I wrote about how Jesus called the first disciples to service and how He calls us in much the same way today. Here, I would like to examine that a bit further. It is important for us to remember that we profess the same Faith they did so many years ago, faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, that we are disciples of the same Lord, and that, as such, we bear witness to the one and the same Gospel that they did. There is no disconnect. It is one Faith. We are one Church. And if we pay great attention to the examples that the apostles set before us, we will learn a great deal.
If we examine the passage in Mark’s Gospel in which Jesus specifies the 12, it is clear that He called them forth for a specific purpose; He appointed them for a vital role in His salvific mission. They were called to be leaders.
Mark 3:14-15 tells us, “He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) that they might be with Him and He might send them forth to preach and to drive out demons.”
In other words, through His calling, they would have the authority and even the responsibility to take part in Jesus’ own ministry in a very special way. Their own ministry, then, would call more men and women to Jesus. Today, we know them as our bishops. They are the head shepherds of our dioceses, and as such, they lead us on the journey of Faith. They preach and teach and heal us through the Sacraments. They are true leaders, just like the first 12.
You may be wondering what all this talk about the apostles and the current day bishops has to do with you. After all, most of you reading this are not bishops, many of you may not even be priests, but many of you are parish leaders in one way or another. So, you can and should relate to the calling of the 12 in a special way. Just like the 12 apostles, God has called each one of us for a specific purpose, and, just like the 12, we each play a vital role in the mission of Jesus here on Earth. As leaders we will stand in the forefront of things, working to guide and direct our parishioners, helping to assist our pastors as they carry out their ministry, leading one or another ministry at the parish and more.
Closer examination of some of the apostles’ personal calls will help us see how we can most effectively live our own calls to be leaders today.
In Matthew 5:18-22, Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, telling them, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
He called James and John in the same way, and all four men dropped their nets and answered the call.
Notice, in that simple call, those men, who were called to an important role of leadership in the Church were called not simply to lead but, much more importantly, to follow. And they did just that. They “Left their boat and their father and followed Him” (Mt. 4:22).
We all ought to cling to their example as we strive to carry out our own personal calls. Sure, we have a responsibility to lead people in the ways of discipleship, and our roles as parish leaders – as clergy and lay leaders – are vital as we strive to form good stewards, but as leaders we must, first and foremost, be followers. We must follow the great leader. Remember, we are His disciples. We are not trying to gain disciples for ourselves. We are trying to call more men and women to Him. It is only when we follow His lead, only when we live to serve Him, that our own leadership will bear great fruit.
Source: Copyright © 2010 www.THECATHOLICSTEWARD.com Used by permission.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Stewardshp Bulletin Reflection
Jesus came to St. John the Baptist to share the baptism of repentance for sin that John was performing in the Jordan River. John protested that Jesus did not need the baptism for he had no sin, but Jesus insisted. He wanted to identify himself with our sinful humanity as he was going to be the sacrifice for our sin. After the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus and the voice of God the Father proclaimed him his beloved Son.
After the baptism, Jesus began his public ministry, and as St. Peter declared, “He went about doing good.” We who have been reborn as God’s adopted children in sacramental Baptism are called to live a new life and imitate the example of Jesus. This includes using the time, the talent, and the treasure entrusted to us to serve our Lord and his people, not just for our own benefit.
After the baptism, Jesus began his public ministry, and as St. Peter declared, “He went about doing good.” We who have been reborn as God’s adopted children in sacramental Baptism are called to live a new life and imitate the example of Jesus. This includes using the time, the talent, and the treasure entrusted to us to serve our Lord and his people, not just for our own benefit.
Stewardship Reflection for January 9, 2011
January 9, 2011 – The Baptism of the Lord
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17
On the face of it, Jesus’ baptism by St. John the Baptist would seem to have been unnecessary. At least, that’s how it seemed to John. The baptism he proclaimed, as we heard in Advent, was a baptism of repentance for those who acknowledged their sins. Matthew 3 tells us that John objected that Jesus ought to be baptizing him, rather than the other way around, for he recognized that Jesus had no sins for which to repent.
But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” In order to achieve God’s saving plan for humanity, Jesus needed to identify himself with us sinners.
However, more happens at the Jordan than Jesus’ identification of himself with the human condition. Here he undergoes his final preparation to begin his public ministry. The Holy Spirit descents in visible form upon him, and the Father proclaims Jesus as his beloved Son, which fulfills the Servant Song of the prophet Isaiah (42:1), “… my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” As Peter proclaimed, “You know…what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good… for God was with him” (Acts 10:36-38)
But there is a difference between the baptism St. John performed at the Jordan River and the sacrament of Baptism established by Jesus after his Resurrection. The baptism of the Baptist was a public admission that one was a sinner and a declaration of repentance but in itself did not provide the hoped-for forgiveness. After Jesus’ Crucifixion as the sacrifice for our sins and his Resurrection as a triumph over the powers of death, the baptism he instituted conveys the grace that effects what it symbolizes.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it (537), “Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father’s beloved son in the Son and ‘walk in newness of life’ (Rom 6:4).”
What difference does this make to us? It makes all the difference in the world! Having been reborn as God’s adopted children through Baptism, we also share in the power that the Holy Spirit gives. We’re not to let anyone, least of all ourselves, confuse us with Jesus Christ himself. But walking in newness of life, we are called to imitate Jesus and go about doing good.
And that is the key to good stewardship. Walking in newness of life means that we view every aspect of our situation – our job, our family, our community – in a different way than those who live with themselves as the centers of their life. And in response to this new life, we use our time, our talent, and our treasure for doing good as the Father’s beloved children.
Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17
On the face of it, Jesus’ baptism by St. John the Baptist would seem to have been unnecessary. At least, that’s how it seemed to John. The baptism he proclaimed, as we heard in Advent, was a baptism of repentance for those who acknowledged their sins. Matthew 3 tells us that John objected that Jesus ought to be baptizing him, rather than the other way around, for he recognized that Jesus had no sins for which to repent.
But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” In order to achieve God’s saving plan for humanity, Jesus needed to identify himself with us sinners.
However, more happens at the Jordan than Jesus’ identification of himself with the human condition. Here he undergoes his final preparation to begin his public ministry. The Holy Spirit descents in visible form upon him, and the Father proclaims Jesus as his beloved Son, which fulfills the Servant Song of the prophet Isaiah (42:1), “… my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” As Peter proclaimed, “You know…what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good… for God was with him” (Acts 10:36-38)
But there is a difference between the baptism St. John performed at the Jordan River and the sacrament of Baptism established by Jesus after his Resurrection. The baptism of the Baptist was a public admission that one was a sinner and a declaration of repentance but in itself did not provide the hoped-for forgiveness. After Jesus’ Crucifixion as the sacrifice for our sins and his Resurrection as a triumph over the powers of death, the baptism he instituted conveys the grace that effects what it symbolizes.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it (537), “Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father’s beloved son in the Son and ‘walk in newness of life’ (Rom 6:4).”
What difference does this make to us? It makes all the difference in the world! Having been reborn as God’s adopted children through Baptism, we also share in the power that the Holy Spirit gives. We’re not to let anyone, least of all ourselves, confuse us with Jesus Christ himself. But walking in newness of life, we are called to imitate Jesus and go about doing good.
And that is the key to good stewardship. Walking in newness of life means that we view every aspect of our situation – our job, our family, our community – in a different way than those who live with themselves as the centers of their life. And in response to this new life, we use our time, our talent, and our treasure for doing good as the Father’s beloved children.
Stewardship Reflection for January 2, 2011
The Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi, who were non-Jews, to worship the child Jesus. It is thus a missionary feast because Jesus is not only the Jewish Messiah but also the Savior of the whole human race.
But the Epiphany is a stewardship celebration, as well, for the Magi did not come empty-handed. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to offer him. Gold represents the Treasure that we present to our spiritual King for the spread of the Kingdom of God. Frankincense symbolizes our Time that we devote to prayer and the worship of God. And myrrh conveys our willingness to offer our Talent to serve others, for it is used in preparing bodies for burial, a service the Church has identified for centuries as one of the corporal works of mercy.
The Epiphany, then, challenges us to be good Christian stewards and to bring our time, talent, and treasure to worship Jesus, just as the Magi did, and to invite others to join us in worship.
But the Epiphany is a stewardship celebration, as well, for the Magi did not come empty-handed. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to offer him. Gold represents the Treasure that we present to our spiritual King for the spread of the Kingdom of God. Frankincense symbolizes our Time that we devote to prayer and the worship of God. And myrrh conveys our willingness to offer our Talent to serve others, for it is used in preparing bodies for burial, a service the Church has identified for centuries as one of the corporal works of mercy.
The Epiphany, then, challenges us to be good Christian stewards and to bring our time, talent, and treasure to worship Jesus, just as the Magi did, and to invite others to join us in worship.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER for Thanksgiving
Gracious and loving God,
As the autumn season continues its transformation;
and the days become shorter,
the earth cooler;
as we join family and friends
in joy and celebration
on Thanksgiving Day,
we pause to give You thanks and praise
for the abundant blessings
You have bestowed upon us:
For life and health,
safety and comfort,
food and nourishment.
Through your Spirit, open our hearts
so that we may be even better stewards
of Your many blessings.
Show us how to be a blessing
for the poor, sick, lonely and all who suffer.
And help us nurture the gift of faith,
revealed to us by your Son, Jesus Christ,
our greatest gift,
who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
As the autumn season continues its transformation;
and the days become shorter,
the earth cooler;
as we join family and friends
in joy and celebration
on Thanksgiving Day,
we pause to give You thanks and praise
for the abundant blessings
You have bestowed upon us:
For life and health,
safety and comfort,
food and nourishment.
Through your Spirit, open our hearts
so that we may be even better stewards
of Your many blessings.
Show us how to be a blessing
for the poor, sick, lonely and all who suffer.
And help us nurture the gift of faith,
revealed to us by your Son, Jesus Christ,
our greatest gift,
who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
In Gratitude For Our Parishes
During the month of November let us remember to include our parish when we express gratitude for the abundant gifts we have been given. Our parishes are great blessings because they are witnessing communions of faith, signs of Christ’s active presence in the world.
Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, once described a parish as a “family of families.” If we accept that the parish is a family, then surely it takes on the characteristics of a family. And just like a family, the gift of the Holy Spirit to our parishes is the many different talents and temperaments we find in the pews, parish house and parking lot. They become great strengths when we are united in building up the Body of Christ.
The mission of our parish is to continue the work of Jesus Christ, who expressed his own ministry resolutely: “I must proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Lk 4:43). The parish is a steward of this ongoing ministry, and as members of a parish family we too are stewards of Christ’s work. That is why it is so important to be nourished by the Eucharist regularly and to participate fully in the great prophetic witness of the parish: to offer our time, assist in one or more of the many parish ministries, invite others into our parish life of faith, carry our share of financial responsibility for the parish, and celebrate when our parish family celebrates.
Remember as well our pastors and those other priests and pastoral professionals who seek to nourish us with the Bread of Life and to help us understand more fully our faith and the actions which spring from that faith.
The life of faith we experience in our parishes is not perfect. What family is perfect? Our parish never has been and never will be perfect because we are not perfect. But part of what we share in our parish is Christ’s love which is perfect. The love that we share is a gospel that has been given to us to live and proclaim in word and deed. It is a gospel that gives us hope. For that we should be grateful.
Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, once described a parish as a “family of families.” If we accept that the parish is a family, then surely it takes on the characteristics of a family. And just like a family, the gift of the Holy Spirit to our parishes is the many different talents and temperaments we find in the pews, parish house and parking lot. They become great strengths when we are united in building up the Body of Christ.
The mission of our parish is to continue the work of Jesus Christ, who expressed his own ministry resolutely: “I must proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Lk 4:43). The parish is a steward of this ongoing ministry, and as members of a parish family we too are stewards of Christ’s work. That is why it is so important to be nourished by the Eucharist regularly and to participate fully in the great prophetic witness of the parish: to offer our time, assist in one or more of the many parish ministries, invite others into our parish life of faith, carry our share of financial responsibility for the parish, and celebrate when our parish family celebrates.
Remember as well our pastors and those other priests and pastoral professionals who seek to nourish us with the Bread of Life and to help us understand more fully our faith and the actions which spring from that faith.
The life of faith we experience in our parishes is not perfect. What family is perfect? Our parish never has been and never will be perfect because we are not perfect. But part of what we share in our parish is Christ’s love which is perfect. The love that we share is a gospel that has been given to us to live and proclaim in word and deed. It is a gospel that gives us hope. For that we should be grateful.
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection for November 28, 2010
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Isaiah, St. Paul, and Jesus all give the same central message in the readings for today. There will be a judgment, when God will establish his Kingdom fully. We don’t know when that will be, so we need to stay awake and be alert.
That is not a call to despair, but a warning. If we wake from our spiritual slumber, we can use the time, the talent, and the treasure entrusted to us so we can make a good return to God. Then we need not fear when we face Jesus Christ, our merciful and loving Judge. But the choice is ours, whether we want to exercise watchful care, or drift along in a slumber of spiritual complacency.
Source: The Catholic Steward, November 2010
Isaiah, St. Paul, and Jesus all give the same central message in the readings for today. There will be a judgment, when God will establish his Kingdom fully. We don’t know when that will be, so we need to stay awake and be alert.
That is not a call to despair, but a warning. If we wake from our spiritual slumber, we can use the time, the talent, and the treasure entrusted to us so we can make a good return to God. Then we need not fear when we face Jesus Christ, our merciful and loving Judge. But the choice is ours, whether we want to exercise watchful care, or drift along in a slumber of spiritual complacency.
Source: The Catholic Steward, November 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
November Stewardship
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of November 6/7
In today’s second reading, Saint Paul offers encouragement to the Christian community and prays that the Lord instill encouragement in their hearts. There is nothing worse than discouragement to drain people spiritually and emotionally. Yet, at times, it is much easier to lose patience with others and offer critical and discouraging words. We are "our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers." We are stewards of our relationships with others. Offering encouragement is essential to the exercise of that stewardship. Saint Paul understood that God worked through him just as God works through us to encourage others. How often do we ask the Lord for encouragement? How often do we look for opportunities to affirm, strengthen and encourage others in our daily lives?
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of November 13/14
In today’s gospel Jesus tells his followers there will be plenty of time for them to bear witness to what he taught and did. He helped them understand that the Holy Spirit would guide them and help them persevere in their own stewardship of his gospel even when friends and family betrayed them. Do our friends and neighbors, or classmates and colleagues, know we are disciples of Jesus Christ? How do we bear witness to Christ each day? Do we hide our faith out of fear of rejection? Or are we bold in our witness to others? Are we good stewards of Christ’s gospel?
The Solemnity of Christ the King Weekend of November 20/21
Today we listen to the humble confession of Saint Dismas, the good thief; a confession that brought him mercy, forgiveness and great favor by the Lord. What can his humility teach those who seek to be good stewards? That we must give up our self-importance, our self-centeredness, and learn to give ourselves over to God? That God has entrusted us with everything we have as gift to be used in God’s service? That we treat others not with arrogance, sarcasm or put down, but with reverence and respect as gifts from God? Is it by recognizing that God is the center of the universe, not us, and that only Christ the King can bring us genuine peace and salvation?
Thanksgiving Day November 25, 2010
In today’s first reading, we listened to a beautiful stewardship blessing from the Book of Sirach: "And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth. May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may God’s goodness toward us endure as long as the heavens are above." On this Thanksgiving Day, our thoughts invariably turn to preparing for our annual celebration with family and friends. Perhaps this simple blessing could serve as an appropriate stewardship reflection on our gratitude for the Lord’s abundant goodness, and be our prayer during this Thanksgiving weekend.
Source: November 2010 International Catholic Stewardship Council Newsletter
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of November 6/7
In today’s second reading, Saint Paul offers encouragement to the Christian community and prays that the Lord instill encouragement in their hearts. There is nothing worse than discouragement to drain people spiritually and emotionally. Yet, at times, it is much easier to lose patience with others and offer critical and discouraging words. We are "our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers." We are stewards of our relationships with others. Offering encouragement is essential to the exercise of that stewardship. Saint Paul understood that God worked through him just as God works through us to encourage others. How often do we ask the Lord for encouragement? How often do we look for opportunities to affirm, strengthen and encourage others in our daily lives?
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of November 13/14
In today’s gospel Jesus tells his followers there will be plenty of time for them to bear witness to what he taught and did. He helped them understand that the Holy Spirit would guide them and help them persevere in their own stewardship of his gospel even when friends and family betrayed them. Do our friends and neighbors, or classmates and colleagues, know we are disciples of Jesus Christ? How do we bear witness to Christ each day? Do we hide our faith out of fear of rejection? Or are we bold in our witness to others? Are we good stewards of Christ’s gospel?
The Solemnity of Christ the King Weekend of November 20/21
Today we listen to the humble confession of Saint Dismas, the good thief; a confession that brought him mercy, forgiveness and great favor by the Lord. What can his humility teach those who seek to be good stewards? That we must give up our self-importance, our self-centeredness, and learn to give ourselves over to God? That God has entrusted us with everything we have as gift to be used in God’s service? That we treat others not with arrogance, sarcasm or put down, but with reverence and respect as gifts from God? Is it by recognizing that God is the center of the universe, not us, and that only Christ the King can bring us genuine peace and salvation?
Thanksgiving Day November 25, 2010
In today’s first reading, we listened to a beautiful stewardship blessing from the Book of Sirach: "And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth. May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may God’s goodness toward us endure as long as the heavens are above." On this Thanksgiving Day, our thoughts invariably turn to preparing for our annual celebration with family and friends. Perhaps this simple blessing could serve as an appropriate stewardship reflection on our gratitude for the Lord’s abundant goodness, and be our prayer during this Thanksgiving weekend.
Source: November 2010 International Catholic Stewardship Council Newsletter
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings for Nov. 7, 2010 Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 – 3:5; Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38
It’s jokingly said that one of the most painful motions a man can make is to reach down to pull his wallet out of his pocket. That’s especially true when he’s going to open his wallet to make a contribution. But as the reading from 2 Maccabees 7 makes clear, men are willing to suffer pain and even death for something they believe in. And what’s more worthy of our pain – either physical or emotional – than the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ carried out through his Church?
The seven brothers and their mother who died for the practice of their faith in the reading from 2 Maccabees did so because of their hope for the resurrection. Jesus in the Gospel reading from Luke 20 reaffirms that hope as one of the basic doctrines of Christianity. This life is not the end. At the end of time, our bodies will rise again and be rejoined to our souls.
The belief that death is not the end means how we live in this life is important and has eternal consequences. If it were true that this life is all there is, then why not live by the motto, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (I Cor 15:32)? There would be no point in living except to experience as much immediate pleasure as possible.
