Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

“And whether they heed or resist - they shall know that a prophet has been among them.” - Ezekiel 2:5 My dear parishioners, Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si,” on care for our “Common Home” was published on June 18th, 2015, by the Vatican. Pope Francis examines our relationship with God, with each other, and with nature which he calls “integral ecology.” That's an interesting phrase of the Pope which reminds us of our unique place as human beings and our relationship with our surroundings with nature. He sees the degradation of the earths' environment as affecting the poor disproportionately. Pope Francis comes from a culture where the poor are very much downtrodden and he has seen a world that’s more poor than rich. I like the Pope’s “common good” and “common home” perspective in the document. It’s not just me, it’s not just Burke, VA, it’s everyone looking out for everyone which is a big part of the Christian message. We try to reach out and help others because God is in every person. While Pope Francis is convinced that global warming is evident, not all agree about the cause of climate change. The Pope urgently challenges the wealthier nations to use more clean sources of power - solar, wind and less fossil fuel which release carbons into the atmosphere. 1.2 Billion people in the world do not have electricity. We want them to have this and the sources of power should come from cleaner solar power or wind. We have the technology to do this, but it demands a change of will and heart to do it. There are different views on this, but the Pope is saying to the family of nations “let's talk about it”. The Pope is calling for a simpler lifestyle and to reject a “throw away culture.” Pope Francis speaks as a pastor in his call to protect the earth. Following are selected quotes from Pope Francis' encyclical:

The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.

Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence. We have no such right.

The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, His boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains; everything is, as it were, a caress of God.

Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain. We may well be leaving to coming generations debris, desolation and filth.

We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels, especially coal, but also oil, and to a lesser degree gas, needs to be progressively replaced without delay.

“Less is more.” A constant flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent us from cherishing each thing and each moment.

Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. I guess we can see that “whether they heed or resist, ...they shall know that a prophet has been among them.” Love and Blessings,

Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monthly meetings offer information, encouragement, and fellowship for anyone caring for a family member or close friend with any form of dementia. This group has been in continuous existence for 16 years, but is finding a new home at Nativity Church. Meetings are held in the Fr. Ready Room on the second Tuesday of each month from Noon - 1:30 pm.

Before first attending, please contact the facilitator Eileen Thompson by phone or email: eleen.thompson1@gmail.com or 703-451-8626.

Donut Sunday, THIS weekend in the Fr. Martin Center, hosted by

the Theatre Ministry

Children’s Rosary

Join us on Saturday, July 14th at 4:00PM at the School Chapel for a Children’s Rosary. Rosaries and prayer books are provided. No prior knowledge of the Rosary is needed. Children of all abilities are welcome. Parents are encouraged to attend in the role of “guardian angels” of the prayer movement.

Altar Server Picnic: July 26, 2018

Bishop Burbidge invites all altar servers in the Diocese to join him at the ALTAR SERVER PICNIC which will be held on Thursday, July 26 at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. The lunch will be prepared by the Knights of Columbus and the seminarians will organize sports and games. There will also be the opportunity to go to the Water Park! Nativity’s Fr. Stephen Vaccaro and Seminarian Peter McShurley will be in attendance. What could be more fun!!!

Nativity will provide bus transportation which will arrive at Nativity at 9:00am and will depart for the park at 9:15am. We will return to Nativity at approximately 4:00pm. Let us know if you are able to attend this fun event!

Please email Seminarian Peter McShurley (deadline to sign up: July 17) at pmcshurley@nativityburke.org.

Do not wait until the last minute to respond, we need to determine how many bus seats are needed! Permission forms are required and are available at the Church office, please have a parent fill them out and forward them to Seminarian Peter McShurley as soon as possible.

Bishop Burbidge is looking forward to expressing his personal gratitude and appreciation to all those who so faithfully serve at the altars of our Diocese.

Looking to Make a Difference? We May Be Looking For You!

We are seeking a full-time 3rd-grade teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. Preferred Qualifications: Degree from an accredited institution with certification (or eligibility for certification) in Elementary Education for the state of VA and 2 to 5 years teaching experience.

