Dear Parishioners, During this Advent Season I have talked with

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
During this Advent Season I have talked with many parishioners about Christmas today and Christmas’s past. For
some who have lost loved ones, are ill or unemployed, it can be downright sad. I remember Christmas of 2007. Dad had
died the year before and Mom had entered a loving and caring nursing home. That Christmas, for the first time, I would be
entering an empty house without Mom and Dad. Our house was at the end of the street and on approaching it, I noticed
what looked like Christmas lights in the living room. “Must be a reflection from the neighbors outside lights”, I thought. As
I got closer, I realized that it was not a mirage, but the Christmas tree shimmering with many lights, just like Dad used to
decorate it. Tears began to fall and I found myself in a deep sob. I did not go home to a darkened house. My brother, Jack,
had decorated the tree. Mom was able to join us for Christmas dinner and even though Dad was not there, the empty house
was still filled with much love.
I would like to share the following edited excerpts from two of our parishioners who wish to remain anonymous.
I can’t help but reflect on some of the lessons I learned growing up, during the depression, as the second oldest of
nineteen children. Give and happiness will be yours...It’s not the number of gifts we receive or their value that makes for a
meaningful Christmas. The emphasis during Advent was the reason for Christmas, Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem and
what this meant to us. We’d prepare to greet him by sacrificing things we enjoyed and limit the number of our squabbles
with each other. The number or size of gifts that we might receive were never mentioned. I don’t recall ever writing a letter
to Santa or going to the store and sitting on his knees. Yet, every Christmas Day was a very happy one with everyone
receiving a present from Santa. As I became older, I recognized Aunt Margaret’s voice and realized that she was the one
who played Santa and handed out the gifts. All season long, we’d sing all the French and English Chris\tmas we knew as
we washed the dinner dishes or rocked the children.
One of my most memorable Christmases occurred when I was 12 years old. Times had been tough that year and
money was tight. Since my sister and I were the oldest, she by 13 months, and we didn’t believe in Santa Claus anymore,
Mom and Dad had talked to us and said that Christmas would be lean this year. We told Mom and Dad that it was
important that all the younger children receive at least one gift and we would forfeit ours so this could happen. We always
had a live, tall Christmas tree, but this year we could afford such luxury so we settled on a small table –top one. On
Christmas morning the children were up earlier than usual and the cries of joy and happiness at seeing that Santa had
come made it all worthwhile. To our surprise, Mom and Dad had managed to get a gift for my sister and me.
On Christmas Day, we always had turkey and all the trimmings and Mom would bake an assortment of pies,
usually about ten. Mom and Dad were always willing to share what they had with others who were less fortunate than us. I
remember when a family of four were evicted from their house because they were unable to pay their rent. No one came
forward to help them. So Mom and Dad invited them to stay with us until they could find another place to stay. This meant
that we were without a living room and the bedrooms were overflowing with children for sometime, but somehow we all
managed.
Being good models for their children, I never heard Mom and Dad argue about lack of money or complaining that
they couldn’t buy certain items because we were such a large family. We were never made to feel that we were a hindrance.
Whenever a baby was born, you would have thought that the new arrival was the first one, not only on my parents’ part but
as it relates to the rest of the family. They were loved, received lots of attention and, yes, even spoiled at times.
Treat others as you would like to be treated...People who knew we were a large family would bring us clothes and
sometimes toys around the holidays. The thought might have been nice, however, too many equate what they consider in
their eyes “poor” with not appreciating beautiful or nice “things”. We shouldn’t make the mistake of giving away things
when they're in poor condition and sometimes downright nasty. Often, we’d end up throwing away a good portion of these
donations because the clothes were torn , filthy and not suitable to wear. I can truly say that I never felt “poor” because my
parents never made me feel poor in their actions and words. Oh, I knew that some of my classmates had more fashionable
clothes, toys, etc. since many of their parents were professionals, but we didn’t lack the necessities of life. We always had
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
three good meals a day and parents who really cared for us. We figured one day, when things go better, Mom and Dad
would be able to provide us with some of the niceties of life. As the years went by Dad kept getting promoted and by the
time the younger kids reached adolescence they were in a better position to give them more “things”. However this doesn’t
mean that the children were happier.
