Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 Dear Parishioners, Mrs. Cho Cha Elizabeth Kim lived a few yards from us at Burke Lake Gardens Retirement Home. Every morning an aide would push her in her wheelchair to church so that she could attend morning Mass where she always occupied the front pew. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them. Elizabeth, ( her baptismal name), especially loved her priests. Each morning she waited to greet us with her Korean bow of reverence and Father Bill and I would do the same in return. She often would ask her children to bring her vanilla Korean cookies which surprised her son and four daughters as she didn’t eat many sweets. They later learned that every couple of weeks she would give Father Bill and me a large box of her favorite cookies. Cho Cha Elizabeth did not speak English and Fr. Bill and I did not even know how to say hello in Korean. However, Elizabeth spoke the language of love through her smile and her reverential bow with clasped hands. On November 11th, as Elizabeth was getting ready to attend her 7:30am Mass, she died sitting at her kitchen table. Father Bill and I attended her funeral Mass at Saint Paul Chung Church in Fairfax. I asked Fr. Bill to share a few words at the end of the Mass which were translated into Korean by her grandson, after which her children and grandchildren, each holding a white candle, gathered around her for the final commendation. Why did Bill and I attend Cho Cha’s funeral? Certainly not because of the vanilla cookies. We both wanted to concelebrate her final Mass simply because she exuded kindness and love to so many and especially her priests. And that language of love surpassed the fact that we didn’t know each others native tongue. As we enter these pre-Christmas days many will be occupied with buying, wrapping and giving presents. Some may even be buying an office gift for someone they don’t like because it is just the thing we are supposed to do. We might stop to think what is the most important gift of all. As I grow older, the real meaning of Christmas becomes clearer. While presents are nice to give and receive, the most important gift we can give is the gift of presence. For some, that gift might be called caring or it could be a phone call to a friend or loved one we have put off. For others it might be the all important gift of forgiveness to a family member or friend. Author Henri Amiel wrote: “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” Cho Cha Elizabeth Kim spoke little to no English, yet she was loved by so many because of the language that we all understand - the language of love. She taught me a great lesson. Buy and wrap your Christmas gifts, but remember what the real meaning of Christmas is all about - not VISA or MASTER CARD. Reflect on the words of the philosopher Seneca: “WHEREVER THERE IS A HUMAN BEING THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KINDNESS.” Have a nice week! Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 FRIARS CORNER WATCH AND WAIT!! Advent, this is a Season of promise, of anticipation, excitement, joy and expectant hope. During these four weeks, we are to look to the future and remember the past, in order to focus on the present. It is a time to wait for God while being with God. This first Sunday, the prophet Isaiah prays to God, begging Him to return to his people. He speaks of the people waiting in their sinfulness and guilt. He acknowledges their dependency on the Potter who made them. This sets the tone for Advent. We await the fulfillment of God’s promise to us throughout the ages. Just as the people of old waited for the coming of the Messiah, we wait for the return of Christ, not filled with fear, but in hope-filled readiness. And so we are called to prepare ourselves, to make ready, to become a faith-filled people. We do this by seeing Christ in our world today and embracing Him. As busy as these weeks before Christmas can be, try to stop and spend a few minutes each day contemplating God and the wondrous gift that He gave to our world – His Son, made man, Jesus Christ! The Altar Flowers this week are In Loving Memory of Jack Kilgore From Maria Kilgore And In Honor of the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Karen and Tom Snee