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Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
HOLY WEEK
Mass Schedule
PALM SUNDAY, March 20th 7:30 am Mass 9:00 am Mass 11:00 am Mass 12:45 pm Mass 5:30 pm Mass HOLY THURSDAY, March 24th 8:30 am Morning Prayer 7:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
GOOD FRIDAY, March 25th 8:30 am Morning Prayer 3:00 pm Stations of the Cross 5:30 pm Passion of the Lord Service 7:30 pm Passion of the Lord Service, Spanish
HOLY SATURDAY, March 26th 8:30 am Morning Prayer 8:30 pm Easter Vigil Mass
EASTER SUNDAY, March 27th 5:30 am Mass 7:00 am Mass 9:00 am Mass 9:30 am Mass, Burke Station Fire House 11:00 am Mass 11:30 am Mass, Burke Station Fire House 1:00 pm Mass, Spanish
A Message from our Pastor, Fr. Bob Cilinski
“Christ Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a
slave. He humbled himself becoming obedient even un-to death on a cross. Because of this, God highly exalted
Him.” - Philippians 2:6-8
Dear parishioners, Holy Week begins with the commemoration of the entry into Jerusalem and the reading of the Passion according to St. Luke. This week we move from the palm branches of praise to the shouts of “crucify Him.” Jesus teaches us how to live the paschal mystery each day of our lives. There are moments of triumph and joy, but also times of difficulty and failure. Through it all, God is with us offering redemption and new life. In Luke’s version of the crucifixion and death, we find Jesus’ memorable expression of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they do.” May Jesus’ prayer bring us comfort in our sins and provide a helpful option to all His followers who find love of enemies difficult. Above all, this is a week of tremendous love. We are reminded of how loved we are by God who gave his only Son to be our Savior. Let us pray for one another, and especially for our “Elect” who lead us to the risen Lord we encounter in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. May this truly be a Holy Week.
Love and Blessings, Fr. Bob Cilinski, Pastor
2016 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal Go forth as Heralds of God’s Mercy
The 2016 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal is still in progress! If you have not yet made a pledge, please prayerfully
consider doing so! You may go online at www.arlingtondiocese.org to make a one-time BLA gift or set up
recurring monthly payments for your pledge. We are now at 81% of our Parish goal. Many thanks to all who
have contributed to the important work of the church
Thank you for supporting our diocesan church!
BORN FOR US
You were a prisoner; so you free us. You kept silent,
so you instruct us. You were beaten like a slave,
so you set us free. We pray to you: Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us!
You were stripped of your clothes, so you clothe us with glory.
You were given vinegar to drink, so you quench our thirst.
You were crowned with thorns, so you make us kings.
We pray to you: Jesus Christ, risen Lord, have mercy on us!
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
Thank You from the Little Sisters of the Poor
We, the little Sisters and Residents, wish to take this opportunity to thank you and your
parishioners, for being God’s instruments by providing for the needs of the Elderly. Your
parish’s offering totaling $22,843.47 is a wonderful grace filled gift. Please let your
parishioners know of our appreciation and prayers for their intentions. “Everything we do for the poor we do
for Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thank you for actively sharing in our mission to serve the elderly poor with love,
dignity, and compassion. We truly appreciate the graciousness of your parishioners.
Holy Land Shrines Collection Good Friday
The Collection for the Holy Land Shrines, scheduled for Good Friday, March 25, allows us to unite in a special way
with Christians around the world to support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and to assist the Franciscans of the
Custody of the Holy Land, who have a unique responsibility to care for the holy shrines there. As a pontifical collection
requested by Pope Francis, the Holy Land Shrines Collection offers a direct way for parishioners to join as witnesses of peace and to help protect Christianity’s holiest places and
God’s people living in the Holy Land.
The Church of the Nativity Holy Hour With Mark Forrest, International Irish Tenor
has been rescheduled for March 22, 2016 from 7:30-9:00pm For more information please call the Church office
at: (703) 455-2400
Palm Sunday: They couldn’t kill him for blasphemy, a religious crime Rome didn’t recognize. But they could put him to death for a political crime like treason. So Jesus died under the accusation, “King of the Jews.” He had no throne, no army, no power to threaten governments. But he threatened a lot of people with the power to change hearts.
Monday: Brave Mary of Bethany Was Mary a prophet? She forecast Jesus’ death by preparing him for burial. Was she a minister of a sacramental, anointing his body with soothing oil? Was she a disciple, a friend, a woman in love? Unconcerned with others’ judgments, she did what her heart commanded.
