Last Sunday I was invited to the CCD Appreciation Dinner, along

Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary time
June 9, 2013
Last Sunday I was invited to the CCD Appreciation Dinner, along with some 200 teachers and aides. Sisters Donatella and Mary Attilia outdo themselves. During the dinner our table of seven began reminiscing about
their parents and how they were reared “way back then”. One man shared a couple of stories of his Mom that
impressed me. I asked him to write his stories and email them to me. Two appear below. They contain much
practical wisdom, that hopefully you will readily agree.
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We grew up in a poor neighborhood. There was one lady who had a knack of offending just about everyone by
her hurtful comments. When she saw my mom shortly after dad died, she said: “Well, Bee, I guess you will be looking
for a new boyfriend now.” You can see why Mildred wasn’t the most popular lady in the neighborhood. In addition to
her lack of sensitivity she always liked to embellish about how well off she was. A few years later, bedridden and confined to her home, my Mom became aware of Mildred’s broken TV, one of her sole enjoyments and she did not have the
money to repair it. My Mom called the TV repairman and asked him to fix it and send Mom the bill. When I realized
what had happened I questioned why she would even think of doing that since Mildred was so nasty to almost everyone.
My Mom simply replied “that TV was really about all she had.” I, however, was thinking along the lines of “ you reap
what you sow.” Mom taught me a great lesson of overlooking the negative and focusing on kindness.
My Mom was rarely one to react in kindness when people were looking for an argument. In a situation where
people refused her hospitality and attempted to provoke her, she would always continue to be cordial and kind. It
wasn’t that she didn’t perceive the negative comments. She chose, however, to not let the uncharitable remarks achieve
their goal. Later she would say to me privately, “I guess she didn’t feel good today.” I only realized the full meaning of
what she was saying in my later years, that people who react in such inappropriate ways must not feel very good about
themselves. I can recall several occasions where someone would scowl and pout and would wait for the expected verbal
altercation. That didn’t happen. Mom would always continue to be kind and eventually even the hardest of hearts would
capitulate and end up – if only for a moment - being positive.
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How easy it is to be negative and at times hurtful. We all know people like this. We are all too
familiar with people who seem to walk around surrounded by the clouds of darkness. Continually trying to
be kind and positive, although difficult, is the best medicine. Remember that aged old saying: “killing him
with kindness?” And remember as Jesus and St. Paul remind us – love triumphs in the end. Many of you
might be thinking easier said than done! Enjoy your week.
“BE WHO YOU ARE AND BE THAT WELL.”
St. Francis de Sales
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 9, 2013
Praying for the Sick and Hospital Visits –
This information has been available in the past, but because it concerns each one of us, it is important that it be
available once again. We never know when someone we know and love will be in the hospital. So what
should we do if we would like a clergy member to visit our sick relative or friend? Our Diocese recognizes
the fact that it is not always possible, because of time and distance, for the sick person’s parish priest to make
the hospital visit. But visiting the sick is of the utmost importance, and so the Diocese has assigned specific
parishes, in whose boundaries a hospital is located, to cover the spiritual needs of patients in that particular
hospital. Fairfax Hospital, because of its size, has a priest assigned full-time to its Pastoral Care Department. Here is a list
of some of the area’s hospitals and the parishes assigned to provide for the spiritual needs of their patients.
Arlington Virginia Hospital Center – St. Ann’s Parish
Alexandria Hospital – Blessed Sacrament Parish
Fair Oaks Hospital – St. Veronica Parish
Fairfax Hospital – Full Time Clergy Member, also St. Ambrose Parish
Prince William Hospital in Manassas – All Saints Parish
Woodbridge Potomac Hospital – Our Lady of Angels Parish
Mount Vernon Hospital – Good Shepherd Parish
So, when your loved ones become ill, notify your parish asking for prayers, then notify the parish that is responsible for visiting the hospital where your loved one is being cared for, asking them to make the hospital visit.