Resumes can be submitted via email to Maria Kelly, Principal, Nativity Catholic School, at mkelly@nativityschool.org.

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

This week is the collection for the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. The people of Africa are joyous and faith-filled, but they face challenges due to poverty, food shortages, disease, and migration. This collection is an opportunity to stand with our brothers and sisters in Africa and support pastoral projects that are so needed on this continent. Please be generous today.

To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/africa.

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

Catholic Marriage Preparation Guidelines

1. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington requires a minimum of SIX MONTHS of marriage preparation, beginning with your initial contact with your parish priest.

2. Each couple marrying in the Diocese of Arlington is required to attend a marriage preparation conference such as a Conference for the Engaged.

3. You must currently be meeting with a priest/deacon for marriage preparation in order to register for a conference.

4. Most couples will be asked to take the FOCCUS premarital inventory. It is a tool designed to help engaged couples learn more about themselves and their relationship. It will also pave the way for them to discuss many of the topics that are central to ensuring that their marriage lasts a lifetime.

6. Your priest or deacon may require you to attend Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes. If he does not, we encourage you and your fiancé(e) to learn more about this organic way to plan a family that also respects the integrity of your marriage.

7. The preparing priest or deacon can assist you in preparing the liturgy, readings, music, and other elements for your wedding.

We rejoice in your engagement and journey with you as you prepare for a happy and successful marriage.

To find out about the latest parish news or to see what is on the calendar, please visit our website:

www.nativityburke.org or like us on Facebook at: Nativity Parish Burke

“Heavenly Father… Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is worth living.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Every Life is Worth Living” Prayer Card, www.usccb.org/worth-living.

Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.

Are you suffering from an abortion experience? PROJECT RACHEL offers spiritual and psychological healing. Call

703-276-0373 (projectrachel@arlingtondiocease.org) for a referral for private, sensitive and confidential counseling and/or

reconciliation. (Project Rachel is a post-abortion healing program open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington).

Interested in advertising in the bulletin? Call Rick Cortez at 412-292-0132 or e-mail: rickcortez@aol.com.

Hurry, Only a Couple of Preschool Seats Left ~~ This Fall: Preschool Day Extends; Week Lengthens

This Fall, our Preschool class will meet Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to NOON, with an OPTIONAL

Preschool Afternoon Extension from NOON to 2:30 pm. An Extended Care Program may be available as well.

We’re accepting applications for the 2018-19 School Year now. Come join us -- take a tour, visit our classroom, and see our campus. Learn how we spend the rest of our school day!

For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Education Program Director,

at 703-455-2300.

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE

We are excited about our new SPRED program!

SPRED will meet for 12 sessions, once a month on Saturday mornings from 10:00am-12:00pm. Grades K-8th. Starting in September. To register and for more information, please visit www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd or call the Religious Education Office 703-455-0372. Space is limited. Receive an Early Bird Discount! Register by August 1. Class placement is based on first come first served. To register submit a completed Student Registration form (one per family), an Emergency Care Form (one per student), tuition 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 and from the Religious Education webpage, www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd

We are looking for volunteers that will help us extend the Lord’s love and his Church to Children for the 2018-2019 school year for our RE classes and our SPRED program. For more information please visit our website: www.nativityburke.org/nativiyccd or call 703.455.0372.

Special Religious Development

Church of the Nativity

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

Monday, July 9 7:30am † Steve Lisi

Tuesday, July 10 7:30am † Peter Hannan Wednesday, July 11 7:30am † John Dyer (BL Gardens) 3:00pm † Thomas Kelly

Thursday, July 12 7:30pm † Jennifer Kirk Friday, July 13 7:30am † Guadalupe Miery Teran Saturday, July 14 9:00am † Gertrude Hutchins 5:00pm † Carlos Acosta 7:00pm Special Intention for Michael’s birthday

Sunday, July 15 7:30am † Guadalupe Miery Teran 9:00am Parishioners 11:00am † George Mulligan 12:45pm † Matilde Fernandez 5:30pm † Dr. Gerald McDonald

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.