Make the most of what you have...For the longest time there was one bike for my brothers to share and we had one
pair of skis to ski down the longest and steepest hill in our hometown when the snows made skiing so much fun. We’d all
take turns and had a great time.
The biggest lesson I learned is that money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness, but how you deal with the lack of
it determines if you will be happy or not.
The second story is a little different than the first...Christmas Joy, With a Pinch of Sadness
Fr. Martin often speaks of the contrast between the happy mood of the holiday season and the sadness that many of
us experience this time of year. He reminds us that these few weeks in December can be difficult for people who have suffered a loss. The Christmas Carols, the garish advertising and the hustle-bustle can be jarring to those whose memories
may not equate with the pumped up “holiday noise” around us. But Fr. Martin also reminds us that we have a loving god
who walks side by side with us through all seasons of the year.
Some of us don’t have recent losses or dramatic difficulties that lower the curtain on Christmas cheer. Yet we, too,
feel moments of melancholy. Why is that? On the whole, I have had a blessed life, and I thank God for it. My upbringing
took place in a loving, nurturing single-Mom home; my marriage of four decades and the beautiful family that grew from
our love continues to give me great pleasure every single day; I had an interesting, successful career and I am enjoying a
fulfilling retirement. So why am I melancholy during the Christmas season?
Because, like most people at this point in life, I realize that life itself is not a fairy tale. There are no perfect families. Every life story has its share of hurt, of trouble, of mistakes. And for me, this season, for some reason, can crack open
the door that usually keeps bad memories at bay.
Just for a little while, at this time of year, I can remember my Mom shutting the lights and hushing my sister and me
so the bill collector at the door will think no one is home. For a split second, I feel the frustration and embarrassment at not
having a Dad to take me to the Father-Son Boy Scouts Banquet. For a moment, I can taste the tears that came when there
was no Dad to be proud of me at high school graduation. Every so often, I think of the people who are no lon ger with us,
the traditions that have been lost, the simple toys that have been replaced by technological complexities. And all of this is
heightened somehow by the contrasting appearance of joy all around.
Don’t get me wrong– it’s not an overwhelming burden. It’s just a momentary sensation that all is not perfect; that
life can be sad; that we can be lonely in the midst of a crowd. It passes. My smile reappears, and I begin to sing along with
the music again.
Perhaps this is God’s way of reminding us not to get too carried away with the trappings of the holiday. It could be
His gentle urging to turn a bit of our Christmas extravagance toward those who need us most. You know who they arethey’re the ones mentioned by Matthew 25,v31-46: “the hungry…the thirsty...the stranger...the naked...the ill...the imprisoned…”
“These least ones” are well-known to the parishioners of Church of the Nativity. Fr. Martin has introduced them to
us. We know them by name and they know us. The easiest way I have found to deal with my melancholy moments at this
time of year, is to turn toward them, to reach out to them, and in their eyes to see my Christ.
May you have happiness and joy during this Christmas season. Thank you for your generosity in helping the less fortunate.
You truly are a giving parish.
Have a nice week!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
THE “O ANTIPHONS”
During the first few centuries of Christianity, there was a lack of uniformity as to the length and structure of the days and
weeks before the celebration of Christ’s Birth. The person given the credit for organizing the four week season of
Advent is Pope Gregory the Great, (ca. 540-604). Prior to that, only the week before December 25th was held special.
The days of that week were marked with special prayers, fasting and penance. This was done to coincide with, and
combat, the popular pagan harvest festival of Saturnalia. (Saturn was the god of agriculture.) Once the Advent Season
became four weeks in length, the fourth week remained special by focusing on Mary as the Mother of Jesus. There began
the centuries old tradition of singing special antiphons in the Liturgy of the Hours, which was the daily prayer in the monasteries and
convents. These came to be known as the “O Antiphons”, and were said on the very same days as the old pagan Saturnalia festival
days. They are the proper antiphons for the Gospel canticle, the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise. Each verse is a beautiful prayer
which dates back to the seventh century. The singing of these O Antiphons remains an Advent tradition. They are used as the Alleluia
verses during the Liturgies from Dec. 17th to the 23rd. We are most familiar with them as the words in the Christmas Carol, “O Come,
O Come, Emmanuel.”
