Palm/Passion Sunday April 14, 2019

Palm/Passion Sunday    -   April 14, 2019

Reading I:  Isaiah 50: 4-7

Psalm: 22

Reading II:  Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel:  Luke 22:14-23:56

In the early seventeenth century there was a plague in Europe from which thousands of people died.  Pleading with God for protection, the people in the village of Oberammergau, Germany, made a vow that they would put on a live Passion Play every ten years to help people remember what the Lord Jesus suffered for our salvation. After this vow was made, no one died from the plague in their village.

By staging a live Passion Play, the villagers give perpetual thanks to  God for saving their people.  (You can view one of the videos of the passion play on YouTube by clicking here.) In 2020, the presentation will take place again. People will travel from all over the world to see a play which involves many of the villagers.

It is most appropriate that the villagers would show their gratitude by doing something to remind people of God’s great love by having Jesus come to be our redeemer. It is important to remember that Jesus took on the great sufferings willingly on our behalf. This “remembering” was actually requested by the Lord himself during the breaking of the bread and the offering of wine at the Last Supper before his Passion.

The Church through the centuries has continued to remember the Lord’s
offering of Himself each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. During the Eucharistic Prayer, we hear the priest pray:

       You are indeed Holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly 
       gives you praise, for through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by the
       power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and
       make them holy, and you never cease  to gather a people to yourself,
       so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure Sacrifice may be
       offered to your name.

      Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same 
      Spirit graciously make holy these gifts (bread and wine) we have
      brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and
      Blood of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ at whose command we
      celebrate these mysteries.  

                                                                               — Eucharistic Prayer 3

Then the people respond: 

     

      When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death,
      O Lord, until you come again.

With the separate consecration of the bread and wine, we witness the renewal of the total Sacrifice of himself by Jesus for our salvation.  Because of the different time zones, this is happening somewhere in the world any time day or night. Therefore, we can offer our own sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God in union with Jesus’ Sacrifice at any time.

Some Catholics daily make that offering in the following or a similar prayer:

                                          The Morning Offering

            My God, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings 
            of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass
            throughout the world for the salvation of souls, reparation for
            sin, and the reunion of Christians. Amen.

           
 Reflection Question:   How can I remember, with gratitude, the Sacrifice that was offered for my salvation?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Domingo de Palma / Pasión 

A principios del siglo XVII hubo una plaga en Europa de la que murieron miles
de personas. Suplicando a Dios por protección, las personas en la aldea de Oberammergau, Alemania, hicieron una promesa de que harían un Juego de Pasión en vivo cada diez años para ayudar a las personas a recordar lo que el Señor Jesús sufrió por nuestra salvación. Después de hacer este voto, nadie murió de la plaga en su aldea. 

Al organizar un Juego de pasión en vivo, los aldeanos dan gracias perpetuas a Dios por salvar a su gente. (Puedes ver uno de los videos de Passion Play en YouTube haciendo clic aquí). En 2020, la presentación tendrá lugar de nuevo. La gente viajará desde todo el mundo para ver una obra que involucra a muchos de los aldeanos. 

Es más apropiado que los aldeanos muestren su gratitud al hacer algo para recordar a la gente el gran amor de Dios al hacer que Jesús venga a ser nuestro redentor. Es importante recordar que Jesús asumió los grandes sufrimientos de buena gana en nuestro nombre. Este “recuerdo” en realidad fue solicitado por el mismo Señor durante el partimiento del pan y la ofrenda de vino en la Última Cena antes de su Pasión. 

La Iglesia a través de los siglos ha continuado recordando la ofrenda del Señor de Sí Mismo cada vez que se ofrece el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa. Durante la oración eucarística, escuchamos la sacerdote ora: 

       Ciertamente eres santo, Señor, y todo lo que has creado correctamente.
       Te alabamos, porque por tu Hijo nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por el

       poder y obra del Espíritu Santo, das vida a todas las cosas y

       hazlos santos, y nunca dejarás de reunir un pueblo para ti mismo, 
       de modo que desde la salida del sol hasta su puesta en escena, puede 
       ser un sacrificio puro ofrecido a su nombre. 