ALTAR FLOWERS
In Baptism we are reborn as children of God,
made members of His Church and heirs to the
Kingdom of Heaven. With this in mind, let us
welcome into the Nativity family, the
following who were baptized in May:
In Loving Memory of
Rose and Bill O’Malley
From
Tom and Louise O’Malley
Thoughts for the Week
As you get older, three things happen. The first is
your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other
two.
Benjamin James Whittaker, Anthony John Qreitam,
Liam Christopher Salas, Landen Kenneth Bogard Campbell,
Flavia Tahnee’ Perrucci, Julian Salvatore Nichols,
Franco Leandes Alarcon, Alexa Jeanette Salazan Mattos,
Luke Ryan Wendorf, Lucian Clyde Bailey,
Charlotte Morgan Rotteveel, Abby Rose Grasser,
Caden-Crixus Bickley Leonen, Nathaniel Michael Manzi,
Arianna Isabella Posada, Giancarlo Lopez Lagos,
Juliette Diane Stockburger, Kimberly Michelle Melendez.
Norman Wisdom
“There are those who work all day, those who
dream all day, and those who spend an hour dreaming before setting to work to fulfill those dreams. Go
into the third category because there’s virtually no
competition.”
Steven J. Ross
“The difference between a successful person and
others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of
knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”
Vincent T. Lombardi
JOY IS HOMEMADE
Happiness is something we make; it’s in our minds.
It’s not something to search for, and seldom find,
It’s just waking up and beginning the day,
By counting our blessings and kneeling to pray.
It’s never in wishing for things we have not,
But in giving thanks for all that we’ve got.
For it is by completing what God gives us to do,
That we find real contentment and happiness too.
St. Clement’s Church
Rockaway, NJ
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary time
June 9, 2013
PRO-LIFE CORNER
“Children truly are the family's greatest
treasure and most precious good.
Consequently, everyone must be
helped to become aware of the intrinsic
evil of the crime of abortion. In attacking human life in its very
first stages, it is also an aggression against society itself. Politicians
and legislators, therefore, as servants of the common good, are duty
bound to defend the fundamental right to life, the fruit of God’s
love.” Pope Benedict XVI, Address at a Meeting on Family and
Life Issues in Latin America, December 3, 2005
Are you suffering from an abortion experience? PROJECT
RACHEL offers spiritual and psychological healing. Call 703276-0373 ([email protected]) for a referral for
private, sensitive and confidential counseling and/or reconciliation.
(Project Rachel is a post-abortion healing program open to all and
sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington).
.Pro-Life Rosary and Witness - Nativity Parishioners are invited
to pray for both an end to abortion and healing for those suffering
from abortion at NOVA “Healthcare”, 10400 Eaton Place, Fairfax,
VA 22030, from 7:30 - 8:30 AM on Saturday mornings. This is the
busiest hour of an active abortion clinic; it is not uncommon for
over 10 women/couples to arrive during this time. Peacefully pray
for Our Lady's intercessions and lovingly encourage calls to the
numbers below. For more info, please contact Josh Reynolds, 703470-8979, [email protected]
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
Gabriel Project: 1-866-444-3553
A FATHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES
will be said during the month of June for
all Fathers, living and deceased. Spiritual
bouquet cards are available in the Church
entrance and the Parish Office. Their
names will be placed on the altar during
the month of June. The Novena of Masses will begin on
Father’s Day, June 16th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 24th,
26th and 27th at 7:30am. The remainder of the Masses
will be said at 9:00 am on June 22nd and 29th. Please
return all intentions by Friday, June 14th.
“We know that all things work for good for those who
love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
We need your help for the 2013‑2014 religious education school year! Please volunteer to extend the love for
the Lord and his Church to the children of Nativity;
teachers, assistant teachers, substitutes, and babysitters
are needed. The Volunteer Application form is available
in the Religious Education Office and on website: www.
nativityburke.org; click on Religious Education; then
click on Volunteer Opportunities, or call the Religious
Education Office at 703.455.0372 x135.