(O Sapientia)
Come, Wisdom of our God…
(O Adonai)
Come, Leader of Ancient Israel…
(O Radix Jesse)
Come, Flower of Jesse’s Stem….
(O Clavis David) Come, Key of David…
(O Oriens)
Come, Radiant Dawn…
(O Rex Gentium)
Come, King of all Nations…
(O Emmanuel)
Come, Emmanuel….
PRO-LIFE CORNER
It's important to promote a Culture of Life.
A hospitable society is a society where
every being counts and every person
matters. No child should be left behind and no child should be
discarded into a cold and dark dumpster.
Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow.
Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.
A WOMAN’S CHOICE is a pregnancy resource center that
provides free pregnancy testing, referrals for medical treatment,
housing, social service assistance and tangible support for
pregnant women, including clothing and equipment. (703-5384305).
Pro-Life Rosary and Witness - Nativity Parishioners are
invited to pray for both an end to abortion and healing from
abortion at NOVA “Healthcare”, 10400 Eaton Place, Fairfax,
VA 22030, from 7-8 AM on Saturday mornings. It is not
uncommon for over 10 women/couples to arrive during this
busy time. Parishioners will peacefully pray for Our Lady's
intercessions and lovingly encourage calls to the numbers
below. For more info, please contact
Josh Reynolds, 703-470-8978, [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
Monday, December 20
Ellen Mary Sullivan
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Tuesday, December 21
John Edward Puhek
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Mr. Munson
Wednesday, December 22
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Warren Wahl
Thursday, December 23
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Friday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE
Vernon Wynott
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Miles Runner
4:00pm
Fr. Martin
Patrice Weithman
6:00pm
Fr. Korpi
Gladys Wilson
8:30pm
Fr. Wilson
Patricia Alice Shelkey
Midnight Mass
Fr. Martin
Saturday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
Helen Haddock
8:00am
Fr. Hayden
Maryanna Thaler
9:30am
Fr. Hayden
Francis Rinaldi
11:00am
Fr. Korpi
Hispanic Mass
1:00pm
Fr. Wilson
NO 5:00PM MASS
Sunday, December 26
Mafak Sarafa
7:30am
Bro. David Eddy, CFX
9:00am
Ann Kremer
11:00am
David S. Yastishock
12:45pm
Fr. Hayden
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Wilson
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Parish Prayer List
Please remember, in your prayers, the sick of our
Parish Community:
Joey Paris, Fue Fleming, Cesar Barrios,
Julia Haggerty, Terry Koblinsky, Louise Nolan,
Mary Rose Linder
May the departed souls rest in peace especially
those who have died this week:
John Mullin, Jean DePew, Joseph Ahlskog,
Michael Nee, Juancho Acierto,
W. Lamar Bomar, Sr., Kevin Burke,
Laurie Kirwin
We also ask that you pray for our military men and
women and their families. May God keep them safe
and out of harms way.
Christmas Holiday — all classes cancelled
December 26 through January 4. Classes resume
January 9, 10, and 11.
The Inclement Weather Policy can be viewed at
www.edu.nativityburke.org; click on Weather Policy.
