ÂUx{ÉÄw? à{x _tÅu Éy ZÉwÊ John 1:35

Dear Faith Family of Our Lady of Grace,

Praised be Jesus Christ…now and forever!

Although the liturgical season of Ordinary Time begins this week, today’s reading con nues the theme of the Bap sm of the Lord. Today’s reading from the Gospel according to John immediately follows John the Bap st's tes mony about Jesus and his iden fica on of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Having been bap zed by John, Jesus begins to gather followers. The first followers sought out Jesus because of the tes mony and witness of John the Bap st.

We are familiar with the tle that John the Bap st uses for Jesus—the Lamb of God. We hear it weekly at the frac on rite during Mass, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb”. For those who heard John the Bap st, however, this tle recalled key themes from the Old Testa-ment. It alludes to the paschal lamb offered as a sacrifice when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the event that is commemorated by the Jewish Passover celebra on. It also recalls the prophet Isaiah’s descrip on of the suffering servant of Israel. In using this name for Jesus, John the Bap st predicts Jesus’ passion and death and the new interpreta on of Passover that will begin with Jesus’ Last Supper and at the point when Jesus is on the Cross the lambs of the Passover were simultaneously being slain. In the Gospel of St. John, we see a victorious and glorified Jesus who is laying down his life. Archbishop Fulton Sheen would describe this moment of the paschal mystery as being the greatest sermon Jesus would preach on the pulpit of the Cross. “No one takes my life away from me. I lay it down freely (Jn. 10:18).”

We learn in today’s reading how Jesus’ first followers were gathered. The first two, Andrew and another man, were follow-ers of John the Bap st. A er hearing John’s tes mony, they became followers of Jesus. During their me with Jesus, the details of which are not specified, Andrew and the other follower came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew then brings his brother, Simon, to Jesus. Immediately, Jesus gave Simon a new name, calling him Peter, which means “rock” in Greek. The renaming of Simon to Peter is reported in all four of the Gospels.

In the exchange between Andrew, the other disciple, and Jesus, we see an example of the usual pa ern for first-century Jewish rabbinical schools. Jews sought out rabbis and established themselves as disciples of a par cular rabbi. Jesus appears to have been unique in that he sought out individuals, invi ng them to be his followers. In the passage that follows, John’s Gospel tells us how Jesus took the ini a ve in calling Philip and Nathanael.

Jesus asks Andrew and the other disciple, “What are you looking for?” This is a telling ques on, and one that we might o en ask of ourselves. John the Bap st tes fied to Jesus’ iden ty, the Lamb of God, using the framework of the Old Testa-ment. Andrew, Simon, and the other first disciples were looking for the Messiah, whom they also came to know as the Son of God. What do we look for and what do we find in Jesus? I hope this week we seek Him in the ordinariness of life and in the strangeness of this pandemic. Many people’s lives are affected in various ways just look down Ventura Blvd. the homelessness, businesses forced to close or are indefinitely closed, and the mental health of people. May you and I be a source of comfort and strength to people because of our belief and our hunger to want to bring people to Jesus like these apostles.

Here at OLG in the next couple of weeks we will be star ng to bring the children back to the parish school. We will begin in classroom learning with cohorts of 12 students per grade. While this is an op on, families may also opt to virtual learning as well. Let us pray for the con nued success of our parish school and the safety of our staff, faculty, and students. Please save the date for our school open house on January 24th, which is also the start of Catholic Schools Week.

We have also begun the discussions and logis cs to moving some of the Masses to inside the church, ensuring that people are able to do Eucharis c adora on and visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and ensuring that we adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and sani za on. This has been in the works once we got a green light from the county and the archdiocese a few days before Christmas. The archdiocese also released the liturgical protocols but also encouraged parishes and ins tu ons to be safe and to consider that being outdoors is s ll beneficial. Please stay tune in the next couple of weeks for news on how we will proceed. Thank you for your pa ence and willing spirit to adjust!

Have a Blessed Week!

In Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Marinello Saguin

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Querida Familia de Fe de Nuestra Señora de Gracia,

Alabado sea Jesucristo... ¡ahora y para siempre!