Tuesday: Passionate Peter Peter too, followed his heart. He spoke and acted impulsively, and often came to regret his behavior. He swears he will die for Jesus, and within hours he denies him. But in fact, Peter will die for Jesus one day. He, like us, just needs to get the bugs out of his witness.
Wednesday: God’s Suffering Servant Isaiah wrote poems about the Lord’s servant, who suffers innocently for justice. The Gospel writers recognized Jesus in those poems. Innocent suffering may repel us, but it also emboldens our hearts. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Such love finds its response in our courage.
Holy Thursday: Foot Washers Mothers of small children, caregivers for the elderly, nurses in sickrooms, take heart: washing the feet of those who need us is an activity particularly blessed by God. Humble acts of service give glory to the Lord who once washed feet to show us how far our love should go. Good Friday: Carrying the Cross The cross is the symbol of human suffering and death. No one wants to carry the cross, but each of us will be forced underneath it someday, like Simon of Cyrene, when we least expect it. How we carry it will depend on how well we’ve understood the sign of the cross, every time we’ve used it in blessing.
Easter Vigil: Standing at the Tomb Many visit the tomb in the early hours of Easter. The holy women. Angels. The Disciples. We come to the tomb as well, to stand and peer in to the very hollow where our faith lives. Is it empty? What do we see? Is he risen, or is it a trick? If we say Alleluia, we accept the challenge to say it with our whole lives.
“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious.”
Docility in prayer is essential to vocation discernment. Are you open to a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or the consecrated life? Call Father J.D. Jaffe (703) 841-2514
or write: [email protected]
Divine Mercy Sunday
Holy Hour and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy April 3, 2016, 3-4 pm in the Church
There will be a Parish Holy Hour on Sunday, April 3rd from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please join us in Eucharistic Adoration and in praying/singing the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.
Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer cards and information pamphlets will be provided.
“Jesus, I trust in You!”
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
PRO-LIFE CORNER
As the Forty Days of Lent conclude, let us not forget that it is
never too late for a change of heart. It is never too late to
speak up and take action for those who cannot be heard.
During Holy Week, please remember to Choose Life Today
… Choose Life Tomorrow… Pray Always … Because We
Must Do No Less! The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866-444-3553 or [email protected] You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.)
The Falls Church 40 Days for Life campaign concludes Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016. 40
Days for Life is a focused Pro-Life effort that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40
days of peaceful vigil, 40 days of community outreach. See full details at
https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/falls-church/ Sign
Up For Vigil Hours, become a "Prayer Warrior" and Stand Up For Life! For more info, please
contact Soledad Olivera, 703-863-0710, [email protected]
24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP (4357) Project Rachel (healing after abortion): 1-888-456
-HOPE (4673)Pregnancy Resource Centers Phone Numbers:
Catholic Charities National: 1-800-CARE-002 Catholic Charities Local: 703-425-0100
A Woman's Choice: 703-538-4305
Gabriel Project: 1-866-444-3553
Easter Holiday — all Religious Education classes are cancelled during Holy Week and Easter Week, March 20 through March 29. Classes resume their regular schedule on Sunday, April 3; Monday, April 4; and Tuesday, April 5. 2016-2017 Student Registration is now open. Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and register prior to August 1. Class placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the date the registration form is received in the Religious Education Office. Submit a completed Student Registration form (one per family), an Emergency Care Form for each student, payment, and a copy of a student’s baptism certificate (including students baptized at Nativity) unless the baptism certificate is already on file in the Religious Education Office. Forms are available in the Religious Education Office, on the community board in the church vestibule, and on the website www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd; click on Student Registration. We need your help for the 2016-2017 religious education school year! Please volunteer to extend the love for the Lord and his Church to the children of Nativity; catechists, assistant catechists, substitutes, and babysitters are needed. The Volunteer Application form is available in the Religious Education Office, online at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd; click on Volunteer Opportunities, or call the Religious Education Office at 703.455.0372.