Altar Flowers for December 12
In Loving Memory of
Mrs. Georgette Martin
From Father Martin
And
In Loving Memory of
Lawrence Honis
From The Honis and Hoffmeier Families
Thought for the Week
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a
happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis
DECEMBER 19, 2010
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
2010
Parish Penance Service:
Tuesday, Dec. 14th at 7:30 pm
DEC. 24TH CHRISTMAS EVE
7:30 AM Daily Mass
4:00 PM (Children’s Liturgy),
6:00 PM & 8:30 PM
11:00 PM CHRISTMAS CAROLS
followed by Midnight Mass
DEC. 25TH CHRISTMAS DAY
8:00 AM, 9:30, & 11:00 AM
1:00 PM Hispanic Mass
There is no 5:00 pm Vigil Mass on
Dec. 25TH
DEC. 26TH Sunday
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM,11:00 AM, 12:45 PM,
and 2:30 PM Hispanic Mass
THERE IS NO 5:00 PM VIGIL MASS ON
SATURDAY, JANUARY 1st
January 1st NEW YEARS DAY is NOT
a Holy Day of Obligation
New Year’s Eve 12/31/10
7:30 PM Vigil Mass
New Year’s Day 1/1/11
11:00 AM
1:00 PM Hispanic Mass
Thank you advertisers! Please support our
advertisers, without them our Bulletin would not
be a success.
PANE VINO
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Jr.ViBe/ViBe
We will be having a Christmas Party TONIGHT,
December 19th from 6:00pm-8:30pm in the Parish
Hall. We will focus on the true meaning of Christmas and
have a ton of fun activities. Some activities include...
*Christmas cookie bake-off. Come with your best
Christmas cookies for a chance to be our cookie champion!
You will be judged on taste and presentation. (Please let
me know ahead of time if you are bringing cookies to enter
into the throw down) :)
*White Elephant: Please come with a wrapped gift
between $5-$7.
*Christmas Carol dance off and other games
*A Charlie Brown Christmas
*Pizza
If your last name begins with A-M please bring a snack to
share with the group
If your last name begins with N-Z please bring soda, or
juice to share with the group.
Thank you!!!
There will be noVibe: / Jr. Vibe on December 26th. I hope
you all have a Merry Christmas. You and your families are
in my prayers.
The McKinley White House Ornament for 2010 is
available in the gift shop. Cost is $20.00 each. A
beautiful gift for someone that has everything. Hurry,
supply is limited!
St. Mary of Sorrows will be presenting a free DVD
Lecture series on the history of the Catholic Church on
Thursdays, 1/6, 2/3, 2/17, 3/3, 3/17 and 4/7.There is a
choice of 2 sessions:10:00 a.m. in Farrell Hall and 7:00
p.m. in the Upper Room. Pre-ordered dinners are available for a nominal fee for the p.m. sessions. To register, contact Lucy at [email protected] or call
703-323-0345. This is also a great review of World
History.
DECEMBER 19, 2010
EVENTS OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Retreat for all men. Need a break? Some time for
spiritual reflection? Start the new year with a weekend
retreat for men on January 21-23, 2011 at the Dominican
Retreat House in Mclean, VA.
The Rev Fr. Steve Frenier, OFM,Conv. will be the
retreat director. For reservations or information contact
Paul Allard at 703-569-1040 or the Retreat House at
703-356-4243.
Middle School Band Day at JP the Great
All 7th and 8th grade instrumentalists are invited to Middle School Band Day hosted by Pope John Paul the Great
Catholic High School on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Participants will receive instruction from professional musicians, learn new music, and perform in a concert at the end
of the day with Wolf Band members. T-shirt and pizza
lunch included with registration! For more details, please
contact Band Director, Dorothy Sorensen: [email protected] or 703-445-0316 and visit
www.jpthegreat.org.
Three time All American wrestler Mike Cannon has
committed to be a Guest Clinician at Paul VI Catholic
High School for the 2010-2011 Wrestling Season. Last
year while competing for American University, Cannon
finished 3rd in the country. Last season, the Panthers finished 3rd in the state, and 2nd in WCACs. For more information about the Paul VI Wrestling program, contact
Coach Tom Healy at [email protected].
Are You or Someone You Know Looking for Work?
Christians are Networking (“CAN”) is a Catholic
Charities-sponsored ministry that assists people who
unemployed or under-employed. CAN provides free
professional career counseling – including resume
reviews and practice job interviews – and opportunities
to network with other professionals. Thursday evenings,
from 7- 9 p.m. at the St. Martin de Porres Senior Center,
4650 Taney Ave., Alexandria. For more details, contact
Elizabeth Lucas at (703) 683-7704 or
[email protected].