But the truth of the resurrection – with the accompanying judgment – means that our life has purpose, and we are responsible to God who gave us life and will raise us from the dead. In gratitude for his gifts – the time we enjoy, the talents we have, the treasure we receive, even life itself – we return a portion of them to his service. We’ll actually experience joy in this life, and even greater joy in the next.
There may be some pain, at least psychological pain, in a life of stewardship. We’ll probably forgo some things that would give us pleasure. But the ultimate reward of a life as a steward is worth far more pain than any lack we’ll experience here will cause.
We are not alone, however, as we seek to live as stewards. We may feel discouragement from time to time. St. Paul assures us in the reading from 2 Thessalonians that “the Lord is faithful” and by his grace he will direct our hearts “to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.”
Let us so live and so use the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to us in this life that we can look forward with hope and eager expectation to our resurrection at the end of time!
Source: Posted by The Catholic Steward Oct 26, 2010
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 – 3:5; Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27, 34-38
It’s jokingly said that one of the most painful motions a man can make is to reach down to pull his wallet out of his pocket. That’s especially true when he’s going to open his wallet to make a contribution. But as the reading from 2 Maccabees 7 makes clear, men are willing to suffer pain and even death for something they believe in. And what’s more worthy of our pain – either physical or emotional – than the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ carried out through his Church?
The seven brothers and their mother who died for the practice of their faith in the reading from 2 Maccabees did so because of their hope for the resurrection. Jesus in the Gospel reading from Luke 20 reaffirms that hope as one of the basic doctrines of Christianity. This life is not the end. At the end of time, our bodies will rise again and be rejoined to our souls.
The belief that death is not the end means how we live in this life is important and has eternal consequences. If it were true that this life is all there is, then why not live by the motto, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (I Cor 15:32)? There would be no point in living except to experience as much immediate pleasure as possible.
But the truth of the resurrection – with the accompanying judgment – means that our life has purpose, and we are responsible to God who gave us life and will raise us from the dead. In gratitude for his gifts – the time we enjoy, the talents we have, the treasure we receive, even life itself – we return a portion of them to his service. We’ll actually experience joy in this life, and even greater joy in the next.
There may be some pain, at least psychological pain, in a life of stewardship. We’ll probably forgo some things that would give us pleasure. But the ultimate reward of a life as a steward is worth far more pain than any lack we’ll experience here will cause.
We are not alone, however, as we seek to live as stewards. We may feel discouragement from time to time. St. Paul assures us in the reading from 2 Thessalonians that “the Lord is faithful” and by his grace he will direct our hearts “to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.”
Let us so live and so use the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to us in this life that we can look forward with hope and eager expectation to our resurrection at the end of time!
Source: Posted by The Catholic Steward Oct 26, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
September Bulletin Announcements
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 3, 2010
In today’s Gospel Jesus instructs the apostles on faith and
service, two bedrock principles of Christian stewardship.
While his teaching on one’s attitude toward service may be
easier to grasp, Jesus’ reflection on faith is the more important
one for the Christian steward. Perhaps this is a good
week to reflect on being stewards of our own faith. Some
questions we might ask ourselves: What is the character
and quality of my own faith? How sincere is it? Have I ever
asked the Lord for an increase in faith? What seemingly
impossible things might I be able to accomplish if my faith
in Jesus Christ were the size of a mustard seed?
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 10, 2010
In their gratitude for being healed, both Naaman, the Syrian
general, and the leper in today’s gospel offered profound
expressions of faith. So it is that the life of the Christian
steward is based on a life lived in gratitude. Naaman
was willing to offer a fortune to the prophet. The leper was
willing to accept a whole new way of life in Christ. Embracing
a sense of gratitude is often lost in our “I want more”
culture. But when we truly understand what it means to be
grateful, we begin to develop an awareness of all that God
has given us. Ask yourself this week: Do I live each day
with a sense of gratitude? Am I really thankful for the gifts I
have received?
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 17, 2010
A fundamental element of Christian stewardship is prayer
and in today’s Gospel Jesus encourages his disciples to pray
constantly and not to lose heart. Prayer is a gift and we
would not even have an awareness to pray if the Lord had
not planted this gift within each of us. Take inventory of
your prayer life this week. Do you stop to pray each day?
Do you take opportunities to try and have a deep conversation
with God? Do you find quiet time so that you may be
able to hear Christ speaking to you, consoling you, encouraging
you, challenging you, befriending you?
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 24, 2010
October is a month filled with sporting events, from
school athletic fields to professional sports stadiums across
the country. We see athletes honored and praised for the
God-given gifts they’ve cultivated and displayed, whether it
be in newspaper headlines, television screens and on many
a sports apparel. In today’s second reading, St. Paul uses the
sporting metaphor to reflect on his gift of faith and how he
has used his gifts to give testimony to Jesus Christ. God has
endowed each of us with unique gifts as well, beginning
with the gift of faith. How well have we cultivated and displayed
our own God-given gifts? As stewards of God’s abundant
gifts, have we “competed well” for the Lord? Are we
“running the race” for God? Are we keeping and sharing our
faith in Jesus Christ?
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 31, 2010
The encounter between Jesus and the wealthy Zacchaeus
offers a number of stewardship themes for this week’s reflection:
heeding the call of Jesus, conversion, repentance, generosity,
acting out of justice. One stewardship theme from
this Gospel reading that is not often commented upon is the
steward’s task of receiving Christ with a joyful heart. How
often do we “receive him with joy?” Do we know him well
enough to receive in joy? Do we experience his love? Do we
accept him as our savior, or are we looking for something
or someone else? It seems that only when we have some
personal knowledge of Jesus, open our hearts to him and
accept him as Christ, our savior, can we truly receive him
with joyful hearts.
For the weekend of October 3, 2010
In today’s Gospel Jesus instructs the apostles on faith and
service, two bedrock principles of Christian stewardship.
While his teaching on one’s attitude toward service may be
easier to grasp, Jesus’ reflection on faith is the more important
one for the Christian steward. Perhaps this is a good
week to reflect on being stewards of our own faith. Some
questions we might ask ourselves: What is the character
and quality of my own faith? How sincere is it? Have I ever
asked the Lord for an increase in faith? What seemingly
impossible things might I be able to accomplish if my faith
in Jesus Christ were the size of a mustard seed?
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 10, 2010
In their gratitude for being healed, both Naaman, the Syrian
general, and the leper in today’s gospel offered profound
expressions of faith. So it is that the life of the Christian
steward is based on a life lived in gratitude. Naaman
was willing to offer a fortune to the prophet. The leper was
willing to accept a whole new way of life in Christ. Embracing
a sense of gratitude is often lost in our “I want more”
culture. But when we truly understand what it means to be
grateful, we begin to develop an awareness of all that God
has given us. Ask yourself this week: Do I live each day
with a sense of gratitude? Am I really thankful for the gifts I
have received?
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 17, 2010
A fundamental element of Christian stewardship is prayer
and in today’s Gospel Jesus encourages his disciples to pray
constantly and not to lose heart. Prayer is a gift and we
would not even have an awareness to pray if the Lord had
not planted this gift within each of us. Take inventory of
your prayer life this week. Do you stop to pray each day?
Do you take opportunities to try and have a deep conversation
with God? Do you find quiet time so that you may be
able to hear Christ speaking to you, consoling you, encouraging
you, challenging you, befriending you?
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 24, 2010
October is a month filled with sporting events, from
school athletic fields to professional sports stadiums across
the country. We see athletes honored and praised for the
God-given gifts they’ve cultivated and displayed, whether it
be in newspaper headlines, television screens and on many
a sports apparel. In today’s second reading, St. Paul uses the
sporting metaphor to reflect on his gift of faith and how he
has used his gifts to give testimony to Jesus Christ. God has
endowed each of us with unique gifts as well, beginning
with the gift of faith. How well have we cultivated and displayed
our own God-given gifts? As stewards of God’s abundant
gifts, have we “competed well” for the Lord? Are we
“running the race” for God? Are we keeping and sharing our
faith in Jesus Christ?
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the weekend of October 31, 2010
The encounter between Jesus and the wealthy Zacchaeus
offers a number of stewardship themes for this week’s reflection:
heeding the call of Jesus, conversion, repentance, generosity,
acting out of justice. One stewardship theme from
this Gospel reading that is not often commented upon is the
steward’s task of receiving Christ with a joyful heart. How
often do we “receive him with joy?” Do we know him well
enough to receive in joy? Do we experience his love? Do we
accept him as our savior, or are we looking for something
or someone else? It seems that only when we have some
personal knowledge of Jesus, open our hearts to him and
accept him as Christ, our savior, can we truly receive him
with joyful hearts.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Stewardship and the Sunday Readings - August 2010
August 1
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Responsibility
“Well done good and faithful servant” Matt 25:19
To be responsible is to first understand that we are not our own masters. Neither are we the owners of all that we possess. We belong to God, and all that we possess is a gift from God. Every gift comes with a responsibility. How do we use it? More importantly how do we share it? One day God will require an accounting of the use each person has made of the particular gifts entrusted to him or her.
August 8
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Gratitude
“A grateful heart silences a complaining voice.” Bishop Eugene Gerber
Being a Christian steward means living each day in gratitude, not envy. It is hard to always be wanting more when you have a grateful heart. The secret to happiness is not found in having what you want, but in wanting what you have. Good stewards count their blessings while everyone else is adding up their problems.
August 15
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Generosity
“Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.” Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response
What is authentic generosity? It is born out of gratitude. For the Christian steward it means needing to give’ not simply ‘giving to a need’ in order to relieve ourselves of guilt or obligation. Authentic generosity means we freely give of ourselves, our lives, and our possessions, without counting the cost.
August 22
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Simplicity
“Live simply so that others may simply live” Blessed Mother Teresa
Embracing a simpler lifestyle enables us to live more generously. Simple living is also the antidote for “affluenza,” the social disease caused by rampant consumerism and materialism. A Prayer for Simplicity: Lord, grant me the grace to be free from the excesses of this life. Let me not get caught up with the desire for wealth. Keep my heart and mind free to love and serve you. Amen.
August 29
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Mercy
“Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.’ I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.” Matt 9:12-14
One of the greatest measures of mercy is the commitment to be compassionate towards everyone we meet. We pray that we will always be a community that welcomes all people with love and compassion.
September 5
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Perseverance
“My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful” 2 Tim 4:6-7.
Discipleship and stewardship is a way of life that is both joyful and rewarding, while at the same time being challenging and sometimes difficult. Be persistent, patient and persevere! It has its rewards both in this life and in the life to come.
Courtesy of Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg, ICSC Newsletter, August 2010
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Responsibility
“Well done good and faithful servant” Matt 25:19
To be responsible is to first understand that we are not our own masters. Neither are we the owners of all that we possess. We belong to God, and all that we possess is a gift from God. Every gift comes with a responsibility. How do we use it? More importantly how do we share it? One day God will require an accounting of the use each person has made of the particular gifts entrusted to him or her.
August 8
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Gratitude
“A grateful heart silences a complaining voice.” Bishop Eugene Gerber
Being a Christian steward means living each day in gratitude, not envy. It is hard to always be wanting more when you have a grateful heart. The secret to happiness is not found in having what you want, but in wanting what you have. Good stewards count their blessings while everyone else is adding up their problems.
August 15
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Generosity
“Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.” Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response
What is authentic generosity? It is born out of gratitude. For the Christian steward it means needing to give’ not simply ‘giving to a need’ in order to relieve ourselves of guilt or obligation. Authentic generosity means we freely give of ourselves, our lives, and our possessions, without counting the cost.
August 22
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Simplicity
“Live simply so that others may simply live” Blessed Mother Teresa
Embracing a simpler lifestyle enables us to live more generously. Simple living is also the antidote for “affluenza,” the social disease caused by rampant consumerism and materialism. A Prayer for Simplicity: Lord, grant me the grace to be free from the excesses of this life. Let me not get caught up with the desire for wealth. Keep my heart and mind free to love and serve you. Amen.
August 29
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Mercy
“Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.’ I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.” Matt 9:12-14
One of the greatest measures of mercy is the commitment to be compassionate towards everyone we meet. We pray that we will always be a community that welcomes all people with love and compassion.
September 5
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Perseverance
“My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful” 2 Tim 4:6-7.
Discipleship and stewardship is a way of life that is both joyful and rewarding, while at the same time being challenging and sometimes difficult. Be persistent, patient and persevere! It has its rewards both in this life and in the life to come.
Courtesy of Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg, ICSC Newsletter, August 2010
August Stewardship Reflections
August 1, 2010 – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Take care to guard against all greed.” Luke 12:13-21
Greed is a very insidious and seductive emotion. It is at the root of all sin. It was a factor in the sin of the first man and woman in the Garden. They were not content to be grateful for all God had given them. They wanted to be God. George Carlin had a comedy routine about stuff. He said that we get stuff and then we need to get a house to put our stuff. Then we get more stuff. So we need a bigger house for our stuff. We go on vacation and take some of our stuff. But we buy stuff we don’t need and come home with more stuff. Our lives are filled with stuff. And we get very attached to our stuff. Our attachment to our stuff stems from our erroneous belief that we are the source of all of our stuff and that we acquired it out of our own effort and ingenuity. When we acknowledge God as the source of all that we are and all that we have and all that we ever will be, we can enjoy the stuff we have and share it with others without being obsessed about getting and keeping more stuff than we really need to enjoy life.
August 8, 2010 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.” Luke 12:32-48
The trash we put on the curb to be discarded reveals much about who we are and what we do in life. It contains the packaging of the products that we treasure. It reveals where our hearts are. What is in our trash? Is it packaging from the latest electronic games, the best type of athletic equipment, the current fashion in clothes (no matter how revealing), the appliances with the most features, containers that held gourmet foods, too many empty liquor bottles and beer cans, and the shredded documents of the fortune we are trying to amass? There are some people whose hearts are not revealed by their trash. They have no trash. Sadly, they have nothing to throw away. They do not have sufficient food and they have very little clothing. We would do well to remember these words of Jesus, “Much will be required of the person who has much, and still more of the person entrusted with more.” When we bring our trash to the curb we should ask, “How much treasure have I been entrusted with? What does this trash reveal about my heart?”
August 15, 2010 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42
On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII, in his Encyclical Letter Munificentissimus Deus, proclaimed, declared and defined to be divinely revealed dogma that “...the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” Some ask why, how, when, and where? Those are fair questions. The simple answer is “It’s a mystery!” But it is more important to ask, “Why not?” Why would Jesus not want to honor the young girl who accepted God’s call to be his mother (at great risk to her life), who carried him in her womb and gave birth to him in a cave, who watched him grow and was with him when he died on a cross, and who rejoiced at his Resurrection by assuming her uncorrupted body to be with him in heaven for eternity? The world would be a much better place if we all honored our parents, family, friends and the strangers who often do so much for us that we do not appreciate! Once again Jesus reveals to us that gratitude is the beginning of generosity.
August 22, 2010 – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
“I do not know where you are from.” Luke 13:22-30
What will we do if Jesus speaks those words to us when we finally meet him? Will our faces go pale and our knees buckle? Will we be very frightened? Will we mumble, “I ate and drank in your company and you taught me”? What if Jesus ask us, “But what did you learn? Did you eat and drink in the company of the hungry, the homeless, the naked, the oppressed, the diseased? Do they know where you are from?” If people in need in our world know where we are from, Jesus will know where we are from. He will recognize us right away. He will be anxiously waiting for us to enter into his presence. Jesus is very clear: “People will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Where do we want to be when we all take our places in the God’s Kingdom, last or first?
August 29, 2010 – Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the unwanted; blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you.” Luke 14:1, 7-14
A parishioner noted to his pastor that Jesus dined with the rich and famous of his day. He asked, “Do you think Jesus would belong to an exclusive country club if he were here today?” The pastor answered, “I suspect he might, if he could afford it. But his guests would include people who could not afford it, people who need a bath and a new set of clothes, people who have not recently had a decent meal, people who are lame, who limp, or feel their way with a white cane.” The pastor then said to his parishioner, “You belong to a very exclusive country club. Have you ever brought such guest to your club?” The man said nothing. He had many possessions. The pastor added, “When we leave Mass and go into God’s world we are supposed to be Jesus present in that world. So, when you are at your exclusive country club Jesus is a member. You might want to start reviewing your guest list.”
Submitted by Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, ICSC Stewardship Newsletter, August 2010
Agosto 1, 2010 – Décimo Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Mirad, y guardaos de toda codicia.” San Lucas 12:13-21
La codicia es una emoción muy insidiosa y seductiva. Está en la raíz de todo pecado. Fue un factor del pecado del primer hombre y la primera mujer en el Paraíso. Ellos no estuvieron satisfechos de estar agradecidos por todo lo que Dios les había dado. Ellos quisieron ser Dios. George Carlin hizo una rutina en una comedia acerca de las cosas. El dijo que: obtenemos
cosas y entonces necesitamos obtener una casa para poner nuestras cosas. Entonces necesitamos obtener más cosas. Así que nosotros, necesitamos una casa más grande para nuestras cosas. Vamos de vacaciones y tomamos algunas de nuestras cosas. Pero compramos cosas que no necesitamos y regresamos a casa con más cosas. Nuestras vidas están llenas con cosas. Y nosotros estamos muy apegados a nuestras cosas. Nuestro apego a nuestras cosas proviene de nuestra creencia errónea de que nosotros somos la fuente de todas nuestras cosas, y que las hemos adquirido con nuestro esfuerzo e ingenuidad. Cuando nosotros reconocemos a Dios como la fuente de todo lo que somos y de todo lo que tenemos, y de todo lo que seremos,
podemos disfrutar de las cosas que tenemos y compartirlas con otros, sin estar obsesionados por obtener y conservar más cosas de las que necesitamos realmente para disfrutar de la vida.
Agosto 8, 2010 – Décimo Noveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Porque donde está vuestro tesoro, allí estará también vuestro corazón.” San Lucas 12:32-48
La basura que ponemos en el borde de la acera para ser desechada revela mucho acerca de quienes somos y de lo que hacemos en la vida. Contiene los empaques de los productos que atesoramos. Revela donde están nuestros corazones. ¿Qué está en nuestra basura? ¿Son los empaques de nuestros últimos juegos electrónicos, el mejor tipo de equipo atlético, la moda
actual en ropa (no importa cuán reveladora sea), los aparatos con más características, contenedores que almacenaron alimentos gourmet, demasiadas botellas de licor y latas de cerveza vacías, y los trozos de documentos de la fortuna que tratamos de amasar? Hay personas de quienes sus corazones no están revelados por su basura. No tienen basura. Tristemente ellas no tienen nada que tirar. Ellas no tienen suficiente comida y tienen muy poca ropa. Nosotros haríamos bien si recordamos estas palabras de Jesús, “Mucho se le pedirá a quien mucho tiene, y más aún a quien más se le ha confiado.” Cuando llevemos nuestra basura a la acera, debemos preguntarnos ¿Cuánto tesoro me ha sido confiado? ¿Qué revela esta basura acerca de mi corazón?