Spotlight on the Arts Summer Camps in Theatre & Art
Expert Instructors in Drama, Music, Dance, and Art are providing one week camps this July for students as young as
Pre-K and as old as high school. Learn from some of the areas top Catholic teachers within the creative arts through camps
like Camp Broadway, Art Explorer, Drama Bootcamp, Creative Kindergarten, and Art Fun
Camp. Registration is $20 off per camp through April 15th. Plus, families
registering 3 or more kids can take an additional 10% off. All of the details can
be found at www.SpotlightSummerCamps.com
Nativity Parish Golf Tournament
To Benefit Youth Programs at Nativity Parish Please join Father Bob for 18 holes of golf, including driving range, beverages, lunch following play and awards, in our tournament to benefit the Religious Education, Youth Ministry, CYO Sports, and
Nativity School Monday, May 16, 2016
Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, VA
Registration Website and Information: golf.nativityburke.org
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
Monday, March 21 7:30am † Kenneth Larry Pless, Sr. Tuesday, March 22 7:30am † Cecilia Costello Lenten Mass 12:00pm † Sr. Alfonsa Wednesday, March 23 7:30am † Jeoffrey Sean Bald Holy Thursday, March 24 8:30am Morning Prayer 7:30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday, March 25 8:30am Morning Prayers 3:00pm Stations of the Cross 5:30pm Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
Holy Saturday, March 26 8:30am Morning Prayer 9:00am The Blessing of Easter Food 8:30pm Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday, March 27 5:30am Parishioners 7:00am † Bill Carey 9:00am † Mary Donohue Burke Fire House 9:30am † Mildred Bennett 11:00am † Inez Wasilewski Burke Fire House 11:30am † Margaret Barring Haus The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org
In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.
Vacation Bible School 2016 Camp on the EDGE
July 11 - July 15
VBS 9:00am—12:00pm for current PreK – 4th grade
Volunteers: current 7th grade—12th grade and Virtus Certified Adults
Camp on the EDGE service camp for current grades 5,6,7
Volunteers: High School and Virtus Certified Adults
ON LINE Registration begins March 15
POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER FOR JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be
merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved.
Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being
enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his
betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant sinner.
Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!”
You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the
Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.
You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved
and forgiven by God.
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news
to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for
ever and ever. Amen.
Learning Italian is Easy and Fun! The Nativity IHCS Italian Language classes Spring Session
will start soon! To register or for more information on dates and cost please contact
Elisabetta Lazarte: call 703-887-1995 or email: [email protected]
Altar Flower openings are available starting May 29th, if interested, please call 703-455-2400 or stop by
the parish office to sign up.
Church of the Nativity, Burke, Virginia Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
College Mission Trip to Haiti, Donations Accepted
Our college students are working towards paying their way to Haiti for a mission trip this July 18-22. If you would like to donate to help these students fund their mission work (each pays $1150 plus half their airfare), we will gratefully accept your generosity! Checks can be made out to Nativity with
"Haiti Mission Trip Donation" in the memo line and brought to the Parish Office. Please contact Alison Fram, Director of
Young Adult/ College Ministry, with any questions. God bless you for your kindness!
http://www.nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
~ Nativity School’s Virtue of the Month ~
December 2015 ~~ Generosity
One student from every class, who best exemplifies the virtue of Generosity during the month, was selected to receive an award. Recipients of the
Award for Generosity included:
Eighth Grade: Jessica (not pictured); Seventh Grade: Elizia; Sixth Grade: Sebastian; Fifth Grade: Joey; Fourth Grade: Kaitlyn; Third Grade: Stella; Second Grade: Ethan; First Grade: Kaden; Kindergarten: Branden
Yes, Catholic education is worth the investment! Join us to see how your child would spend his or her days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. Contact us
at www.nativityschool.org, (703)455-2300, or [email protected].
Nativity Catholic School is committed to making Catholic education accessible to those who desire it, and offers financial assistance to make their dream come true.
Easter Vigil Reception Our Council will host a reception immediately following the Easter Vigil Mass, 26 March, for our newly baptized and confirmed. Help is needed setting up, during the event, and for cleanup. Please contact Br. Barry Dysart at [email protected] if you can assist.
Membership Drive and Sunday Donuts!
The Fr. Sikora Council will conduct its membership drive after each Mass Saturday, April 2nd, and Sunday, April 3rd, and will host an after-Mass Social in the Fr. Martin Center following the Sunday morning Masses. Please contact WDGK Mike Litzelman at [email protected] if you can assist.
Fraternal Benefits Night and Open House The Fr. Sikora Council will host a Fraternal Benefits Night and Open House on Tuesday, April 5th in the school cafeteria. This is two events in one: A Fraternal Benefits night, which begins at 7:00pm and is open to anyone interested in learning about benefits of the order;
and an Open House, which immediately follows at 7:30pm and provides an overview of the Knights of Columbus to potential new members. If you are not a member of the Knights of Columbus and would like to attend, please r.s.v.p. to WDGK Mike Litzelman [email protected].
