decir. Al inicio él había
seguido a Cristo atraído por su liderazgo, su personalidad. El
rostro de Cristo irradiaba alegría y atractivo. Nadie como Él de
íntegro: buscaban prenderlo pero no encontraban falta alguna
en él. Ninguno tan recio y varonil y, al mismo tiempo, tan cariñoso con los niños y bondadoso con los enfermos y pecadores.
Sabía apreciar mejor que nadie la belleza de una flor, del lago,
del cielo...
Después Jesús había confirmado su fe incipiente con imponentes milagros, le había enseñado, orientado... incluso le había
corregido varias veces. También le había puesto a prueba alguna vez, pero su amistad se había mantenido firme: "Señor,
¿a quién iremos? Sólo Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna" (Jn
6, 68).
Y ahora que Jesús se enfrenta con la hostilidad y el rechazo y
ha tenido que abandonar Jerusalén, él le vuelve a reiterar su fe
y su adhesión. Pero en esta ocasión, sus palabras denotan ya
mayor profundidad y emoción: Tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios
vivo.
Tres experiencias de Cristo. Tres fotos. Pero válida sólo la que
sacó Pedro. Los otros se la sacaron a un fantasma, no al Cristo
auténtico.
Cristo está vivo. No luchamos por una figura histórica solamente. Como hace veinte siglos, Él es motivo de amor y de odio.
Contra Él chocan las olas de la humanidad y en Él se dividen
las vidas de los hombres.