Aunque la época litúrgica del Tiempo Ordinario comienza esta semana, la lectura de hoy con núa el tema del Bau smo del Señor. La lectura de hoy del Evangelio según Juan sigue inmediatamente el tes monio de Juan el Bau sta sobre Jesús y su iden ficación de Jesús como el Cordero de Dios. Habiendo sido bau zado por Juan, Jesús comienza a reunir seguidores. Los primeros seguidores buscaron a Jesús gracias al tes monio y tes monio de Juan el Bau sta.

Estamos familiarizados con el tulo que Juan el Bau sta usa para Jesús: el Cordero de Dios. Lo escuchamos semanalmente en el rito de la fracción durante la Misa: "He aquí el Cordero de Dios que quita los pecados del mundo. Bienaventurados los que están llamados a la cena del Cordero". Sin embargo, para aquellos que escucharon a Juan el Bau sta, este tulo recordó temas clave del An guo Testa-mento. Alude al cordero pascual ofrecido como sacrificio cuando Dios liberó a los israelitas de la esclavitud en Egipto, el acontecimiento que se conmemora con la celebración de la Pascua judía. También recuerda la descripción del profeta Isaías del siervo sufriente de Isra-el. Al usar este nombre para Jesús, Juan el Bau sta predice la pasión y la muerte de Jesús y la nueva interpretación de la Pascua que comenzará con la úl ma cena de Jesús y en el momento en que Jesús está en la Cruz los corderos de la Pascua fueron asesinados sim-ultáneamente. En el Evangelio de San Juan, vemos a un Jesús victorioso y glorificado que está poniendo su vida. El arzobispo Fulton Sheen describiría este momento del misterio pascual como el sermón más grande que Jesús predicaría en el púlpito de la Cruz. "Nadie me quita la vida. Lo dejo libremente (Jn. 10:18)."

En la lectura de hoy aprendemos cómo se reunieron los primeros seguidores de Jesús. Los dos primeros, Andrés y otro hombre, eran seguidores de Juan el Bau sta. Después de escuchar el tes monio de Juan, llegaron a ser seguidores de Jesús. Durante su empo con Jesús, cuyos detalles no se especifican, Andrés y el otro seguidor llegaron a creer que Jesús era el Mesías. Andrés entonces trae a su hermano, Simón, a Jesús. Inmediatamente, Jesús le dio a Simón un nuevo nombre, llamándolo Pedro, que significa "roca" en griego. El cambio de nombre de Simón a Pedro se informa en los cuatro Evangelios.

En el intercambio entre Andrés, el otro discípulo, y Jesús, vemos un ejemplo del patrón habitual para las escuelas rabínicas judías del primer siglo. Los judíos buscaron rabinos y se establecieron como discípulos de un rabino en par cular. Jesús parece haber sido único en el hecho de que buscó a las personas, invitándolas a ser sus seguidores. En el pasaje que sigue, el Evangelio de Juan nos dice cómo Jesús tomó la inicia va de llamar a Felipe y a Natanael.

Jesús le pregunta a Andrés y al otro discípulo: "¿Qué estás buscando?" Esta es una pregunta reveladora, y una que a menudo po-dríamos hacernos a nosotros mismos. Juan el Bau sta tes ficó de la iden dad de Jesús, el Cordero de Dios, u lizando el marco del An-

guo Testamento. Andrés, Simón y los otros primeros discípulos estaban buscando al Mesías, a quien también llegaron a conocer como el Hijo de Dios. ¿Qué buscamos y qué encontramos en Jesús? Espero que esta semana lo busquemos en la ordenación de la vida y en la extrañeza de esta pandemia. La vida de muchas personas se ve afectada de varias maneras simplemente mirar por Ventura Blvd. la falta de vivienda, las empresas obligadas a cerrar o están indefinidamente cerradas, y la salud mental de las personas. Que ustedes y yo seamos una fuente de consuelo y fortaleza para las personas debido a nuestra creencia y a nuestro hambre de querer llevar a la gente a Jesús como estos apóstoles.

