NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

NOVEMBER 15TH, 2015
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
"Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!"
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Only 3 days
until Novemberfest!
Have you...
Turned in your RAFFLE tickets?
Purhcased FOOD Tickets?
Purchased Ride Tickets?
Calendared Nov 15th Pancake Breakfast?
Signed up to volunteer at:
novemberfestvolunteers.ivolunteer.com?
Pastor:
Rev. John Tapp
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr. James C Lara
Parochial Vicars: Rev. Nelson Restrepo
Rev. Victor Amorose
Deacons:
Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor
Rev. Mr. Robert Harris
Rev. Mr. Elix Castro
Church Office:
813.681.4608
School:
813.689.3395
Faith Formation: 813.689.9101
Youth Ministry: 813.689.4147
Pastoral Care:
813.413.8351
Food Pantry:
813.694.0541
Scan this code
with your
smartphone for
online giving.
MASS SCHEDULE
Daily Mass
Weekend Mass
7:00am (Monday through Friday)
Saturday Vigil Mass
8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat)
4:00PM (Interpreted for Deaf)
8:15AM (Wednesday)
4:00PM Español (Capilla)
7:00PM (Español Martes y Viernes)
Sunday Masses
Morning Prayer
7:00, 8:30, 10:30AM
10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel) 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday)
Confession Schedule
12:30PM Español
Saturday in Church: 3:00 to 4:00PM
6:00PM LifeTeen
5:00 to 5:30PM
FROM
DESDE
THE COLLAR
EL CLERIMAN
T
he Book of Life – We are nearing the end of our
liturgical year. A new liturgical year begins with
the First Sunday of Advent which will take place
over Thanksgiving weekend – November 28­29. At
the end of the liturgical year, we always hear
readings at Mass which speak about the end times.
The first reading from the Book of Daniel and the
gospel selection from St. Mark seem scary at first.
They speak of world­wide cataclysms and terror in our midst; wars
and insurrections. In some ways, it seems like what’s happening in
our current age. Daniel and Jesus don’t speak these things to scare
us. Rather, they remind us to remain faithful to God – our only
surety – in these times of testing.
I find it ironic and comforting that we write the names of our
beloved dead in a Book of the Dead. That book remains on
display throughout the month of November and those
beloved folks are prayed for at every Mass during the month.
You may or may not know that when you are baptized, your
name is entered in a record book in the parish. It stands to
reason that we allude to the fact that we want our names
inscribed in the “Book of Life” that God reviews at the end
of time.
As we reflect on the end times and on our personal
judgement when we stand before the Lord on the day we die,
perhaps we should imagine ourselves handing to the Lord a
book filled with pages which represent our life – how we’ve
lived, loved, forgiven, volunteered, tithed, prayed, and
worshipped.
What items fill the pages of your personal Book of Life? Are
there additions you want to make to that book? Are there any
pages that you are not proud of? If so, as Jesus says, TODAY
is the day to begin living and loving better. TODAY is all we
have. TODAY is our gift to God and his Church.
N
ovemberfest – I continue to be in awe of the
monumental effort which so many put forth to
make Novemberfest a reality. The countless hours
out on the field and under the tent, in the Social
Hall during the Sunday Masses, the meetings to
coordinate efforts – much of which has taken place
for the past several months now. I am also aware of
the number of vacation days and personal hours that
many of our volunteers have used in order to prepare for this event.
All of this makes me think of the old adage: “many hands make for
light work.”
I am deeply grateful for the many hands which have helped
to make Novemberfest a reality. While Nativity Catholic
School largely benefits from our efforts, the youth in our
religious education program also benefit. And when our
children benefit from something like this, then our whole
parish and the community of Brandon benefit as well.
I look forward to seeing you out under the tent next week.
And I am grateful for the efforts of so many to make this
annual event such a success.