Agosto 15, 2010 – Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María
“Bendita tú entre las mujeres, y bendito el fruto de tu vientre.” San Lucas 1:42
En noviembre 1 de 1950 el Papa Pío XII, en su Carta Encíclica Munificentissimus Deus, proclamó, declaró y definió que fuera dogma revelado divinamente el que “…la Inmaculada Madre de Dios, la siempre Virgen María, habiendo completado el curso de su vida terrenal, fue llevada cuerpo y alma a la Gloria del cielo.” Algunos preguntan ¿por qué, cómo, cuándo y dónde? Estas son preguntas justas. La respuesta es simple “Este es un misterio” Pero es más importante preguntar, ¿por qué no? ¿Por qué Jesús no querría honrar a la joven que aceptó el llamado de Dios para ser su madre (con un gran riesgo para su vida), quien lo llevó en su vientre y lo trajo a la vida en una cueva, quien lo vio crecer y estuvo con él cuando murió en una cruz, y quien se regocijó en su Resurrección; elevando su cuerpo incorrupto para estar con él en el cielo por toda la eternidad? El mundo sería un mejor lugar si todos honrásemos a nuestros padres, familiares, amigos y a los extraños que frecuentemente hacen mucho por nosotros y que no apreciamos. Una vez más Jesús nos revela que la gratitud es el principio de la generosidad.
Agosto 22, 2010 – Vigésimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Os digo que no se de dónde sois.” San Lucas 13:22-30
¿Qué haremos si Jesús nos dice esas palabras cuando finalmente nos reunamos con él? ¿Nuestro rostro palidecerá y se doblarán nuestras rodillas? ¿Estaremos muy atemorizados? Murmuraremos, “Yo comí y bebí en tu compañía y tú me enseñaste.” Y si Jesús nos pregunta, ¿pero tú, qué aprendiste? ¿Comiste y bebiste en compañía del hambriento, el desamparado, el desnudo, el oprimido, o el enfermo? ¿Saben ellos de dónde eres? Si la gente en necesidad, en nuestro mundo, sabe de donde eres, Jesús lo sabrá también. Él nos reconocerá inmediatamente. Él estará esperando ansiosamente por nosotros para entrar en su presencia. Jesús es muy claro: “Vendrá gente del este y del oeste y del norte y del sur y se reclinará en la mesa en el Reino de Dios. Para contemplar, que algunos de los primeros serán de los últimos y algunos de los últimos serán de los primeros.” ¿Dónde queremos estar cuando todos tomemos nuestros lugares en el Reino de Dios, en los últimos o en los primeros?
Agosto 29, 2010 – Vigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Llama a los pobres, los mancos, los cojos y los ciegos, y serás bienaventurado; porque ellos no te pueden recompensar.” San Lucas 14:1, 7-14
Un feligrés hizo notar a su pastor que Jesús cenó con ricos y famosos de ese tiempo. Él preguntó, ¿cree usted que Jesús pertenecería a un exclusivo club campestre si él estuviera aquí hoy? El pastor contestó, “Supongo que tal vez si él pudiera pagarlo. Pero sus invitados incluirían gente que no podría pagarlo, gente que necesitaría un baño o un nuevo juego de ropa, gente que no ha tenido recientemente una comida decente, gente paralítica, gente que cojea, o que guía sus pasos por medio de un bastón.” El pastor dijo entonces a su feligrés, “Tú perteneces a un exclusivo club campestre. ¿Has llevado alguna vez un invitado así a tu club?” El hombre no dijo nada. Él tiene muchas posesiones. El pastor agregó, “Cuando salimos de Misa y vamos al mundo de Dios, se supone que somos la presencia de Jesús en este mundo. Entonces, cuando tú estás en tu exclusivo club campestre Jesús es un miembro. Quizás quieras empezar a revisar tu lista de invitados.”
por: Diácono Jerry Martinez de la Arquidiócesis de New Orleans, ICSC Newsletter, August 2010
“Take care to guard against all greed.” Luke 12:13-21
Greed is a very insidious and seductive emotion. It is at the root of all sin. It was a factor in the sin of the first man and woman in the Garden. They were not content to be grateful for all God had given them. They wanted to be God. George Carlin had a comedy routine about stuff. He said that we get stuff and then we need to get a house to put our stuff. Then we get more stuff. So we need a bigger house for our stuff. We go on vacation and take some of our stuff. But we buy stuff we don’t need and come home with more stuff. Our lives are filled with stuff. And we get very attached to our stuff. Our attachment to our stuff stems from our erroneous belief that we are the source of all of our stuff and that we acquired it out of our own effort and ingenuity. When we acknowledge God as the source of all that we are and all that we have and all that we ever will be, we can enjoy the stuff we have and share it with others without being obsessed about getting and keeping more stuff than we really need to enjoy life.
August 8, 2010 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.” Luke 12:32-48
The trash we put on the curb to be discarded reveals much about who we are and what we do in life. It contains the packaging of the products that we treasure. It reveals where our hearts are. What is in our trash? Is it packaging from the latest electronic games, the best type of athletic equipment, the current fashion in clothes (no matter how revealing), the appliances with the most features, containers that held gourmet foods, too many empty liquor bottles and beer cans, and the shredded documents of the fortune we are trying to amass? There are some people whose hearts are not revealed by their trash. They have no trash. Sadly, they have nothing to throw away. They do not have sufficient food and they have very little clothing. We would do well to remember these words of Jesus, “Much will be required of the person who has much, and still more of the person entrusted with more.” When we bring our trash to the curb we should ask, “How much treasure have I been entrusted with? What does this trash reveal about my heart?”
August 15, 2010 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42
On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII, in his Encyclical Letter Munificentissimus Deus, proclaimed, declared and defined to be divinely revealed dogma that “...the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” Some ask why, how, when, and where? Those are fair questions. The simple answer is “It’s a mystery!” But it is more important to ask, “Why not?” Why would Jesus not want to honor the young girl who accepted God’s call to be his mother (at great risk to her life), who carried him in her womb and gave birth to him in a cave, who watched him grow and was with him when he died on a cross, and who rejoiced at his Resurrection by assuming her uncorrupted body to be with him in heaven for eternity? The world would be a much better place if we all honored our parents, family, friends and the strangers who often do so much for us that we do not appreciate! Once again Jesus reveals to us that gratitude is the beginning of generosity.
August 22, 2010 – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
“I do not know where you are from.” Luke 13:22-30
What will we do if Jesus speaks those words to us when we finally meet him? Will our faces go pale and our knees buckle? Will we be very frightened? Will we mumble, “I ate and drank in your company and you taught me”? What if Jesus ask us, “But what did you learn? Did you eat and drink in the company of the hungry, the homeless, the naked, the oppressed, the diseased? Do they know where you are from?” If people in need in our world know where we are from, Jesus will know where we are from. He will recognize us right away. He will be anxiously waiting for us to enter into his presence. Jesus is very clear: “People will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Where do we want to be when we all take our places in the God’s Kingdom, last or first?
August 29, 2010 – Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, the unwanted; blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you.” Luke 14:1, 7-14
A parishioner noted to his pastor that Jesus dined with the rich and famous of his day. He asked, “Do you think Jesus would belong to an exclusive country club if he were here today?” The pastor answered, “I suspect he might, if he could afford it. But his guests would include people who could not afford it, people who need a bath and a new set of clothes, people who have not recently had a decent meal, people who are lame, who limp, or feel their way with a white cane.” The pastor then said to his parishioner, “You belong to a very exclusive country club. Have you ever brought such guest to your club?” The man said nothing. He had many possessions. The pastor added, “When we leave Mass and go into God’s world we are supposed to be Jesus present in that world. So, when you are at your exclusive country club Jesus is a member. You might want to start reviewing your guest list.”
Submitted by Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, ICSC Stewardship Newsletter, August 2010
Agosto 1, 2010 – Décimo Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Mirad, y guardaos de toda codicia.” San Lucas 12:13-21
La codicia es una emoción muy insidiosa y seductiva. Está en la raíz de todo pecado. Fue un factor del pecado del primer hombre y la primera mujer en el Paraíso. Ellos no estuvieron satisfechos de estar agradecidos por todo lo que Dios les había dado. Ellos quisieron ser Dios. George Carlin hizo una rutina en una comedia acerca de las cosas. El dijo que: obtenemos
cosas y entonces necesitamos obtener una casa para poner nuestras cosas. Entonces necesitamos obtener más cosas. Así que nosotros, necesitamos una casa más grande para nuestras cosas. Vamos de vacaciones y tomamos algunas de nuestras cosas. Pero compramos cosas que no necesitamos y regresamos a casa con más cosas. Nuestras vidas están llenas con cosas. Y nosotros estamos muy apegados a nuestras cosas. Nuestro apego a nuestras cosas proviene de nuestra creencia errónea de que nosotros somos la fuente de todas nuestras cosas, y que las hemos adquirido con nuestro esfuerzo e ingenuidad. Cuando nosotros reconocemos a Dios como la fuente de todo lo que somos y de todo lo que tenemos, y de todo lo que seremos,
podemos disfrutar de las cosas que tenemos y compartirlas con otros, sin estar obsesionados por obtener y conservar más cosas de las que necesitamos realmente para disfrutar de la vida.
Agosto 8, 2010 – Décimo Noveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Porque donde está vuestro tesoro, allí estará también vuestro corazón.” San Lucas 12:32-48
La basura que ponemos en el borde de la acera para ser desechada revela mucho acerca de quienes somos y de lo que hacemos en la vida. Contiene los empaques de los productos que atesoramos. Revela donde están nuestros corazones. ¿Qué está en nuestra basura? ¿Son los empaques de nuestros últimos juegos electrónicos, el mejor tipo de equipo atlético, la moda
actual en ropa (no importa cuán reveladora sea), los aparatos con más características, contenedores que almacenaron alimentos gourmet, demasiadas botellas de licor y latas de cerveza vacías, y los trozos de documentos de la fortuna que tratamos de amasar? Hay personas de quienes sus corazones no están revelados por su basura. No tienen basura. Tristemente ellas no tienen nada que tirar. Ellas no tienen suficiente comida y tienen muy poca ropa. Nosotros haríamos bien si recordamos estas palabras de Jesús, “Mucho se le pedirá a quien mucho tiene, y más aún a quien más se le ha confiado.” Cuando llevemos nuestra basura a la acera, debemos preguntarnos ¿Cuánto tesoro me ha sido confiado? ¿Qué revela esta basura acerca de mi corazón?
Agosto 15, 2010 – Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María
“Bendita tú entre las mujeres, y bendito el fruto de tu vientre.” San Lucas 1:42
En noviembre 1 de 1950 el Papa Pío XII, en su Carta Encíclica Munificentissimus Deus, proclamó, declaró y definió que fuera dogma revelado divinamente el que “…la Inmaculada Madre de Dios, la siempre Virgen María, habiendo completado el curso de su vida terrenal, fue llevada cuerpo y alma a la Gloria del cielo.” Algunos preguntan ¿por qué, cómo, cuándo y dónde? Estas son preguntas justas. La respuesta es simple “Este es un misterio” Pero es más importante preguntar, ¿por qué no? ¿Por qué Jesús no querría honrar a la joven que aceptó el llamado de Dios para ser su madre (con un gran riesgo para su vida), quien lo llevó en su vientre y lo trajo a la vida en una cueva, quien lo vio crecer y estuvo con él cuando murió en una cruz, y quien se regocijó en su Resurrección; elevando su cuerpo incorrupto para estar con él en el cielo por toda la eternidad? El mundo sería un mejor lugar si todos honrásemos a nuestros padres, familiares, amigos y a los extraños que frecuentemente hacen mucho por nosotros y que no apreciamos. Una vez más Jesús nos revela que la gratitud es el principio de la generosidad.
Agosto 22, 2010 – Vigésimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Os digo que no se de dónde sois.” San Lucas 13:22-30
¿Qué haremos si Jesús nos dice esas palabras cuando finalmente nos reunamos con él? ¿Nuestro rostro palidecerá y se doblarán nuestras rodillas? ¿Estaremos muy atemorizados? Murmuraremos, “Yo comí y bebí en tu compañía y tú me enseñaste.” Y si Jesús nos pregunta, ¿pero tú, qué aprendiste? ¿Comiste y bebiste en compañía del hambriento, el desamparado, el desnudo, el oprimido, o el enfermo? ¿Saben ellos de dónde eres? Si la gente en necesidad, en nuestro mundo, sabe de donde eres, Jesús lo sabrá también. Él nos reconocerá inmediatamente. Él estará esperando ansiosamente por nosotros para entrar en su presencia. Jesús es muy claro: “Vendrá gente del este y del oeste y del norte y del sur y se reclinará en la mesa en el Reino de Dios. Para contemplar, que algunos de los primeros serán de los últimos y algunos de los últimos serán de los primeros.” ¿Dónde queremos estar cuando todos tomemos nuestros lugares en el Reino de Dios, en los últimos o en los primeros?
Agosto 29, 2010 – Vigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Llama a los pobres, los mancos, los cojos y los ciegos, y serás bienaventurado; porque ellos no te pueden recompensar.” San Lucas 14:1, 7-14
Un feligrés hizo notar a su pastor que Jesús cenó con ricos y famosos de ese tiempo. Él preguntó, ¿cree usted que Jesús pertenecería a un exclusivo club campestre si él estuviera aquí hoy? El pastor contestó, “Supongo que tal vez si él pudiera pagarlo. Pero sus invitados incluirían gente que no podría pagarlo, gente que necesitaría un baño o un nuevo juego de ropa, gente que no ha tenido recientemente una comida decente, gente paralítica, gente que cojea, o que guía sus pasos por medio de un bastón.” El pastor dijo entonces a su feligrés, “Tú perteneces a un exclusivo club campestre. ¿Has llevado alguna vez un invitado así a tu club?” El hombre no dijo nada. Él tiene muchas posesiones. El pastor agregó, “Cuando salimos de Misa y vamos al mundo de Dios, se supone que somos la presencia de Jesús en este mundo. Entonces, cuando tú estás en tu exclusivo club campestre Jesús es un miembro. Quizás quieras empezar a revisar tu lista de invitados.”
por: Diácono Jerry Martinez de la Arquidiócesis de New Orleans, ICSC Newsletter, August 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
July Parish Bulletin Announcements
July 4 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The seventy-two returned, rejoicing, and said,
‘Lord, even demons are subject to us because of your
name.’” Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
The seventy-two disciples that Jesus sent in thirty-six
directions were amazed at their success. Did they really
have faith in Jesus as they left on their mission? We can
almost hear them grumbling, “He is sending us like
lambs among wolves with no money, no provisions, no
sandals, and we cannot even greet people on the way.
Does he expect us to work miracles?” But off they went.
And they performed miracles. Despite their doubts, they
had faith in Jesus and they were able to do great things
because of their faith. When we feel called to step out in
faith to imitate Jesus in our world, do we have doubts?
Do we fail to act because of our doubts? Or do we act,
despite our doubts, amazed at what we can accomplish
when we have faith in Jesus? As a result of our Baptism,
it is our responsibility to nurture our faith in Jesus so we
can constantly be amazed at what we can accomplish in
His name.
July 11 – 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time
“Which one of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to
the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Luke 10:25-37
“Rabbi, why do Jews always answer a question with a
question?” The rabbi responded, “And why shouldn’t
we?” Jesus is a Jew. When the scholar of the (Jewish)
law asked him, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal life?” Jesus answered with a question, “What is
written in the law?” The scholar quotes Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart,
being, strength and mind and Leviticus 19:19 ...and your
neighbor as yourself. The scholar knew the law. It had
been handed down by Moses. But the scholar (a lawyer)
looks for a loophole: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus
answers this question with the story of the Good
Samaritan, then ask, “Which one, in your opinion, was
neighbor to the robber’s victim?” The scholar answers,
“The one who treated him with mercy.” The scholar had
no other choice. If we are true believers in Jesus, neither
do we. Jesus challenges us to want for our neighbor what
we want ourselves. And everyone is our neighbor, no
matter how unlovable they may be.
July 18 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many
things.” Luke 10:38-42
Martha is doing what was expected of a good Jewish
woman of her day – preparing food for her family and
guest. Her sister Mary, also a good Jewish woman, plops
herself down at the feet of Jesus and absorbs every word
He says. Martha finally confronts Jesus, “Lord, make her
help me!” Jesus knows that Martha is not doing anything
wrong. She is doing what she believes is expected of her.
And she is doing it very well. Jesus suggest she should
not be so concerned about what others expect of her, but
should spend time to discern what God expects of her.
What God expects of us can be quite different than what
the world expects of us. We discern God’s will for us in
prayer – prayer that is not about what we say to God, but
about what we are willing to hear from God.
July 25 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, teach us to pray!” Luke 11:1-14
Abraham bargains to save Sodom. He starts out with
fifty innocent people. God agrees. Obviously lacking
confidence he will find fifty, he bargains God down to
ten. He could not even find ten, so Sodom is destroyed.
The Old Testament covenants were bargains with God.
God always kept his part. The patriarchs and Israelites
were not so faithful. The disciples saw Jesus as a person
who was faithful to the Covenant and a man of prayer.
They asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” He teaches
them the Our Father. Then He tells the stories of the
persistent woman and fathers who give their children
bread and eggs, not snakes and scorpions. Are we
confident when we pray to God, Our Father in heaven,
that His Kingdom, not ours, will come; that His will, not
ours, be done; for our daily bread not tomorrow’s or next
year’s; and to forgive our sins as we forgive others? Are
we good stewards who are persistent in prayer to learn
God’s will? If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving may
not be your thing. Try prayer instead. And keep trying!
Julio 4 – 14º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Volvieron los setenta con gozo, diciendo, “Señor aún los
demonios se sujetan a nosotros en Tu nombre.”
Lucas 10:1-12, 17-20
Los setenta y dos discípulos que Jesús envió en treinta y
seis direcciones estaban sorprendidos de su éxito. ¿Tenían
verdaderamente fe en Jesús cuando salieron a su misión?
Casi podemos escucharles refunfuñando, “Él nos envía
como ovejas entre lobos, sin dinero, sin provisiones, sin
sandalias, y no podemos siquiera saludar a la gente en el
camino. ¿Acaso Él espera que hagamos milagros?” Pero
ellos salieron, e hicieron milagros. A pesar de sus dudas,
tuvieron fe en Jesús y obraron grandes cosas por su fe.