Adopt-A-Highway Out next Adopt-A-Highway cleanup along Old Keene Mill Road is on Saturday, April 9th, at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Br. George Getek at [email protected] if you would like to participate. Volunteers will meet in the Church parking lot and must be at least 18 years of age.
KOVAR Drive The Council’s annual KOVAR drive will occur after all Masses on April 9th and 10th. Please contact Br. Mark Sawyer at [email protected] if you can assist.
Confirmation Reception Our Council will host receptions following the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 11th and 13th. Please contact WGK Mike Muller at [email protected] if you can assist.
These Men We Call Knights. If you want to learn more about the Nativity Parish Knights of Columbus, Council #7992, please visit our website at: http://fathersikoracouncil.org/
Website: www.nativityburke.org Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
PRAY THE ROSARY FOR WORLD PEACE
Love is Given Prayer Group Meetings
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 30 Friday. Living Life in the Spirit Seminar, Pope Francis said
to “share with everyone in the Church the grace of baptism in the Holy Spirit.” Sponsored by Love is Given - The
Charismatic Prayer Group of the Church of the Nativity, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke VA 22015
Annual Multi-Car Raffle
**3 WEEKS TO GO ** Please don't wait until the last minute to sell yours. Thank you to those who have already returned all the tickets
you have sold. Where else can you get a chance to win all five 2016 vehicles from Koons of Manassas
(Honda Civic, Buick Verano, GMC Sierra Truck, Honda CRV Sport Utility and Honda Odyssey Van) plus up to
$20,000 in cash for only $5. We have additional tickets if you sell all of yours. Please contact PGK Sam Morthland at
703-455-2186 if you have any questions.
SEMANA SANTA
Se Celebra en la Parroquia
DE LA NATIVIDAD
JUEVES SANTO, 24 DE MARZO
Oraciones de la Mañana a las 8:30am
Misa de la Cena de Señor: 7:30pm (Bilingüe)
Oración Individual en el Altar de Reposo ~ Oraciones de la
Noche 11:45 en la Capilla de Reposo (Salón de usos múlti-
ples)
VIERNES SANTO, 25 DE MARZO
Oraciones de la mañana a las 8:30am
Estaciones de la Santa Cruz: 3:00pm y 6:45pm (Español)
Celebración de la Pasión de Nuestro Señor: 5:30pm y 7:30pm
(Español)
SABADO SANTO, 26 DE MARZO
Oraciones de la mañana a las 8:30am
Bendición de los Alimentos de Pascua: 9:00am
VIGILIA DE PASCUA, 26 DE MARZO A LAS 8:30pm
La Vigilia de Pascua en la Noche Santa
Bendición del fuego Nuevo, Iluminación de la Vela de Pascua y la
Celebración de los Sacramentos de Iniciación con los Elegidos y
Candidatos de RICA, RCIC
DOMINGO DE PASCUA DE LA RESURRECIONDEL SENOR, 27 DE
MARZO
Misas a las: 5:30am, 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am y 1:00pm (Español)
Se celebra en la Iglesia de la Natividad
9:30am Se celebra en Ingles en los Salones de la Estación de
Bomberos en Burke
(Capacidad para 250 personas)
11:30am Se celebra en Ingles en los Salones de la Estación de
Bomberos en Burke
El domingo de Pascua no habrá misa por la tarde
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED as DRIVERS & OFFICE WORKERS
Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke serves those 50+ who no longer drive. Volunteer Drivers are needed for trips (Monday - Friday) to medical appointments and Companion Shopping within the Fairfax/Burke area. Office Workers are
needed to answer phones in the SCFB office (Monday -Friday) of individuals requesting rides and match an
available driver for each request. If you can volunteer your time, please contact the SCFB office at 703-323-4788,
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Please join the Alexandria Chapter of the Catholic Business Network (CBN), and enjoy a social breakfast while meeting
fellow Catholic professionals. Our guest speaker is Joel Sachs, Joel is a dynamic speaker
and business consultant . Joel's presentation includes an interactive exercise that can change the way you look at your
business and your life. It's fun, it's free. Please come by and meet like-minded Catholics.