THE NATIVITY CRAFT GROUP will have their annual CHRISTMAS BAZAAR on Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00am to 1:00pm and on Sunday, December 4th after all Masses in the All Purpose Room. A variety of handcrafted and baked goods will be on sale. All proceeds from the BAZAAR will go to local charities. On the Feast of Christ the King, Bishop Loverde dedicated the diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We, too, have dedicated our parish, The Church of the Nativity, with this prayer: An Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart for Parishes Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, we consecrate to you our persons and our lives. We give you our actions, our desires, our troubles, our joys and our sufferings. We White House Christmas Ornaments are still available in the Little Angel Gift Shop. You will also find cards and Christmas gift ideas. give you our families, our friends, and our parish community. In the future we wish to live only to honor and love you and bring you glory. It will always be our heart’s desire to love you more and more, and to make you Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Friday, December 4th from 8:00am to 11:15am. Closing at 11:15 with Benediction. Thought for the Week: “Get rich quick - count your blessings.” Sign outside Central United Methodist Church, Oskaloosa. IA Via Pastor Dale Schoening, Bussey, IA known, loved and served by others. We know this, O Sacred Heart of Jesus! You are the faithful friend, the heart’s intimate friend. You never abandon us. We trust ourselves to you! Above all give us charity. Bind our hearts together in the faith community of The Church of the Nativity. May our names one day be written forever in the Book of the Living with the just who reign with you in the life of everlasting happiness. Amen. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT PRO-LIFE CORNER The evidence is clear that abortion can harm not only the mental and physical health of women, but also their role in society. Rather than serving as a fundamental “right” that affirms women’s equality, legalized abortion goes against the inherent dignity of women and always brings death to her baby. Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less. The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866444-3553 or [email protected] You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy 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, 703-470-8979, [email protected] November 27, 2011 Please remember, in your prayers, the sick and deceased of our Parish Community: Sick: Margaret Andruski, Cesar Barrios, Marie Bernard, Marcelle Brodeur, Ana Moria Elias, Tami Gladstone, Bill Hartley, Cathy Hogden, Eduardo Huerta, Ricardo Jora, Maggie Joun, Kimberly Kianka, Hayfa Kirma, Jessica Knoeber, Bryan Morton, Tula Ramirez, Richard Shaffer, Barbara Simco, Jason Todd, Amy Viccora, Michael Worley, Dirk Wyckoff Deceased: Cyrilla Brungardt, Mother of Lorrinda Schmeidler Elizabeth Cho Cha Kim, Mother of Pauline Kim Mary Sala, Great Aunt of Kitty Murdock Pray for our military men and women and their families. May God keep them safe and out of harm’s way. On Saturday, December 10th at 7:00pm there will be a Mass, procession and reception in the cafeteria to honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Everyone is invited to help celebrate this special feast of Our Lady. 24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP 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 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE FOR 2011 December 24th Christmas Eve 4:00pm…….Children’s Liturgy 6:00pm…….Vigil Mass 8:30pm…….Vigil Mass 11:00pm…….Christmas Carols 12:00am…….Midnight Mass December 25th Christmas Day Mass at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 1:00pm…….Hispanic Mass Marcelina C. Cuejilo Monday, November 28 7:30am Fr. Martin All Souls Day Novena Tuesday, November 29 7:30am Fr. Martin Wednesday, November 30 7:30am Fr. Martin Special Intention Thursday, December 1 7:30am Fr. Korpi Lee K. Evelhoch Friday, December 2 7:30am Fr. Korpi Elizabeth Deck Linda Edwards Paul McGraw Spanish Mass Saturday, December 3 9:00am 5:00pm 7:00pm Fr. Wilson Fr. Wilson Fr. Wilson Thanksgiving Helen Neviackas James Benson