Retrouvaille (pronounced retrō-vī) has helped tens of
thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or
misery in their marriage. This program can help you too.
For confidential information about or to register for the
program, please contact (703) 351-7211 or
www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The next Prayer Shawl Meeting will be
Monday, December 20th at 9:30am. New
members are welcome. Come, bring your
project or learn how to make a prayer shawl.
It’s a way of meeting your fellow parishioners. For more
information call Toni Rausch, 703-455-3260;
Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 19
“When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord
directed him.” Are you prayerfully vigilant about
discovering your vocation in Christ? Might He be inviting
you to the priesthood or consecrated life? Call Father
Brian Bashista (703) 841-2514, or write:
[email protected].
PRAY THE ROSARY FOR PEACE IN THE
WORLD
DECEMBER 19, 2010
Did you know that you could gain a plenary indulgence
attached to Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas Day
blessing over the television, radio or internet? The
Eternal Word Television Network is proud to bring you
LIVE Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses from the
Vatican and Washington, DC, as well as various other
inspiring special Christmas programming including Pope
Benedict’s Urbi Et Orbi-his Christmas Day blessing and
message to the world. Visit www.ewtn.com for more
information or to locate EWTN in your area.
Join EWTN Global Catholic Network in celebrating the
birth of the Christ Child. EWTN is proud to bring you
LIVE Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses from
Rome and the Basilica of the National Shrine in DC, as
well as inspiring musical performances, animated features,
special for children and teens, and new holiday
presentations the whole family will enjoy. Watch EWTN
on channel 161. For more information log onto
www.ewtn.com.
Nativity’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program for Spanish speakers begins classes in January.
We offer three levels of classes (beginner, intermediate and advanced) on Saturday mornings, from 10:00am
to 12:00pm, an advanced class on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00pm, and an intermediate class on
Thursdays, also from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Registration and placement testing for all classes will be held on
Wednesday, January 5 and Thursday, January 6, both evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm and Saturday, January
8, from 10:00 to 11:30am. All registrations will be in Nativity School. We want to thank the parishioners of Nativity for
your generous support of our program. Our teaching staff now consists of nineteen volunteers from the Parish. The Parish
office staff is always generous with their time and assistance, our local Knights of Columbus chapter provides much needed
financial support and Father Martin’s generous help ensures that no student will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
Thank you all. If you have questions about our program, please call Bob Clark at 703-323-6717.
Don't forget Fair Trade chocolate as
stocking stuffers!!! This gift,
available in Nativity's Gift Shop,
gives to the receiver as well as the
producer. And chocolate is delicious
with a freshly brewed cup of Fair
Trade coffee sold in the same
location. Both Larry's Beans and
Divine Chocolate have working relationships with Catholic
Relief Services who work with growers/producers around
the globe to help better lives in developing
countries. Thanks to Natacha Hines, Gift Shop Manager,
space has been made for a Fair Trade Corner in our
shop. Items around the store with blue dots are also Fair
Trade items from SERRV, INT who work in cooperation
with CRS to distribute Fair Trade products. Drop by the
shop to see the delightful Nativity sets from Peru, 3 Kings
batik from India, soapstone candle holders from Chile, and
much more. And thanks for your loyal support of Fair
Trade. For more information: www.crsfairtrade.org.
Some of our events scheduled for January 2011 include:
Sat., Jan 1
3pm Social/New Years Day Potluck in
Alexandria, call Tom 703-313-8388
Sun., Jan 2
3pm Dinner and a Movie in Kingstowne,
Alexandria, call Mary 703-912-6441
Sun., Jan 9
5pm Dinner at the Pines of Florence in
Alexandria, call Tom 703-313-8388
Sun., Jan 16
5pm Dinner Dance at the Elks Lodge in
Fairfax, call Lenore 703-787-5784
Sun., Jan 23
4pm Movie and Dinner in Shirlington,
Arlington, call Joan 703-823-2664
Sun., Jan 30
3pm Dinner at the Malibu Grill in Baileys
Crossroads, call Karol 703-823-0795.