Joel has worked with Google and has participated in many panels with leading politicians and business leaders. Our breakfast will be held Thursday, April 7, from
7:30-9:00am, at Walker’s Grille, 6909 Metro Park Drive, Alexandria, VA 22310 (walkersgrille.com). Pre-register online for $15 at cbnnova.org/Alexandria-Springfield.
Walk-in price is $20 (cash, check, or credit card) Replies or questions can be directed to Steve Ryan at
[email protected] or 703-867-3447 To learn more about CBN or to join, visit www.cbnnova.org
Website: www.nativityburke.org Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
COLLEGE MINISTRY and
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Contact Director: Alison Fram Email: [email protected] Cell: 703-577-5329 Find us @nativitycollege
COLLEGE
Contact Alison if you’re interested in our college small group for local students.
—————— Spots are still available
for the College Mission Trip to Haiti. Contact Alison with questions or to express interest
Haiti College Mission Trip:
July 18 – July 22
F i n d U s ! Director: Ingrid Sánchez-Seymour Email: [email protected]
Web: nativityburke.org/youth programs
Join the CYM UPdate Get on our weekly E-list for UPdates Send an email to Ms. Ingrid with: Child/s name, School, Grade
Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers
March 2016 Regular Sunday Schedule EDGE 3:45pm—5:00pm (Grades 6-8) LIFE Teen 6:30 Dinner (Grades 9-12) 7:00pm-8:45pm Gathering
March 6 - Regular Schedule March 10 - Regular Schedule March 20 - No CYM—Easter Holiday March 29 - No CYM—Easter Holiday
Save the Dates—See Web Page
April 8 *EDGE: Harry Potter Lock-In, 7:00pm April 8-9 *LifeTeen Lock-In 11:59pm-7:30pm April 15-17 *Life Teen Retreat April 16 EDGE: BASH!
*On Line Registration @ CYM Page
Living Stations of the Cross Via Crusis Viviente
Friday March 18, 7:30pm Bilingual—Bilingüe
Vacation Bible School July 11-15
Grades PreK - 4
E D G E S e r v i c e C a m p July 11-15
(Grades 5, 6, 7)
On Line Registration begins March 15 Go to the CYM Web Page for detailed information
And registration link
Nat iv ity ’s
Service Camp
YOUNG ADULTS
Save the date - next Theology on Tap sponsored by Nativity is on Monday, April 18, at the Auld Shebeen. We had 100 people at the last one!
Small Group/ Bible Study– Continues Tuesdays at 7:30pm in the Youth Room. We use Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Jesus.”
TOMORROW, March 21, at 7pm in
the cafeteria. Guest speaker
Meg Hunter Kilmer will discuss
Scripture and give encouragement at the beginning
of Holy Week. Meg went to high school in the
Fairfax area and is now a missionary who travels
the world speaking at parishes.
Bring a Bible and join us!
Website: www.nativityburke.org Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
Ciclo C. Domingo de Ramos en la Pasión del Se-ñor Rosalino Dizon Reyes.
Tenía que ir a Jerusalén y padecer allí mucho (Mt 16, 21) La excitación se palpa en el aire. Está a la vista el destino que alegra a peregrinos con ansia de la casa del Señor (Sal 121). La «ciudad compacta» evoca además justicia, paz y seguridad. Pero sobre todo desbordan de gozo los discípulos porque pronto reclamará Jesús a Jerusalén y purificará el templo. Lo toman por Mesías, libertador de los oprimidos. Y cuanto más lo encuentran todo como lo ha dicho él, tanto más se llenan de ilusiones. No se les escapa, me imagino, la profecía de Zacarías (9, 9; 14, 4-5). Aún más creen seguramente los del séquito de Jesús, notando la generosidad de los dueños del borrico. No pueden estar menos dispuestos que esos desconoci-dos a reconocer debidamente a Jesús. Y si les faltan recursos para dedicarle algo como el borrico «que nadie ha montado todavía», aún pueden ofrecerle sus mantos que, aunque usados, necesitan para vi-vir. Este gesto es contagioso: la gente alfombra el camino con sus mantos. La gente a su vez motiva a los discípulos a demostrar más entusiasmo que va creciendo a medida que más se acercan al destino. Agradecidos por las proezas en pro de los necesita-dos (cf. Sal 117), y tan arrebatados de emoción que no se les ocurre que la autoridad romana les aplaste como revolucionarios, los discípulos a gritos proclaman Mesías y Rey a Jesús. La gente y los discípulos, pues, se estimulan a proclamar su fe. Este apoyo mutuo es imprescindible para perseverar en el seguimiento del que anda a la cabeza de la marcha hacia Jerusalén. Se necesita este amor solidario para el fortalecimiento de la fe, la edificación y el creci-miento de la comunidad creyente, la apología cristia-na creíble y la defensa irrompible