Receive an Early Bird Discount; register your child
(ren) by August 4, (tuition increases after August 4.)
Don’t delay; some classes are already closed! Important: a student’s baptismal certificate must be included
with the form (including students baptized at Nativity)
unless the certificate is already on file in the Religious
Education Office. Registration forms are available in the
Religious Education Office, on the community board in
the church vestibule, and at website:
www.nativityburke.org; click on Religious Education;
then click on Student Registration.
WON'S Annual Baby Shower
June 8 and 9th.
Some of the organizations that will
benefit from your generosity include,
ECHO, Catholic Charities, A Woman's Choice, Lorton
Community Action Center, Birthright, Divine Mercy Care
Center, and several other local groups. This year these
groups are in need of diapers, wipes, baby clothes (new or
gently used and clean, sizes NB to 24 months), Formula
(Similac Advanced recommended), Blankets, and bath
items.
If you prefer, gift cards from Target, Walmart and Babies R
Us, as well as grocery stores are welcomed. Your generosity
to this project has enabled many parents to care for their babies in a healthy, nurturing way. As always, your generosity
is greatly appreciated by WON and the recipients. If you have
any questions, please contact Maria Cahill at 703 690 6921
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 9, 2013
Nativity All-Stars
Monday, June 10
Memela Aquilino Alaimo 7:30am
Tuesday, June 11
Special Intentions for
7:30am
Deacon Jose & Josefa Lopez
Fr. Martin
Nativity Catholic School
Fr. Martin
Harry L. Cochran
Wednesday, June 12
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Sara Pike
Thursday, June 13
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Friday, June 14
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Saturday, June 15
Joan Cizek….
9:00am
Edward D. Weltens, Jr.
5:00pm
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Korpi
Patty Caposell
Sunday, June 16
Father’s Day
Novena Mass
Theresa White
Joseph Shia
Barbara Spinks
7:30am
9:00am
11:00am
12:45pm
Fr. Gonsalvez
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Hann
The Arlington Diocese will be celebrating the 3rd
Annual Diocesan Multicultural Mass & Fair on June 15,
2013, Saturday, 6:30 pm .The Diocese’s Office of Multicultural Ministries is welcoming our support and attendance.
This Multicultural Mass will be celebrated by Bishop
Paul Loverde at 6:30 pm followed by a Multicultural
Fair at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church & Creedon
Hall, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA.
Contact person for this event is Ms.Corinne Monogue,
Director, Office of Multicultural Ministries, Catholic
Diocese of Arlington. Tel.703-841-3888
[email protected]
http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/multicultural/index.php
The Lord is truly our rock, our fortress and deliverer; He continues to touch us and heal us
through His love and compassion. Open your
heart and rest in the arms of Jesus, allow His
love to strengthen, renew and rekindle your marriage relationship. Sign up today to attend the next Worldwide
Marriage Encounter weekend in Richmond, June 28-30, 2013;
for more information call Mark and Cathy Stangler 703-3784150 or visit http://RenewMarriage-VASouth.org
Is accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 school year.
Please call Amor Paulson for more information at (703) 455
2300 or email at [email protected] . You can
also access information on our school website at
www.nativityschool.org.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATION! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 8th GRADE GRADUATES Thursday, June 7th, Graduation Mass at 7:00pm chil‐
dren are to arrive at 6:30pm and meet in classroom. NATIVITY SCHOOL CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATING CLASS GOD BLESS THE CLASS OF 2012‐2013! Don't Miss Your Chance to Join EWTN's Family Celebration: Make plans to visit your EWTN family on August 17 and 18 in Birmingham, Alabama for a FREE Catholic conference featur‐
ing EWTN speakers Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Bob and Penny Lord, Marcus Grodi, and a special live "Women of Grace," hosted by Johnnette Benkovic. Visit www.ewtn.com/
familycelebration for a complete list of events and for spe‐
cial discount hotel rates.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary time
Second June Meeting Date - The second Fr. Sikora
Council meeting for June will be on Wednesday, June
19th. This meeting will begin with the Rosary at
7:15pm. Please note that we are switching
to Wednesday evenings starting in June for the summer.