Cuando nos sentimos llamados a intensificar la fe para
imitar a Jesús en nuestro mundo, ¿tenemos dudas? O
¿actuamos a pesar de ellas, sorprendidos de lo que podemos
lograr cuando tenemos fe en Jesús? Como resultado de
nuestro Bautismo, es nuestra responsabilidad nutrir nuestra
fe en Jesús, para que así podamos sorprendernos
constantemente de lo que podemos lograr en Su nombre.
Julio 11 – 15º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿Quién pues de estos tres, te parece que fue el prójimo del
que cayó en manos de los ladrones?
Él contestó: el que usó de misericordia con él.”
Lucas 10:25-37
“Maestro, ¿por qué los judíos siempre responden una
pregunta con otra pregunta?” El maestro respondió ¿y
por qué no deberíamos? Jesús es Judío. Cuando el erudito
de la ley (Judía) le preguntó, “Maestro, ¿qué debo hacer
para heredar la vida eterna?” Jesús respondió con una
pregunta, “¿Qué está escrito en la ley?” El erudito citó
Deuteronomio 6:5 Amarás al Señor tu Dios de todo tu
corazón, y de toda tu alma y con todas tus fuerzas y
Levítico 19:19…y a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. El
erudito conocía la ley. Había sido legada por Moisés.
Pero siendo (estudioso de la ley) buscaba una
ambigüedad: “¿Quién es mi prójimo?” Jesús respondió
esta pregunta con la historia del Buen Samaritano,
entonces preguntó, “¿Quien pues, te parece que fue el
prójimo del que cayó en manos de los ladrones?” El
erudito respondió “Aquel que mostró misericordia con
él.” El erudito no tuvo otra opción. Si somos auténticos
creyentes en Jesús tampoco nosotros la tenemos. Jesús
nos desafía a querer para nuestro prójimo lo que
queremos para nosotros mismos. Y todos son nuestros
prójimos, a pesar de lo detestable que algunos pudieran
parecer.
Julio 18 – 16º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Marta, Marta, afanada y turbada estás con muchas
cosas.” Lucas 10:38-42
Marta hacía lo que se esperaba de una Buena mujer
Judía de sus días – preparar los alimentos para su familia
e invitado. Su hermana María, una Buena mujer Judía
también, se sienta a los pies de Jesús y cautiva cada
palabra que Él dice. Finalmente. Marta confronta a Jesús,
“Señor, dile que me ayude.” Jesús sabe que Marta no
hace algo equivocado. Ella hace lo que cree que se espera
de ella; y lo hace muy bien. Jesús le sugiere que no debe
preocuparse tanto por lo que los demás esperan de ella,
pero debe procurar un tiempo para discernir lo que Dios
espera de ella. Lo que Dios espera de nosotros puede ser
relativamente diferente de lo que el mundo espera de
nosotros. Discernimos la voluntad de Dios para nosotros
en oración – no la oración que decimos a Dios, sino en la
que estamos dispuestos a escuchar de Dios.
Julio 25 – 17º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¡Señor, enséñanos a orar!” Lucas 11:1-14
Abraham negocia salvar a Sodoma. Él inicia con
cincuenta personas inocentes. Dios está de acuerdo.
Obviamente desconfía de encontrar cincuenta, y negocia
con Dios bajar el número a diez, de no encontrarlos
Sodoma sería destruida. Los convenios del Antiguo
Testamento fueron regateos con Dios. Dios siempre
cumplió su parte. Los patriarcas e israelitas no siempre
fueron fieles. Los discípulos vieron a Jesús como una
persona que fue fiel al Convenio y un hombre de oración.
Ellos le pidieron, “Señor, enséñanos a orar.” Él les
enseña el Padre Nuestro. Entonces les narra las historias,
de la determinada mujer y de los padres que dan a sus
hijos pan y huevos, no serpientes y escorpiones.
Nosotros, confiamos cuando oramos a Dios, nuestro
Padre en el cielo, que Su Reino, no el nuestro, ¿vendrá?;
que Su voluntad, no la nuestra, ¿se hará?; por nuestro
pan de cada día, no el de mañana o del año próximo; y
por el perdón de nuestros pecados ¿como nosotros
perdonamos los de otros? ¿Somos buenos
corresponsables que persistimos en la oración para
aprender la voluntad de Dios? Si al inicio no lo logra,
puede ser que el paracaidismo no sea su habilidad. En
cambio, trate de orar. ¡Y continúe tratando!
Source: ICSC Newsletter -by Dn. Jerry Martinez, J.D., M.Th.
Archdiocese of New Orleans
“The seventy-two returned, rejoicing, and said,
‘Lord, even demons are subject to us because of your
name.’” Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
The seventy-two disciples that Jesus sent in thirty-six
directions were amazed at their success. Did they really
have faith in Jesus as they left on their mission? We can
almost hear them grumbling, “He is sending us like
lambs among wolves with no money, no provisions, no
sandals, and we cannot even greet people on the way.
Does he expect us to work miracles?” But off they went.
And they performed miracles. Despite their doubts, they
had faith in Jesus and they were able to do great things
because of their faith. When we feel called to step out in
faith to imitate Jesus in our world, do we have doubts?
Do we fail to act because of our doubts? Or do we act,
despite our doubts, amazed at what we can accomplish
when we have faith in Jesus? As a result of our Baptism,
it is our responsibility to nurture our faith in Jesus so we
can constantly be amazed at what we can accomplish in
His name.
July 11 – 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time
“Which one of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to
the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Luke 10:25-37
“Rabbi, why do Jews always answer a question with a
question?” The rabbi responded, “And why shouldn’t
we?” Jesus is a Jew. When the scholar of the (Jewish)
law asked him, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal life?” Jesus answered with a question, “What is
written in the law?” The scholar quotes Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart,
being, strength and mind and Leviticus 19:19 ...and your
neighbor as yourself. The scholar knew the law. It had
been handed down by Moses. But the scholar (a lawyer)
looks for a loophole: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus
answers this question with the story of the Good
Samaritan, then ask, “Which one, in your opinion, was
neighbor to the robber’s victim?” The scholar answers,
“The one who treated him with mercy.” The scholar had
no other choice. If we are true believers in Jesus, neither
do we. Jesus challenges us to want for our neighbor what
we want ourselves. And everyone is our neighbor, no
matter how unlovable they may be.
July 18 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many
things.” Luke 10:38-42
Martha is doing what was expected of a good Jewish
woman of her day – preparing food for her family and
guest. Her sister Mary, also a good Jewish woman, plops
herself down at the feet of Jesus and absorbs every word
He says. Martha finally confronts Jesus, “Lord, make her
help me!” Jesus knows that Martha is not doing anything
wrong. She is doing what she believes is expected of her.
And she is doing it very well. Jesus suggest she should
not be so concerned about what others expect of her, but
should spend time to discern what God expects of her.
What God expects of us can be quite different than what
the world expects of us. We discern God’s will for us in
prayer – prayer that is not about what we say to God, but
about what we are willing to hear from God.
July 25 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Lord, teach us to pray!” Luke 11:1-14
Abraham bargains to save Sodom. He starts out with
fifty innocent people. God agrees. Obviously lacking
confidence he will find fifty, he bargains God down to
ten. He could not even find ten, so Sodom is destroyed.
The Old Testament covenants were bargains with God.
God always kept his part. The patriarchs and Israelites
were not so faithful. The disciples saw Jesus as a person
who was faithful to the Covenant and a man of prayer.
They asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” He teaches
them the Our Father. Then He tells the stories of the
persistent woman and fathers who give their children
bread and eggs, not snakes and scorpions. Are we
confident when we pray to God, Our Father in heaven,
that His Kingdom, not ours, will come; that His will, not
ours, be done; for our daily bread not tomorrow’s or next
year’s; and to forgive our sins as we forgive others? Are
we good stewards who are persistent in prayer to learn
God’s will? If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving may
not be your thing. Try prayer instead. And keep trying!
Julio 4 – 14º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Volvieron los setenta con gozo, diciendo, “Señor aún los
demonios se sujetan a nosotros en Tu nombre.”
Lucas 10:1-12, 17-20
Los setenta y dos discípulos que Jesús envió en treinta y
seis direcciones estaban sorprendidos de su éxito. ¿Tenían
verdaderamente fe en Jesús cuando salieron a su misión?
Casi podemos escucharles refunfuñando, “Él nos envía
como ovejas entre lobos, sin dinero, sin provisiones, sin
sandalias, y no podemos siquiera saludar a la gente en el
camino. ¿Acaso Él espera que hagamos milagros?” Pero
ellos salieron, e hicieron milagros. A pesar de sus dudas,
tuvieron fe en Jesús y obraron grandes cosas por su fe.
Cuando nos sentimos llamados a intensificar la fe para
imitar a Jesús en nuestro mundo, ¿tenemos dudas? O
¿actuamos a pesar de ellas, sorprendidos de lo que podemos
lograr cuando tenemos fe en Jesús? Como resultado de
nuestro Bautismo, es nuestra responsabilidad nutrir nuestra
fe en Jesús, para que así podamos sorprendernos
constantemente de lo que podemos lograr en Su nombre.
Julio 11 – 15º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿Quién pues de estos tres, te parece que fue el prójimo del
que cayó en manos de los ladrones?
Él contestó: el que usó de misericordia con él.”
Lucas 10:25-37
“Maestro, ¿por qué los judíos siempre responden una
pregunta con otra pregunta?” El maestro respondió ¿y
por qué no deberíamos? Jesús es Judío. Cuando el erudito
de la ley (Judía) le preguntó, “Maestro, ¿qué debo hacer
para heredar la vida eterna?” Jesús respondió con una
pregunta, “¿Qué está escrito en la ley?” El erudito citó
Deuteronomio 6:5 Amarás al Señor tu Dios de todo tu
corazón, y de toda tu alma y con todas tus fuerzas y
Levítico 19:19…y a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. El
erudito conocía la ley. Había sido legada por Moisés.
Pero siendo (estudioso de la ley) buscaba una
ambigüedad: “¿Quién es mi prójimo?” Jesús respondió
esta pregunta con la historia del Buen Samaritano,
entonces preguntó, “¿Quien pues, te parece que fue el
prójimo del que cayó en manos de los ladrones?” El
erudito respondió “Aquel que mostró misericordia con
él.” El erudito no tuvo otra opción. Si somos auténticos
creyentes en Jesús tampoco nosotros la tenemos. Jesús
nos desafía a querer para nuestro prójimo lo que
queremos para nosotros mismos. Y todos son nuestros
prójimos, a pesar de lo detestable que algunos pudieran
parecer.
Julio 18 – 16º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Marta, Marta, afanada y turbada estás con muchas
cosas.” Lucas 10:38-42
Marta hacía lo que se esperaba de una Buena mujer
Judía de sus días – preparar los alimentos para su familia
e invitado. Su hermana María, una Buena mujer Judía
también, se sienta a los pies de Jesús y cautiva cada
palabra que Él dice. Finalmente. Marta confronta a Jesús,
“Señor, dile que me ayude.” Jesús sabe que Marta no
hace algo equivocado. Ella hace lo que cree que se espera
de ella; y lo hace muy bien. Jesús le sugiere que no debe
preocuparse tanto por lo que los demás esperan de ella,
pero debe procurar un tiempo para discernir lo que Dios
espera de ella. Lo que Dios espera de nosotros puede ser
relativamente diferente de lo que el mundo espera de
nosotros. Discernimos la voluntad de Dios para nosotros
en oración – no la oración que decimos a Dios, sino en la
que estamos dispuestos a escuchar de Dios.
Julio 25 – 17º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¡Señor, enséñanos a orar!” Lucas 11:1-14
Abraham negocia salvar a Sodoma. Él inicia con
cincuenta personas inocentes. Dios está de acuerdo.
Obviamente desconfía de encontrar cincuenta, y negocia
con Dios bajar el número a diez, de no encontrarlos
Sodoma sería destruida. Los convenios del Antiguo
Testamento fueron regateos con Dios. Dios siempre
cumplió su parte. Los patriarcas e israelitas no siempre
fueron fieles. Los discípulos vieron a Jesús como una
persona que fue fiel al Convenio y un hombre de oración.
Ellos le pidieron, “Señor, enséñanos a orar.” Él les
enseña el Padre Nuestro. Entonces les narra las historias,
de la determinada mujer y de los padres que dan a sus
hijos pan y huevos, no serpientes y escorpiones.
Nosotros, confiamos cuando oramos a Dios, nuestro
Padre en el cielo, que Su Reino, no el nuestro, ¿vendrá?;
que Su voluntad, no la nuestra, ¿se hará?; por nuestro
pan de cada día, no el de mañana o del año próximo; y
por el perdón de nuestros pecados ¿como nosotros
perdonamos los de otros? ¿Somos buenos
corresponsables que persistimos en la oración para
aprender la voluntad de Dios? Si al inicio no lo logra,
puede ser que el paracaidismo no sea su habilidad. En
cambio, trate de orar. ¡Y continúe tratando!
Source: ICSC Newsletter -by Dn. Jerry Martinez, J.D., M.Th.
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Monday, June 14, 2010
Good Steward
The latest from O'Meara Feguson – “A Good Steward Receives God’s Gifts Gratefully”
A STEWARD CULTIVATES GOD’S GIFTS RESPONSIBLY
Stewardship is an action concept. It is about who we are, what we do and how we do it. A Christian steward sees all of life as a call to faithfulness, faithfulness to God in all things. All the gifts we receive come with the expectation that we will cultivate them faithfully out of the respect and love we have for God
A CHRISTIAN STEWARD SHARES GOD’S GIFTS LOVINGLY
When thinking about sharing God’s gifts in love and justice, sometimes a person wonders where he or she is supposed to do this sharing. The reality is that there are needy persons to love and serve everywhere. There are lonely people everywhere. There are hungry people to feed and homeless people to house everywhere. It’s a matter of deciding to “bloom where you are planted” by serving others wherever you find them.
A CHRISTIAN STEWARD RETURNS GOD’S GIFTS WITH INCREASE
While there is much to say about spontaneous acts of generosity, the Scriptures have more to say about planning to give. Giving that is purposeful is giving that has been considered, deepened and enlarged through prayer. Planning one’s giving is the first step in making stewardship a faith venture, not simply an impulse venture.
UN CORRESPONSABLE CULTIVA RESPONSABLEMENTE LOS DONES QUE RECIBE DE DIOS
Corresponsabilidad es un concepto de acción. Se refiere a lo que somos, lo que hacemos y como lo hacemos. Un corresponsable cristiano ve todo en la vida como un llamado a la fe; esa fe en todas las cosas puestas en Dios. Cada aspecto de nuestra vida es algo que Dios nos confía para que cultivemos responsablemente, motivados por el amor y el respeto que sentimos hacia Dios.
UN CORRESPONSABLE COMPARTE LOS DONES DE DIOS CON AMOR
Cuando pensamos a compartir los dones de Dios en amor y justicia, hay veces en que no sabemos donde se supone que debemos hacerlo. La realidad es que hay personas necesitadas de amor y servicio en todas partes. Hay gente que se siente sola por donde quiera. Hay gente hambrienta y sin casa que necesita de nuestra ayuda en todos lados. Solo es cuestión de decidirse a servir a los demás donde quiera que los encontremos.
UN CORRESPONSABLE CRISTIANO REGRESA LOS DONES DE DIOS EN MAYOR PROPORCION
Mientras que hay mucho que decir acerca de actos espontáneos de generosidad, las Escrituras tienen mucho más que decir acerca de cómo podemos dar de una manera planeada. Dar de una manera intencionada se convierte en una ofrenda que fue previamente considerada, haciéndolo de una manera profunda y engrandecida a través de la oración. Planear nuestras ofrendas es el primer paso a tomar para hacer de la Corresponsabilidad, una aventura de fe, en lugar de una simple acción impulsiva.
Source: O'Meara Ferguson Web Site O'Meara Ferguson Blog
A STEWARD CULTIVATES GOD’S GIFTS RESPONSIBLY
Stewardship is an action concept. It is about who we are, what we do and how we do it. A Christian steward sees all of life as a call to faithfulness, faithfulness to God in all things. All the gifts we receive come with the expectation that we will cultivate them faithfully out of the respect and love we have for God
A CHRISTIAN STEWARD SHARES GOD’S GIFTS LOVINGLY
When thinking about sharing God’s gifts in love and justice, sometimes a person wonders where he or she is supposed to do this sharing. The reality is that there are needy persons to love and serve everywhere. There are lonely people everywhere. There are hungry people to feed and homeless people to house everywhere. It’s a matter of deciding to “bloom where you are planted” by serving others wherever you find them.
A CHRISTIAN STEWARD RETURNS GOD’S GIFTS WITH INCREASE
While there is much to say about spontaneous acts of generosity, the Scriptures have more to say about planning to give. Giving that is purposeful is giving that has been considered, deepened and enlarged through prayer. Planning one’s giving is the first step in making stewardship a faith venture, not simply an impulse venture.
UN CORRESPONSABLE CULTIVA RESPONSABLEMENTE LOS DONES QUE RECIBE DE DIOS
Corresponsabilidad es un concepto de acción. Se refiere a lo que somos, lo que hacemos y como lo hacemos. Un corresponsable cristiano ve todo en la vida como un llamado a la fe; esa fe en todas las cosas puestas en Dios. Cada aspecto de nuestra vida es algo que Dios nos confía para que cultivemos responsablemente, motivados por el amor y el respeto que sentimos hacia Dios.
UN CORRESPONSABLE COMPARTE LOS DONES DE DIOS CON AMOR
Cuando pensamos a compartir los dones de Dios en amor y justicia, hay veces en que no sabemos donde se supone que debemos hacerlo. La realidad es que hay personas necesitadas de amor y servicio en todas partes. Hay gente que se siente sola por donde quiera. Hay gente hambrienta y sin casa que necesita de nuestra ayuda en todos lados. Solo es cuestión de decidirse a servir a los demás donde quiera que los encontremos.
UN CORRESPONSABLE CRISTIANO REGRESA LOS DONES DE DIOS EN MAYOR PROPORCION
Mientras que hay mucho que decir acerca de actos espontáneos de generosidad, las Escrituras tienen mucho más que decir acerca de cómo podemos dar de una manera planeada. Dar de una manera intencionada se convierte en una ofrenda que fue previamente considerada, haciéndolo de una manera profunda y engrandecida a través de la oración. Planear nuestras ofrendas es el primer paso a tomar para hacer de la Corresponsabilidad, una aventura de fe, en lugar de una simple acción impulsiva.