contra corrientes anticristianas. Crecemos, sí, en la fe cuando vemos todo como lo ha predicho Jesús. Pero esto no des-miente nuestra torpeza para comprender que la cruz es el árbol de la vida, no obstante las predicciones de Isaías y de Jesús mismo. Y resulta que Jerusalén sig-nifica oposición y muerte, necesarias para entrar en la gloria. El horror de la pasión y la crucifixión nos da motivo para abandonar a Jesús y las víctimas de in-justicia que están sin paz ni seguridad. Si no huimos del todo, solo seguimos desde lejos, siempre listos para negarlos sin pensar. ¿Nos atrevemos a defend-erlos? ¿Acaso no nos dejamos llevar una que otra vez por el capitalismo desenfrenado, el consumismo inmoderado y las ideologías que crucifican a los que ya quedan sin nada? Hay tantas piedras de tropiezo que realmente divididos caemos. Necesitamos de la comunidad para alentarnos unos a otros a acordar-nos siempre «de que vivimos en Jesucristo por la muerte de Jesucristo, y que hemos de morir en Jesu-cristo por la vida de Jesucristo, y que nuestra vida tiene que estar oculta en Jesucristo y llena de Jesu-cristo, y que, para morir como Jesucristo, hay que vivir como Jesucristo» (I, 320). Es necesaria la soli-daridad para que «practiquemos la caridad no solo en los acontecimientos importantes, sino también en lo pequeño» de la vida diaria y nos privemos «de lo
superfluo para compartir lo nuestro con los her-manos necesitados» (Laudes, miércoles, semana 4ª de Cuaresma). Y no podemos desertar de nuestra asamblea (Heb 10, 25), si queremos mantenernos entusiasmados por Jesús, no tanto aquel a quien hemos puesto los vestimentos de seda de los emperadores y aristócratas romanos con escolta, como este que se somete a la muerte de cruz, sin ropa, entre dos malhechores, y quien de los pobres hace Iglesia.
DOMINGO DE RAMOS - C Evangelio de la Misa: Relato de la Pasión y Muerte de Jesús: Lc 22,14-23,56 Primero con la Bendición de los ramos y la entrada pro-cesional en la Iglesia, para la celebración de la Eu-caristía, y luego con la lectura de la Pasión y Muerte de Jesús, la Santa Madre Iglesia “abre las puertas” a los cristianos para “entrar” en la Semana Santa. Este año se lee la narración de san Lucas. Estos relatos son parte de nuestra cultura, pues han alimentado la pintura, es-cultura, música, y a todo el arte en general, así como la vida de los cristianos a lo largo de los siglos, pues han configurado costumbres, fiestas y muy variadas formas de vida social. Y sobre todo han motivado muchas con-versiones y adhsiones a la Verdad de Cristo, y necesari-amente al seguimiento de su persona y de su Vida divina en el afán por la santidad y la entrega a los demás. Merece la pena, en todos los órdenes, vivir bien la Semana Santa. __________________________________________ Señor, que en estos días nos “abres las puertas” para adentrarnos en las celebraciones de tu Misterio Pascual: Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección. Quiero seguirte junto al borrico que te acercó a la ciudad de Jerusalén, y deseo aplaudirte y vitorearte, sinceramente y de corazón, co-mo aquellos judíos: “Hosanna al Hijo de David, bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor”. También me propongo acompañarte en estos días de Semana Santa. Tanto en la Liturgia como en las cele-braciones populares, tan tradicionales como profunda-mente religiosas, pues están motivadas por la fe y la piedad. Me conmueven todas las escenas de tu “Via Crucis”: tus gestos, tus palabras, tu entrega, tu sincer-idad y valentía, hasta verte crucificado y muerto en la Cruz. Quiero aprender de Ti, quiero llenarme de tu amor, entrega y generosidad. Ante la Cruz –y Tú cruci-ficado en ella- quiero expresarte mis mejores sentimientos con el poeta Fray Miguel de Guevara (S. XVI-XVII): No me mueve, mi Dios, para quererte, el cielo que me tienes prometido; ni me mueve el infierno tan temido para dejar por eso de ofenderte. Tú me mueves, Señor, muéveme al verte clavado en una cruz y escarnecido; muéveme al ver tu cuerpo tan herido, muévanme tus afrentas y tu muerte. Muéveme, en fin, tu amor, y en tal manera, que, aunque no hubiera cielo, yo te amara, y, aunque no hubiera infierno, te temiera. No me tienes que dar porque te quiera; pues, aunque cuanto espero, no esperara, lo mismo que te quiero te quisiera. Amen
Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
Website: www.nativityburke.org Palm Sunday March 20, 2016
Jueves Santo. Misterio EucarísticoCaigamos de rodillas y pidá-mosle que nos alimente con su Eucaristía mientras recorremos el camino de la vida.