Council End of Year Dinner - All Knights and their
families are invited to come to a free spaghetti dinner
on Saturday, 15 Jun at 6:00PM. Come join us for a night
of fellowship as we recognize some special people to
include our Young Man/Woman of the Year and Knight
of the Year. Please RSVP to GK Sam Morthland
([email protected]) with the number of adults and
children. We hope to see you all there.
June 9, 2013
Sunday, June 9
5:15pm…………………..…………....Jr. High CYM (APR)
7:15pm…………………...……..….High School CYM (PH)
Monday, June 10
8:00pm………………….………...….…AA Meeting (APR)
Tuesday, June 11
9:30am……………………………….…...Bible Study (APR)
Wednesday June 12
10:00am……………………..….………….Mom & Me (APR)
7:00pm……………..……..….....Hispanic Prayer Group (SC)
7:30pm…………..…..……....…...Youth Choir Practice (CH)
7:30pm………….……..……...….…..Legion of Mary (APR)
Thursday, June 13
9:30am……..……….……..…….…....….Craft Group (APR)
7:15pm…….…………...…….……..…..Prayer Group (APR)
Saturday, June 15
8:00am……………….....…Men’s Prayer & Reflection (GR)
9:30am…………………..……….…….Pro-Life Rosary (CH)
10:00am………………..…..………..…..Dog Obedience (PL)
REMINDER: IN JUST THREE
WEEKS!
Nativity’s Annual Yard Sale
for Charity
Saturday, June 29, 2013, 8 AM – 2
PM
Remember to save all those treasures you no longer need for donation
collections starting June 20th
FOR INFORMATION CALL 703-919-6549 OR 703-4513802
FURNITURE PICK-UP ONLY: 703-866-5217
Need info flyer on what is acceptable/unacceptable?
email [email protected] and place “KOC Flyer Request”
in subject line
Libelle Mtabaginganira and the other women of the
Jyambere Mutegarugori in Rwanda have changed
their lives since coming together to organize their
Fair Trade basketweaving cooperative. They no
longer need to beg their husbands for money or
work in farm fields for low wages, but instead have
become self-sufficient and are leaders in their community.
Libelle says,
"At first, my husband wanted all the money from
my basket orders. I refused. Instead, we sat down
together to decide how to spend the money, and
agreed to buy land, three baby goats, and a pig." To
see Libelle's baskets, go
to www.crsfairtrade.org or www.serrv.org And
don't forget to support Fair Trade by purchasing coffee and Divine Chocolate in the Gift Shop.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Y O U T H M I N I S T RY
CYM Schedule for June Jr. High CYM June 9 ‐ End of Year Celebration, 6:30pm‐8:30pm June 16 ‐ End of school year Mass & dinner, 7:15pm High School CYM June 9 ‐ End of Year Celebration, 6:30pm‐8:30pm June 16 End of school year Mass & dinner, 7:15pm Summer plans are being made ‐ stay tuned! Teen Mass: Sunday June 16 7:15pm ‐ 9:30pm Grades rising 7th ‐12th invited for this last youth Mass of the summer!!!! HS Gradu‐
ates are especially invited to participate. Dinner after Mass. Parent Volunteers Needed for Fellowship. Contact Ingrid at [email protected] . June 9, 2013
N E W U P D AT E S ! !