       Por eso, oh Señor, te imploramos humildemente: por lo mismo

       El Espíritu amablemente hace santos estos regalos (pan y vino) que
       tenemos traídos a usted para su consagración, para que puedan
       convertirse en el Cuerpo y Sangre de tu Hijo, nuestro Señor 
       Jesucristo, bajo cuyo mandato nosotros. Celebra estos misterios.

                                                                               — Eucharistic Prayer 3

Entonces la gente responde: 

     

      Cuando comemos este pan y bebemos esta copa, proclamamos
      tu muerte. Oh Señor, hasta que vuelvas. 

Con la consagración separada del pan y el vino, somos testigos de la renovación del sacrificio total de sí mismo por Jesús para nuestra salvación. Debido a las diferentes zonas horarias, esto sucede en cualquier parte del mundo a cualquier hora del día o de la noche. Por lo tanto, podemos ofrecer nuestro propio sacrificio de alabanza y agradecimiento a Dios en unión con el Sacrificio de Jesús en cualquier momento. 

Algunos católicos hacen esa ofrenda diariamente en la siguiente oración o en una oración similar: 

                                          La Ofrenda de la Mañana

            Dios mío, te ofrezco mis oraciones, obras, alegrías y sufrimientos
            de este día en unión con el santo sacrificio de la misa
            en todo el mundo, la salvación de las almas, la reparación de

            el pecado, y la reunión de los cristianos. Amén. 

  Pregunta de refleción:   ¿Cómo puedo recordar, con gratitud, el sacrificio que se ofreció por mi salvación? 

April 7, 2019 The Raising of Lazarus

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year C    April 7, 2019

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Reading I: 
Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm: 130

Reading II:

Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: 
John 11:1-45

This Sunday we will pray again as
a community for those discerning whether or not to commit themselves to the Lord in a special way, as Catholic Christians. This is called “The Third Scrutiny.”  It is also the day when the Gospel illustrates the miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is a very special presentation because it highlights both the real humanity and divinity of Jesus.

First, I want to focus on the humanity of Jesus. The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult of human experiences. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are very close friends of Jesus. It is noted that he would visit them and receive not only great hospitality on the part of Martha, especially, but also a special attentiveness to his word from Mary. We can assume that their brother Lazarus was involved in the experiences also.

When Lazarus dies, his sisters are distraught. Why didn’t Jesus come to their aid and save Lazarus? The male relatives played essential roles for the women of their times who depended on them for support since women did not usually have opportunities for employment outside the home. Also, there was a deep emotional bond between them.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

On the other hand, Jesus chooses to reassure us of His divinity by raising Lazarus. When Martha hears that Jesus is on His way, she hastens to meet Him. In her grief, she cries out, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”  Jesus responds simply, “Your brother will rise.”

Martha exclaims, “I know he will rise in the resurrection, on the last day.” Then, Jesus chooses to reveal Himself more fully. “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” 

Jesus questions her, “Do you believe this?” Thus, He calls forth a profession of faith from Martha: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.” (Jn. 11:27)

Jesus wants us to know that human death is not the end of life, just a change in the type of life we live. When we leave this life, we move into an eternal, life with God and one another.  He tells us that we cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who love him. How blessed we are!!!

 Reflection Question:   If you were to lose a loved one in death, how would you like a relative or friend to help and comfort you? What are some of the ways Jesus comforted Martha and Mary?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Resurrección de Lázaro

Este domingo volveremos a orar como una comunidad para aquellos que están discerniendo si deben o no comprometerse con el Señor de una manera especial, como cristianos católicos. Esto se llama “El Tercer Control”. También es el día en que el Evangelio ilustra el milagro de la resurrección de Lázaro de entre los muertos. Es una presentación muy especial porque resalta tanto la humanidad real como la divinidad de Jesús.

Primero, quiero centrarme en la humanidad de Jesús. La muerte de un ser querido es una de las experiencias humanas más difíciles. Lázaro y sus hermanas Marta y María son muy amigos íntimos de Jesús. Se observa que los visitaría y recibiría no solo una gran hospitalidad por parte de Martha, sino también una atención especial a su palabra de Mary. Podemos asumir que su hermano Lázaro también estuvo involucrado en las experiencias.