Por: Ma Esther De Ariño | Fuente: Catholic.net Hoy Jueves Santo sentimos una necesidad im-periosa de recordar y más que recordar llegar con nuestra imaginación y nuestro sentir hasta el Cenáculo, lugar que tuvo que quedar perfu-mado con las palabras eucarísticas que pronunció allí Jesús la mis-ma noche en que sería entregado a la muerte. En aquel sagrado recinto vemos a Cristo rodeado de sus apóstoles junto a una mesa y le vemos tomar el pan y el cáliz en sus manos sacerdotales para convertirlos en su Cuerpo y en su Sangre divi-nos. Jesucristo se nos presenta con todo el poder de que es verdadero Dios, por su milagro, por el dominio de su pena interna, por el infinito amor con que corresponde a la soledad de los sagrarios de todo el mundo y de todos los tiempos, a los sacrilegios y perversio-nes de los corazones de los hombres, al desamor, y a la tibieza de los malos cristianos que lo reciben con gran indiferencia. San Pablo nos dice: Porque yo aprendí del Señor lo que también os tengo enseñado; y es que el Señor Jesús, la noche misma en que había de ser entregado, tomó el pan y dando gracias lo partió y dijo a sus discípulos: "Tomad y comed. Esto es mi cuerpo que por vo-sotros será entregado a la muerte. Haced esto en memoria mía". Y de la misma manera el cáliz, después de haber cenado, diciendo: "Este cáliz es el Nuevo Testamento en mi sangre. Haced esto cuan-tas veces lo bebiereis en memoria mía, pues todas las veces que comierais este pan o bebierais este cáliz, anunciareis la muerte del Señor hasta que venga. Así es que, cualquiera que comiera este pan o bebiera el cáliz del Señor indignamente será reo del cuerpo y de la sangre del Señor. Porque quién lo come o bebe indignamente, se traga y bebe su propia condenación". (Cor, ll,2O-32). Las palabras del Señor en esa noche son una promesa de amor de que jamás estaremos solos sin El, de que podremos alimentar nues-tra alma y cuerpo con el mismo Dios nuestro Creador que se quedó en el Sagrario pero también palabras fuertes de una advertencia grave para que no tomemos a la ligera al acercarnos a recibirle sin que antes reconciliemos nuestro corazón, si le hemos ofendido gravemente, con el acto humilde de reconocer nuestros pecados en el Sacramento de la Penitencia. Y de nuevo ante esta inconmensurable escena de amor en el noche del Jueves Santo podemos ver su rostro trasfigurado y sus ojos llenos de pesadumbre, su corazón dolorido y sus palabras misterio-sas para quedarse por siempre, hasta la consumación de los siglos, entre los hombres Caigamos de rodillas y pidámosle que nos alimente con su Euca-ristía mientras recorremos el camino de la vida, que nos consuele en nuestras penas, que participe de nuestras alegría y que nos ayu-de a no perder la gracia para poderlo recibir frecuentemente y de una manera digna
APRENDE TU FE El Proceso: ¿Eres tú el Hijo del Dios ? Sí, es tu decisión. Esta es tu opción por el amor: aceptar mansamente el camino de la cruz para demostrarme hasta dónde eres capaz de amarme.
Por: P Alfonso Pedroza LC | Fuente: Catholic.net
Fue necesaria la oración del huerto para afrontar con majestuosidad el desenla-ce del drama: tu pasión bendita.