ALTAR FLOWERS Donated with Love by

The Brandt Family In Loving Memory of The Yarros Family

and

The Holtmann and Sidebottom Families In Loving Memory of

Catherine Cuomo

Nativity is a tithing community Giving back a portion of God’s blessings in gratitude.

“Each day with one heart—we are the hands of Jesus”

Baptisms take place the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. The next baptismal class is scheduled for Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at 7:30pm

in the Nativity School Library. Please call the office at 703-455-2400 to sign up.

Saturday, September 29th

Save the Date!! This year’s Fall Festival will be bigger and better.

We still need help in the following areas: Fish Bowl Game

If you are interested in volunteering to lead either position, please let us know.

For more information, please contact Barry or Janet Basselgia at 703-451-2106 or email us at

fallfestival@nativityburke.org.

Join the Knights!

Do you want to make a difference as a Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at jaostrowski89@gmail.com if you are interested in joining our order or know someone who is.

If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try **Online Membership**! In only 5-10 minutes, just type in the link below, fill out the needed information, and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. Contact us if you have any issues with the online registration.

https://www.kofc.org/apps/newjoin/en/registration/index.html

Note: Knights who join online are not initially full members of our Nativity Council when they join…. but they can attend our meetings as a non-voting "visiting" Brother Knights. Online members are able to easily transfer to Nativity Council 7992 then participate in an Admission (1st Degree) ceremony to become full members in our Council.

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

http://www.nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Estate Planning Workshop: ALL parishioners, couples and individuals, are cordially invited. Thursday, July 26 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, your Knights of Columbus field agent, Thom Harrington, and Seidl Law Offices, PC are sponsoring an Estate, Tax, Business, and Retirement Planning Workshop. The workshop will be held in the Manassas insurance office at 9705 Liberia Ave, Suite 252, in Manassas. Handout materials and slide copies will be available to "bring home" the numerous elements for effectively planning for you and your family’s future.

Because space is limited, your RSVP to attend is essential. Email MayerOfficeMail@kofc.org or call

703-810-3200 (Ext 1) to RSVP.

Council Meeting: The next council meeting is Thursday, August 2nd. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30 pm.

Adopt-a-Highway: Calling all road warriors! The next pick-up date is Saturday, July 14, 2018, weather permitting. Volunteers will gather at 10:00 AM in the Church of the Nativity lower parking lot (Old Keene Mill Road level). The clean-up activity will be completed before 11:30 AM if enough volunteers are available. If you are able to participate, use the signupgenius (link is on Council Website) or email Brother George Getek at ggetek@aol.com.

Officer Installation: The ceremony for the Installation of 2018-2019 Columbian year Council officers will occur after the 5:30pm Mass on 15 July. More details to follow at our next meeting and on the council website.

The following are nearby opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 1st Degree (Admission): Monday, 13 August, 7:00 pm, Council 12846, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Springfield. 2nd Degree (Formation): Thursday, 27 September, 7:30 pm, Council 12846, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Springfield.

Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at jaostrowski89@gmail.com if you'd like to participate in these ceremonies so that we can coordinate with the host Councils.

Looking to Make a Difference? We May Be Looking For You!

-- We are seeking a full-time 3rd-grade teacher for the 2018-2019 school year -- Preferred Qualification: Degree from an accredited institution with certification or eligibility for certification in Elementary Education for the state of VA. 2 to 5 years teaching experience. Resumes can be submitted via email to Maria Kelly, Principal, Nativity Catholic School, at mkelly@nativityschool.org.

**************************************

Got an Inquisitive Preschooler? Let’s Talk!!

We Have a Couple of Seats Open in Our Fall Class and We’d Like to Offer One to Your Preschooler. Come Tour Our Campus, Visit the Classroom, and Meet Our Students and Teachers. Learn How We Spend Our School Day! For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Education Program Director, at 703-455-2300.