Norm Paul Sunday, December 4 7:30am 9:00am 11:00am 12:45pm Fr. Wilson Fr. Wilson Fr. Korpi Fr. Korpi Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT OPERATION STARFISH® NEWS 25th Northern VA Training Center Christmas Celebration. Knights and their families will help NVTC residents, who have intellectual disabilities, celebrate Christmas on Friday, December 9, 6:30 to 8:30pm, at their Annandale campus. This is the 25th consecutive year that the Fr Sikora Council has sponsored this special event featuring Christmas music, refreshments and gifts from Santa. Contact Bill Canavan 703-866-5217 or [email protected] for more information. Breakfast with Santa. The Knights of Columbus invite you to join them in the Parish Hall on Saturday morning, December 10th, 10am to noon, for fun, fellowship, and a chance for the children of our Parish to meet and have breakfast with Santa. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for Nativity’s Food Cupboard. Join us for fun, food, pictures with Santa, a Christmas craft, and a children's Christmas video. Santa will be bringing a surprise for all boys and girls who attend. Please RSVP to John Larvie at 703-451-3477 or [email protected] so he can tell Santa how many treats to bring with him. See you there! Nativity Scout Wreath Pickup Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be delivering orders for wreaths and holiday greenery products after Mass on November 26th and 27th, and December 4th. Proceeds from these sales enhance and aid scout activities throughout the year. Thank you for your generous support. Advent Penance Service There will be an Advent Penance Service on December 13th at 7:30pm. Several priest will be hearing confessions. Deacon Dale Avery will give a parish mission on Thursday, December 15th at 7:30pm in the Church. His topic is “Our Journey Through Advent to Christmas.” A “free will” offering to benefit ECHO, Lamb Center and our local Salvation Army will be taken up. November 27, 2011 www.operation-starfish.org FR. DUKEN’S MESSAGE TO NATIVITY PARISH Just before returning to Haiti, Fr. Duken Augustin, who oversees our projects in Northern Haiti, celebrated a morning mass with Fr. Martin. His message to the congregation bears repeating… Good morning Church! Last night, I was trying to figure out how many families have been rescued through your donations: thousands of families benefit from your generosity. I said : “God!, this is remarkable. Not many parishes in the USA have done what Nativity has done.” For you and with you, I give thanks and praise to God. Like Zacchaeus, those families were lost and abandoned in areas like Prolonge and Shada. They were truly unable to help themselves. So, you came, lent a helping hand and bailed them out. That is exactly what Jesus asks us to do: "seek and save those who got lost into sins, into misery." Imagine being afraid of the house where you live with your family because it can collapse at any time, and all you can do is pray! This situation becomes much more stressful when people are dying all around of diseases like diarrhea, malaria, typhoid and cholera, and there is nothing you can do. This is the kind of stress you stop when your generosity and your compassion help to move these families to a better environment. You transform deep sufferings into great joys and move the destitute to give praise to God. Nativity parishioners, through Food for the Poor and the Starfish Program, have become a beacon of light and hope all over Haiti. You allow poor people to dream of a better future instead of just worrying about whether or not they are going to survive from one day to the other. In fact, with full access to clean drinking water, secure home with sanitation attached, you have given an entire community peace of mind and the means of taking care of one another. A Nativity parishioner told me yesterday that when she listens carefully, she hears prayers of thanksgiving being said by the poor of Haiti. She is right! Please allow me to echo the prayers of the poor and say: THANK YOU! May God bless you and your families for such a precious gift of love. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 Theology Courses at Christendom Graduate School Monday, November 28 4:00 & 7:00 pm……..……………….………….…....