Va c a t i o n B i b l e S c h o o l July22‐26 Early Bird Registration ends today, June 9. Register Today & Volun‐
teer! Teens and Adults! Forms avail‐
able on parish website, CCD office & parish office. We will continue to accept regis‐
trations through July 7 or until space is filled. Nativity Night at the Potomac Nationals Saturday, June 22, 6:35pm Game Time Join us as Nativity Youth sing the National Anthem. Tickets on sale through June 13. Ticket Purchase Form Available on the CYM web page. Come and support our youth and our parish family!!! Please support CYM with your Glory Days receipts. For your conven‐
ience, you may put receipts in the collection basket or in the CYM Glory Days envelope located next to the gift shop. Thank you for your support! Paul VI High School
Summer Choral Camp 2013
for Rising 5th – 9th graders
SING YOUR FAVORITE Broadway Hits!
Dates - June 24-28, 2013
Times 10:00-11:45 AM
Cost: $70.00
(Includes Music, PVI T-shirt and snack)
Director: Ms. R. Mae Trimble
[email protected]
Registration forms at: http://pvimusicboosters.org
Catholic Campus Ministry at JMU will be hosting a Meet
and Greet in Northern Virginia for everyone in the area to
come celebrate CCM. You are invited to join Fr. Ken along
with JMU alumni, parents, students, incoming freshmen, and
friends of the ministry on June 14th at 7 p.m. for appetizers
and refreshments at the Historic St. Mary Church in Fairfax
Station (address listed below). This will be a great opportunity to connect with CCM over the summer, meet and mingle
with fellow “CCMers,” and learn more about the resurgence
of Catholicism on campus! We hope to see you there! Please
RSVP to our Development Director, Jennifer Denion, at
[email protected] or 540-434-7360.
Historic St. Mary Church Parish Hall
(across the parking lot from the church)
11112 Fairfax Station Road
Fairfax Station, VA
June 14, 7:00-8:30
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary time
June 9, 2013
¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO! X Ordinario Javier Leoz
Iniciamos ya el ecuador de este Año de la Fe, de este mes de Junio
en el que tenemos un recuerdo especial hacia el Corazón de Jesús. Atrás,
pero con gran sabor en la boca e impacto en el corazón, han quedado las solemnidades de la
Santísima Trinidad y del Corpus Christi. Ahora, con el verano llamando a nuestras puertas, el Señor,
se acerca, nos habla y nos dice: ¡Levántate!
1.En medio del desencanto general (no hay más que observar el panorama internacional) es
agradece una voz, también una mano, que nos invite a seguir hacia adelante. El llanto de la
humanidad es una constante y, ante esa realidad, los cristianos, los amigos de Jesús hemos de ser
ese pañuelo que enjuga lágrimas y, esa voz, de los que no tienen voz.
No tenemos porqué ser pesimistas pero, tampoco, ilusos optimistas. El Señor, en la época que
nos toca padecer (y también sufrir) nos enseña que la fe se hace más consistente en periodo de
prueba. Un puente, recién construido, demuestra su fortaleza y su consistencia cuando –como prueba
final- aguanta cierto tonelaje sobre sus cimientos.
Al escuchar el evangelio de este día no podemos menos que exclamar a los cuatro vientos: ¡DIOS
NOS HA VISITADO! ¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO!
-Nos visita cuando, en medio de la desesperanza, nos muestra la oración como camino de serenidad
-Nos visita cuando, al participar en la Eucaristía, sentimos que Cristo es el Agua Viva que
necesitábamos para ser fuertes en medio del vendaval de la vida
-Nos visita cuando mueren, externamente, personas a los cuales estábamos unidos pero que, por la
fe, sabemos que hay una respuesta más allá del fracaso aparente.
2.Recientemente, el Papa Francisco, nos recordaba que el gran inconveniente para permitir que
Jesús nos levante es la “fascinación por lo provisional”. Y, eso, es cierto. Lo provisional, el
endiosamiento de todo lo aparente, es un dique sólido que se interpone entre nosotros y Dios. Entre
nuestras soledades y orfandades y la mano de un Señor que, siempre, sale a nuestro en nuestras
horas más amargas. Las propuestas definitivas que nos hace Jesús chocan de lleno con aquellos
otros pasteles de merengue o azúcar que nuestro entorno nos presentan en el escaparate del
bienestar personal, familiar, político, económico o social.