Source: O'Meara Ferguson Web Site O'Meara Ferguson Blog
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June Parish Bulletin Announcements
June 6, 2010
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
". . . He said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd." Luke 9:11b - 17
None of the Gospels tell the exact details of how four or five thousand men, plus women and children, are fed with a few loaves and fish. The Church teaches us that the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes was a prefiguration of the Body and Blood of Jesus. But let us consider another miracle, just as great. Jesus knew the Semitic ethic that required people to share with others. He knew people carried food and wine under their garments, but refrained from taking it out for fear others had brought their own. Note that Jesus blessed the loaves and fish and gave them away. He did not keep any for himself. Did people see his generous act and decide to share what they had with one another? In the context of God‟s gifts to us of reason and free will - the ability to choose to be generous or not to be generous, what is the greater miracle: multiplication of loaves and fish, or multiplication of generous hearts? Which makes us a greater witness to the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist?
June 13, 2010
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
"The one, I suppose, whose larger debt is forgiven" Luke 7:36-8:3
Kenny Rogers sings a Country Western Song, "Oh Lord it is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way." Could it be our theme song? Is the fact that we might be mistaken or wrong pretty far down on our list of possibilities? And we are proud of that? The ability to admit that we are in error or done evil does not come easy. For many people, the three most difficult words are not "I love you," but "I am wrong" and "I am sorry." And there is the always difficult "I forgive you!" Contrary to the song by Kenny Rogers, true humility is the willingness to say, "I am wrong!" and "I am sorry!" when necessary. And sometimes the best way we can give is to forgive. And the more we feel we have to forgive, the more we need to give. God gave us all that we have and are. Have we used all that God gave us as he intended? If not, have we said I am wrong and I am sorry? Our God is an awesome God. He wants to say, I forgive you! in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time we took advantage of that blessed Sacrament? Well, that‟s too long!
June 20, 2010
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"But who do you say that I am?" Luke 9:18-24
Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They respond with several names or possibilities. Then Jesus asks, "But who do you say that I am?" Now the question is personal. To answer they must reveal what is in their heart and head. Their answer will tell Jesus how they feel about him. Peter says: "You are the Christ of God." That took great faith and courage. The implications were enormous; Jesus waste no time in bluntly telling them that the "Christ of God" was going to suffer; be rejected by the authorities; killed and rise on the third day." Jesus leaves nothing to the imagination. Then he adds what his closest friends were most afraid to hear: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me." We may be relieved that we were not present with Jesus two thousand years ago. But Jesus is present with us today - in the Eucharist; in his Church. He asks each of us, "Who do you say that I am?" How do we answer him? Are we willing to accept the consequences?
June 27, 2010
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:51-62
When Elijah calls to Elisha, he hesitated, "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye." Elijah does not prevent him. Then Elisha kills the team of oxen he was driving, uses the wood of the plow to build a fire to burn their flesh and distributes it to the people and follows Elijah. He detaches himself from everything he previously depended on. Paul tells us, "For freedom Christ set us free." Christ teaches us to be free from attachment to things of this world. This freedom is not for selfish pursuits, but "to serve one another in love." Jesus calls us to follow him, but we sometimes hesitate. If we start to follow Jesus but let other attachments distract us, we will never be free to discern God‟s will for us and respond in freedom to God for all that he has given to us. What are the attachments in our life that keep us from the true freedom that allows us to follow Christ, without hesitation? Make a list. Use the back of the page and more sheets, if necessary.
Junio 6, 2010
El Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo
“…El los bendijo y los partió, y los dio a los discípulos
para darlos a la gente.” Lucas 9:11b-17
Ninguno de los Evangelios nos dice los detalles exactos de
cómo cuatro o cinco mil hombres más mujeres y niños, son
alimentados con un poco de pan y pescado. La Iglesia nos
enseña que el milagro de la multiplicación de los panes y
pescados fue una prefiguración del Cuerpo y la Sangre de
Jesús. Pero consideremos otro milagro, tan grande como
este. Jesús conocía la ética Semítica que requirió a la gente
compartir con otros. El sabía que la gente llevaba comida y
vino bajo sus ropas, pero se abstenía de sacarla por temor a
que otros hubieran traído su propia comida. Note que Jesús
bendijo los panes y los pescados y los repartió. Él no
guardó ninguno para si mismo. ¿La gente vio su acto
generoso y decidió compartir lo que ellos tenían unos con
otros? En el contexto de los dones de Dios para nosotros
de razón y libre voluntad – la habilidad de elegir ser o no
ser generosos, ¿qué milagro es más grande? ¿La
multiplicación de panes y pescados? O ¿la multiplicación
de corazones generosos? ¿Qué nos hace mayores testigos
de la Presencia Real del Cuerpo y Sangre de Jesús en la
Eucaristía?
Junio 13, 2010
Décimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Pienso que aquel a quien perdonó más”
Lucas 7:36-8:3
Kenny Rogers canta una canción Country Western , “Oh
Señor es difícil ser humilde cuando tu eres perfecto en
todas formas.” ¿Podría ser esta nuestra canción? ¿Es un
hecho que nosotros quizás estamos equivocados, alejados
de nuestra lista de posibilidades? ¿Y estamos orgullosos de
ello? La habilidad de admitir que estamos en un error o
hemos hecho mal no viene fácil. Para mucha gente, las tres
palabras más difíciles no son “yo te amo”, sino, “yo estoy
equivocado” y “yo lo siento.” Y siempre hay dificultad
para decir “yo te perdono” contrario a la canción de Kenny
Rogers, la verdadera humildad es la disposición para decir
“yo estoy equivocado” y “yo lo siento” cuando es
necesario. Y algunas veces la mejor manera en la que
podemos dar es perdonar. Y cuando sentimos que tenemos
más que perdonar, más necesitamos dar. Dios nos dio todo
lo que tenemos y somos. ¿Hemos usado todo lo que Dios
nos dio como él lo planeó? Si no, ¿hemos dicho, estoy
equivocado, y, lo siento? Nuestro Dios es un Dios
maravilloso. Él quiere decir, ¡yo te perdono! En el
Sacramento de la Reconciliación. ¿Cuándo fue la última
vez que tomamos ventaja de este bendito Sacramento?
¡Bueno, es demasiado tiempo!
Junio 20, 2010
Décimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿Y vosotros quién decís que soy?” Lucas 9:18-24
Jesús pregunta a sus discípulos, “¿Quién dice la gente que
soy yo?” Ellos responden con varios nombres o
posibilidades. Entonces Jesús pregunta, “¿Y vosotros
quién decís que soy yo?” Ahora la pregunta es personal.
Para contestar ellos deben revelar lo que hay en su corazón
y en su cabeza. Su respuesta dirá a Jesús lo que sienten
acerca de él. Pedro dice: “Tú eres el Cristo de Dios.” Ello
requirió gran fe y valor. Las implicaciones fueron
enormes; Jesús les pide que a nadie digan esto y les dice
que “el Cristo de Dios” sufrirá; que será rechazado por las
autoridades; muerto y resucitado al tercer día. Jesús no
deja nada a la imaginación. Entonces agrega lo que sus
amigos más cercanos temían escuchar: “Si alguno quiere
venir en pos de mí, niéguese a si mismo, tome su cruz cada
día y sígame.” Nosotros quizás sintamos alivio de que no
estuvimos presentes con Jesús hace dos mil años. Pero
Jesús está presente con nosotros hoy – en la Eucaristía, en
su Iglesia. Él nos pregunta a cada uno, “¿Quién dices que
soy?” ¿Cómo le respondemos? ¿Estamos dispuestos a
aceptar las consecuencias?
Junio 27, 2010
Décimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Ninguno que poniendo su mano en el arado mira
hacia atrás, es apto para el reino de Dios.”
Lucas 9:51-62
Cuando Elías llamó a Eliseo, él dudó, “Te ruego que me
dejes besar a mi padre y a mi madre, y luego te seguiré.”
Elías no lo detuvo. Eliseo volvió y tomo un par de bueyes
y los mató, y con el arado de los bueyes coció la carne, y la
dio al pueblo para que comiesen. Después se levantó y fue
tras Elías y lo sirvió. Él se separó de todo lo que dependía
anteriormente. San Pablo nos dice, “Por la libertad, Cristo
nos libera.” Cristo nos enseña a ser libres de afecto a cosas
de este mundo. Esta libertad no es por seguimiento egoísta,
sino para “servir unos a otros en amor.”
Jesús nos llama a seguirle, pero nosotros dudamos a veces.
Si empezamos a seguir a Jesús pero otros afectos nos
distraen, nunca seremos libres de discernir la voluntad de
Dios para nosotros y de responder en libertad a Dios por
todo lo que nos ha dado. ¿Cuáles son los afectos en nuestra
vida que nos detienen de la verdadera libertad que nos
permite seguir a Cristo sin lugar a dudas? ¡Haga una lista!
Use el otro lado de la hoja y más hojas si es necesario.
Source: ICSC Newsletter:
Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
". . . He said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd." Luke 9:11b - 17
None of the Gospels tell the exact details of how four or five thousand men, plus women and children, are fed with a few loaves and fish. The Church teaches us that the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes was a prefiguration of the Body and Blood of Jesus. But let us consider another miracle, just as great. Jesus knew the Semitic ethic that required people to share with others. He knew people carried food and wine under their garments, but refrained from taking it out for fear others had brought their own. Note that Jesus blessed the loaves and fish and gave them away. He did not keep any for himself. Did people see his generous act and decide to share what they had with one another? In the context of God‟s gifts to us of reason and free will - the ability to choose to be generous or not to be generous, what is the greater miracle: multiplication of loaves and fish, or multiplication of generous hearts? Which makes us a greater witness to the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist?
June 13, 2010
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
"The one, I suppose, whose larger debt is forgiven" Luke 7:36-8:3
Kenny Rogers sings a Country Western Song, "Oh Lord it is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way." Could it be our theme song? Is the fact that we might be mistaken or wrong pretty far down on our list of possibilities? And we are proud of that? The ability to admit that we are in error or done evil does not come easy. For many people, the three most difficult words are not "I love you," but "I am wrong" and "I am sorry." And there is the always difficult "I forgive you!" Contrary to the song by Kenny Rogers, true humility is the willingness to say, "I am wrong!" and "I am sorry!" when necessary. And sometimes the best way we can give is to forgive. And the more we feel we have to forgive, the more we need to give. God gave us all that we have and are. Have we used all that God gave us as he intended? If not, have we said I am wrong and I am sorry? Our God is an awesome God. He wants to say, I forgive you! in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time we took advantage of that blessed Sacrament? Well, that‟s too long!
June 20, 2010
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"But who do you say that I am?" Luke 9:18-24
Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They respond with several names or possibilities. Then Jesus asks, "But who do you say that I am?" Now the question is personal. To answer they must reveal what is in their heart and head. Their answer will tell Jesus how they feel about him. Peter says: "You are the Christ of God." That took great faith and courage. The implications were enormous; Jesus waste no time in bluntly telling them that the "Christ of God" was going to suffer; be rejected by the authorities; killed and rise on the third day." Jesus leaves nothing to the imagination. Then he adds what his closest friends were most afraid to hear: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me." We may be relieved that we were not present with Jesus two thousand years ago. But Jesus is present with us today - in the Eucharist; in his Church. He asks each of us, "Who do you say that I am?" How do we answer him? Are we willing to accept the consequences?
June 27, 2010
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:51-62
When Elijah calls to Elisha, he hesitated, "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye." Elijah does not prevent him. Then Elisha kills the team of oxen he was driving, uses the wood of the plow to build a fire to burn their flesh and distributes it to the people and follows Elijah. He detaches himself from everything he previously depended on. Paul tells us, "For freedom Christ set us free." Christ teaches us to be free from attachment to things of this world. This freedom is not for selfish pursuits, but "to serve one another in love." Jesus calls us to follow him, but we sometimes hesitate. If we start to follow Jesus but let other attachments distract us, we will never be free to discern God‟s will for us and respond in freedom to God for all that he has given to us. What are the attachments in our life that keep us from the true freedom that allows us to follow Christ, without hesitation? Make a list. Use the back of the page and more sheets, if necessary.
Junio 6, 2010
El Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo
“…El los bendijo y los partió, y los dio a los discípulos
para darlos a la gente.” Lucas 9:11b-17
Ninguno de los Evangelios nos dice los detalles exactos de
cómo cuatro o cinco mil hombres más mujeres y niños, son
alimentados con un poco de pan y pescado. La Iglesia nos
enseña que el milagro de la multiplicación de los panes y
pescados fue una prefiguración del Cuerpo y la Sangre de
Jesús. Pero consideremos otro milagro, tan grande como
este. Jesús conocía la ética Semítica que requirió a la gente
compartir con otros. El sabía que la gente llevaba comida y
vino bajo sus ropas, pero se abstenía de sacarla por temor a
que otros hubieran traído su propia comida. Note que Jesús
bendijo los panes y los pescados y los repartió. Él no
guardó ninguno para si mismo. ¿La gente vio su acto
generoso y decidió compartir lo que ellos tenían unos con
otros? En el contexto de los dones de Dios para nosotros
de razón y libre voluntad – la habilidad de elegir ser o no
ser generosos, ¿qué milagro es más grande? ¿La
multiplicación de panes y pescados? O ¿la multiplicación
de corazones generosos? ¿Qué nos hace mayores testigos
de la Presencia Real del Cuerpo y Sangre de Jesús en la
Eucaristía?
Junio 13, 2010
Décimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Pienso que aquel a quien perdonó más”
Lucas 7:36-8:3
Kenny Rogers canta una canción Country Western , “Oh
Señor es difícil ser humilde cuando tu eres perfecto en
todas formas.” ¿Podría ser esta nuestra canción? ¿Es un
hecho que nosotros quizás estamos equivocados, alejados
de nuestra lista de posibilidades? ¿Y estamos orgullosos de
ello? La habilidad de admitir que estamos en un error o
hemos hecho mal no viene fácil. Para mucha gente, las tres
palabras más difíciles no son “yo te amo”, sino, “yo estoy
equivocado” y “yo lo siento.” Y siempre hay dificultad
para decir “yo te perdono” contrario a la canción de Kenny
Rogers, la verdadera humildad es la disposición para decir
“yo estoy equivocado” y “yo lo siento” cuando es
necesario. Y algunas veces la mejor manera en la que
podemos dar es perdonar. Y cuando sentimos que tenemos
más que perdonar, más necesitamos dar. Dios nos dio todo
lo que tenemos y somos. ¿Hemos usado todo lo que Dios
nos dio como él lo planeó? Si no, ¿hemos dicho, estoy
equivocado, y, lo siento? Nuestro Dios es un Dios
maravilloso. Él quiere decir, ¡yo te perdono! En el
Sacramento de la Reconciliación. ¿Cuándo fue la última
vez que tomamos ventaja de este bendito Sacramento?
¡Bueno, es demasiado tiempo!
Junio 20, 2010
Décimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿Y vosotros quién decís que soy?” Lucas 9:18-24
Jesús pregunta a sus discípulos, “¿Quién dice la gente que
soy yo?” Ellos responden con varios nombres o
posibilidades. Entonces Jesús pregunta, “¿Y vosotros
quién decís que soy yo?” Ahora la pregunta es personal.
Para contestar ellos deben revelar lo que hay en su corazón
y en su cabeza. Su respuesta dirá a Jesús lo que sienten
acerca de él. Pedro dice: “Tú eres el Cristo de Dios.” Ello
requirió gran fe y valor. Las implicaciones fueron
enormes; Jesús les pide que a nadie digan esto y les dice
que “el Cristo de Dios” sufrirá; que será rechazado por las
autoridades; muerto y resucitado al tercer día. Jesús no
deja nada a la imaginación. Entonces agrega lo que sus
amigos más cercanos temían escuchar: “Si alguno quiere
venir en pos de mí, niéguese a si mismo, tome su cruz cada
día y sígame.” Nosotros quizás sintamos alivio de que no
estuvimos presentes con Jesús hace dos mil años. Pero
Jesús está presente con nosotros hoy – en la Eucaristía, en
su Iglesia. Él nos pregunta a cada uno, “¿Quién dices que
soy?” ¿Cómo le respondemos? ¿Estamos dispuestos a
aceptar las consecuencias?
Junio 27, 2010
Décimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Ninguno que poniendo su mano en el arado mira
hacia atrás, es apto para el reino de Dios.”
Lucas 9:51-62
Cuando Elías llamó a Eliseo, él dudó, “Te ruego que me
dejes besar a mi padre y a mi madre, y luego te seguiré.”
Elías no lo detuvo. Eliseo volvió y tomo un par de bueyes
y los mató, y con el arado de los bueyes coció la carne, y la
dio al pueblo para que comiesen. Después se levantó y fue
tras Elías y lo sirvió. Él se separó de todo lo que dependía
anteriormente. San Pablo nos dice, “Por la libertad, Cristo
nos libera.” Cristo nos enseña a ser libres de afecto a cosas
de este mundo. Esta libertad no es por seguimiento egoísta,
sino para “servir unos a otros en amor.”
Jesús nos llama a seguirle, pero nosotros dudamos a veces.
Si empezamos a seguir a Jesús pero otros afectos nos
distraen, nunca seremos libres de discernir la voluntad de
Dios para nosotros y de responder en libertad a Dios por
todo lo que nos ha dado. ¿Cuáles son los afectos en nuestra
vida que nos detienen de la verdadera libertad que nos
permite seguir a Cristo sin lugar a dudas? ¡Haga una lista!
Use el otro lado de la hoja y más hojas si es necesario.
Source: ICSC Newsletter:
Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Stewardship and the Sunday Readings
June 6th (from Luke‟s Gospel)
"They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets." The crowds that gathered were fed. Jesus asked the disciples to gather the crowds into smaller groups of about fifty and it is in these smaller groups that people were fed. Gathering parish members into smaller groups to carry out the ministry of the church is a way stewardship feeds the soul and builds community.
June 13th (from Luke‟s Gospel)
"Accompanying him were…Joanna, the wife of Herod‟s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources." Recognizing the abundance of God‟s love, compassion, and forgiveness offered through and by Jesus an intentional community forms to support the ministry of Jesus with their resources. The message of stewardship is about being intentional in our participation in parish, community and family life. It is about supporting all of these in some way with our resources of time, talent and treasure.
June 20th (from Luke‟s Gospel)
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." The challenge of stewardship is found in the giving up. Giving up the urge to hold on to our time, or talent, or treasure. Giving up the desire to control how these are used to support parish life and ministry. The comfort and grace of God experienced through stewardship comes from the very same giving up.
June 27th (from Letter to Galatians)
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Paul repeats the very words used by Jesus about loving neighbor. The whole of stewardship is fulfilled in living out this command to love neighbor as yourself. Said another way, embracing stewardship as a way of life, leads to living this great commandment. Embracing stewardship and loving your neighbor as yourself are mutually fulfilling.