Aquí en OLG en las próximas dos semanas comenzaremos a traer a los niños de vuelta a la escuela parroquial. Comenzaremos en el aprendizaje en el aula con cohortes de 12 estudiantes por grado. Si bien esta es una opción, las familias también pueden optar por el aprendizaje virtual. Oremos por el éxito con nuo de nuestra escuela parroquial y la seguridad de nuestro personal, profesores y estu-diantes. Por favor guarde la fecha para nuestra casa de puertas abiertas de la escuela el 24 deenero,que también es el comienzo de la Semana de las Escuelas Católicas.

También hemos iniciado los debates y la logís ca para trasladar algunas de las Misas al interior de la iglesia, asegurando que las per-sonas puedan hacer la adoración eucarís ca y las visitas al San simo Sacramento, y asegurando que nos adhiramos a todos los proto-colos y desinfección COVID-19. Esto ha estado en marcha una vez que recibimos luz verde del condado y la arquidiócesis unos días an-tes de Navidad. La arquidiócesis también publicó los protocolos litúrgicos, pero también animó a las parroquias e ins tuciones a estar seguros y a considerar que estar al aire libre sigue siendo beneficioso. Por favor, manténgase sintonizado en las próximas dos semanas para no cias sobre cómo procederemos. Gracias por su paciencia y espíritu dispuesto a adaptarse!

¡Que tenga una semana llena de bendiciones! En Jesús y María,

Padre Marinello Saguin

PAGE 3 JANUARY 17, 2021 ♦ 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

PAGE 4 JANUARY 17, 2021 ♦ 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

ThemonthofJanuaryistraditionallydedicatedtotheHolyNameofJesus. After the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, the angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and told him that the Child’s name should be called Jesus, meaning “God Saves.” According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was to be circumcised, receive his name, and become a full member of God’s covenant people. According to the old Roman liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus was celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, the same day that He was given His sacred name. Currently we celebrate the Solemnity of the Mother of God on January 1st and honor the Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. For Catholics, Jesus’ sacred name is the object of a special devotion symbolized by the monogram “IHS,”(sometimes called a Christogram), which is the irst three letters of the Greek spelling of His name.

Facebook @OurLadyOfGraceEncino Flocknotes: Text OLGRACE to 84576 Instagram @olgencino Youtube @OurLadyofGraceEncino

For Faith Direct dona ons please go to h ps://membership.faithdirect.net/CA771 or text an amount to the number listed below.

PAGE 5 JANUARY 17, 2021 ♦ 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

♦ FOR UPDATES ON OUR PARISH EVENTS PLEASE FOLLOW ANY OF THESE LINKS LISTED BELOW: ♦ PARA INFORMACIÓN DE LOS EVENTOS DE NUESTRA PARROQUIA SÍGANOS EN CUALQUIERA

DE ESTOS ENLACES A CONTINUACIÓN:

The Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group and Our Lady of Grace Parish Community welcome you all to the 38th Year of the

Annual 9-Hour Novena to the

Infant Jesus of Prague “The more you honor me the more I will bless you.”

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Starting at 6:45 am Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church

5011 White Oak Avenue, Encino, CA 91316

• Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

• Inspirational talks with:

Fr. Marinello Saguin

Father Lawrence Santos

Father Kevin Rettig

Father Thomas Asia

Fr. Brian Humphrey

To register please go to www.IJPAG.com or contact Leo at 818-633-3926

PAGE 6 JANUARY 17, 2021 ♦ 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Monday, January 18, 2021 First: Heb 5:1-10 Psalm: Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4 Gospel: Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday, January 19, 2021: First: Heb 6:10-20 Psalm: 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c Gospel: Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday, January 20, 2021: First: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17 Psalm: 110:1, 2, 3, 4 Gospel: Mk 3:1-6