Hoy, como ayer, Dios sigue actuando en persona. En millones de personas que, postradas en el suelo,
sienten que la fe les levanta y les redime. ¿Qué ocurre entonces? ¿Por qué no se divulga con tanta
fuerza el bien como el mal? ¿Por qué la sordina se impone siempre a lo divino y eterno y, en cambio,
se coloca amplificador a lo humano y caduco?
Hoy, con el evangelio en la mano, nos acordamos de tantas familias que ven a sus hijos
muertos en vida (droga, alcohol, vida fácil, sensualismo, falta de horizontes, alejados de la práctica
religiosa, sin fuerza vital porque, el futuro, no tiene nada que ofrecer…..). A pesar de todo, los
sacerdotes, los cristianos y la misma Iglesia siempre tendrá que repetir una y otra vez: ¡NO TODO
ESTÁ PERDIDO! Dios está aquí.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO!
Aunque, a simple vista te parezca un fracaso,
sigue apostando por lo que haces
Siembra amistad aunque recojas rechazo
Sonríe a los que te rodean
aunque se queden perplejos de tu felicidad.
¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO!
Defiende aquellos valores que sin ser aplaudidos
son cimientos de una nueva sociedad
Cristo, no lo olvides, necesita gente como tú:
gente que no esté muerta en vida
Personas que, por defender el cielo,
no les importe ser perseguidas en la tierra
Corazones que, por amar sin engaño,
sean traspasados por la ingratitud o el desprecio
Manos que, por dar sin esperar,
permanezcan abiertas hacia lo divino.
¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO!
El Señor, aquí o allá, siempre estará a nuestro lado
Saldrá en las horas amargas a nuestro encuentro
Nos dará vida cuando, aparentemente, estemos
desgastados
Consuelo cuando, en nuestros afanes, nos agarre el
desconcierto
Esperanza cuando, al sembrar, veamos que no hay
fruto alguno
Ilusión cuando, al avanzar, el pesimismo
sea alforja de nuestro duro viaje.
¡NO TODO ESTÁ PERDIDO!
El Señor, hoy y siempre, en este Año de al Fe
nos dice: ¡A TI TE LO DIGO, LEVÁNTATE!
De tu frialdad y cobardía, de tu tristeza y de tu
cerrazón
de tus caídas y de tus combates, de tus ideas y
debilidades
¡LÉVANTATE, HOMBRE O MUJER, NIÑO O
JÓVEN!
¡LÉVANTATE QUE, TODO, NO ESTÁ
PERDIDO!
Javier Leoz
June 9, 2013
APRENDE TU FE
Eucaristía Fuente de Virtudes cristianas
Virtudes Cristianas: Humildad, Alegría, Generosidad, Perdón
Continuacíon de la semana pasada
Eucaristía y generosidad
La generosidad es la virtud de las almas
grandes, que encuentran la satisfacción y
la alegría en el dar más que en el recibir. La persona generosa
sabe dar ayuda material con cariño y comprensión, y no busca
a cambio que la quieran, la comprendan y la ayuden. Da y se
olvida que ha dado.
El dar ensancha el corazón y lo hace más joven, con
mayor capacidad de amar. Cuanto más damos, más nos enriquecemos interiormente.
¿Con quién tenemos que ser generosos? Con todos.
Con Dios. Con los demás, sobre todo con los más necesitados.
Manifestaciones de una persona generosa.
Sabe olvidar con prontitud los pequeños agravios.
Tiene comprensión y no juzga a los demás.
Se adelanta a los servicios menos agradables del trabajo y de
la convivencia.
Perdona con prontitud todo y siempre.
Acepta a los demás como son.
Da, sin mirar a quién.
Da hasta que duela.
Da sin esperar.
Hagamos ahora la relación eucaristía y generosidad.