E
l Libro de la Vida ­ Estamos llegando al final
de nuestro año litúrgico. Un nuevo año
litúrgico comienza con el Primer Domingo de
Adviento, que tendrá lugar el fin de semana de
Acción de Gracias ­ noviembre 28 al 29. Al final
del año litúrgico, siempre escuchamos lecturas de la
Misa que hablan de los tiempos finales. La primera
lectura, tomada del Libro de Daniel y la selección
del Evangelio de San Marcos parecen miedosas al principio.
Hablan de cataclismos y terror en todo el mundo; guerras e
insurrecciones. De alguna manera, se parece a lo que está
sucediendo en nuestra época actual. Daniel y Jesús no nos hablan
de estas cosas para asustarnos. Más bien, ellos nos recuerdan que
debemos permanecer fieles a Dios ­ nuestra única garantía ­ en
estos tiempos de prueba.
Me parece irónico y reconfortante que escribimos los nombres de
nuestros queridos difuntos en el Libro de los Muertos. Ese libro se
mantiene en exhibición durante todo el mes de noviembre y
rezamos por esas personas queridas en cada Misa durante el mes.
Usted puede o no puede saber que cuando es bautizado, su nombre
se introduce en un libro de registro en la parroquia. Es lógico
pensar que aludimos al hecho de que queremos que nuestros
nombres estén inscritos en el "Libro de la Vida" que Dios revisara
al final de los tiempos.
Al reflexionar sobre los tiempos del fin y en nuestro juicio
personal cuando estemos ante el Señor el día de nuestra muerte, tal
vez deberíamos imaginarnos a nosotros mismos entregándole al
Señor un libro lleno de páginas que representan nuestra vida ­ la
forma en que hemos vivido, amado, perdonado, ofrecido nuestro
tiempo, diezmado, orado y adorado
¿Qué elementos llenan las páginas de su Libro de Vida personal?
¿Hay algunas cosas que quieren añadir a ese libro? ¿Hay páginas
de las cuales no está orgulloso? Si es así, como dice Jesús, HOY
es el día para comenzar a vivir y amar mejor. HOY
es todo lo que tenemos. HOY es nuestro regalo para
Dios y su Iglesia.
Novemberfest ­ Sigo asombrado del esfuerzo
monumental que tantos ponen adelante para hacer de
Novemberfest una realidad. Las incontables horas en
la cancha y bajo la carpa, en el Salón Social durante
las Misas dominicales, las reuniones para coordinar
esfuerzos ­ muchas de las cuales han tenido lugar
durante los últimos meses. También estoy consciente del número
de días de vacaciones y horas personales que muchos de nuestros
voluntarios han utilizado con el fin de prepararse para este evento.
Todo esto me hace pensar en el viejo adagio: "muchas manos
hacen el trabajo liviano."
Estoy profundamente agradecido por las muchas manos que han
contribuido para que Novemberfest sea una realidad. Mientras que
la Escuela Católica de la Natividad se beneficia en gran parte de
nuestros esfuerzos, los jóvenes de nuestro programa de educación
religiosa también se benefician. Y cuando nuestros niños se
benefician de algo como esto, entonces toda nuestra parroquia y la
comunidad de Brandon se beneficia también.
Be sure to get in touch with
Thomas Sanjurjo,
[email protected]
to contribute to our bulletin.
Thrilling rides, fabulous food, jam­
packed amazing entertainment, and
fun for all ages!
Spiritual Growth
Stewardship
Ministries in Action
Community Bulletin
OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN FAITH
P4 ­ Stewardship Bulletin Reflection, Mass
Intentions, Preparing for the Gospel of Luke
P5 ­ Pray for One Another, Thanksgiving
Masses, Freedom in Christ
P7 ­ Reflexión de las Escrituras, Misas de
Gracias
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEWARDSHIP
OF TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE
P5 ­ Children's Envelope Talent Tithing,
Parishioners' Tithing Report, Greeting
Card Ministry
P6 ­ Nativity Outreach Gift Card Tree
P7 ­ Reporte del Diezmo
LAST CHANCE FOR:
DISCOUNT Ride tickets
DISCOUNT Food tickets
Entry into our early bird Raffle
drawing for cash prizes of $500,
$250, and $100 on Nov 16th!