….CCD (S) 7:00 pm………………………………….……………RCIA (GR) 7:00 pm……………………………………..…………RCIC (PH) 8:00 pm………………………..…………......AA Meeting (APR) Tuesday, November 29 9:30 am………………………….…………....Bible Study (APR) 4:30 & 7:00 pm……………………………...…….…….CCD (S) 7:30 pm…………………………………..Legion of Mary (APR) Wednesday, November 30 10:00 am………………………………..….…Mom & Me (APR) 7:00 pm…………….…………….....Hispanic Prayer Group (SC) 7:00 pm…………………………………..ESL Classes (Room 5) 7:30 pm………………………………………...Youth Choir (CH) Thursday, December 1 9:30 am…………………………………...….Craft Group (APR) 7:00 pm……………………………...…...ESL Classes (Room 5) 7:15 pm………………………………...…...Prayer Group (APR) 7:30 pm……………………………..………….Grief Support (S) 7:30 pm…………………………………...Traditional Choir (CH) Friday, December 2 8:00 am………..…….Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH) 9:30 am……………….....Catholic Women’s Bible Study (APR) 11:15 am………………….……………..Exposition Closing (CH) Saturday, December 3 9:00 am………………………………...Christmas Bazaar (APR) 9:30 am…………………………....First Saturday Devotion (CH) 10:00 am…………………………..……….ESL Classes (Room 5) 10:00 am………………….……………….....Dog Obedience (PL) 5:00 pm……………………………..…..Hispanic CYO (Room 4) 5:00 pm…………………………………..…….Hispanic CCD (S) Religious Emblems for Scouts: The Catholic Committee on Scouting and Campfire (CCOSC) encourages all Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts to work towards a religious emblem or medal this year. Earning a religious emblem or medal can enhance a scout’s growth in the faith. There are programs for every level of scouting. Younger scout leaders (Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts grades K – 5) can contact Becky Chaves at (703) 425-4965 for more information or to purchase booklets. Older scout leaders should visit the Arlington Diocese Scouting website at www.arlingtondiocesescouting.org for more information as the programs for older scouts usually involve working with a trained coordinator. Completed booklets for the younger scouts take 3 – 6 months to complete and will be due to the parish in late spring. The annual recognition Mass for scouts who have earned religious medals this year will be celebrated in June 2012. Enrich your life and learn more about the Faith by taking a spring course at the Christendom Graduate School! The session runs from Jan. 16 – May 5. At our convenient Alexandria campus (on Queen of Apostles Parish grounds) we are offering: New Testament; Theology of the Eucharist; Latin I & III; Liturgy & Sacraments; Moral Theology; Christology; Catholic Social Teachings; and Philosophical Errors. We welcome both degree-seeking and casual students, on either a part-time or full-time basis. We have low tuition rates and discounts for seniors, catechists, and Catholic school teachers. WE ALSO HAVE ONLINE COURSES. For more information, please visit www.christendom.edu/grad, call 703.658.4304, or email us at [email protected]. SHARING HOPE, a support group for men and women going through separation and divorce, will meet this Friday, December 2nd, 8:00 p.m., at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church Hall, off Rte 123. The topic will be “Coping With The Holidays”. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and there is no fee. For further information, directions or encouragement, please call Maureen at 703-978-6318 or Barbara at 703-425-5467. ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK Robert D. Argentieri D.D.S. Yodit Beyene,D.D.S. Family Dentistry 703-569-6644 The monthly ECHO food collection will be taken on Sunday, December 4th at all Masses. Only non-perishable foods are accepted. They are currently low on Mac and Cheese, stuffing mix, pancake mix and syrup, canned meats, tuna, boxed pasta helper and jello and pudding mixes. Thank you for your generosity. Bobby Jasinski, a Nativity parishioner, will be giving his Eleventh Benefit Concert on Friday, December 2nd, 7:30 P.M. at St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, Va. Bobby, a pianist, will be performing solo standards from the Great American Songbook. Admission is a monetary donation for a local Fairfax County charity, Homestretch, who provide temporary housing to families seeking jobs. For more information, you may visit Bobby's website at http://bobbyjasinski.yolasite.com and http:// www.homestretch-inc.org/. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 It’s that time again for the annual Women of Nativity’s Giving Tree Project. As always, we are excited about the upcoming event and are so appreciative to partner with the generous parishioners of our church. On November 19/20 and 26/27, ornaments with holiday wishes will be placed on a Christmas tree in the vestibule. Please take the ornaments of your choice and return the gifts to the church vestibule on the collection dates of December 3/4 and 10/11.The wrapping instructions for each gift will be on the back of the ornament. Several of the organizations we service have requested the gifts be UNWRAPPED for easier distribution and the integrity of their program involving young children. Please securely attach the ornament you take from the tree to the gift. This helps us greatly in separating and bagging the gifts for the various groups to collect. GIFT CARDS should be put in an envelope with the recipient marked on the outside. It is easier to handle Gift Cards if they are not wrapped. We appreciate your cooperation very much. It is very important that gifts be returned on the scheduled dates because of the delivery arrangements. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Transportation is very difficult to arrange after Dec 11, and it would be sad if we couldn’t deliver on a child’s request. Below is a list of the groups we support with their corresponding ornament. Purple Christmas Bulb – S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) Green Christmas Bell Sunday Suppers White Angels – Martha’s Table educational and homeless shelter, Washington, DC Red Gift Box – Nativity Parish families in need Yellow Star – Hispanic outreach program for No. Va. Day workers Children’s Christmas Gifts ECHOBlue Snowmen – St. Augustine Church, Washington, DC Orange Gingerbread Men – Father Wilson’s counseling project Salvation Army These ornaments are prepared by the Salvation Army and each will have several gifts. You are to choose the item you would like to give. Annie B. Rose & Ladrey House- Formerly an Alexandria Red Cross program. Program cancelled due to budget restrictions. Former director continuing to serve the disadvantaged seniors of Alexandria. Migration & Refugee Services- Sponsored by Catholic Charities. They assist refugees in becoming American Citizens. We appreciate the generosity and caring of our parishioners in making this a special and happy holiday for so many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Please feel free to contact Sally Quenneville (703-764-3239 or [email protected]) with any questions. BLESSED CHRISTMAS WAFERS The Blessed Christmas Wafers, a centuries’ old Christmas vigil tradition enjoyed by the East Europeans, are available from the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at the Knights of Columbus Christmas tree trailer located at Saint Leo the Great Catholic church, 3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Times are week days, 3:30 to 9:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm beginning November 27th. Please call for availability after December 17th. Donation is $3.00 per wafer package. For information call 703-764-0243. All wafer proceeds benefit the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 I Domingo de Adviento, Ciclo B Mc 13, 33-37: Vigilad, pues ignoráis el momentoAutor: Camilo Valverde Mudarra Is 63,16-17 - 64,1-8; Sal 79, 2-19; 1Co 1, 3-9 Mc 13, 33-37 «En aquel tiempo dijo Jesús a sus discípulos: Estad en vigilancia: Velad, porque no sabéis el momento. Es igual que un hombre que se fue de viaje, y, al dejar su casa, confió todo al cuidado de sus siervos y encargó al portero que velara. Velad, pues no sabéis cuándo vendrá el dueño de la casa, si al atardecer, o a medianoche, o al canto del gallo, o de madrugada; no sea que venga de pronto y os encuentre dormidos. Lo que os digo a vosotros, lo digo a todos: ¡Velad!» Hoy, con el Adviento, que abre un nuevo año cristiano, el ciclo B de la Liturgia, comienza un tiempo cargado de esperanza. En este periodo, se exhorta al cristiano a permanecer constantemente en vigilancia, a esperar con ardor la llegada del Señor y, confesando sus pecados y pediendo perdón por las culpas, a alzar la vista con los ojos llenos