Junio 6 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Ellos comieron y quedaron saciados. Y cuando
recogieron los trozos sobrantes, llenaron doce
cestas,” La multitud que se reunió fue alimentada.
Jesús pidió a los discípulos reunir a la multitud en
pequeños grupos de cincuenta, para que así fueran
alimentados. Reunir a los miembros de la parroquia
en pequeños grupos para llevar el ministerio de la
iglesia es una forma de corresponsabilidad que nutre
el alma y construye la comunidad
Junio 13 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Acompañándole estaban…Juana, mujer de Chuza,
intendente de Herodes y Susana y otras muchas que
le servían de sus bienes.” Reconociendo la
abundancia del amor, la compasión, y el perdón de
Dios ofrecidos a través de Jesús se forma una
comunidad intencional para apoyar el ministerio de
Jesús con sus recursos. El mensaje de
corresponsabilidad trata de que nuestra participación
en la parroquia, en la comunidad y en la vida familiar
sea intencional. Trata de que apoyemos a todos de
alguna manera con nuestros recursos de tiempo,
talento y tesoro
Junio 20 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Todo el que procura salvar su vida, la perderá, pero
aquel que la pierda en mi nombre la salvará.” El
desafío de la corresponsabilidad se encuentra en la
renuncia. Renunciar al impulso de aferrarse a
nuestro tiempo, talento o tesoro. Renunciar al deseo
de controlar cómo son utilizados para apoyar la vida
y el ministerio parroquiales. El consuelo y la gracia
de dios, experimentados a través de la
corresponsabilidad, vienen de la misma renuncia.
Junio 27 (de la Carta a los Gálatas)
“Porque toda la ley se cumple en un mandamiento,
Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.” Pablo repite
las mismas palabras usadas por Jesús acerca de amar
al prójimo. La totalidad de la corresponsabilidad es
cumplida al vivir este mandamiento de amar al
prójimo como a ti mismo. Dicho de otra manera,
abrazar la corresponsabilidad como una forma de
vida, guía a vivir este gran mandamiento. Abrazar la
corresponsabilidad y amar al prójimo como a ti
mismo se realizan recíprocamente.
Source: ICSC Newsletter - John Baumann M.Div.
"They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets." The crowds that gathered were fed. Jesus asked the disciples to gather the crowds into smaller groups of about fifty and it is in these smaller groups that people were fed. Gathering parish members into smaller groups to carry out the ministry of the church is a way stewardship feeds the soul and builds community.
June 13th (from Luke‟s Gospel)
"Accompanying him were…Joanna, the wife of Herod‟s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources." Recognizing the abundance of God‟s love, compassion, and forgiveness offered through and by Jesus an intentional community forms to support the ministry of Jesus with their resources. The message of stewardship is about being intentional in our participation in parish, community and family life. It is about supporting all of these in some way with our resources of time, talent and treasure.
June 20th (from Luke‟s Gospel)
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." The challenge of stewardship is found in the giving up. Giving up the urge to hold on to our time, or talent, or treasure. Giving up the desire to control how these are used to support parish life and ministry. The comfort and grace of God experienced through stewardship comes from the very same giving up.
June 27th (from Letter to Galatians)
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Paul repeats the very words used by Jesus about loving neighbor. The whole of stewardship is fulfilled in living out this command to love neighbor as yourself. Said another way, embracing stewardship as a way of life, leads to living this great commandment. Embracing stewardship and loving your neighbor as yourself are mutually fulfilling.
Junio 6 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Ellos comieron y quedaron saciados. Y cuando
recogieron los trozos sobrantes, llenaron doce
cestas,” La multitud que se reunió fue alimentada.
Jesús pidió a los discípulos reunir a la multitud en
pequeños grupos de cincuenta, para que así fueran
alimentados. Reunir a los miembros de la parroquia
en pequeños grupos para llevar el ministerio de la
iglesia es una forma de corresponsabilidad que nutre
el alma y construye la comunidad
Junio 13 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Acompañándole estaban…Juana, mujer de Chuza,
intendente de Herodes y Susana y otras muchas que
le servían de sus bienes.” Reconociendo la
abundancia del amor, la compasión, y el perdón de
Dios ofrecidos a través de Jesús se forma una
comunidad intencional para apoyar el ministerio de
Jesús con sus recursos. El mensaje de
corresponsabilidad trata de que nuestra participación
en la parroquia, en la comunidad y en la vida familiar
sea intencional. Trata de que apoyemos a todos de
alguna manera con nuestros recursos de tiempo,
talento y tesoro
Junio 20 (del Evangelio de San Lucas)
“Todo el que procura salvar su vida, la perderá, pero
aquel que la pierda en mi nombre la salvará.” El
desafío de la corresponsabilidad se encuentra en la
renuncia. Renunciar al impulso de aferrarse a
nuestro tiempo, talento o tesoro. Renunciar al deseo
de controlar cómo son utilizados para apoyar la vida
y el ministerio parroquiales. El consuelo y la gracia
de dios, experimentados a través de la
corresponsabilidad, vienen de la misma renuncia.
Junio 27 (de la Carta a los Gálatas)
“Porque toda la ley se cumple en un mandamiento,
Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.” Pablo repite
las mismas palabras usadas por Jesús acerca de amar
al prójimo. La totalidad de la corresponsabilidad es
cumplida al vivir este mandamiento de amar al
prójimo como a ti mismo. Dicho de otra manera,
abrazar la corresponsabilidad como una forma de
vida, guía a vivir este gran mandamiento. Abrazar la
corresponsabilidad y amar al prójimo como a ti
mismo se realizan recíprocamente.
Source: ICSC Newsletter - John Baumann M.Div.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Stewardship and the Sunday Readings
April 4th – Easter Sunday
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil take us
through a lived experience of the Paschal Mystery –
life, death and resurrection.
The readings for Easter Sunday have the themes
of Resurrection and new life woven through all of them.
Stewardship is the way we celebrate this resurrection
and new life every day of the year in our personal and family affairs, work,
and civic involvement. It is bringing the strength of our faith into all of life.
April 11th – from the Acts of the Apostles
“Many signs and wonders were done among
the people at the hands of the apostles.”
Little things that make a difference in another’s life
are most certainly “signs and wonders.”
A smile or a comforting word can lift someone’s sagging spirit.
A few dollars given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society joins a few others
and someone has electricity for a month. Little things offered with love make for great stewardship.
April 18th – from St. John’s Gospel
“Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time
Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.”
Jesus continues to be revealed to us in Eucharist
and in our serving others through stewardship. The presence of Jesus is a
given. It is stewardship that opens our eyes to experience this presence.
April 25th - from the Acts of the Apostles)
“The disciples (Paul and Barnabas) were filled with joy a
nd the Holy Spirit.” Paul and Barnabas had just been expelled from Antioch.
It may be hard to believe that they were then filled with joy. It may be
even harder yet to believe that Antioch became one of the early centers of Christianity!
The promise of stewardship is that even when we struggle and our efforts seem to fail, the Holy Spirit is experienced and joy can be present.
Source: ICSC Newsletter
John Baumann, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
(Archdiocese of Seattle)
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil take us
through a lived experience of the Paschal Mystery –
life, death and resurrection.
The readings for Easter Sunday have the themes
of Resurrection and new life woven through all of them.
Stewardship is the way we celebrate this resurrection
and new life every day of the year in our personal and family affairs, work,
and civic involvement. It is bringing the strength of our faith into all of life.
April 11th – from the Acts of the Apostles
“Many signs and wonders were done among
the people at the hands of the apostles.”
Little things that make a difference in another’s life
are most certainly “signs and wonders.”
A smile or a comforting word can lift someone’s sagging spirit.
A few dollars given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society joins a few others
and someone has electricity for a month. Little things offered with love make for great stewardship.
April 18th – from St. John’s Gospel
“Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time
Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.”
Jesus continues to be revealed to us in Eucharist
and in our serving others through stewardship. The presence of Jesus is a
given. It is stewardship that opens our eyes to experience this presence.
April 25th - from the Acts of the Apostles)
“The disciples (Paul and Barnabas) were filled with joy a
nd the Holy Spirit.” Paul and Barnabas had just been expelled from Antioch.
It may be hard to believe that they were then filled with joy. It may be
even harder yet to believe that Antioch became one of the early centers of Christianity!
The promise of stewardship is that even when we struggle and our efforts seem to fail, the Holy Spirit is experienced and joy can be present.
Source: ICSC Newsletter
John Baumann, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
(Archdiocese of Seattle)
Oración de Corresponsabilidad
Señor Dios,
Sólo Tú eres la fuente de todos los dones que
forman nuestro inmenso universo, y el misterio de
cada vida humana. Te alabamos y te damos
gracias por tu bondadoso y fiel amor.
Todo lo que somos y todo lo que tenemos son
tus dones; y después de habernos creado, nos has
dado a tu hijo Jesucristo. Llena nuestras mentes
con Su verdad y nuestros corazones con Su amor.
Que podamos unirnos afectuosamente, en Su
espíritu, en una comunidad de fe, una familia
parroquial, y un pueblo afectuoso.
En el nombre del espíritu de Jesús, nos
comprometemos con nosotros mismos a ser
buenos corresponsables de los dones que nos han
sido confiados, a compartir nuestro tiempo,
nuestros talentos y nuestros dones materiales y
espirituales como un signo externo del tesoro que
tenemos en Jesús.
Nosotros oramos en Su santo nombre, Amén.
Sólo Tú eres la fuente de todos los dones que
forman nuestro inmenso universo, y el misterio de
cada vida humana. Te alabamos y te damos
gracias por tu bondadoso y fiel amor.
Todo lo que somos y todo lo que tenemos son
tus dones; y después de habernos creado, nos has
dado a tu hijo Jesucristo. Llena nuestras mentes
con Su verdad y nuestros corazones con Su amor.
Que podamos unirnos afectuosamente, en Su
espíritu, en una comunidad de fe, una familia
parroquial, y un pueblo afectuoso.
En el nombre del espíritu de Jesús, nos
comprometemos con nosotros mismos a ser
buenos corresponsables de los dones que nos han
sido confiados, a compartir nuestro tiempo,
nuestros talentos y nuestros dones materiales y
espirituales como un signo externo del tesoro que
tenemos en Jesús.
Nosotros oramos en Su santo nombre, Amén.
Stewardship Prayer
Lord God,
You alone are the source of every good gift, of
the vast array of our universe, and the mystery of
each human life. We praise you and thank you for
your great power and your tender, faithful love.
Everything we are and everything we have are
your gifts; and after having created us, you have
given us into the keeping of your son, Jesus
Christ. Fill our minds with His truth and our
hearts with His love. In His spirit, may we be
bonded together into a community of faith, a
parish family, a caring people.
In the name and spirit of Jesus, we commit
ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts
entrusted to us, to share our time, our talents, and
our material and spiritual gifts as an outward sign
of the treasure we hold in Jesus.
In His holy name we pray,
Amen.
You alone are the source of every good gift, of
the vast array of our universe, and the mystery of
each human life. We praise you and thank you for
your great power and your tender, faithful love.
Everything we are and everything we have are
your gifts; and after having created us, you have
given us into the keeping of your son, Jesus
Christ. Fill our minds with His truth and our
hearts with His love. In His spirit, may we be
bonded together into a community of faith, a
parish family, a caring people.
In the name and spirit of Jesus, we commit
ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts
entrusted to us, to share our time, our talents, and
our material and spiritual gifts as an outward sign
of the treasure we hold in Jesus.
In His holy name we pray,
Amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April Parish Bulletin Announcements
April 4 – Easter Sunday
The Lord has truly been raised…He was made known
to us in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:13-35
The exact location of Emmaus has not been
established. Two sites northwest of Jerusalem
make strong claims. One is about seven miles
from Jerusalem, as reported in Luke’s Gospel; the
other is approximately twenty miles away, but
makes a stronger case. The disciples who
encountered Jesus would have left Jerusalem
early in the morning. Walking at a brisk pace,
they could cover twenty miles in one day. They
do not recognize Jesus, but are impressed with his
knowledge of Scripture. They urge him, “Stay
with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is
almost over.” It would be nice to know the exact
location of Emmaus, but it is much more
important to understand that the two disciples
realized, “our hearts were burning within us.”
They recognized Jesus as the Risen Lord in the
Breaking of the Bread and rushed back to
Jerusalem to tell the others. Do we recognize
Jesus as the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the
Bread? Do we rush out to tell others? This Easter
morn is a good time to start doing that!
April 11 – Second Sunday of Easter
“Blessed are those who have not seen and believed.”
John 20:19-31
John tells us that the disciples who abandoned
Jesus when He was arrested and taken to the cross
(John was one of them) were locked in a room a
week after they had seen him risen from the dead
and He had appeared to them in that same room.
Jesus had good reason to be disappointed with
them. But He says to them, “Peace be with you!”
He knew it was difficult for them to believe even
though they had seen. And He knew how difficult
it would be for us who had not seen to believe.
That is why, at our Baptism, our parents, or we
ourselves if we are old enough, promise to make
our faith “constantly grow stronger in our hearts”
and to “bring that faith unstained into heaven.”
We renewed our Baptismal Promises on Easter
Sunday. What have we done to make our faith
“grow stronger in our hearts”? What are we
doing? What will we do in the future? Are we
being good stewards of our faith?
April 18 – Third Sunday of Easter
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love
you.” John 21:1-19
After appearing to the disciples twice behind
locked doors in a room in Jerusalem, Jesus
reveals Himself a third time to seven of His
disciples who are fishing at the northwest end of
the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). The scene is a
reminder of His first call to them to become
fishers of men. After preparing and sharing a
breakfast of fish with them, Jesus asks Simon
Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter, who
had denied Jesus three times, finally says, “Lord
you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Peter reveals his great faith in Jesus. Only God
knows everything and only God could know what
was in Peter’s heart. When we encounter Jesus
He ask us, “Do you love me?” Is our faith in
Jesus such that we have no doubt that He is God
and that He knows what is in our heart? How do
we respond to Jesus?
April 25 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they
follow me.” John 10:27-30
There are very few family members or friends
that we cannot identify by their voice. Jesus tells
us that His followers hear His voice. Jesus also
says He knows us. Jesus does not need to know
our voice. He knows us! He knows what we need
before we say it. But, do we know the voice of
Jesus? And, what do we do when we hear the
voice of Jesus? Do we hear the voice of Jesus in
prayer, when we stop speaking and listen – listen
for God’s will for us? Do we hear the voice of
Jesus in our family, our friends, and strangers –
through the people and events in our lives? Jesus
challenges us to be and to do all that God created
us to be and do. When we hear ourselves saying
“No, I don’t want to love that person (or take that
risk or challenge that evil),” we probably just
heard from God. How do we respond as stewards
of our prayer life and of all that God has given
us? Our first response might be “No!” But our
final response must be “Yes, Lord!”
Abril 4 – Domingo de Pascua
El Señor ha resucitado verdaderamente…se ha
manifestado a nosotros al partir el pan.
Lucas 24:13-35
El sitio exacto de Emaús no ha sido establecido. Es
reclamado fehacientemente por dos sitios al noroeste
de Jerusalén. Uno de ellos está a siete millas de
Jerusalén, como menciona el Evangelio de San Lucas;
el otro está a aproximadamente a 20 millas, pero tiene
un caso más fuerte. Los discípulos que encontraron a
Jesús habían salido de Jerusalén por la mañana
temprano. Caminando con rapidez, pudieron cubrir 20
millas en un día. Ellos no reconocieron a Jesús, pero
se impresionaron por su conocimiento de las
Escrituras. Ellos le pidieron, “Quédate con nosotros,
es tarde y el día ya ha declinado.” Sería bueno saber la
ubicación exacta de Emaús, pero es mucho más
importante entender lo que los dos discípulos
sintieron, “nuestros corazones arden dentro de
nosotros,” Ellos reconocieron a Jesús como el Señor
Resucitado al Partir el Pan y regresaron a Jerusalén
presurosamente a decirles a los otros. ¿Nosotros
reconocemos a Jesús como el Señor resucitado al
Partir el Pan? ¿Nos apresuramos a decírselo a otros?
¡Esta Pascua es un buen momento para hacerlo!
Abril 11 – Segundo Domingo de Pascua
“Bienaventurados los que no vieron y creyeron.”
Juan 20:19-31
Juan nos dice que los discípulos que abandonaron a
Jesús cuando fue arrestado y llevado a la cruz (Juan
era uno de ellos) estaban encerrados en un lugar una
semana después que vieron al Señor resucitado y que
apareció ante ellos en ese mismo lugar. Jesús tenía
una buena razón para estar molesto con ellos. Pero Él
les dijo, “Paz a vosotros” El sabía que era difícil para
ellos creer aún cuando lo habían visto. Y sabía cuán
difícil sería para nosotros, que no hemos visto, creer.
Es por ello que en nuestro Bautismo, nuestros padres,
o nosotros si somos mayores, prometemos “hacer
crecer la fe en nuestros corazones constantemente”
“fortalecerla en nuestros corazones” y “llevar esta fe
sin mancha al cielo.” Nosotros renovamos nuestras
Promesas Bautismales el Domingo de Pascua. ¿Qué
hemos hecho para que nuestra fe crezca más fuerte en
nuestros corazones? ¿Qué estamos haciendo? ¿Qué
haremos en el futuro? ¿Somos buenos corresponsables
de nuestra fe?
Abril 18 – Tercer Domingo de Pascua
“Señor, Tú lo sabes todo; Tú sabes que te amo.”
Juan 21:1-19
Después de aparecer a sus discípulos en dos ocasiones
en Jerusalén, en un lugar con las puertas cerradas,
Jesús se manifestó una tercera vez a siete de sus
discípulos que pescaban a la orilla del mar de Tiberias
(Galilea). La escena nos recuerda su primer llamado a
convertirse en pescadores de hombres. Después de
preparar y compartir el pescado con ellos, Jesús le
preguntó a Simón Pedro tres veces, ¿me amas? Pedro,
quien negó tres veces a Jesús, finalmente le dice,
“Señor, tú lo sabes todo; tú sabes que te amo.” Pedro
revela su gran fe en Jesús. Sólo Dios lo sabe todo y
solo Dios puede saber lo que hay en su corazón.
Cuando encontramos a Jesús, Él nos pregunta, ¿me
amas? ¿Nuestra fe en Jesús es tal que no tenemos
duda de que Él es Dios y que Él sabe lo que esta en
nuestro corazón? ¿Cómo respondemos a Jesús?