MINISTRIES IN ACTION
P6 ­ Thanks to our Veterans
COMMUNITY BULLETIN
P6 ­ Give Blood, March for Life Bus Trip,
Mark Your Calendars, Week­at­a­Glance
P7 ­ Done Sangre
$1 per person
Old­Fashioned Pancake Breakfast
THIS SUNDAY after Masses in the Social Hall
Come help us Kick­Off our most successful
Novemberfest ever!
PAGE 4
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection
Dn 12: 1­3; Ps 16: 5, 8­11; Heb 10: 11­14, 18; Mk 13: 24­32
W
e are prompted in
today’s
Second
Reading from the Letter
to the Hebrews that Jesus
“offered one sacrifice for
sins, and took his seat
forever at the right hand of God.” The “right hand” throughout the
Bible symbolizes power. Through Jesus we receive the power of
life over death. All of the readings on this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary
Time relate to the end of time, to the Second Coming of the Lord
and the judgment that will follow. In part they are a warning to us,
but they also instruct us on how to prepare, and how we must be
prepared for Christ’s coming.
Scholars and historians tell us The Book of Daniel in the Old
Testament was most likely written only about a century before
Christ. Yet the prophet Daniel, like the other prophets from whom
we hear in the Old Testament, anticipates the coming of Christ, and
the particular passage which is our reading today foresees Christ’s
Second Coming and what will occur at that time. It is appropriate
as Advent approaches to be mindful of the fact that Advent
provides us a dual preparation — preparation for the arrival of
Christ (Christmas) as well as looking forward to and preparing for
His Second Coming. The general message of the Book of Daniel is
that God will save Israel; that God will save all people. We can see
the promise of resurrection, “Many of those who sleep in the dust
of the earth shall awake.” Then again, we are alerted that it is
through pursuing righteous lives that we are ready, “But the wise
shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those
who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”
the warning will be brief and rapid. That is why we must prepare
now. Stewardship involves conversion, but it is not a conversion
for which we can wait. We need to pursue it and seek it now.
Mass Intentions | Nov 16th ­ 22nd
7:00 am
8:00 am
7:00 am
8:00 am
7:00 pm
7:00 am
8:15 am
7:00 am
8:00 am
7:00 am
8:00 am
7:00 pm
8:00 am
4:00 pm
4:00 pm
7:00 am
8:30 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
12:30 am
Jesus has sacrificed all for us, for our sins, for our salvation. The 6:00 pm
Letter to the Hebrews segment, which is our Second Reading,
opens with “Every priest stands daily at his ministry.” That may
not seem like a momentous statement, but it is in relation to what
follows. At Jesus’ time priests had to perform all functions by
standing; they were not allowed to sit. Yet, Jesus, who is called the
High Priest several times in Hebrews, “took his seat forever at the
right hand of God.” By sitting He is indicating to us that the real
purpose of His priestly duties is completed. Christ does not have to
die again; we are assured that He will return, but the point of this
reading is to let us know that He is prepared to return. The question
is “Are we ready for His return?”
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2015
Monday, November 16
Christopher Richards
John Counsman
Tuesday, November 17
Marychris & Shad Dean
Ron Koller
Rafael Zelaya
Wednesday, November 18
Carol Thompson
David Carpenter
Thursday, November 19
Sylvia Noemi Caballero
Nida Kjeer
Friday, November 20
The Colon Family
Cristina Quesada
Gerardo & Carmen DeJonge (Chapel)
Saturday, November 21
Mary Mukalel
Thomas J. Deevine (Church)
Maribel Garcia (Chapel)
Sunday, November 22
Ruth J. Brauneker
Manuel A. Rodriguez
Michael Olsen
Ruth J. Brauneker (Chapel)
Doris Victoria
Sharon Whitcomb
Preparing for the Gospel of Luke
Happy New Year
The Gospel of Luke will be the Scriptural
focus of our Sunday Masses beginning
November 29. Make plans to be a part of a
study group with our Seminarian, Kyle Bell as
he guides us through the themes of Luke’s
Good News. Six Sessions are planned and will
The Gospel from St. Mark corresponds closely to what Daniel be held in the Social Hall 9:00 to 10:30 am on
prophesied in the First Reading, and fulfills the promise of Christ the following days (most are Mondays):
as outlined in the Second Reading. There is, on the other hand, a
bit of a caution to each of us. “But of that day or hour, no one
knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father.” Jesus is speaking while on the Mt. of Olives, which is well
known for its fig trees, some of which reach a height of 30 feet. Fig
trees are on a different natural cycle than most other trees. They
blossom and produce fruit at a time when most other trees do not.