**************************************

LEARNING LIVES AT NATIVITY

Our PTO funds our Assembly Program each year and we’ve seen some really good programs this year. In the first -- Native Pride Dancers -- we met Native American Larry Yazzie, founder and artistic director of Native Pride Dancers, who shared his talent, skills, knowledge about his culture, and enthusiasm for dance at a recent school assembly. The students were on their feet dancing -- he even had the teachers dancing!

The second assembly -- Skate-board Science -- was a mix of real Science and skateboard skills. From inertia, to centripetal force, to momentum, two talented young skaters taught us about the Science of Skateboarding through demonstrated skater tricks -- and we joined in the fun. See the photo on the right of the pro who busted a sick, gnarly trick over our social studies teacher -- safely!

Join us at Nativity to see how your child would spend his or her days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and

laughing. We may be just the school for which you´ve been searching! Contact us at www.nativityschool.org,

Chinese Catholic Community

The Arlington Diocese Office of Multicultural Ministries has established a Diocesan Chinese Catholic Community. Several

Chinese Catholic families from the Diocese are getting together for a monthly prayer meeting in Chinese to learn more about our faith and share our spiritual thoughts. This Chinese Catholic Community

meets at the Church of the Nativity. All Chinese Catholics are welcome to join this Chinese Prayer Meeting every 3rd Saturday of the month from 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm. Please come join us in Cantonese/Mandarin Chinese hymn singing, rosary, prayers for special intentions and bible sharing. For further information,

contact Joe Moy at 703-698-0482 or Diana Huynh at 703-250-4760.

Website: www.nativityburke.org 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

Volunteer Opportunity at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Are you looking for an opportunity to grow in your faith and extend that gift to others through your personal witness and service to the Church? We invite you to become a Docent (Tour Guide) or Tour Desk Receptionist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Northeast Washington D.C. Hours and days are flexible and training will be provided. Anyone interested should please contact Dee Steel (Director of Visitor Services) via telephone at (202) 526-8300, ext.111, or via email (dsteel@bnsic.org).

Lunch N’ Life

Are You 50 or Better? Please join us for the next Lunch N’ Life sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, July 19th, (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke. The guest presenters are Dr. Donald Trump and Dr. Sage Bolt with INOVA speaking on Life with Cancer. For reservations, call Bea Stephenson at 703-273-5730 by July 13th. The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office at (703) 323-4788. See www.scfbva.org for more information.

Buy Grocery Gift Cards

The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke (SCFB) is selling grocery store gift cards as on ongoing activity from the following stores: Safeway - Whole Foods - Giant - Shoppers Food Warehouse. The cards can be purchased in amounts of $50 or $100, and buyers receive full value upon use. Designated grocery stores have discounted the cards that SCFB buys in bulk to gain a donation from each card purchased. The cards can be used at any location of the participating grocers for anything stores sell, and you will still gain gas/reward points. Gift cards can be purchased by check (preferred) or cash at Council of Representatives meetings and Lunch N' Life, or by contacting the SCFB office at 703-323-4788.

Attention Class of 2018: The Associates of St. John Bosco invites rising

college freshmen to attend a College Night at one of the following parishes:

July 18th: Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria (Location: St. Mary's Lyceum, 313 Duke St.) July 25th: St. Mary's in Fredericksburg (Location: Parish Life Center)

College Nights are free to all students and provide resources and support for keeping your Catholic faith when entering college this fall. Catholic student representatives from George Mason, UVA, The University of Mary Washington, William & Mary, Virginia

Tech and other private and public schools will be on hand to share their experiences of being a Catholic college student. This is a

great opportunity to network with other Catholic students and to receive resources for the transition to college only a few months away. The Nights begin at 7:00 PM, and students are encouraged

to wear their college t-shirt to the event! To register for one of the College Nights and for additional information, visit our website at www.asjb.org. Registration is limited to 50 students per night.

Follow Bishop Burbidge on Twitter

Bishop Burbidge has over 12,200 followers on Twitter! His daily reflections and posts are popular and insightful.

Follow him @BishopBurbidge.