Cuando Lázaro muere, sus hermanas se angustian. ¿Por qué no vino Jesús en su ayuda y salvó a Lázaro? Los parientes varones desempeñaban funciones esenciales para las mujeres de su época que dependían de ellas para recibir apoyo, ya que las mujeres generalmente no tenían oportunidades de empleo fuera del hogar. Además, había un profundo vínculo emocional entre ellos.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

Por otro lado, Jesús elige tranquilizarnos de su divinidad al criar a Lázaro. Cuando Marta escucha que Jesús está en camino, ella se apresura a encontrarse con él. En su dolor, ella grita: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí, mi hermano no habría muerto”. Jesús responde simplemente, “Y tu hermano se levantará”.

Martha exclama: “Sé que él resucitará en la resurrección, el último día”. Entonces, Jesús elige revelarse más completamente. “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en Mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todos los que viven y creen en Mí nunca morirán”.

Jesús le pregunta a ella: “¿Crees esto?”. Por lo tanto, Él exhorta una profesión de fe a Martha: “Creo que eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que debía venir a este mundo”. (Jn. 11:27)

Jesús quiere que sepamos que la muerte humana no es el final de la vida, solo un cambio en el tipo de vida que vivimos. Cuando dejamos esta vida, nos movemos hacia una vida eterna, con Dios y con los demás. Nos dice que ni siquiera podemos imaginar lo que Dios ha preparado para los que lo aman. ¡Qué bendecidos somos!

  Pregunta de reflexión:   Si perdiera a un ser querido en la muerte, ¿cómo le gustaría que un pariente o amigo lo ayude y lo consuele? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las maneras en que Jesús consoló a Marta y María?

March 31, 2019 Cultivating Relationships

The Fourth Sunday of  Lent  - Year C

Reading I: 
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Psalm:  23

Reading II:  Ephesians 5:8-14

Gospel: 
John 9:1-41

In parishes where there are people involved in the RCIA Programs, the Second Scrutiny will take place. Those discerning receiving Baptism and/or other Sacraments will be prayed over by the priest and congregation. This is to support them as they seriously consider whether they choose to accept Jesus as their Savior and to follow him within the Catholic, Christian Community.

The study of the cure of the blind man in John’s Gospel is very appropriate as the candidates prepare to make a decision about choosing to believe, trust and follow Jesus. It is also very important for the baptized in the congregation if they are serious about renewing their baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil or on
Easter Sunday.

Jesus tells his disciples: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When Jesus sees a man who was blind from birth he spits on the ground, makes clay with his saliva, and smears the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Then Jesus says to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which appropriately, means sent). The blind man goes, washes, and comes back able to see.

The neighbors of the blind man, used to seeing him as a beggar, are questioning whether he is the same person or just looks like him. Then, the Pharisees propose that because he was cured on the Sabbath the one who cured was a sinful man. Finally, they ask the blind man, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes,” The blind man’s response was, “He is a prophet.”

As the blind man continues to be interrogated, he replies, “It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” The listeners resent the blind man’s response and throw him out of the synagogue.

When Jesus hears of his plight, he finds him and gives him the opportunity to make a profession of faith in Him. Jesus says, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The blind man answers, “Who is He, sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus reveals his identity saying, “You have seen Him, the one speaking with you is He.” Can you just imagine what joy and gratitude the blind man feels as he proclaims his faith saying: “I do believe, Lord.”

Jesus claims that he is the “Light of  the World.” Jesus could cure the man of his blindness immediately. However, it first requires that the man go to the Pool of Siloam and wash. It seems that the Lord is showing us through this example that he wants us to participate in the healing process. We may ask, “Why?”  Is there value in going through a gradual healing & enlightening process? Is there value in shared efforts? What is most important to the Lord, is a personal relationship
with Him.

Perhaps, the Lord may be teaching us about relationships, whether they be with another human being or with the Lord. The bond will be deeper and more lasting if there is conscious effort to cultivate it on both sides.  

We know that the Lord chooses to remain with us in a special way in the Eucharist. Do we make an effort to live consciously in his presence? It is a real challenge in today’s busy and noisy world.  However, we can find ways if the relationship is important to us.

I can remember when I was in Catholic Elementary and High School we would remember the holy Presence of God when the clock would strike the hour.
I vividly recall Sister Cecilia Agnes, CSJ who would stop teaching in the middle
of a sentence so that we could focus on the presence of God and praise him.