Generosidad, primero, por parte de Dios.
Generoso es Dios que nos ofrece este banquete de la eucaristía y nos sirve, no cualquier alimento, sino el mejor alimento: su propio Hijo.
Generoso es Dios porque no se reserva nada para Él.
Generoso es Dios en su misericordia al inicio de la misa, que
nos recibe a todos arrepentidos y con el alma necesitada.
Generoso es Dios cuando nos ofrece su mensaje en la liturgia
y lo va haciendo a lo largo del ciclo litúrgico.
Generoso es Dios cuando considera fruto de nuestro trabajo lo
que en realidad nos ha dado Él; pan, vino, productos de
nuestro esfuerzo.
Generoso es Dios cuando no mira la pequeñez y mezquindad
de nuestro corazón al entregarle esa poca cosa, y Él la ennoblece y diviniza convirtiéndola en el cuerpo y la sangre de su
querido Hijo.
Generoso es Dios que nos manda el Espíritu Santo para que
realice ese milagro portentoso. El Espíritu Santo es el don de
los dones.
Generoso es Dios cuando acoge y recibe todas nuestras
intenciones, sin pedir pago ni recompensa.
Generoso es Dimerecerla. os cuando nos ofrece su paz, sin
nosotros
Website: www.nativityburke.org
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary time
Generoso es Dios cuando se ofrece en la Comunión a los pobres y ricos, cultos e ignorantes, pequeños, jóvenes, adultos y
ancianos. Y se ofrece a todos en el Sagrario como fuente de
gracia.
Generoso es Dios, que va al lecho de ese enfermo como
viático o como Comunión, para consolarlo y fortalecerlo.
Generoso es Dios que está día y noche en el Sagrario, velando, cuidándonos, sin importarle nuestra indiferencia, nuestras disposiciones, nuestra falta de amor.
Generoso es Dios que se reparte y se comparte en esos trozos
de Hostia y podemos partirlo para que alcance a cuántos vienen a comulgar. Es todo el símbolo de darse sin medida, sin
cuenta, y en cada trozo está todo Él entero.
Generoso es Dios que no se reserva nada en la eucaristía. Y
en todas partes, latitudes, continentes, países, ciudades, pueblos, villas que se esté celebrando una misa, Él, omnipotente,
se da a todos y todo Él. Y no por ser un pequeño pueblito
escondido en las sierras deja de darse completamente. ¿Puede
haber alguien más generoso que Dios?
Segundo, generosidad por parte de nosotros. Aquí,
a la Eucaristía, hemos venido trayendo también nuestra vida,
con todo lo que tiene de luces y sombras, y se la queremos
dar toda entera a Dios. Le hemos dado nuestro tiempo,
nuestro cansancio, nuestro amor, nuestros cinco panes y dos
pescados, como el niño del evangelio. Es poco, pero es lo que
somos y tenemos. Hemos venido con espíritu generoso para
dar, en el momento de las lecturas, toda nuestra atención,
reverencia, docilidad, obediencia, respeto.
En el momento del ofertorio hemos puesto en esa patena todas nuestras ilusiones, sueños, alegrías, problemas,
tristezas. En el momento de la colecta se nos ofrece una oportunidad para ser generosos. En el momento de la paz se nos
ofrece una oportunidad para saludar a quien tal vez está a
nuestro lado y hace tiempo que no saludamos. Salimos con
las manos llenas para repartir estos dones de la eucaristía. En
fin, la Eucaristía es el sacramento de la máxima generosidad
de Dios, que nos llama e invita a nuestra generosidad con Él
y con el prójimo. Jesús eucaristía, abre nuestro corazón a la
generosidad.