That is why the Lord uses the fig tree as an example. He may well
have been teaching while seated beneath one; and He knew His
audience was aware of the different nature of a fig tree. It is not
easy to predict until “its branch becomes tender and sprouts
leaves.” Then things happen very quickly. Jesus’ Second Coming is
the same for us. We cannot expect that we will know the time, and
November 16, 23
December 1 (Tuesday)
December 7, 14, and 21
Luke wrote his gospel to explain God’s universal plan of
salvation in Jesus. Today, the gospel becomes truly good
news for the lives of people in every nation and culture.
Call the Faith Formation to reserve the Study Book.
Cost will be $10
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
PAGE 5
www.nativitycatholicchurch.org
Pray for One Another
Pray for the sick, suffering, and shut­ins to welcome the
strength of God’s love, especially:
Iris Colon, Mark Corbett, Concetta Corcoran, David Cuellar,
Norma Damico, Ann Davis, Bob Davis, Angie DeShong, Mary
Dowling, Cheyenne Downs, April Fowler­Portee, Anne Marie
Fanning, Mark Finkelstein, Teresa Fraser, Ronald Folvarcik, Ed
Gefre, Irene Greene, John Hayes, Jack Herrman, Nancy Hill,
Marlon Hill, Enrique Hill, Hailey Hepfinger, Patricia Hohlfeld,
Carlotta Horan, Patrick Hrabusa, Marie Iams, Rita Jacobson,
Henry Jackson, Ken Jensen, Rita Johnson, Daniel Kasprzyk,
Pamela Kay, Keith Kirk, Kay Kunish, Nancy Lane, Joe LaPerna,
Danelle Lareau, Sharon Lee, Ron Lerch, Sean Lewis, Sharone
Linares, Sandy Lockard, Mario & Perfecta Lopez, Mark Love,
John Lynch, Patricia Manack, Walter F. Marion, Angel Matos, Ken
Meservey, Tina Nelson, Andrew Newelinski, Barbara & Mike
Nieves, Stephanie Olsen, Alisa Olson, Aleida Ortiz, Erinn Phelan,
Marie Pennisi, Isabella Ramirez, Dick Riedl, Petra Rivas, Betty
Rocha, Manuel Rodriguez, Ray Rocha, Pedro Roldan Sanchez,
Danny Rossi, Leo Rossiter, Virginia Ruth, Maria Saenz, Dr.
Charles F. Schramm, Richard Sanderson, Quinn Schiaro, Lisa
Ziroli Seaholm, Josie Sellers, Bill Shea, Don Shea, Mike
Showalter, Jimmy Smith, Barbara Spears, Alice Sperandio, Joan
Statham, Brett Strong, Heather Sturz, William Swantek, Theresa
Taffe, Suzie Taylor, Sam Troncalli, Ann Ulbricht, Brian Ussery,
Christina Van Alstyne, Luis and Carmen Vargas, Rose Vier, Joan
Wagner, Howard Wakefield, Christie Washburn, Auburn Wells,
Barbara White, Howard Wiebeld, Vincent Wildgen, Cathy
Williams, Kenneth Wilson, Evelina Zambrano, Jorge Zayas,
Charlotte Zorn, George Wagner, Steve Alley, Bessie LoScalzo, Dr.