Thursday, January 21, 2021 First: Heb 7:25—8:6 Psalm: 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17 Gospel: Mk 3:7-12 Friday, January 22, 2021 First: Heb 8:6-13 Psalm: 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14 Gospel: Mk 3:13-19 Saturday, January 23, 2021 First: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14 Psalm: 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Veronica Pomposa Pablo Godinez Claire Mansour Mercedes Echegoyen Jeff Kinzli Aidan Bradley Dawn Hopkins Imelda Clark Phillip Ribas Maria Robles Dolores Casper Jose & Helen (YB) Allison Arahkn Franklin Moya Mariano Velazquez

Susan Morales Paula Aguilar Ed Ricard Gary Thomas Patricia Branagan Phyllis Richardson Harolyn Ma soff Pat Borland Rita Gen le Julie Sianzon Yolanda Aburto Nelson Aburto Karo Dylanian Shereen Peer Michael Peer

Grace Cihanowiz Renee Harbour Ma. Josefa Lopez Angela Rostani Jose Luis Reyes Jr. Stephanie Rivas Angela Berry Ruth Sorney Debbie Lane Tony Mammo Tonya Fuentes Fuentes Family Mejia Family Fr. Tom Feltz Jasmin Reyes

Jose Reyes Jr. Anne Nicholson Chrystal Pritchard Raymond Fabre Brianna Mantallana Jolli Sisante Liz Knight Lidia Jimenez Samantha Ramirez Corzo Family Bobby S llman Robert S llman

PRAYER REQUEST FOR OUR BELOVED SICK

U.S. Navy

Andres L. Aguilera

Jamila Habibullah

Jake Schneider Emily Pomposo

Jordan Arteaga Jeffrey Quintero

U.S. Air Force

Fernando Aguilera

Marco Flores Jorje Godina Steve Hyath

U.S. Marine Corps

Manuel Arteaga

David Arnold

Christopher Castillo

Andrew Barragan Monica Pagan

Isaac Pezqueda George Moreno Jr. Joshua Walton

U.S. Army

Nicholas Lombard

Heather Scheibe Pomerantz

Brian Pomerantz

Corey Raby

Vincent Sanwo

Ron Clemente

Anthony Villwock

George Moreno

Phillip Ribas Marc A. Monreal

Helen Ballestas

U.S. Coast Guard David Scates

(LAFD) Brian Page

PRAYER REQUEST FOR OUR MILITARY MEN & WOMEN Almighty and eternal God,

those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy.

Protect these soldiers as they discharge their du es.

Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil

and harm. May the power of your love enable them

to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY

Daily Mass Readings

Lecturas de la Semana

PAGE 7 JANUARY 17, 2021 ♦ 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Mass Schedule /

Horario de Misas

Sunday / Domingo:

8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00 am (Spanish)

Saturday / Sabado:

8:00 am and 4:00 pm (Vigil Mass)

Weekdays: / Misa Matutina:

8:00 am (Parish Center)

Eucharistic Adoration /

Adoracion Eucaristica

Every Friday:

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

after 8:00 am Mass

(Parish Center Courtyard)

Sacrament of Penance /

Confesiones

(Christmas & Lent times may change)

Friday: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Contact the Parish Center to arrange for:

Baptism ♦ Marriages ♦ Visits to the Sick ♦ Religious Education

♦ New Parishioner Registrations

Parish Office Hours /

Horario de Oficina

Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

(Closed for lunch: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)

Saturdays & Sundays: Closed

Sabado y Domingo: Cerrado

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Second Reading: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20

Gospel: Jn 1:35-42

Monday: Juan Legaspi (D), Maria Robles (L)

Tuesday: Crisenciano Delen (D)

Wednesday: Grace Tena (D)

Thursday: Nell & John Wooden (D)

Friday:` Maynard Quiambao (D)

Saturday: Clara Perez (L)

♦ Your invited to visit our Garden Chapel

for Adoration and silent personal

prayer space. Our Prayer Garden is

open Monday—Friday from 8am to 6pm.

♦ Parish Office remains closed to the

public but is taking phone calls and

emails during regular business hours.

♦ Should you need to drop off any

envelopes or mail for the parish staff

please feel free to drop it off at the

gray mail box located in the lawn area

outside of our parish center front

door.

Mass Intentions for this week

Schedule Updates