Anyone with questions about PTSC may call me, 703-9718665, for more information.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
NATIVITY SCHOOL NEWS
May 9, 2011 - Save the Date
Nativity Catholic School's First Annual Golf
Tournament & Friend-Raiser!
Help support our parish school while enjoying a morning of 18
holes of golf and lunch!! Shotgun starts at 9:00am on May 9,
2011, at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, VA, ranked 15th in
Golfweek's 2009 list of the nation's 50 best municipal courses.
Not a golfer?? Volunteers, advertisers, and donations for the raffle are needed. If you can help or participate in any way, please
contact Jean Lewis at (703) 426-8735 or email at
[email protected]
Sunday, December 19
2:00 pm………………………………....Baptism (CH)
2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 pm…………………..CCD (S)
Monday, December 20
9:30 am…………………….Prayer Shawl Ministry (CH)
4:00 & 7:00pm.................................................CCD (S)
8:00 pm ...........................................AA Meeting (APR)
Tuesday, December 21
9:30 am……………………….Bible Study (APR)
4:30 & 7:00pm..........................................CCD (S)
7:00 pm……………….Knights of Columbus (PH)
7:30 pm…………………....Legion of Mary (APR)
Friday December 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
4:00 pm……CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS MASS (CH)
6:00 pm…………….CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS (CH)
8:30 pm…………….CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS (CH)
11:00 pm…………………CHRISTMAS CAROLS (CH)
12:00 am……………………....MIDNIGHT MASS (CH)
Saturday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY
8:00 am………………...Christmas Day Mass (CH)
9:30 am………………...Christmas Day Mass (CH)
11:00 am………………...Christmas Day Mass (CH)
1:00 pm……………Hispanic Christmas Mass (CH)
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Con María, la que no teniendo nada
al tener en sus brazos, Jesús, lo tendrá todo
Con José, con sus dudas y sombras,
pero con respuestas después de un dulce sueño
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Porque, más allá de luces artificiales
necesito de una luz más eterna e interior
Como la de María: llena de Dios
Como la de José: soplada por la voluntad del Creador
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Para ser feliz y , con tu nacimiento,
ser mejor e intentando cambiar a mejor
Para darme, y al ver cómo tú naces,
descubrir que, es en la pequeñez,
donde siempre podré encontrar a Dios
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Con la confianza de María,
con mi corazón abierto
para que no pases de largo
Con la serenidad de José,
con mis pasos firmes
para que nada me aparte de TI.
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Ven pronto…ilumina mi camino
No tardes….temo cansarme por esperarte
Ilumina al mundo….que dice no necesitarte
TE ESPERO, SEÑOR
Javier Leoz
Our Parish in the Catholic Herald!
Nativity Parish will be featured in the Catholic
Herald’s Dec. 16-22 issue as part of the Parish
Profile series. The profile features a different
diocesan parish each week, giving a little of the
history, how the parish has changed over time and
what makes each parish unique. You can read more
about our parish online at catholicherald.com
including more photos, an expanded story and links
to other parish news. For your own subscription,
contact the parish office 703-455-2400, e-mail
[email protected]
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
SECCIÓN en ESPAÑOL
ESPERANDO CON MARÍA Y JOSÉ
4º de Adviento
Javier Leoz
Con este cuarto domingo culminamos el adviento. ¿Hemos preparado
bien el camino de nuestras familias para que el Señor entre en ellas?
¿Hemos dispuesto el corazón y las entrañas de nuestras personas para
que Dios hable? ¿Buscamos a Dios como fuente de toda esperanza y
razón suprema de la próxima Navidad?
1.Busquemos al Señor, amigos, y no dejemos en estos días previos a las
Navidades que nada distorsione lo que a los cristianos nos importa: el acontecimiento que celebramos es el
Nacimiento del Señor en Belén.
¡Son tantas cosas las que juegan a nuestro favor! La sensibilidad, la familia, la parroquia, la fe….
¡Son tantos los aspectos que pueden ensombrecer estos días santos! El consumo, no celebrar a Dios con la
escucha de su Palabra, con la caridad, la sobre abundancia de cosas….