Abril 25 – Cuarto Domingo de Pascua
“Mis ovejas oyen mi voz; y yo las conozco y me
siguen.” Juan 10:27-30
Hay muy pocos miembros de la familia y amigos que
no podemos identificar por su voz. Jesús nos dice que
quienes lo siguen oyen su voz. Jesús dice también que
nos conoce. Jesús no necesita conocer nuestra voz. ¡Él
nos conoce! Sabe lo que necesitamos antes de decirlo.
¿Pero, nosotros conocemos la voz de Jesús? Y ¿qué
hacemos cuando oímos la voz de Jesús? ¿Oímos la
voz de Jesús en oración, cuando nos detenemos de
hablar y escuchamos –la voluntad de Dios para
nosotros? ¿Escuchamos la voz de Dios en nuestra
familia, nuestros amigos y extraños –a través de la
gente y eventos de nuestras vidas? Jesús nos desafía a
ser y a hacer todo lo que Dios creó para que seamos y
hagamos. Cuando nos escuchamos a nosotros mismos
diciendo “No, no quiero amar a esa persona (o tomar
ese riesgo, o desafiar ese mal)”, probablemente recién
escuchamos a Dios. ¿Cómo respondemos como
corresponsables de nuestra vida de oración y de todo
lo que Dios nos ha dado? Nuestra primera respuesta
quizás sea “No” pero nuestra respuesta final debe ser
“Si, Señor.”
Source: ICSC Newsletter -
Dn. Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
The Lord has truly been raised…He was made known
to us in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:13-35
The exact location of Emmaus has not been
established. Two sites northwest of Jerusalem
make strong claims. One is about seven miles
from Jerusalem, as reported in Luke’s Gospel; the
other is approximately twenty miles away, but
makes a stronger case. The disciples who
encountered Jesus would have left Jerusalem
early in the morning. Walking at a brisk pace,
they could cover twenty miles in one day. They
do not recognize Jesus, but are impressed with his
knowledge of Scripture. They urge him, “Stay
with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is
almost over.” It would be nice to know the exact
location of Emmaus, but it is much more
important to understand that the two disciples
realized, “our hearts were burning within us.”
They recognized Jesus as the Risen Lord in the
Breaking of the Bread and rushed back to
Jerusalem to tell the others. Do we recognize
Jesus as the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the
Bread? Do we rush out to tell others? This Easter
morn is a good time to start doing that!
April 11 – Second Sunday of Easter
“Blessed are those who have not seen and believed.”
John 20:19-31
John tells us that the disciples who abandoned
Jesus when He was arrested and taken to the cross
(John was one of them) were locked in a room a
week after they had seen him risen from the dead
and He had appeared to them in that same room.
Jesus had good reason to be disappointed with
them. But He says to them, “Peace be with you!”
He knew it was difficult for them to believe even
though they had seen. And He knew how difficult
it would be for us who had not seen to believe.
That is why, at our Baptism, our parents, or we
ourselves if we are old enough, promise to make
our faith “constantly grow stronger in our hearts”
and to “bring that faith unstained into heaven.”
We renewed our Baptismal Promises on Easter
Sunday. What have we done to make our faith
“grow stronger in our hearts”? What are we
doing? What will we do in the future? Are we
being good stewards of our faith?
April 18 – Third Sunday of Easter
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love
you.” John 21:1-19
After appearing to the disciples twice behind
locked doors in a room in Jerusalem, Jesus
reveals Himself a third time to seven of His
disciples who are fishing at the northwest end of
the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). The scene is a
reminder of His first call to them to become
fishers of men. After preparing and sharing a
breakfast of fish with them, Jesus asks Simon
Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter, who
had denied Jesus three times, finally says, “Lord
you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Peter reveals his great faith in Jesus. Only God
knows everything and only God could know what
was in Peter’s heart. When we encounter Jesus
He ask us, “Do you love me?” Is our faith in
Jesus such that we have no doubt that He is God
and that He knows what is in our heart? How do
we respond to Jesus?
April 25 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they
follow me.” John 10:27-30
There are very few family members or friends
that we cannot identify by their voice. Jesus tells
us that His followers hear His voice. Jesus also
says He knows us. Jesus does not need to know
our voice. He knows us! He knows what we need
before we say it. But, do we know the voice of
Jesus? And, what do we do when we hear the
voice of Jesus? Do we hear the voice of Jesus in
prayer, when we stop speaking and listen – listen
for God’s will for us? Do we hear the voice of
Jesus in our family, our friends, and strangers –
through the people and events in our lives? Jesus
challenges us to be and to do all that God created
us to be and do. When we hear ourselves saying
“No, I don’t want to love that person (or take that
risk or challenge that evil),” we probably just
heard from God. How do we respond as stewards
of our prayer life and of all that God has given
us? Our first response might be “No!” But our
final response must be “Yes, Lord!”
Abril 4 – Domingo de Pascua
El Señor ha resucitado verdaderamente…se ha
manifestado a nosotros al partir el pan.
Lucas 24:13-35
El sitio exacto de Emaús no ha sido establecido. Es
reclamado fehacientemente por dos sitios al noroeste
de Jerusalén. Uno de ellos está a siete millas de
Jerusalén, como menciona el Evangelio de San Lucas;
el otro está a aproximadamente a 20 millas, pero tiene
un caso más fuerte. Los discípulos que encontraron a
Jesús habían salido de Jerusalén por la mañana
temprano. Caminando con rapidez, pudieron cubrir 20
millas en un día. Ellos no reconocieron a Jesús, pero
se impresionaron por su conocimiento de las
Escrituras. Ellos le pidieron, “Quédate con nosotros,
es tarde y el día ya ha declinado.” Sería bueno saber la
ubicación exacta de Emaús, pero es mucho más
importante entender lo que los dos discípulos
sintieron, “nuestros corazones arden dentro de
nosotros,” Ellos reconocieron a Jesús como el Señor
Resucitado al Partir el Pan y regresaron a Jerusalén
presurosamente a decirles a los otros. ¿Nosotros
reconocemos a Jesús como el Señor resucitado al
Partir el Pan? ¿Nos apresuramos a decírselo a otros?
¡Esta Pascua es un buen momento para hacerlo!
Abril 11 – Segundo Domingo de Pascua
“Bienaventurados los que no vieron y creyeron.”
Juan 20:19-31
Juan nos dice que los discípulos que abandonaron a
Jesús cuando fue arrestado y llevado a la cruz (Juan
era uno de ellos) estaban encerrados en un lugar una
semana después que vieron al Señor resucitado y que
apareció ante ellos en ese mismo lugar. Jesús tenía
una buena razón para estar molesto con ellos. Pero Él
les dijo, “Paz a vosotros” El sabía que era difícil para
ellos creer aún cuando lo habían visto. Y sabía cuán
difícil sería para nosotros, que no hemos visto, creer.
Es por ello que en nuestro Bautismo, nuestros padres,
o nosotros si somos mayores, prometemos “hacer
crecer la fe en nuestros corazones constantemente”
“fortalecerla en nuestros corazones” y “llevar esta fe
sin mancha al cielo.” Nosotros renovamos nuestras
Promesas Bautismales el Domingo de Pascua. ¿Qué
hemos hecho para que nuestra fe crezca más fuerte en
nuestros corazones? ¿Qué estamos haciendo? ¿Qué
haremos en el futuro? ¿Somos buenos corresponsables
de nuestra fe?
Abril 18 – Tercer Domingo de Pascua
“Señor, Tú lo sabes todo; Tú sabes que te amo.”
Juan 21:1-19
Después de aparecer a sus discípulos en dos ocasiones
en Jerusalén, en un lugar con las puertas cerradas,
Jesús se manifestó una tercera vez a siete de sus
discípulos que pescaban a la orilla del mar de Tiberias
(Galilea). La escena nos recuerda su primer llamado a
convertirse en pescadores de hombres. Después de
preparar y compartir el pescado con ellos, Jesús le
preguntó a Simón Pedro tres veces, ¿me amas? Pedro,
quien negó tres veces a Jesús, finalmente le dice,
“Señor, tú lo sabes todo; tú sabes que te amo.” Pedro
revela su gran fe en Jesús. Sólo Dios lo sabe todo y
solo Dios puede saber lo que hay en su corazón.
Cuando encontramos a Jesús, Él nos pregunta, ¿me
amas? ¿Nuestra fe en Jesús es tal que no tenemos
duda de que Él es Dios y que Él sabe lo que esta en
nuestro corazón? ¿Cómo respondemos a Jesús?
Abril 25 – Cuarto Domingo de Pascua
“Mis ovejas oyen mi voz; y yo las conozco y me
siguen.” Juan 10:27-30
Hay muy pocos miembros de la familia y amigos que
no podemos identificar por su voz. Jesús nos dice que
quienes lo siguen oyen su voz. Jesús dice también que
nos conoce. Jesús no necesita conocer nuestra voz. ¡Él
nos conoce! Sabe lo que necesitamos antes de decirlo.
¿Pero, nosotros conocemos la voz de Jesús? Y ¿qué
hacemos cuando oímos la voz de Jesús? ¿Oímos la
voz de Jesús en oración, cuando nos detenemos de
hablar y escuchamos –la voluntad de Dios para
nosotros? ¿Escuchamos la voz de Dios en nuestra
familia, nuestros amigos y extraños –a través de la
gente y eventos de nuestras vidas? Jesús nos desafía a
ser y a hacer todo lo que Dios creó para que seamos y
hagamos. Cuando nos escuchamos a nosotros mismos
diciendo “No, no quiero amar a esa persona (o tomar
ese riesgo, o desafiar ese mal)”, probablemente recién
escuchamos a Dios. ¿Cómo respondemos como
corresponsables de nuestra vida de oración y de todo
lo que Dios nos ha dado? Nuestra primera respuesta
quizás sea “No” pero nuestra respuesta final debe ser
“Si, Señor.”
Source: ICSC Newsletter -
Dn. Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Friday, February 26, 2010
March Parish Bulletin Announcements
March 7 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
God heard the cry of His people in Egypt and
responded generously by bringing them out of
captivity. But in the desert the Israelites began
complaining to Moses. They were not grateful
for the gift of their freedom – a grateful heart
silences a complaining voice! We good stewards
pray that we will always be grateful for the gifts
and opportunities that we are given. When we
are at times not grateful, when we are overcome
with an unhealthy lust for material things, power,
or prestige, we are called to repent, and we are
grateful for the Lord’s mercy.
March 14th – 4th Sunday of Lent
The Christian disciple is a steward who is
prayerful, persistent, patient, and strives to
joyfully and generously live out the personal
vocation to which God calls him or her. These
characteristics are most valuable in our own
prodigal stories. At times we may stumble and
wander away from God. When we do, we find
hope in today’s Gospel. Through our patience,
perseverance, and above all prayer, we can return
to the Father, trusting in His forgiveness.
March 21st – 5th Sunday of Lent
How will you be remembered? As one who
adhered to a strict observance of the law? Or, as
one who was not too quick to judge, and lovingly
gave others a second chance? Throughout our
lives, we will experience many relationships, and
they are all gifts from God. How will you be a
good steward of those relationships? In Jesus’
encounter with the woman caught in adultery, we
are given an example of how we are to care for
the people we encounter in our lives.
March 28th – Passion Sunday
It is always difficult to hear the Passion
narrative. Yet we see in Jesus’ passion
something that is at the heart of discipleship and
stewardship – trust. Jesus’ anxiety in the garden
turns into trust, “yet, not my will but yours be
done.” Good stewards set aside pride and fear
and trust in God’s plan for their lives. Pray for
wisdom, so that you may know how God wants
you to use and share the gift of your life. There is
an intense joy and peace of mind that can only be
found in doing the will of God.
Source: Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Marzo 7 – 3dr Domingo de Cuaresma
Dios escuchó el llanto de Su pueblo en Egipto y
respondió generosamente liberándolo de la
cautividad. Sin embargo, en el desierto, los israelitas
empezaron a quejarse con Moisés. No estaban
agradecidos por el don de su libertad – ¡un corazón
agradecido silencia la voz quejosa! Como buenos
corresponsables, nosotros oramos para que seamos
siempre agradecidos por las oportunidades y dones
que nos fueron dados. Cuando a veces no somos
agradecidos, cuando prevalece el deseo insano por
cosas materiales, poder o prestigio, nosotros somos
llamados al arrepentimiento y agradecemos a dios por
su misericordia.
Marzo 14 – 4o Domingo de Cuaresma
El discípulo Cristiano es un corresponsable
devoto, persistente, paciente, y que se esfuerza en
vivir con alegría y generosidad la vocación personal
para la cual Dios le ha llamado. Estas características
son más valiosas en nuestras historias pródigas. A
veces tropezamos y nos alejamos de Dios. Cuando
esto sucede, nosotros encontramos esperanza en el
Evangelio de hoy. A través de nuestra paciencia,
perseverancia, y sobre todo la oración, podemos
regresar al Padre, confiando en su perdón.
Marzo 21 – 5o Domingo de Cuaresma
¿Cómo será usted recordado? ¿Como alguien
adherido estrictamente al cumplimiento de la ley? O,
¿como alguien con lentitud para juzgar y para dar
amorosamente a otros una segunda oportunidad? A
través de nuestras vidas, experimentaremos muchas
relaciones, y todas son dones de Dios. ¿Cómo será
usted buen corresponsable de esas relaciones? En el
encuentro de Jesús con la mujer adúltera tenemos el
ejemplo de cómo cuidar de las personas que
encontramos en nuestras vidas.
Marzo 28 – Domingo de la Pasión de Jesús
Siempre es difícil escuchar la narración de la
Pasión. Sin embargo vemos en la Pasión de Jesús
algo que está en el corazón del discipulado y de la
corresponsabilidad, –confianza. La ansiedad de Jesús
en el huerto se torna en confianza, “no se haga mi
voluntad, sino la Tuya.” Los buenos corresponsables
hacen a un lado orgullo y temor y confían en el plan
de Dios para sus vidas. Ore por sabiduría, para que
pueda saber cómo quiere Dios que use y comparta el
don de su vida. Hay un intenso gozo y tranquilidad
que sólo pueden encontrarse al hacer la voluntad de
Dios.
Source: Dan Potvin, Arquidiócesis de Winnipeg
God heard the cry of His people in Egypt and
responded generously by bringing them out of
captivity. But in the desert the Israelites began
complaining to Moses. They were not grateful
for the gift of their freedom – a grateful heart
silences a complaining voice! We good stewards
pray that we will always be grateful for the gifts
and opportunities that we are given. When we
are at times not grateful, when we are overcome
with an unhealthy lust for material things, power,
or prestige, we are called to repent, and we are
grateful for the Lord’s mercy.
March 14th – 4th Sunday of Lent
The Christian disciple is a steward who is
prayerful, persistent, patient, and strives to
joyfully and generously live out the personal
vocation to which God calls him or her. These
characteristics are most valuable in our own
prodigal stories. At times we may stumble and
wander away from God. When we do, we find
hope in today’s Gospel. Through our patience,
perseverance, and above all prayer, we can return
to the Father, trusting in His forgiveness.
March 21st – 5th Sunday of Lent
How will you be remembered? As one who
adhered to a strict observance of the law? Or, as
one who was not too quick to judge, and lovingly
gave others a second chance? Throughout our
lives, we will experience many relationships, and
they are all gifts from God. How will you be a
good steward of those relationships? In Jesus’
encounter with the woman caught in adultery, we
are given an example of how we are to care for
the people we encounter in our lives.
March 28th – Passion Sunday
It is always difficult to hear the Passion
narrative. Yet we see in Jesus’ passion
something that is at the heart of discipleship and
stewardship – trust. Jesus’ anxiety in the garden
turns into trust, “yet, not my will but yours be
done.” Good stewards set aside pride and fear
and trust in God’s plan for their lives. Pray for
wisdom, so that you may know how God wants
you to use and share the gift of your life. There is
an intense joy and peace of mind that can only be
found in doing the will of God.
Source: Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Marzo 7 – 3dr Domingo de Cuaresma
Dios escuchó el llanto de Su pueblo en Egipto y
respondió generosamente liberándolo de la
cautividad. Sin embargo, en el desierto, los israelitas
empezaron a quejarse con Moisés. No estaban
agradecidos por el don de su libertad – ¡un corazón
agradecido silencia la voz quejosa! Como buenos
corresponsables, nosotros oramos para que seamos
siempre agradecidos por las oportunidades y dones
que nos fueron dados. Cuando a veces no somos
agradecidos, cuando prevalece el deseo insano por
cosas materiales, poder o prestigio, nosotros somos
llamados al arrepentimiento y agradecemos a dios por
su misericordia.
Marzo 14 – 4o Domingo de Cuaresma
El discípulo Cristiano es un corresponsable
devoto, persistente, paciente, y que se esfuerza en
vivir con alegría y generosidad la vocación personal
para la cual Dios le ha llamado. Estas características
son más valiosas en nuestras historias pródigas. A
veces tropezamos y nos alejamos de Dios. Cuando
esto sucede, nosotros encontramos esperanza en el
Evangelio de hoy. A través de nuestra paciencia,
perseverancia, y sobre todo la oración, podemos
regresar al Padre, confiando en su perdón.
Marzo 21 – 5o Domingo de Cuaresma
¿Cómo será usted recordado? ¿Como alguien
adherido estrictamente al cumplimiento de la ley? O,
¿como alguien con lentitud para juzgar y para dar
amorosamente a otros una segunda oportunidad? A
través de nuestras vidas, experimentaremos muchas
relaciones, y todas son dones de Dios. ¿Cómo será
usted buen corresponsable de esas relaciones? En el
encuentro de Jesús con la mujer adúltera tenemos el
ejemplo de cómo cuidar de las personas que
encontramos en nuestras vidas.
Marzo 28 – Domingo de la Pasión de Jesús
Siempre es difícil escuchar la narración de la
Pasión. Sin embargo vemos en la Pasión de Jesús
algo que está en el corazón del discipulado y de la
corresponsabilidad, –confianza. La ansiedad de Jesús
en el huerto se torna en confianza, “no se haga mi
voluntad, sino la Tuya.” Los buenos corresponsables
hacen a un lado orgullo y temor y confían en el plan
de Dios para sus vidas. Ore por sabiduría, para que
pueda saber cómo quiere Dios que use y comparta el
don de su vida. Hay un intenso gozo y tranquilidad
que sólo pueden encontrarse al hacer la voluntad de
Dios.
Source: Dan Potvin, Arquidiócesis de Winnipeg
Forming Good Stewards
March 7 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
For three years I have come in search of fruit
on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it
down! Why should it exhaust the soil? Lk 13:1-9
Jesus tells of a gardener who pleads to save a
fig tree so he can cultivate it and hope to make it
productive. In chapters one and two of Genesis,
God reveals that He created man and woman and
gave them dominion over His Garden – all of
creation. Bishop Robert Morneau poignantly
describes how God made us stewards of many
gardens: the gardens of our faith, our body, our
family, our mind, our artistic ability, our many
abilities and, most importantly, our ability to
reason and our free will. He points out that all of
the gardens belong to God and poses these
questions: “How are we caring for our gardens?