I also know someone who consciously asks God’s guidance in even small, everyday decisions. I try to do that, but more often than not, I run ahead of the Lord instead of following Him. However, the Lord is pleased with our efforts. I often think of the response of Sr. Thea Bowman when she was asked what she would like to have written on her gravestone.  She simply responded: “I tried.”

 Reflection Question:  How can I cultivate my relationship with the Lord this Lent and beyond?


COMMENTS:

Stephanie Morris, Ph.D.  Historian, Certified Archivist, Emerita

How does one build a relationship? By getting to know more about the person and spending time with that person. We can build a deeper relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him in adoration and in prayer. If we read or listen to Sacred Scripture with an open heart, we may hear a special word or phrase that reaches out to us. Mother Katharine said that “all our good thoughts come from God.” Sometimes God writes words in BOLD to reach us just when we need that thought.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

“I am your God, I have molded you with my own hands, and I love what I have made. I love you with a love that has no limits, because I love you as I am loved… You are my child. . . . I am your God—the God of mercy and compassion, the God of pardon and love, the God of tenderness and care… I so much want you to be with me. I so much want you to be close to me. I know all your thoughts. I hear all your words. I see all your actions. And I love you because you are beautiful, made in my own image, an expression of my most intimate love…Let my love touch the deepest, most hidden corners of your heart and reveal to you your own beauty, a beauty that you have lost sight of, but that will become visible to you again in the light of my mercy. Come, come, let me wipe your tears, and let my mouth come close to your ear and say to you, ‘I love you, I love you, I love you.’ ” These words of Henri Nouwen, from his book, You are the Beloved clearly communicate God’s ardent desire for us to be in relationship with him.

 My parish holds an evening Adoration hour on Wednesdays during Lent. It is such a gift to step away from the busyness of the day and enter into the stillness of the church to sit quietly in the Presence of the Lord. While I am “doing” this practice for Lent, I am blessed, healed, and renewed beyond measure as I focus my attention on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

In his Lenten series entitled, “Best Lent Ever,” Matthew Kelly reminds us of Jesus’ words from John 10:10, “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the fullest.” We are created for incredible joy and for happiness. God wants us to be fully alive. If this is true, and I believe it is, the only place we can experience lasting joy and aliveness in in relationship to Jesus.

Matthew Kelly refers to “Holy Moments” in his daily reflections. The more Holy Moments we create in a day, the more we will experience the joy of Jesus. We can have personal Holy Moments where we pause and center our thoughts on God. We can also create Holy Moments whereby we share Christ with others, such as genuinely listening to someone who is hurting, smiling at a stranger, showing gratitude to the checkout clerk in the supermarket. Opportunities abound when we set the intention to seek and create Holy Moments.

Cultivating Holy Moments is a good way to grow in relationship with the Lord during Lent and beyond. Kelly offers three action steps to assure that our good intentions bear fruit: Focus, Act, Pray.

The following suggestions are from Matthew Kelly’s Best Lent Ever.

Focus: “God wants to collaborate with you to create Holy Moments.”

Act: “Starting today, seek to create one Holy Moment daily.”

Pray: “Holy Spirit, please collaborate with me to create a Holy Moment today.”

May you enjoy a Blessed week filled with many Holy Moments

March 24, 2019 Inspired to Share the “Good News”

The Third Sunday of Lent     Year C

Image copyright Freebibleimages.org

Reading I:  Exodus 17: 3-7
                 
Psalm:  95

Reading II:  Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

Gospel:  John 4: 5-42

While there are two options for the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, this year I have chosen to focus on the readings for the Mass at which those adults and children in the RCIA or RCIC programs will be prayed over by the congregation.*

Actress Helen Hayes shared an episode which took place before she was a star. At a party where there were many celebrities, she felt shy and sat in a corner alone.  A young man approached her and offered her some salted peanuts. As he offered them to her, he said “I wish they were emeralds.” Helen claimed: “That was the end of my heart; I never got it back.” Something similar happened to the Samaritan woman in John’s Gospel.

According to John the Evangelist, Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down by Jacob’s well around noon time. In this parched land, one can literally die of heat stroke and thirst. This is usually the time when one rests until the heat lessens
a bit. 

A Samaritan woman comes by to draw water. Jesus asks her for a drink. She is totally startled by his request. First of all, Jesus is speaking to a woman, which was not customary to do in that society. Secondly, the Samaritans are despised by most Jews because they are of mixed race, and of a different religion. 