Greenwell, Francis Davis, Anna Cifuni, Bienvenida Kjeer, Vincent
Wilgen, Dr. Antonio Rivera, Alex Hernandez, Stephanie Koch,
Kay Walczak, Jim Lee, Louise Rogers, Christine Alvarez, Sandra
J. Matson, Steven P. Woodke, Addia Limtiaco, Carmen Paygone,
Alex Kepler
In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently
departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful
departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Juan Gutierrez, Rosa Garcia
Thanksgiving Masses
Thanksgiving Vigil Mass
Wed. Nov 25th
7pm Church
Freedom in Christ
WANT MORE REASONS TO BE
THANKFUL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
COME TO OUR NEXT FREEDOM IN
CHRIST PRAYER SESSION.
Nov 16
Nativity’s Chapel
7­9pm
For more information, please
contact Deacon Mark at
813­653­1150 or via email at:
[email protected].
Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ficnativity.
Children's Envelope Talent Tithing
Isabella helped unpack the groceries.
Katie listened to her mommy and daddy.
Liam sang to his brother about the fruits of the spirit.
Elle said a prayer for her mom.
Kensley cleaned her closet.
Parishioners' Tithing Report
November 7th & 8th
# of Envelopes
1,295
Mass Total
$41,083.22
Online Offertory
182
$13,933.19
Vigil Lights
$366.39
Total offertory to operating budget = $55,382.80
Total Collected thru 11/8 = $852,040.19
Represents 31.70% of the $2,688,000 operating budget
revenues needed for 2015­16
Greeting Card Ministry
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED / TALENT IS OPTIONAL!
Thanksgiving Day Mass
Thurs. Nov 26th
9am Church ­ Bilingual
Join us for one of our Thanksgiving Masses as we
celebrate God's blessings upon us.
There will be no other morning Mass celebrated on
Thanksgiving Day.
November 16th
Room from 9­11 am.
Social Hall D ­ St. Francis
1. Parishioners meet to make greeting cards for our home
bound, shut ins, and nursing home residents.
2. Finished cards are hand delivered by Pastoral Care
Eucharistic Ministers.
3. Artist, Jennifer Hand, will lead the cardmaking. All
supplies are furnished by the Nativity Women's Guild.
Please bring scissors and glue sticks.
For more information, call Jennifer
@ (813) 951­4196
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH
PAGE 6
Nativity Outreach Gift Card Tree
Share the blessing of Christmas
Nativity Outreach Food Pantry invites you to join in our
Christmas mission: to provide a blessed, joyful Christmas to
our less fortunate neighbors. Please consider donating gift
cards or new toys through one or both of these efforts.
Our Gift Card Tree will be located in the Narthex of
the Church starting November 25th.
The tree is decorated with envelopes for families of a
specific size. We ask that you take an envelope and return it
with gift cards of your choice for a family of that size.
Please return your envelopes to the Church Office or drop in
the collection basket on or before December 14, as our last
food pantry and envelope distribution will be on Thursday,
December 17th.
Thanks to our Veterans
To the countless veterans who
currently serve or have served in our
military, we say a heartfelt “thank­
you” for your service to our country
and to the cause of liberty and
freedom throughout the world. We
continue to pray for the safety of those who serve in the
military as well as for God’s peace to reign over the earth.