Website: www.nativityburke.org 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

Get our weekly CYM Update—Get on our list!

• Send an email to Ms. Ingrid to • ingridss@nativityburke.org • Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate • Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers

Contact Director: Alison Fram afram@nativityburke.org, cell: 703-577-5329

Find us on the parish website

COLLEGE MINISTRY and

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39

Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”

Instagram - @nativityya

Weekly: - Every Tuesday - Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room. Saturday, 7/14 - Sand Volleyball at Van Dyke Park. 5:00-8:00pm on the sand volleyball courts. Join us for an evening of fun! All skill levels welcome. Families with young children - there’s a park nearby too! Monday, 7/16 - Fairfax Theology on Tap @ The Auld Shebeen: “A Day in the Life.” Guest speaker Fr. Ed Bresnahan will join us this month. Food/drinks served at 6:30pm,Talk at 7:30pm!

CSC Basketball is over for the Summer. We’ll be back on Thursdays starting

August 23!!

COLLEGE MINISTRY

Serving people ages 18-21

Keep the faith in college!

Please pray for our Mission Trip to Haiti, July 9-13!

Follow our journey on Instagram @Nativitycollege and @Nativitycollegehaititrip

Next College Ministry event: Wednesday, 8/8 - 7:00pm at Nativity

“Recommitting to your faith before college” with Fr. Chris Vaccaro and Fr. Stephen Vaccaro.

Nativity Youth Ministry Sunday Night Schedule

EDGE Middle School Ministry Grades 6, 7, 8 3:30 pm — 5:00 pm

LIFETEEN High School Ministry 6:30 pm Meal 7:00 pm Ministry

Bring a Friend and an Open Heart!

Visit our web site and social media

@nativi tycathol icyouthminist ry

@nativi tyCYM

www.nat ivi tyburkecym.org

THANK YOU for the GLORY DAYS RECEIPTS! Place itemized receipts in the collection baskets at Mass.

Thank you for Supporting Youth Ministry!

For new and continuing ministry with our parish teens. If you have felt the call to work with youth—give us a call—we’ll help you answer.

College Age Students, Young Adults, Parents, and Grandparents, Retirees….all are welcome to share the faith! Volunteering is a great way to meet new peers and be involved in the Nativity-Family!! Contact Ms. Ingrid to talk.

Website: www.nativityburke.org 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

XIV Domingo Ordinario - B Evangelio de la Misa: Mc 6,1-6 El triunfo de la humildad Vemos Jesús en su tierra, quizá en su propio pueblo, pues to-dos le conocían muy bien. También tenía que salvar a sus pai-sanos, y por eso predica en la sinagoga. Todos se admiran de su sabiduría y su modo de exponer las enseñanzas. Podían sentirse ufanos y felices con su paisano, que se muestra tan sabio y bondadoso. Pero no. Dudan de él, recelan y le criti-can, e incluso le desprecian. Carentes de fe –en el fondo de humildad y sinceridad– no merecieron ningún milagro, solo proporcionaron la ocasión, para hacer más famoso el refrán: “Solo desprecian al profeta en su propia tierra”.

Como siempre, Señor, en medio de la gente, de tu gente, de todos los que has de salvar, pues a todos nos ofreces tu Evangelio, o Buena Nueva. Pero no todos están, o se ponen a disposición para escucharte y acoger tus enseñanzas. La historia se va repitiendo ininter-rumpidamente. También ahora, Señor, percibo actitudes y respuestas a tu mensaje salvador de indiferencia y desprecio, de recelos y tergiversaciones, y en consecuencia de rechazo, abierto o solapado. Para todos pido comprensión, acogida, perdón y amor. Pero quiero aprender de tus paisanos lo que tengo que evitar, y de tu bondadosa actitud, a la que tengo que imitar, para que sepa ser tu discípulo, fiel y solícito, humilde y gener-oso, valiente y comprometido con el prójimo, con el mundo y con la sociedad, que me toca vivir. Veo que hoy también, Señor, es la soberbia moral y sobre todo la intelectual, la que busca razones y argucias, falsas justifica-ciones y torticeras componendas, para no aceptar con naturali-dad, sencillez y sinceridad, tu Palabra, y por tanto para rechazar la verdad de la vida auténtica, del amor grande y no-ble, de la desbordante alegría que suponen la fe y la vida espir-itual. Para todos pido, Señor, la humildad auténtica, y la sincer-idad profunda para escuchar, conocer, acoger y “hacer la verdad”, aunque sea exigente y comprometedora. Que nunca olvide, Señor, esta lección de vida y santidad, aprendiendo del reproche que lanzaste a tus paisanos: “Solo rechazan a un profeta en su tierra”. Y además, que siempre tenga presente tus otras palabras: “Aprended de mí, que soy manso y humilde de corazón… y encontraréis paz para vuestras almas”. Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez

Cuando rezas...¿Dios te escucha? Cristiano de hoy Llegar a mi oración abierto a lo que Él quiere decirme... y no predispuesto a querer escuchar lo que a mí me interesa. Por: P. Juan Antonio Ruiz J., L.C. | Fuente: la-oracion.com

Señor, haz de mí un instrumento de tu paz. Que allá donde hay odio, yo ponga el amor. Que allá donde hay ofensa, yo ponga el perdón. Que allá donde hay discordia, yo ponga la unión. Que allá donde hay error, yo ponga la verdad. Que allá donde hay duda, yo ponga la Fe. Que allá donde desesperación, yo ponga la esperanza. Que allá donde hay tinieblas, yo ponga la luz. Que allá donde hay tristeza, yo ponga la alegría. Oh Señor, que yo no busque tanto ser consolado, cuanto consolar, ser comprendido, cuanto comprender, ser amado, cuanto amar. Porque es dándose como se recibe, es olvidándose de sí mismo como uno se encuentra a sí mismo, es perdonando, como se es perdonado, es muriendo como se resucita a la vida eterna». (San Francisco de Asís)

Me sucedió hace tiempo, en Sevilla (España). Estaba yo sentado en la sala de la casa de una familia a la que acababa de conocer, pero con la que se había creado ya una bonita amistad. Los sevilla-nos tienen esa gracia que te contagia desde el primer momento: ese comerse las eses al final de cada frase, las ganas de fiesta, la sonrisa siempre a flor de piel, la devoción a María. ¡Personas estu-pendas!

Pero volvamos a esa sala, en donde tomábamos el café después de una comida. En un momento dado, uno de los adolescentes me lanzó un reto, así a bocajarro, de la manera típica de los jóvenes de su edad: A que no es capaz de demostrarnos ahora que, cuando reza, Dios le escucha. Sonreí. Pero, ¿cómo me va a decir a mí que Dios no me escucha, si llevo más de 20 años rezando todos los días? Y cuando iba a empezar la respuesta... no pude responder. Me quedé helado. ¿Dios me escucha? ¿De verdad está al otro la-do?

No fue una crisis de fe, pero sí una búsqueda de replantearme lo que ya creía. Y empecé a limar, a ahondar en mi interior: ¿por qué oro, cuáles son mis motivos, qué llena mi corazón en cada oración?

Y fue cuando me topé con esta bellísima oración de San Francisco de Asís; o por lo menos, se le atribuye a él. Concretamente, en el canto de una misa ahí en Sevilla. Escuchar cada palabra me abrió un horizonte nuevo en mi oración y me ayudó a responderle a ese adolescente: la respuesta al "demuéstrame que Dios me responde" está en la vivencia de tu propia vida. Me explico.

Vi hace poco un video en el que un grupo de jóvenes se reunió una noche para una fiesta. En un momento dado, alguien sacó una pin-tura fosforescente y roció a todos con ella. El resultado fue in-creíble: apagaron las luces y todo eran colores que iluminaban el ámbito en donde estaban.