The woman responds to Jesus: “How can you, a Jew, ask me a Samaritan woman for a drink?...Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.” Jesus answers, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” The woman responds, “You do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus replies,
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  The woman pleads: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Jesus replies, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman responds,
“I do not have a husband.” Jesus answers,“You are right in saying, ‘I do not have
a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not
your husband.”

Startled, the woman says, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” ...Jesus responds: “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.” The woman replies, “I know that the Messiah
is coming, the one called the Christ; when He comes, He will tell us everything.” Jesus responds, “I am He, the one speaking with you.”

What joy must have filled her heart! She hastens into the town saying to the people. “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could He possibly be the Christ?”  Because of the testimony of the woman, many came to believe
in Him. 

Once being offered a special gift by Jesus, the woman is converted, gives Him her heart and spreads the “good news” to all she meets. She is never the same again.

 Reflection Question:  Can you recall an encounter,  a gift, or an experience that caused you to never be the same again?

* The RCIA  program is the preparation for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church.  It is also for those who have been baptized, but have not received all the Sacraments, or have been away from the Church and want to be updated. 

  

 In addition, this program is available to non-Catholic Christians interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic. Some baptisms, received in mainstream Protestant denominations, are accepted by the Catholic Church, so the person just needs to make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church and receive the other Sacraments. 

 The RCIC program is for children who are older and were not baptized as babies or younger children.  It is also for older children who did not receive First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation at the usual ages.

More information is available in parish churches.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Inspirado para compartir las “Buenas Noticias”

Si bien hay dos opciones para las lecturas del tercer domingo de Cuaresma, este año he elegido centrarme en las lecturas de la Misa en las que la congregación orará por aquellos adultos y niños en los programas RICA o RCIC. *

La actriz Helen Hayes compartió un episodio que tuvo lugar antes de que fuera una estrella. En una fiesta donde había muchas celebridades, se sentía tímida y se sentaba sola en un rincón. Un joven se le acercó y le ofreció unos cacahuetes salados. Mientras se las ofrecía a ella, dijo “Ojalá fuesen esmeraldas”, Helen afirmó:“Ese fue el final de mi corazón; Nunca lo recuperé”. Algo similar le sucedió a la mujer samaritana en el Evangelio de Juan.

De acuerdo con Juan el Evangelista, Jesús, cansado de su viaje, se sentó junto al pozo de Jacob alrededor del mediodía. En esta tierra seca, uno puede literalmente morir de insolación y sed. Este suele ser el momento en que uno descansa hasta que el calor disminuye un poco.

Una mujer Samaritana viene a sacar agua. Jesús le pide una bebida. Ella está totalmente sorprendida por su petición. En primer lugar, Jesús le está hablando a una mujer, lo que no se acostumbraba a hacer en esa sociedad. En segundo lugar, los samaritanos son despreciados por la mayoría de los judíos porque son de raza mixta y de una religión diferente.

La mujer responde a Jesús: “¿Cómo puedes tú, un judío, pedirme a una samaritana una bebida? ... Los judíos no usan nada en común con los samaritanos”. Jesús responde: “Si conocieras el don de Dios y quién está diciendo a ti, ‘Dame una bebida’, le hubieras preguntado y Él te habría dado agua viva”. La mujer responde: “Ni siquiera tienes un cubo y la cisterna es profunda; ¿De dónde entonces puedes conseguir esta agua viva? ¿Eres más grande que nuestro padre Jacob que nos dio esta cisterna y bebió de él mismo con sus hijos y sus rebaños?” Jesús responde: “Todos los que beban esta agua volverán a tener sed; mas el que bebiere del agua que yo daré, no tendrá sed jamás; el agua que daré se convertirá en él en un manantial de agua que brota de la vida eterna”. La mujer suplica: “Señor, dame esta agua para que no tenga sed o tenga que seguir viniendo aquí para sacar agua”.

Jesús responde: “Ve, llama a tu marido y vuelve”. La mujer responde: “No tengo marido”. Jesús responde: “Tienes razón al decir: ‘No tengo marido’. Porque has tenido cinco. Esposos, y el que tienes ahora no es tu marido”.