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2015
Week at a Glance
Monday ­ 11/16/2015
Nfest Set­up
8:00AM ­ 10:00PM
Greeting Card Ministry 9:00AM ­ 11:00AM
Quilters
9:00AM ­ 12:00PM
SVDP Meeting
10:30AM ­ 2:00PM
CRSP 3 hombres
6:15PM ­ 9:30PM
La Victoria Board
7:00PM ­ 9:00PM
Legion de Maria Hispana 7:30PM ­ 9:00PM
Tuesday ­ 11/17/2015
Nfest Set­up
8:00AM ­ 10:00PM
Legion of Mary
9:15AM ­ 11:00AM
NWG Board Meeting
6:00PM ­ 9:00PM
CRSP 3 mujeres
6:15PM ­ 9:30PM
Life Teen Band Rehearsal 7:00PM ­ 9:00PM
CRSP CDC meeting
7:45PM ­ 9:30PM
Wednesday ­ 11/18/2015
Novemberfest 4pm ­ 10pm
Meals on Wheels
10:30AM ­ 11:30AM
Thursday ­ 11/19/2015
Novemberfest 4pm ­ 10pm
Brothers In Christ
6:00AM ­ 7:00AM
Come clean church
7:00AM ­ 9:30AM
Friday ­ 11/20/2015
Novemberfest 4pm ­ Midnight
Adoration
8:45AM ­ 6:45PM
Saturday ­ 11/21/2015
Novemberfest 11am ­ Midnight
Sunday ­ 11/22/2015
Novemberfest 12pm ­ 8pm
Womens' Guild Pecans
7:00AM ­ 12:30PM
AE
SH(D)
PC(Back)
PC(Mid)
PC(Back)
Conf
OR
AE
OR
SH(C)
PC(Back)
Church
SH(B)
SH(C)
SH(A&B)
Church
Chapel
SH(B)
For all events and updates, please check the website calendar.
Give Blood
All donors will receive a wellness checkup including blood
pressure, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.
All blood types are always needed.
Today, November 15th
8am to 1pm
ROOM KEY
YC ­ Youth Center | SH(ABC&D) ­ Social Hall | PC ­ Pastoral
Care | AE ­ Adult Education Building | LL ­ Life Lounge | OR ­
Oakwood Room | CONV ­ Convent | MP ­ MultiPurpose Room
Nativity Parking Lot
Mark Your Calendars
November
Novemberfest ­ 18th to 22nd, Thanksgiving Mass ­ 26th
March for Life Bus Trip
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Diocese of St. Petersburg
Cost: $40.00/person­ Includes turkey sandwich boxed
lunch. Vegetarian alternative if requested in advance.
Stop by the Parish Office for more information, or to
get signed up.
December
Immaculate Conception ­ 8th,
Chorale Cantata & Donation Truck ­ 13th,
Advent Penitential Service ­ 14th,
School Christmas Program ­ 17th,
Coro Hisapana Cantata & Saint Nicholas' Toy Shop ­ 18th
January
Mary, Mother of God ­ 1st, Men's Emmaus ­ 8th,
March for Life Bus Trip ­ 16th,
Catholic Schools' Week ­ 31st
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
www.nativitycatholicchurch.org
Reflexión de las Escrituras
Dn 12: 1­3; Salmo 16: 5, 8­11; Hebreos 10: 11­14, 18; Mc 13, 24­32
S
e nos indica en la Segunda
Lectura de la Carta a los
Hebreos que Jesús "ofreció un
solo sacrificio por los pecados,
y se sentó para siempre a la
diestra de Dios." La "mano derecha" en la Biblia simboliza poder.
A través de Jesús recibimos el poder de la vida sobre la muerte.
Todas las lecturas de este Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo
Ordinario se refieren al final de los tiempos, a la Segunda Venida
del Señor y de la sentencia que seguirá. En parte son una
advertencia para nosotros, pero también nos instruyen sobre cómo
prepararnos, y cómo tenemos que estar preparados para la venida
de Cristo.
Los eruditos e historiadores nos dicen que El libro de Daniel en el
Antiguo Testamento fue probablemente escrito sólo alrededor de
un siglo antes de Cristo. Sin embargo, el profeta Daniel, al igual
que los otros profetas de los que oímos en el Antiguo Testamento,
anticipaban la venida de Cristo, y en particular el pasaje en nuestra
lectura de hoy prevé la Segunda Venida de Cristo y lo que ocurrirá
en ese momento. Es apropiado que al acercarse el Adviento
debemos tener en cuenta el hecho de que el Adviento nos ofrece
una preparación doble ­ preparación para la llegada de Cristo
(Navidad), así como mirar hacia al futuro y la preparación para Su
segunda venida. El mensaje general del Libro de Daniel es que
Dios va a salvar a Israel; que Dios salvará a todo su pueblo.