Porque fuiste tú quien salió al paso de la cohorte. Quien con tu sola palabra la derribaste, pero no huiste, pues tu decisión era entregarte. Te arrastraron carga-do de cadenas, como si se tratase de un asesino: comenzaba el reino de la injusticia a desquiciar toda medida de humanidad. Y Pedro salió a tu defensa. Pero tú detuviste su espada. Hubiera muerto por ti, pero no era ese tu plan ni el estilo de tus seguidores. No. Guarda tu espada, Pedro, que Cristo necesita de otros apoyos, de otras defen-sas. Esas que desconoces y que te llevarán a renegar de él por tres veces consecutivas: la oración y la vigilancia. Tú dormías, él rezaba. Todo el poder divino desplegado para calmar las aguas del lago de Tiberíades, en otra ocasión, hoy enmudece, reprimido bajo la humilde y paciente acepta-ción del plan del Padre. No hay odio ni fulgurantes rayos que eliminaran a los soldados. Sólo entrega mansa y consciente. Amorosa, decidida, total.
Te conducen ante Anás. Te interrogan. Permanecías callado y cuando respon-des lo haces con lógica desarmante, con sencillez, con dignidad. ¿La reacción? Una bofetada prepotente de quien deseaba congraciarse con su jefe. ¿Y tu respuesta? Contundente y señorial: “Si he hecho mal, demuéstramelo. Si no ¿Por qué me pegas?”
Te llevan ante el Sanhedrín reunido en pleno. Te montan un juicio, contrario a la ley, que prohibía hacerlo de noche. Además, no te proporcionan un abogado defensor. Un juicio en donde la justicia brillará por su ausencia. Se levanta el telón. Y comienza el teatro. Los actores ejecutan sus papeles como pueden. Se multiplican las acusaciones falsas, contradictorias, y tú ca-llas. Contemplas con infinita conmiseración a aquellos pobres títeres del poder humano, quizá empujados a levantar falsos a fuerza de amenazas o de dinero. Sobran los gritos y aspavientos pasionales. Y veinte siglos después los hombres seguimos sin aceptar tu evangelio, obce-cados en nuestros criterios, rechazando la belleza de tu persona, la fuerza de tus milagros, el perdón de tu corazón, tu testimonio a favor de la verdad. Y permanecemos voluntariamen-te en el error, viendo en ti al enemigo nefando de nuestro reino de apariencias e intereses egoístas. Juran. Se contradicen. Te interrogan. ¿Y tú? Callas. Es la mejor respuesta. Allí no hay más que uno que domina la situación: tú mismo. Tu silencio pesa como una losa sobre sus conciencias. Les duele. Por eso tienen que desafiarte, tocando la herida más íntima de tu ser: “¿Eres tú el Hijo del Dios viviente?” A lo que no puedes responder sino afirmativamen-te, con plena consciencia de las consecuencias que esto comporta: “¡Sí, tú lo has dicho. Yo lo soy!”
Caifás se rasga las vestiduras, en gesto hipócrita. ¿Es que no tenía decidida, de antemano, tu sentencia de muerte? “¡Blasfemo!” El Dios que les has revelado les incomoda mucho, les asusta, porque no lo pueden manipular. Por eso tienen que deshacerse de él, a como dé lugar. Ahora bien, cuando debías callar, para salvarte, hablas y cuando –para salvarte- deberías hablar, como ante Pilato, callas. ¿Por qué? Parece como si tú mismo intentaras echarte la soga al cuello. Como si fueses tú quien tuviese la última palabra para decidir qué hacer con tu vida: “Por esto el Padre me ama, porque yo doy mi vida por mis ovejas. Nadie me la quita, yo la doy por mí mismo. Tengo poder para darla y para volverla a tomar. Tal es el mandato que del Padre he recibido”.
Sí, es tu decisión. Esta es tu opción por el amor: aceptar mansamente el ca-mino de la cruz para demostrarme hasta dónde eres capaz de amarme; el valor infinito del alma humana y la terrible seriedad de cada pecado, boleto de entra-da al infierno.
Y aquí todo lo sucedido es históricamente comprobable: no son relatos edifi-cantes, no es teatro religioso, no son la expresión de nuestras piadosas inten-ciones. Documentos romanos lo avalan. Y dado que podrías habernos redimido con un solo gesto significa que aceptar tu pasión y llevarla hasta las últimas consecuencias quiere decir que tu amor por nosotros, por cada uno, es simplemente extraordinario, infinito y total. Te has jugado todas las cartas para recuperarme. Has apostado todo, y perdiste, para ganarme. Si mueres en una cruz, en medio de los estertores más deses-perantes…es que tu amor es simplemen-te apasio-nado, es locura, es el cielo recobrado.
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