de fe, para encontrar y descubrir la presencia del Señor, que llega al alma. LA PRIMERA LECTURA, tomada del llamado Tritoisaías por el influjo que el profeta Isaías ejerció en su alumno, ha plasmado su mensaje en los cap. 56-66, probablemente redactado después de la vuelta del exilio. "Tus santas ciudades son un desierto, Sión se ha vuelto un desierto, Jerusalén un yermo”. El poeta se refiere a la situación trágica, la desolación en que ha quedado Jerusalén y su templo tras la destrucción del año 587 a. C. Esta desgracia nacional lo lleva a rogar a Dios que intervenga una vez más, para salvar a su pueblo. La perícopa presenta una unidad literaria, joya de la literatura bíblica, muy compleja, que expresa la plegaria popular en forma de lamentación ante la mayor desgracia que ha soportado en su historia. Es un salmo patético (cf. Sal 44 y 89) en el que entreteje las gestas divinas del pasado, la rebelión del pueblo, su castigo, la confesión del pecado, la servidumbre de Egipto y el éxodo liberador, y termina apelando a la entrañable ternura del Señor. Es una plegaria propia de adviento, que, naciendo de la desilusión de la comunidad postexílica por el retraso de la manifestación de Dios, refleja la esperanza en la convicción de que la salvación y la justicia de Dios están cerca. Señala el momento difícil que atraviesa Israel ante el peligro de los ídolos y las divisiones internas, y, a la vez, una gran esperanza indestructible: Señor, tú eres nuestro padre; repetido por tres veces, llama, por primera vez, a Dios "Padre Nuestro", como lo hará cinco siglos después el Hijo del Hombre, enseñando a orar a sus discípulos. El pueblo confía en la intervención del Señor, Padre y Redentor, por lo que no culpabiliza a Dios de la desastrosa situación, sino que confiesa que el pecado del hombre es una mancha que contagia, que rompe las relaciones con el Señor, ocultándole su rostro. La confesión implica ya un actuar de Dios en el interior humano; ello les hace reconocer que Dios ha permitido su desvío del recto camino, por la dureza y obcecación de su corazón; ellos han errado y pecado, pero esperan el perdón de Dios y volver a encontrar su amor. El Salmo responsorial: «Pastor de Israel, despierta tu poder y ven a salvarnos Dios de los ejércitos, vuélvete: mira desde el cielo, fíjate, ven a visitar tu viña, la cepa que tu diestra plantó y que tú hiciste vigorosa». El salmista proclama la lamentación en forma de súplica de todo el pueblo de Israel, mediante el modélico símbolo bíblico del pastor y su rebaño. El Señor que "guió a José como su corderillo" (Sal 79,2) y a Israel por el desierto, es invocado como "pastor de Israel", quien desde el arca de la alianza conduce su rebaño y lo protege en los peligros. Sin embargo, ahora parece ausente, como indiferente. Este pueblo humillado y ofendido por dura prueba, la cruel invasión que devastó la tierra prometida, suplica a Dios que vuelva a ser pastor y defensa de su viña, otro símbolo muy frecuente, signo de fecundidad y de alegría. La viña representa el don, la gracia, el amor de Dios; y, por el cultivo, produce uvas que pueden dar vino, que simboliza la respuesta humana, el compromiso personal y el fruto de obras justas. En la segunda lectura San Pablo desea a la comunidad de Corinto "la gracia y la paz". La "gracia" indica el amor del Padre, que entrega al mundo a su propio Hijo, la plenitud divina (Col 2,9). De Cristo ha recibido la comunidad todos los dones; la fe les ha venido del Señor por pura donación gratuita. La "paz de Dios" designa el conjunto de los bienes mesiánicos anunciados por los profetas y la vivencia de la relación de los hombres con Dios, "Padre Nuestro". Jesucristo es el rostro de Dios, Padre, vuelto amorosamente a los hombres: "Felipe, el que me ve a mí ve al Padre" (Jn 14,8). En esta carta el Apóstol, tras el saludo inicial y la acción de gracias, afronta la dificultad de las divisiones en la Iglesia de Corinto; los exhorta a que pongan su interés en el núcleo del mensaje, que él predica. Sólo Cristo es la roca indivisible que los puede cimentar establemente una en su fe. Sólo Cristo murió por la salvación de todos los creyentes. El Nuevo Testamento es todo gracia y bendición. Dios ha volcado sobre nosotros todos sus dones; la bendición principal es Jesucristo. Dios se manifestó y nos salvó en y por Jesucristo. La gracia de Dios no cesa, seguimos esperando a Jesucristo, sigue viniendo el Salvador. Jesús viene siempre. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2011 Dios es Nuestro Padre, nos da la nueva vida y nos hace hijos suyos en Cristo; la salvación y la vida, nos vienen de Dios por Jesucristo y por Él tenemos que dar gracias a Dios. El santo evangelio, según San Marcos invita a vivir con el espíritu puesto en el futuro: "Velad, vigilad, pues no se sabe el día ni la hora". Las diferencias en las versiones de Mt Y Mc se deben a que son distintos los interlocutores y el desarrollo; en Mt son los discípulos y en Mc, sólo, Pedro, Santiago, Juan y Andrés, de ahí la restricción final: "Lo que os digo a vosotros, lo digo a todos" (Mc 13,37). Este discurso de Jesús, en forma de parábola en “acción”, trata de atraer la atención sobre la vigilancia. Esta acción de vigilar se convierte en una cuestión significativa y paradigmática en la que están implicados todos los oyentes. Al abrirse el Adviento, tiempo de la preparación, el Señor recomienda insistentemente la vigilancia: "Al atardecer, a medianoche, al canto del gallo, al amanecer", las cuatro vigilias en que se dividía la noche. No se puede dormir, hay que velar, sabe el Señor que es fácil caer en el sueño y el descuido, como las vírgenes necias, que dejaron escapar la oportunidad. Dios puede venir cualquier día y hora. Jesucristo viene es preciso velar, reconocerlo y acogerlo. El Señor está cerca. La redacción en la pluma de los evangelistas ofrece un magnífico ejemplo de transmisión dinámica y creadora de la palabra de Jesús; se manifiesta el respeto al pensamiento y a la intención de Jesús. San Marcos insiste, no en el cuidado de los bienes confiados a los criados, sino en la actitud despierta y vigilante, porque no se conoce el momento de la llegada del dueño. Es ciertamente una invitación a vivir mirando al futuro, a vivir no sólo desde nuestro presente, sino también desde Dios. Un Dios que está ahí amándonos y que vendrá a nosotros, pero no se sabe decir cuándo y cómo. La esperanza evangélica del presente se vive en "el hoy de Dios"; el Evangelio contempla la vida desde las realidades presentes. Jesús inculca la esperanza a sus oyentes, por la liberación final y les pide que, con confianza, estén vigilantes. "No os preocupéis de..., pero el que persevere hasta el fin...", "estar sobre aviso; mirad que os lo he predicho todo" (Mc 13,11-25). Velar es trabajar, según dice el evangelista, cada cual ha recibido ya su "trabajo". Los cristianos deben esperar la venida de Jesús, entregados a su trabajo de cada día, con la profunda actitud interior de la fe. Es mantenerse atentos a las realidades esenciales, con mirada "contemplativa". Los ojos contemplativos saben ver las señales que emergen y anuncian movimientos profundos. Velar es no dejarse engañar por lo episódico y por los falsos mesías que pululan ofreciendo la clave de los enigmas del tiempo; velar es no caer en el desconcierto por las dificultades, divisiones y persecuciones de todo tipo, sabiendo que Dios está cerca e interviene siempre en la obra de la salvación del hombre. Velar significa vivir en actitud de servicio permanente, a disposición del amo, que va a regresar; significa lucha, fatiga, renuncia. La vigilancia es fruto de la fe, de la esperanza y del amor; es mantener la fe, la fidelidad a Cristo, Muchos piensan que ya Dios no es necesario, se arreglan sin Dios; la técnica y el saber científico los ha ensoberbecido, creen que pueden valerse por sí mismos, mostrando así, no la gloria de Dios, sino la del hombre. Y, así, se vuelven agresivos y violentos, acudiendo a la guerra para defender la paz… y ampliando cada vez más el abismo entre los ambiciosos ricos y los humildes pobres… Sin embargo, toda la ciencia junta no puede ni podrá nunca generar una pizca de misericordia, ni un pedacito de AMOR. Sin Dios todo carece de sentido; la muerte deshace todas las conquistas y esperanzas humanas. Pero el cristiano sabe, que amar es una forma de mantenerse a la espera. El Señor vino y vendrá… pero sobre todo, el Señor está viniendo al hombre cada instante. Jesús llega, su manifestación se verifica día tras día, a medida que el Reino de Dios entra en el corazón de los