Eucaristía y perdón
Recordemos que uno de los fines de la eucaristía y de la misa
es el propiciatorio, es decir, el de pedirle perdón por nuestros
pecados. La misa es el sacrificio de Jesús que se inmola por
nosotros y así nos logra la remisión de nuestros pecados y las
penas debidas por los pecados, concediéndonos la gracia de
la penitencia, de acuerdo al grado de disposición de cada
uno. Es Sangre derramada para remisión de los pecados, es
Cuerpo entregado para saldar la deuda que teníamos.
Mateo 18, 21-55 nos evidencia la gran deuda que el
Señor nos ha perdonado, sin mérito alguno por nuestra parte,
y sólo porque nosotros le pedimos perdón. Y Él generosamente nos lo concedió: “El Señor tuvo lástima de aquel
empleado y lo dejó marchar, perdonándole la deuda”.
June 9, 2013
Así es Dios, perdonador, misericordioso, clemente, compasivo. Es el atributo más hermoso de Dios. Ya en el Antiguo
Testamento hay atisbos de esa misericordia de Dios, pero en
general regía la ley del Talión: ojo por ojo y diente por diente.
Se compadece de su pueblo y forma un pacto con él.
Se compadece de su pueblo y lo libra de la esclavitud. Se compadece de su pueblo y le da el maná, y es columna de fuego
que lo protege durante la noche. Se compadece y envía a su
Hijo Único como Mesías salvador de nuestros pecados. Y
Dios, en Jesús, se compadece de nosotros y nos da su perdón,
no sólo en la confesión sino también en la eucaristía.
¿Qué nos perdona Dios en la eucaristía?
Nuestros pecados veniales. Nuestras distracciones,
rutinas, desidias, irreverencias, faltas de respeto. Él aguanta y
tolera el que no valoremos suficientemente este Santísimo
Sacramento.
En la misma misa comenzamos con un acto de
misericordia, el acto penitencial (“Reconozcamos nuestros
pecados”). En el Gloria: “Tú que quitas el pecado del
mundo...”. Después del Evangelio dice el sacerdote: “Las
palabras del Evangelio borren nuestros pecados...”. En el
Credo, decimos todos: “Creo en el perdón de los pecados...”.
Después de las ofrendas y durante el lavatorio el sacerdote
dice en secreto: “lava del todo mi delito, Señor, limpia mis
pecados”. En la Consagración, “...para el perdón de los pecados”. “Ten misericordia de todos nosotros . . .” En el Padrenuestro: “perdona nuestras ofensas . . .”. “Este es el
Cordero de Dios que quita el pecado del mundo . . .”.
Por tanto, la misa está permeada de espíritu de perdón
y contrición.
La eucaristía nos invita a nosotros al perdón, a ofrecer el perdón a nuestros hermanos. La escena del Evangelio (cf
Mt. 18, 21-55) es penosa: el siervo perdonado tan generosamente por el amo, no supo perdonar a un siervo que le
debía cien denarios, cuando él debía cien mil.
El perdón es difícil. Tenemos una naturaleza humana
inclinada a vengarnos, a guardar rencores, a juzgar duramente
a los demás, a ver la pajita en el ojo del hermano y a no ver la
traba que tenemos en nuestros ojos. Perdonar es la lección que
no nos da ni el Antiguo Testamento no las civilizaciones más
espléndidas que han existido y que han determinado nuestra
cultura: la civilización grecolatina. Sólo Jesús nos ha enseñado
y nos ha pedido perdonar.
¿Cómo debe ser nuestro perdón a los demás?
Rápido, si no se pudre el corazón. Universal, a todos.
Generoso, sin ser mezquino y darlo a cuentagotas. De corazón,
de dentro. Ilimitado.
No olvidemos que Dios nos perdonará en la medida
en que nosotros perdonamos. Si perdonamos poco, Él nos perdonará poco. Si no perdonamos, Él tampoco nos perdonará. Si
perdonamos mucho, Él nos perdonará mucho.
Vayamos a la eucaristía y pidamos a Jesús que nos abra el
corazón y ponga en él una gran capacidad de perdonar. María,
llena de misericordia, ruega por nosotros.