Algo así debe suceder con nuestra oración. En cada momento de diálogo con Dios, nos sumergimos en Él y debemos llenarnos de Él. De este contacto nuestro actuar debe salir brillante, de tal manera que ilumine el mundo de oscuridad y pecado que nos rodea. Debemos ser, así, instrumentos de Dios: de paz, de amor, de unión, de perdón, de fe.

Eso sí, para eso, debo llegar a mi oración con gran pureza de intención, abierto a que Dios me diga aquello que Él quiere decirme... y no predispuesto a querer escuchar sólo lo que a mí me interesa. Porque, como bien decía San Francisco, es olvidándose de sí mismo como uno se encuentra a sí mismo, es perdonando, como se es perdonado, es muriendo como se resu-cita a la vida eterna.

A que no es capaz de demostrarnos ahora que cuando reza Dios le escucha. Sí, soy capaz de hacerlo. Porque puedo ver el resultado en aquellos que me rodean y en mi propia vida. No siempre lo logro, pero por lo menos lo intento. Después de todo, y como decía otro santo, «haz lo que puedas, Dios no te pide más» (San Agustín). Y será en este intentar ser mejor cada día, en este zambullirme en Dios en cada oración, que puedo alumbrar más el mundo que me rodea. Tal y como, aún hoy, lo sigue haciendo ese enamorado de Dios llamado Fran-cisco de Asís.

Website: www.nativityburke.org 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018

XIV Domingo del tiempo ordinario, Ciclo B. Salió de allí y vino a su patria Autor: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Sitio Web: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap

Ezequiel 1, 13-15-2,23-25; 2 Corintios 12, 7-10; Marcos 6, 1-6

Cuando ya se había hecho popular y famoso por sus milagros y su enseñanza, Jesús volvió un día a su lugar de origen, Nazaret, y como de costumbre se puso a enseñar en la sinagoga. Pero esta vez no suscitó ningún entusiasmo, ningún ¡ hosanna!. Más que escu-char cuanto decía y juzgarle según ello, la gente se puso a hacer consideraciones ajenas: «¿De dónde ha sacado esta sabiduría? No ha estudiado; le conocemos bien; es el carpintero, ¡el hijo de Ma-ría!». «Y se escandalizaban de Él», o sea, encontraban un obstácu-lo para creerle en el hecho de que le conocían bien.

Jesús comentó amargamente: «Un profeta sólo en su patria, entre sus parientes y en su casa carece de prestigio». Esta frase se ha convertido en proverbial en la forma abreviada: Nemo propheta in patria, nadie es profeta en su tierra. Pero esto es sólo una curiosid-ad. El pasaje evangélico nos lanza también una advertencia im-plícita que podemos resumir así: ¡atentos a no cometer el mismo error que cometieron los nazarenos! En cierto sentido, Jesús vuelve a su patria cada vez que su Evangelio es anunciado en los países que fueron, en un tiempo, la cuna del cristianismo.

Nuestra Italia, y en general Europa, son, para el cristianismo, lo que era Nazaret para Jesús: «el lugar donde fue criado» (el cris-tianismo nació en Asia, pero creció en Europa, ¡un poco como Jesús había nacido en Belén, pero fue criado en Nazaret!). Hoy corren el mismo riesgo que los nazarenos: no reconocer a Jesús. La carta constitucional de la nueva Europa unida no es el único lugar del que Él es actualmente «expulsado»...

El episodio del Evangelio nos enseña algo importante. Jesús nos deja libres; propone, no impone sus dones. Aquel día, ante el rechazo de sus paisanos, Jesús no se abandonó a amenazas e invec-tivas. No dijo, indignado, como se cuenta que hizo Publio Escipión, el africano, dejando Roma: «Ingrata patria, ¡no tendrás mis huesos!». Sencillamente se marchó a otro lugar. Una vez no fue recibido en cierto pueblo; los discípulos indignados le pro-pusieron hacer bajar fuego del cielo, pero Jesús se volvió y les reprendió (Lc 9, 54).