hombres. La vigilancia es la disponibilidad para la última venida y para la venida de cada día. Es muy fácil, pidamos: "¡Venga a nosotros tu Reino!"; nuestra oración "acelera" el cumplimiento de la promesa. I Domingo Adviento - B Evangelio de la Misa: Mac 13,33-37 ¡Velad! En el comienzo del año litúrgico son especialmente oportunas las recomendaciones a estar en vela: “Mirad, vigilad: pues no sabéis cuándo es el momento”. Son advertencias cariñosas y como dichas al oído de cada uno, para que seamos sensatos, precavidos, y en definitiva verdaderamente sabios con la sabiduría del “bien vivir”, poniendo los medios auténticos que conducen a lo único importante: la felicidad en esta vida, y después la felicidad, para siempre, en el cielo. Website: www.nativityburke.org FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Gracias, Señor, por estas advertencias que me haces en tu Evangelio, o Buena Nueva, para que sea sensato, prudente y responsable con mi vida. Tus palabras siempre están llenas de luz, de verdad, y por tanto de auténtica vida, la que Tu quieres que tenga para ser feliz y encontrarme contigo en este mundo y después en el cielo. Gracias, Señor, por estas palabras que me susurras, una vez más, al oído, y en concreto ahora que comenzamos un año litúrgico, y quieres que lo comience “con buen pie”. “Velad entonces, pues no sabéis cuando vendrá el dueño de la casa, si al atardecer, o a medianoche, o al canto del gallo, o al amanecer; no sea que venga inesperadamente y os encuentre dormidos”. Acojo también, Señor, tus palabras con la responsabilidad del compromiso vocacional del buen cristiano, que quiere ser santo, y difundir tu amor, tu verdad y tu vida, en mi entorno social y familiar, entre mis amigos y colegas, y especialmente a todos mis familiares: padres, hijos, hermanos. Me siento tan reconfortado con tus palabras, y tan animado y feliz con tus muestras de amor y confianza conmigo en este comienzo del año litúrgico, que prometo no dejar nunca mi oración o trato contigo cada día, para mantener esta intimidad, o vida interior y espiritual; y de esta manera siga aprendiendo de tu vida ejemplar, de tus enseñanzas siempre iluminadoras y animantes; y al mismo tiempo pueda participar siempre de la alegría de tu amor y de la satisfacción del deber cumplido y del servicio a mis hermanos los hombres. Que nunca pierda la fe y confianza en tus palabras, y que jamás olvide tus cariñosas recomendaciones a ser responsable con mi santidad y mi apostolado. Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez November 27, 2011 Actividades de la Comunidad Hispana Iglesia de la Natividad 6400 Nativity Lane-Burke, VA 22015 Teléfono 703-455-2400 Rev. Cedric Wilson SANTA MISA EN ESPAÑOL: Todos los sábados a las 7:00pm CONFESIONES: Los sábados antes de la Santa Misa de 6:15pm a 6:55pm . Catequesis Para niños y Jóvenes: Sábados de 5:00pm a 6:45pm Informes: 703-455-2400, ext 116 Sr. Ponciano 202-262-6659 Catequesis Para niños y Jóvenes: Inscripciones para el año escolar septiembre 2010 a mayo 2011 están abiertas. Catequesis para adultos: Bautismo, Comunión, y Confirmación, Sábados de 5:15pm a 6:15pm Contacto: Tito Pinto 703-912-9220 Charla para el Bautismo: Primer Miércoles del mes 7:30pm, aula 8 Sacramento del Bautismo: Tercer Sábado del mes. 1:30pm Contacto: Deacon Pardo 703-455-2400 Grupo de Oración: Miércoles 7:00pm a 9:00pm. Están todos invitados. Marco Camacho 703-968-5585 Grupo de Liderazgo Juvenil reuniones: Domingo 11:00am-1:00pm aula 5 Contacto: Nelson Pineda 571-234-3664 Reunión del Grupo de los Jóvenes Sábados: a partir de las 5:00pm aula 4. contacto: Juan Carlos Chávez 703-4736941 Solidaridad Cristiana: Mayor información llamar Mirian Ponciano 703-913-5494. Para mas información: María Guevara 703-444-5716 Anuncios para el boletín: debe ser presentado por escrito el viernes a las 9 de la mañana (10 días antes de su publicación). Pueden enviar entradas por correo electrónico a [email protected] Charlas de Convalidación para recibir el Sacramento del Matrimonio: cada otro domingo del mes 9:00am – 10:45am aula 4. Contacto: Antonio y Maritza Di Paolo 703-493-8719 Misa para Nuesrta Señora de Guadalupe, sabado, diciembre 10 a las 7:00 pm. Seguida la Misa celebrademos la fiesta en los salones parroquiales. Todos estan invitados.