Sorprendida, la mujer dice: “Puedo ver que eres un profeta. Nuestros antepasados adoraban en esta montaña; pero ustedes dicen que el lugar para adorar está en Jerusalén.” ...Jesús responde: “Dios es espíritu y los que lo adoran deben adorarlo en espíritu y en verdad”. La mujer responde, “Sé que el Mesías viene, el llamado el Cristo; cuando venga, nos lo dirá todo”. Jesús responde, “Yo soy el que habla contigo”.

¡Qué alegría debe haber llenado su corazón! Ella se apresura a entrar al pueblo diciendo a la gente. “Ven a ver a un hombre que me contó todo lo que he hecho. ¿Podría posiblemente ser el Cristo”?  Debido al testimonio de la mujer, muchos llegaron a creer en él.

Una vez que Jesús le ofreció un regalo especial, la mujer se convierte, le entrega su corazón y transmite las “buenas nuevas” a todos los que se encuentra. Ella nunca volverá a ser la misma.

  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Puedes recordar un encuentro, un regalo o una experiencia que hizo que nunca volvieras a ser el mismo?

* El programa RICA es la preparación para adultos que desean unirse a la Iglesia Católica. También es para aquellos que han sido bautizados, pero no han recibido todos los Sacramentos, o han estado fuera de la Iglesia y desean ser actualizados.

Además, este programa está disponible para los cristianos no católicos interesados en explorar la posibilidad de convertirse en católicos. Algunos bautismos, recibidos en las denominaciones protestantes de la corriente principal, son aceptados por la Iglesia Católica, por lo que la persona solo necesita hacer una profesión de fe en la Iglesia Católica y recibir los otros Sacramentos.

El programa RCIC es para niños que son mayores y no fueron bautizados cuando eran bebés o niños más pequeños. También es para niños mayores que no recibieron la Primera Comunión, la Reconciliación o la Confirmación en las edades habituales.

Más información está disponible en las iglesias parroquiales.

March 17, 2019 Transfiguration

Second Sunday of Lent C - Transfiguration

Reading I:  Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Psalm:  Psalm 27

Reading II:  Philippians  3:17-4:1

Gospel:  Luke 9:28b-36

This comforting quote from one of my favorite poets reminds us of our Heavenly Father’s constant care for his children. Again, our Gospel reflection is on the Transfiguration. As a loving parent, God prepares his children for what they will face in the future. The faith of the disciples needs to be solid to be able to deal with the Passion of our Lord. A glimpse of the glorious Jesus can sustain them when there seems to
be no hope.

Luke is the only one of the evangelists who mentions the conversation taking place between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. As they talk about the upcoming suffering and death of Jesus, they confirm the connections between their actions and predictions recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures.  The disciples are so impressed with the vision that they want to set up tents so that they can experience the wonder of it all longer.

Then, a shadow of a cloud is cast over them. From the cloud a direct command from God the Father is heard: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” Having been able to see the glory of Jesus in his transfigured form and to be reassured of the coming fulfillment of the promise of a Savior and redemption, the disciples have been given the support needed as they face the upcoming experiences of the sufferings and death of Jesus.

As an only child, many people tend to think that I had everything I wanted when I wanted it. However, in my mother's wisdom, she knew she was to prepare me for my life to come. When  I would ask for something, sometimes I received it and other times the answer was “No.”  She knew that in the eventualities of life I would not always have my way. I have often felt grateful to her for the many ways she prepared me for life. Usually, something better would result in the long run even when I had to live with a “No.”  Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, so it behooves us to trust in His providence.

Though the Mountains May Fall  by Dan Schutte

Refrain: 
Though the mountains my fall and the hills turn to dust,
Yet the love of the Lord will stand
As a Shelter for all who will call on His name.
Sing the praise and the glory of God!

Verse I:
Could the Lord ever leave you?
Could the Lord forget his love?
Though a mother forsake her child,
He will not abandon you.

Verse II:

Should you turn and forsake Him,

He will gently call your name.

Should you wander away from Him,
He will always take you back.

Verse III:
Go to him when you are weary;
He will give you eagles wings.
You will run, never tire,
for your God will be your strength.

Verse IV:
As He swore to your fathers,
when the flood destroyed the land;
He will never forsake you;
He will swear to you again.