Podemos ver la promesa de la resurrección: "Muchos de los que
duermen en el polvo de la tierra serán despertados." Por otra parte,
se nos alerta de que es a través de la búsqueda de una vida recta
que estamos listos, "pero los que tengan el conocimiento brillaran
como un cielo resplandeciente, y los que hayan guiado a los
demás por la justicia brillaran como las estrellas por los siglos de
los siglos”.
Jesús ha sacrificado todo por nosotros, por nuestros pecados, por
nuestra salvación. El segmento de La Carta a los Hebreos, que es
nuestra segunda lectura, abre con "Cada sacerdote está todos los
días en su ministerio." Eso no puede parecer una declaración
trascendental, pero lo es en relación a lo que sigue. En tiempos de
Jesús los sacerdotes tenían que realizar todas las funciones de pie;
no se les permitió sentarse. Sin embargo, Jesús, que es llamado el
Sumo Sacerdote varias veces en Hebreos, "se sentó para siempre a
la diestra de Dios." Al sentarse Él nos está indicando que el
verdadero propósito de sus deberes sacerdotales se ha cumplido.
Cristo no tiene que morir de nuevo; se nos asegura que Él
regresará, pero el mensaje de esta lectura es hacernos saber que Él
está preparado para volver. La pregunta es "¿estamos listos para su
regreso?"
El Evangelio de San Marcos corresponde estrechamente con lo que
Daniel profetizó en la Primera Lectura, y cumple la promesa de
Cristo como se indica en la Segunda Lectura. Hay, por otra parte,
un poco de advertencia para cada uno de nosotros. "Por lo que se
refiere a ese Día y cuando vendrá, no lo sabe nadie, ni los ángeles
del Cielo, ni el Hijo, sino sólo el Padre." Jesús está hablando en el
monte de los Olivos, que es bien conocida por sus higueras,
algunos de los cuales alcanzan una altura de 30 pies. Las higueras
están en un ciclo natural diferente a la mayoría de otros árboles.
Ellos florecen y producen frutos en momentos en que la mayoría
PAGE 7
de los árboles no. Es por eso que el Señor usa la higuera como
ejemplo. Puede muy bien haber estado sentado debajo de uno
cuando dio la enseñanza; y Él sabía que su audiencia era
consciente de la diferente naturaleza de una higuera. No es fácil
predecir hasta que "sus ramas están tiernas y brotan las hojas."
Entonces las cosas suceden rápidamente. La Segunda Venida de
Jesús es lo mismo para nosotros. No podemos esperar que
sabremos cuando, y la advertencia ha de ser breve y rápida. Es por
eso que debemos prepararnos ahora. Mayordomía implica la
conversión, pero no es una conversión por la cual podemos esperar.
Tenemos que perseguirla y buscarla ahora.
Misas de Gracias
Misa Vigilia de Acción de Gracias
Miercoles 25 de noviembre
Iglesia 19:00
Día de Acción de Gracias Misa
Jue 26 de noviembre
09 a.m. Iglesia ­ Bilingüe
Reporte del Diezmo
NOVIEMBRE 7 Y 8, 2015
# de Sobres
Misa Total
1,295
$41,083.22
Ofertorio realizado Online
182
$13,933.19
Ofertorio total para presupuesto operativo = $55,382.80
Total recolectado hasta 11/08 = $852,040.19
Representa el 31.70% de los $2,688,000.00 ingresos
necesarios para el presupuesto operativo 2015­16.
Done Sangre
El próximo domingo, 15 de noviembre, de 8:00 AM
hasta la 1:00 PM en el parqueadero de la Iglesia. Los
donantes recibirán un chequeo de presión, pulso,
temperatura, conteo de hierro y chequeo de colesterol. Tiene
que presentar identificación con fotografía.
Todos los tipos de sangre son bienvenidos!
Al donar sangre le regala a los que reciben su donación otro
cumpleaños, otro día en la playa, otro día bajo las estrellas,
otra charla con un amigo, otra sonrisa, otro abrazo, otra
oportunidad. Por favor, done sangre.
A nombre de los pacientes y sus familias, muchas gracias por
su aporte que salva vidas!