Así actúa también hoy. «Dios es tímido». Tiene mucho más re-speto de nuestra libertad que la que tenemos nosotros mismos, los unos de la de los otros. Esto crea una gran responsabilidad. San Agustín decía: «Tengo miedo de Jesús que pasa» (Timeo Jesum transeuntem). Podría, en efecto, pasar sin que me percate, pasar sin que yo esté dispuesto a acogerle.

Su paso es siempre un paso de gracia. Marcos dice sintéticamente que, habiendo llegado a Nazaret en sábado, Jesús «se puso a ense-ñar en la sinagoga». Pero el Evangelio de Lucas especifica también qué enseñó y qué dijo aquel sábado. Dijo que había venido «para anunciar a los pobres la Buena Nueva, para proclamar la liberación a los cautivos y la vista a los ciegos; para dar la libertad a los oprimidos y proclamar un año de gracia del Señor» (Lucas 4, 18-19).

Lo que Jesús proclamaba en la sinagoga de Nazaret era, por lo tanto, el primer jubileo cristiano de la historia, el primer gran «año de gracia», del que todos los jubileos y «años santos» son una con-memoración.

[Traducción del original italiano realizada por Zenit]

¿Qué tanto me parezco a ti, Señor? Porque he sido creado a tu imagen. Pero para ser reflejo de Ti, tengo que dejar de ser yo mismo. Por: Ma Esther De Ariño | Fuente: Catholic.net Hoy Señor, no estás oculto tras la puerta del Sagrario, no, estás expuesto en el Altar en una hermosa Custodia. Ahí te ha puesto el sacerdote para que nuestros ojos te vean y te adoremos. El alma se arrodilla ante ti, ¡Oh, Señor de la Historia, Rey de reyes, Dios de misericordia! Y llega la pregunta: - “¿Qué tanto conozco yo a este Cristo, a este Jesús, que está oculto en esa Sagrada Hostia? ¿Eres para mí algo lejano, algo distante, eres alguien a quien tengo que tratar de usted? O, ¿eres mi amigo y tengo contigo una rela-ción cordial y amorosa? ¿Eres algo así como mi padre, mi madre, mi hermano, mi mejor amigo? ¿Qué respuesta puedo darte, Señor? Solo sé que te amo. Porque he sido creada a tu imagen. A imagen de Dios. Y siendo imagen tuya, sé que cuando llegue la hora de presentarme ante Ti, me abrazarás y me pondrás a tu lado. Pero para ser reflejo de Ti, tengo que dejar de ser yo misma y empezar a juzgar a los demás como juzgas tú, como amas tu a todo los seres, como haces tú con esta enfermedad, con esta soledad, con esta ancianidad, con esta juventud, con este matrimonio, con estos hijos, con estos nietos, con este trabajo duro y cansado, o con esta falta de él. Y como haces tú con mi miedo, con mi angustia. Y sentir como tú sientes, para perdonar o para pedir perdón. ¿Qué tanto me parezco a ti, Señor? Tú lo hiciste todo por amor. Esa es tu gran enseñanza, esa es tu gran verdad. Pero los actos de amor no son siempre para ratos bonitos, a veces es algo que duele, que cuesta, porque no está en las palabras sino en los actos y a veces esos actos son de sacrificio, de renuncia, de aceptación, de tolerancia, de entrega: eso es amor. ¿Y cómo lograremos todo esto? ORANDO. Orar es tener un trato personal con Dios. No solo rezar cuando hay difi-cultades. Y tampoco la oración se concreta, como ahora, que estoy en la Capilla y Tú estás expuesto para ser adorado y que brote ante Ti, una oración. No, todo nuestro día puede con-vertirse en oración, en rezo, si te involucro en todo mi diario vivir, los buenos ratos, los malos, los alegres, los tristes… el día completo, con sus horas y minutos, el descanso de la no-che y el amanecer del nuevo día… todo eso es orar. Unido a esa forma de vivir puedo poco a poco irme parecien-do a Ti, Señor. Tu ayuda y apoyo será mi mayor fuerza para dar testimonio de QUE A TU IMAGEN NOS CREASTE, SEÑOR.