Are we being good stewards? Have we cultivated
our gardens or let them go fallow? Are our
gardens as productive as God intended?” If not,
it is not too late. The first step is to identify and
accept responsibility for the gardens that God
has entrusted to our care. Do not be afraid. We
have Jesus as our helper in our garden.
March 14th – 4th Sunday of Lent
“My son, you are here with me always. Everything
I have is yours.” Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Jesus tells the story of the man with two sons,
one who is ungrateful and leaves home to
squander half of his father’s possessions. Despite
his son’s ingratitude, the father longs for his
son’s return. The ungrateful son sinks so low he
realizes his mistake and chooses to return to his
father to beg forgiveness. The other son is
angered by his father’s act of love and
compassion for the son who abandoned and hurt
him. In a similar story in the Talmud, the
ungrateful son is too ashamed to take the first
step to return to his father. His father sends him a
note, “Son, come back as far as you can, and I
will come the rest of the way!”
God has given us all that we have, all that we
are, and all that we ever will be. Are we
sometimes ungrateful for all that God has given
to us? Have we failed to use it as God intended?
Have we abandoned God’s plan for us?
Probably!! But God longs for our return. If we
are reluctant to take the first step, God comes to
us. Our God is an Awesome God!
March 21st – 5th Sunday of Lent
Teacher, this woman was caught in the very
act of committing adultery. Now, in the law,
Moses commanded us to stone such women.
Jn 8:1-11
Reason would lead us to conclude that if the
scribes and Pharisees caught a woman “in the
very act of adultery,” that they also caught the
man. The law required that both parties “caught
in the very act of adultery” be stoned [Deut.
22:22]. But here, they only bring the woman
before Jesus. Hmmm… Could the man “caught
in the very act” have been an influential or highranking
public or religious official? Hmmm… It
is not unusual for people to be selective in their
decisions, to be quick to judge and unfair with
condemnation. Would not the world be a much
better place if we all stopped judging others, at
least not so quickly, and were quicker to be
generous with all that God has given to us – that
is, everything we are and have? Note that Jesus
does not condemn the men who wanted to stone
the woman. They actually condemn themselves.
The woman does not deny her sin, but Jesus does
not condemn her. He tells her to sin no more.
When we are judgmental and selfish, Jesus does
not condemn us. But we condemn ourselves and
should turn to Jesus to help us.
March 28th – Passion Sunday
“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from
me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Lk 22:14 -
23:56
Msgr. Winus Roeten says that when we are in
prayer and we hear ourselves saying “No!” we
probably just heard from God. Prayer is not so
much about what we say to God, but about what
we are willing to hear from God. When we are in
true communion with God to discern his will for
us, God may ask us to do something difficult or
unpleasant; something we have not done before;
something that may antagonize our family or
friends, or something involving financial or
physical risk. And it is okay, as Msgr Roeten
suggests, if our first answer is “No!” But, if we
are good stewards of our prayer life, growing
constantly in our communion with God to
discern his will for us, we must ultimately say
“Yes, Lord!” Only a fool would want to accept
the cup that Jesus knew was in front of him. And
Jesus was no fool. But Jesus was in full
communion with the Father, so he was willing to
accept the cup, to do God’s will, not his own
will. What are we willing to hear from God?
Whatever our initial reaction, what will be our
final answer?
Source: Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Formar Buenos Corresponsables
Marzo 7 – 3er Domingo de Cuaresma
“He aquí, hace tres años que vengo a buscar fruto
en esta higuera y no lo hallo; córtala, ¿para qué
inutiliza también la tierra?”
Lucas 13:1-9
Jesús nos dice del hortelano que ruega salvar la
higuera para cultivarla y espera hacerla productiva.
En los capítulos uno y dos del Génesis, Dios revela
que Él creó al hombre y a la mujer y les dio dominio
sobre su Jardín –toda la creación. El Obispo Robert
Morneau describe expresamente cómo Dios nos hace
corresponsables de muchos jardines: los jardines de
nuestra fe, nuestro cuerpo, nuestra familia, nuestra
mente, nuestra habilidad artística, nuestras numerosas
habilidades y lo más importante, nuestra habilidad
para razonar y nuestra libre voluntad. Él menciona
que todos los jardines pertenecen a Dios y plantea
estas preguntas:
¿Cómo cuidamos de nuestros jardines? ¿Estamos
siendo buenos corresponsables? ¿Hemos cultivado
nuestros jardines? O, ¿les hemos dejado en barbecho?
¿Nuestros jardines son tan productivos como Dios lo
planeó? Si no, no es demasiado tarde. El primer paso
es identificar y aceptar la responsabilidad de los
jardines que Dios ha confiado a nuestro cuidado. Sin
temor. Tenemos la ayuda de Jesús en nuestro jardín.
Marzo 14 – 4o Domingo de Cuaresma
“Hijo, tú siempre estás conmigo, y todas mis cosas
son tuyas.” Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32
Jesús nos narra la historia de un hombre con dos
hijos, uno de ellos, ingrato, deja el hogar para gastar
la mitad de las posesiones de su padre. A pesar de la
ingratitud del hijo, el padre añora su retorno. El hijo
ingrato quedó sin nada, descendió muy bajo, se dio
cuenta de su error y decidió regresar a su padre y
rogar su perdón. El otro hijo está molesto por el acto
de amor y compasión de su padre por el hijo que lo
abandonó y lo lastimó. En una historia similar del
Talmud, el hijo ingrato está avergonzado para dar el
primer paso y regresar a su padre. Su padre le envía
una nota, “Hijo ven tan lejos como puedas, y yo iré a
tu encuentro el resto del camino” Dios nos ha dado
todo lo que tenemos, lo que somos y lo que seremos.
¿Nosotros somos ingratos, a veces, por todo lo que
Dios nos ha dado? ¿Hemos fallado en usarlo como
Dios lo planeó? ¿Hemos abandonado el plan de Dios
para nosotros? ¡Probablemente! Pero Dios desea
nuestro regreso. Si tenemos duda para dar el primer
paso, Dios viene a nosotros. Nuestro Dios es un Dios
¡Maravilloso!
Marzo 21 – 5o Domingo de Cuaresma
“Maestro, esta mujer ha sido sorprendida en el
acto mismo de adulterio. Y en la ley, nos mandó
Moisés apedrear a tales mujeres.” Juan 8:1-11
La razón nos guiaría a concluir que si los escribas
y fariseos sorprendían a una mujer “en el acto mismo
de adulterio,” también sorprendían al hombre. La ley
requería que ambos fueran apedreados. [Deut. 22:22].
Pero aquí, ellos sólo presentaban a la mujer ante
Jesús. Ummm… ¿Podría el hombre “sorprendido en
el acto mismo” haber sido un influyente oficial de
alto rango público o religioso? Ummm… No es
inusual para las personas, ser selectivas en sus
decisiones, ser rápidas para juzgar, e injustas al
condenar. ¿No sería el mundo un mejor lugar si
dejáramos de juzgar a otros, al menos no tan rápido,
y fuéramos más prestos para ser generosos con todo
lo que Dios nos ha dado – que es todo lo que somos y
lo que tenemos? Notemos que Jesús no condena a los
hombres que querían apedrear a la mujer. Realmente
ellos se condenan a sí mismos. La mujer no niega su
pecado, pero Jesús no la condena. Le dice que no
peque más. Cuando somos críticos y egoístas, Jesús
no nos condena. Sin embargo nos condenamos a
nosotros mismos y debemos regresar a Jesús por su
ayuda.
Marzo 28 – Domingo de la Pasión de Jesús
“Padre, si es posible pasa de mí este cáliz; pero no
se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya.” Lucas 22:14 -
23:56
Monseñor Winus Roeten dice que cuando
estamos en oración y nos escuchamos a nosotros
mismos decir ¡No! Probablemente lo oímos de Dios.
Orar no es tanto lo que decimos a dios sino lo que
estamos dispuestos a escuchar de Dios. Cuando
estamos en verdadera comunión con Dios para
discernir su voluntad para nosotros, Dios puede
pedirnos hacer algo difícil o desagradable; algo que
no hemos hecho antes; algo antagónico para nuestra
familia o amigos, o algo que involucre riesgo físico o
financiero. Y está bien, como sugiere Monseñor
Roeten, si nuestra primera respuesta es ¡No! Pero si
somos buenos corresponsables de nuestra vida de
oración, crecemos constantemente en nuestra
comunión con Dios para discernir su voluntad para
nosotros, debemos al final decir ¡Sí, Señor! Sólo un
necio querría aceptar el cáliz que Jesús sabía que
estaba frente a él. Jesús no era un necio. Jesús estaba
en completa comunión con su Padre, por lo que
estuvo dispuesto a aceptar el cáliz, a hacer la
voluntad de Dios y no la propia. ¿Qué estamos
dispuestos a escuchar de Dios? Cualquiera que sea
nuestra reacción inicial, ¿cuál será nuestra respuesta
final?
La siguiente fue escrita por el Diácono Jerry Martínez de la
Arquidiócesis de New Orleans
For three years I have come in search of fruit
on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it
down! Why should it exhaust the soil? Lk 13:1-9
Jesus tells of a gardener who pleads to save a
fig tree so he can cultivate it and hope to make it
productive. In chapters one and two of Genesis,
God reveals that He created man and woman and
gave them dominion over His Garden – all of
creation. Bishop Robert Morneau poignantly
describes how God made us stewards of many
gardens: the gardens of our faith, our body, our
family, our mind, our artistic ability, our many
abilities and, most importantly, our ability to
reason and our free will. He points out that all of
the gardens belong to God and poses these
questions: “How are we caring for our gardens?
Are we being good stewards? Have we cultivated
our gardens or let them go fallow? Are our
gardens as productive as God intended?” If not,
it is not too late. The first step is to identify and
accept responsibility for the gardens that God
has entrusted to our care. Do not be afraid. We
have Jesus as our helper in our garden.
March 14th – 4th Sunday of Lent
“My son, you are here with me always. Everything
I have is yours.” Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Jesus tells the story of the man with two sons,
one who is ungrateful and leaves home to
squander half of his father’s possessions. Despite
his son’s ingratitude, the father longs for his
son’s return. The ungrateful son sinks so low he
realizes his mistake and chooses to return to his
father to beg forgiveness. The other son is
angered by his father’s act of love and
compassion for the son who abandoned and hurt
him. In a similar story in the Talmud, the
ungrateful son is too ashamed to take the first
step to return to his father. His father sends him a
note, “Son, come back as far as you can, and I
will come the rest of the way!”
God has given us all that we have, all that we
are, and all that we ever will be. Are we
sometimes ungrateful for all that God has given
to us? Have we failed to use it as God intended?
Have we abandoned God’s plan for us?
Probably!! But God longs for our return. If we
are reluctant to take the first step, God comes to
us. Our God is an Awesome God!
March 21st – 5th Sunday of Lent
Teacher, this woman was caught in the very
act of committing adultery. Now, in the law,
Moses commanded us to stone such women.
Jn 8:1-11
Reason would lead us to conclude that if the
scribes and Pharisees caught a woman “in the
very act of adultery,” that they also caught the
man. The law required that both parties “caught
in the very act of adultery” be stoned [Deut.
22:22]. But here, they only bring the woman
before Jesus. Hmmm… Could the man “caught
in the very act” have been an influential or highranking
public or religious official? Hmmm… It
is not unusual for people to be selective in their
decisions, to be quick to judge and unfair with
condemnation. Would not the world be a much
better place if we all stopped judging others, at
least not so quickly, and were quicker to be
generous with all that God has given to us – that
is, everything we are and have? Note that Jesus
does not condemn the men who wanted to stone
the woman. They actually condemn themselves.
The woman does not deny her sin, but Jesus does
not condemn her. He tells her to sin no more.
When we are judgmental and selfish, Jesus does
not condemn us. But we condemn ourselves and
should turn to Jesus to help us.
March 28th – Passion Sunday
“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from
me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Lk 22:14 -
23:56
Msgr. Winus Roeten says that when we are in
prayer and we hear ourselves saying “No!” we
probably just heard from God. Prayer is not so
much about what we say to God, but about what
we are willing to hear from God. When we are in
true communion with God to discern his will for
us, God may ask us to do something difficult or
unpleasant; something we have not done before;
something that may antagonize our family or
friends, or something involving financial or
physical risk. And it is okay, as Msgr Roeten
suggests, if our first answer is “No!” But, if we
are good stewards of our prayer life, growing
constantly in our communion with God to
discern his will for us, we must ultimately say
“Yes, Lord!” Only a fool would want to accept
the cup that Jesus knew was in front of him. And
Jesus was no fool. But Jesus was in full
communion with the Father, so he was willing to
accept the cup, to do God’s will, not his own
will. What are we willing to hear from God?
Whatever our initial reaction, what will be our
final answer?
Source: Deacon Jerry Martinez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Formar Buenos Corresponsables
Marzo 7 – 3er Domingo de Cuaresma
“He aquí, hace tres años que vengo a buscar fruto
en esta higuera y no lo hallo; córtala, ¿para qué
inutiliza también la tierra?”
Lucas 13:1-9
Jesús nos dice del hortelano que ruega salvar la
higuera para cultivarla y espera hacerla productiva.
En los capítulos uno y dos del Génesis, Dios revela
que Él creó al hombre y a la mujer y les dio dominio
sobre su Jardín –toda la creación. El Obispo Robert
Morneau describe expresamente cómo Dios nos hace
corresponsables de muchos jardines: los jardines de
nuestra fe, nuestro cuerpo, nuestra familia, nuestra
mente, nuestra habilidad artística, nuestras numerosas
habilidades y lo más importante, nuestra habilidad
para razonar y nuestra libre voluntad. Él menciona
que todos los jardines pertenecen a Dios y plantea
estas preguntas:
¿Cómo cuidamos de nuestros jardines? ¿Estamos
siendo buenos corresponsables? ¿Hemos cultivado
nuestros jardines? O, ¿les hemos dejado en barbecho?
¿Nuestros jardines son tan productivos como Dios lo
planeó? Si no, no es demasiado tarde. El primer paso
es identificar y aceptar la responsabilidad de los
jardines que Dios ha confiado a nuestro cuidado. Sin
temor. Tenemos la ayuda de Jesús en nuestro jardín.
Marzo 14 – 4o Domingo de Cuaresma
“Hijo, tú siempre estás conmigo, y todas mis cosas
son tuyas.” Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32
Jesús nos narra la historia de un hombre con dos
hijos, uno de ellos, ingrato, deja el hogar para gastar
la mitad de las posesiones de su padre. A pesar de la
ingratitud del hijo, el padre añora su retorno. El hijo
ingrato quedó sin nada, descendió muy bajo, se dio
cuenta de su error y decidió regresar a su padre y
rogar su perdón. El otro hijo está molesto por el acto
de amor y compasión de su padre por el hijo que lo
abandonó y lo lastimó. En una historia similar del
Talmud, el hijo ingrato está avergonzado para dar el
primer paso y regresar a su padre. Su padre le envía
una nota, “Hijo ven tan lejos como puedas, y yo iré a
tu encuentro el resto del camino” Dios nos ha dado
todo lo que tenemos, lo que somos y lo que seremos.
¿Nosotros somos ingratos, a veces, por todo lo que
Dios nos ha dado? ¿Hemos fallado en usarlo como
Dios lo planeó? ¿Hemos abandonado el plan de Dios
para nosotros? ¡Probablemente! Pero Dios desea
nuestro regreso. Si tenemos duda para dar el primer
paso, Dios viene a nosotros. Nuestro Dios es un Dios
¡Maravilloso!
Marzo 21 – 5o Domingo de Cuaresma
“Maestro, esta mujer ha sido sorprendida en el
acto mismo de adulterio. Y en la ley, nos mandó
Moisés apedrear a tales mujeres.” Juan 8:1-11
La razón nos guiaría a concluir que si los escribas
y fariseos sorprendían a una mujer “en el acto mismo
de adulterio,” también sorprendían al hombre. La ley
requería que ambos fueran apedreados. [Deut. 22:22].
Pero aquí, ellos sólo presentaban a la mujer ante
Jesús. Ummm… ¿Podría el hombre “sorprendido en
el acto mismo” haber sido un influyente oficial de
alto rango público o religioso? Ummm… No es
inusual para las personas, ser selectivas en sus
decisiones, ser rápidas para juzgar, e injustas al
condenar. ¿No sería el mundo un mejor lugar si
dejáramos de juzgar a otros, al menos no tan rápido,
y fuéramos más prestos para ser generosos con todo
lo que Dios nos ha dado – que es todo lo que somos y
lo que tenemos? Notemos que Jesús no condena a los
hombres que querían apedrear a la mujer. Realmente
ellos se condenan a sí mismos. La mujer no niega su
pecado, pero Jesús no la condena. Le dice que no
peque más. Cuando somos críticos y egoístas, Jesús
no nos condena. Sin embargo nos condenamos a
nosotros mismos y debemos regresar a Jesús por su
ayuda.
Marzo 28 – Domingo de la Pasión de Jesús
“Padre, si es posible pasa de mí este cáliz; pero no
se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya.” Lucas 22:14 -
23:56
Monseñor Winus Roeten dice que cuando
estamos en oración y nos escuchamos a nosotros
mismos decir ¡No! Probablemente lo oímos de Dios.
Orar no es tanto lo que decimos a dios sino lo que
estamos dispuestos a escuchar de Dios. Cuando
estamos en verdadera comunión con Dios para
discernir su voluntad para nosotros, Dios puede
pedirnos hacer algo difícil o desagradable; algo que
no hemos hecho antes; algo antagónico para nuestra
familia o amigos, o algo que involucre riesgo físico o
financiero. Y está bien, como sugiere Monseñor
Roeten, si nuestra primera respuesta es ¡No! Pero si
somos buenos corresponsables de nuestra vida de
oración, crecemos constantemente en nuestra
comunión con Dios para discernir su voluntad para
nosotros, debemos al final decir ¡Sí, Señor! Sólo un
necio querría aceptar el cáliz que Jesús sabía que
estaba frente a él. Jesús no era un necio. Jesús estaba
en completa comunión con su Padre, por lo que
estuvo dispuesto a aceptar el cáliz, a hacer la
voluntad de Dios y no la propia. ¿Qué estamos
dispuestos a escuchar de Dios? Cualquiera que sea
nuestra reacción inicial, ¿cuál será nuestra respuesta
final?
La siguiente fue escrita por el Diácono Jerry Martínez de la
Arquidiócesis de New Orleans
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