Estamos alegres y, teniendo como telón de fondo el mensaje de las lecturas del pasado domingo, seguimos
apostando por la esperanza. ¡Dios asoma en el horizonte! Y, por lo tanto, la alegría brota en el semblante de un
cristiano. ¿Que te encuentras agobiado? ¿Que tienes problemas? ¿Vas a permitir que, el bosque, no te deje ver y
disfrutar de la luz?
2.Hoy, con Santa María, recorremos los últimos metros que distan para llegar a Belén. El “Dios con nosotros” se
hará posible gracias al “SI” de una humilde nazarena que, aún sin entender nada, supo cumplir la voluntad del
Señor.
Diversos personajes nos han ayudado a estar en tensión durante el tiempo de adviento (Isaías, Juan Bautista….)
ahora, de la mano de José y con María, nos adentramos en la noche oscura de Belén. Comprobaremos que, hoy
como entonces, muchos siguen sin acoger al Niño. Que, otros, se dejan seducir por los magnates y poderosos que
instan a marginar a ese “Niño” que, desde el día de nuestro Bautismo, entró en nuestro corazón. ¿Navidades
santas o paganas? ¡Qué dilema!
Tal vez, también nosotros, como José ….tengamos dudas y hasta temores. ¿No será mucho lo que Dios nos pide?
Dejemos que la próxima Navidad nos invada con su Misterio. Soñemos y, en el sueño, ojala que Dios nos dé la
oportunidad de soñar con El. ¿Hemos soñado alguna vez con el cielo? ¿Hemos soñado con Dios, con María, con
Jesús o con el Espíritu?
Las Navidades, entre otras cosas, tienen la virtud de despertar lo más hondo de la sensibilidad de las personas.
Bien es cierto que no sólo deben de conducir a eso. Por ello mismo, estos días, los hemos de aprovechar al
máximo: que crezca nuestra vida interior (al contemplar al Dios que se hace Hombre); cultivando nuestras buenas
obras (asombrándonos de lo que Dios hace por nosotros) y siendo fuertes en las pruebas (al ver a un Dios
Todopoderoso que muerde el polvo de nuestra tierra).
Amigos; apuremos estos últimos instantes. ¡Dios está a la puerta! ¡Dios está llamando! ¡Que no pase de largo.
Que, con José y María, preparemos ya – interna y externamente- nuestros hogares y nuestras almas para que de
verdad se note que un Niño nos va a nacer.
Si Jesús, al nacer, no encontró más riqueza que el amor y la ternura de José y María que, por lo menos encuentre
también en nosotros el mejor pesebre donde hacerse presente: nuestro corazón.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 19, 2010
¡EN NAVIDAD HABLA DIOS!
Misa de Navidad
Javier Leoz
¡ALELUYA! ¡DIOS HA NACIDO!
Esta exclamación, nada ni nadie la puede acallar. Lo esperado desde siglos, se hace realidad en Jesús. Y,
hoy, amigos, este gran acontecimiento nos ha puesto en pie. ¡Esto si qué es la Navidad!
También nosotros, como los pastores, hemos escuchado y sentido el anuncio del Ángel. “Hoy en Belén os
ha nacido el Salvador”. Y ¿Cuál ha sido nuestra reacción? ¡La que tenía que ser! ¡Nos hemos puesto en
movimiento! Hemos dejado todo en lo que estábamos entretenidos porque el REY DE REYES merece nuestra cercanía, nuestra
oración y nuestra acogida. La estrella luce; los pastores ofrecen; los reyes adora; Herodes rabia…y nosotros, para no ser menos,
brillamos con la luz de la fe, ofrecemos lo que somos y adoramos a Jesús conscientes de que, Rey, ¡sólo El!
Llegar aquí, en esta mañana santa de la Navidad, es prolongar en el tiempo y en el espacio, lo que ayer noche en Belén se hizo
prodigio, milagro, humildad y salvación: DIOS EN MEDIO DE NOSOTROS.
Asomarnos aquí, junto al portal, es agradecer a Dios el hecho de que sigue apostando por el hombre; que sigue confiando en
nosotros. ¡Tanto confía…que del hombre se fía y se hace hombre como nosotros! ¡Gracias, amigo y Señor!
Contemplar aquí, delante de la Sagrada Familia el Misterio , es dejarse impresionar por el amor gigantesco de Dios. Belén, en este día
de Navidad, tiene sabor a fraternidad. En Belén, los seres humanos, se dan la paz. Y, en Belén, al abrazarnos con Dios no hacemos otra
cosa que, en su pobreza, enriquecernos con todo lo bueno que Dios tiene, con todo lo bueno que El nos da.
 Nos fundamos a su pobreza, purificaremos nuestra altanera riqueza
 Nos afiancemos a su humildad, ennoblecerá nuestro altivo orgullo
 Nos envolvamos en su amor, hará más auténticas y radicales nuestras entregas
Nos perdamos en su alegría, y nuestra felicidad dejará de ser una máscara
Si Dios siendo rico, se hace pobre por nosotros, algo debe existir en nuestra vida ordinaria que no gusta a Dios. Algo que
necesita ser recuperado, elevado y dignificado. La Navidad, es la gran riqueza que Dios pone en medio de un mundo que, en el fondo,
es pobre y mendigo de un amor auténtico.
Como los pastores hemos creído las palabras del Ángel. Y, estas palabras, nos han producido una inmensa alegría, una profunda
emoción: todos nos sentimos un poco niños en el día de Navidad.
*En Belén renace la esperanza;
*en Belén se recupera el hombre viejo;
*en Belén, cesan las palabras y habla el amor;
*en Belén es posible iniciar la recuperación íntegra de nuestra sociedad, iglesia y mundo.
En el día de Navidad, Dios, nos deja sin argumentos. Queríamos pruebas de su amor, y se hace como uno de nosotros. Nos quejábamos
de su lejanía, y se deja besar y contemplar en un Niño. ¿Puede hacer más Aquel que no tenía necesidad de tanto?
Pues aún así, a algunos, les parecerá poco o nada. Seguirán embelesados y perdidos con sus dioses. Mirando a la luna o extasiándose
con el sol. Aquello de “vino a los suyos y los suyos no le recibieron” vuelve a repetirse en los corazones obstinados. En las personas
que se dejan seducir por lo inmediato y son incapaces de abrirse al Misterio.
Dios, en Belén, sabe que se la juega y con mucho riesgo. Se encarna en todo con el hombre: sufrirá, gozará, llorará, dudará pero al
final, por Jesús, salvará. Hoy, en la cuna de Belén, el amor calla. Mañana, en Viernes Santo, el amor que fue pequeño y grande en
Belén, será también igual de humilde, gigantesco, igual de solitario…pero más sangriento.
Entre maderas vino el amor de Dios al mundo, y entre maderas marchará el amor de Jesús de este mundo.
Eso sí, a los pies de esas cuatro tablas –tanto en el pesebre como en la cruz- estuvo y está quien sabe siempre estar y esperar: MARIA.
Que Ella, la que ha hecho posible esta Navidad, nos ayude acercarnos al pesebre para ver al recién nacido. Que nos ayude a reflexionar
sobre el sentido de estos días. Que nos empuje para beber en la fuente del amor que es Belén. Que, como Madre, nos siente en su
regazo y nos rescate de la indiferencia, del egoísmo y tantos obstáculos que nos impiden abrirnos a Dios y a los demás.
¡Bendita sea la Navidad! ¿Por qué Dios pudiendo haber venido en séquito real, lo hizo en humilde pesebre?
¡Bendita sea la Navidad! ¿Por qué Dios, que lo tenía todo, se aventuró a perderlo todo?
¡Bendita sea la Navidad¡ ¿Por qué Dios, teniéndolo todo, prefirió presentarse sin nada?
¡Bendita sea la Navidad! Ya que el hombre olvida y no mira a Dios, Dios – que mira mucho por el hombre- sale
a nuestro encuentro para que no olvidemos que camina y vive junto a nosotros.