 Reflection Question:  Can you think of a time in your life when something happened which disappointed you, but ended up being a blessing from the Lord?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Transfiguración

“Detrás de la oscuridad desconocida,Está Dios en la sombra, vigilando por encima de los suyos.” 
- Jaime Russell Lowell

Esta cita reconfortante de uno de mis poetas favoritos nos recuerda el cuidado constante de nuestro Padre Celestial por sus hijos. Una vez más, nuestra reflexión del Evangelio está en la Transfiguración. Como padre amoroso, Dios prepara a sus hijos para lo que enfrentarán en el futuro. La fe de los discípulos debe ser sólida para poder tratar con la Pasión de nuestro Señor. Un vistazo al glorioso Jesús puede sostenerlos cuando parece que no hay esperanza.

Lucas es el único de los evangelistas que menciona la conversación que tuvo lugar entre Jesús, Moisés y Elías. Al hablar sobre el próximo sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús, confirman las conexiones entre sus acciones y las predicciones registradas en las Escrituras hebreas. Los discípulos están tan impresionados con la visión que quieren instalar carpas para que puedan experimentar la maravilla de todo esto por más tiempo.

Entonces, una sombra de una nube se proyecta sobre ellos. Desde la nube un comando directo desde Dios el padre se escucha: “Este es mi Hijo elegido; Escúchalo a él”. Habiendo sido capaces de ver la gloria de Jesús en su forma transfigurada y de sentirse seguros del cumplimiento venidero de la promesa de un Salvador y de la redención, a los discípulos se les ha brindado el apoyo necesario para enfrentar las experiencias venideras de los sufrimientos y la muerte de Jesús.

Como hija única, muchas personas tienden a pensar que tenía todo lo que quería cuando lo quería. Sin embargo, en la sabiduría de mi madre, ella sabía que debía prepararme para la vida futura. Cuando pedía algo, a veces lo recibía y otras veces la respuesta era "No". Ella sabía que en las eventualidades de la vida no siempre tendría mi camino. A menudo me he sentido agradecido por las muchas maneras en que me preparó para la vida. Por lo general, algo mejor resultaría a largo plazo incluso cuando tuviera que vivir con un “No”.  Nuestro Padre Celestial sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros, por lo que nos corresponde confiar en
su providencia.

Aunque Las Montañas Pueden Caer  por Dan Schutte

Estribillo:
Aunque los montes se caigan y los montes se conviertan en polvo,
Sin embargo, el amor del Señor permanecerá
Como un refugio para todos los que invocan su nombre.
¡Cantad la alabanza y la gloria de Dios!

Verso I:
¿Podría el Señor alguna vez dejarte?
¿Podría el Señor olvidar su amor?
Aunque una madre abandona a su hijo,
Él no te abandonará.

Verso II:

Si te conviertes y lo abandones,
Él suavemente llamará tu nombre.
Si te alejaras de él,
Él siempre te llevará de vuelta.

Verso III:
Ve a él cuando estés cansado;
Te dará alas de águila.
Correrás, nunca te cansarás,
Porque tu Dios será tu fortaleza.

Verso IV:
Como juró a tus padres,
cuando el diluvio destruyó la tierra;
Él nunca te abandonará;
Él te jurará de nuevo.


  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Puedes pensar en un momento de tu vida en el que sucedió algo que te decepcionó, pero que terminó siendo una bendición del Señor?

March 10, 2019 Temptations & Suffering

The First Sunday of Lent - Year C

Reading I:  
Deuteronomy 26: 4-10

Psalm:  91

Reading II:  Romans 10:8-13

Gospel:  Luke 4:1-13

In today’s Gospel, we are told of the temptations of Jesus. When he had fasted for 40 days and was hungry, the devil tempts him to change stones into bread. Then, the devil tells him that if he would bow down and worship him, he would be given all the kingdoms of the world.  Finally, the devil, trying to appeal to a desire for prestige, challenges Jesus to jump from a pinnacle to show that he would be saved by angels.

Jesus chose to take on the full human experience even allowing himself to be tempted. Because of this, we can know that he understands what we go through when being tempted. He also showed us how to resist temptations.

When I was younger, I used to think about the suffering of Jesus primarily during his Passion. Then, I would see the sufferings of my relatives, friends, and others who had lifelong, relentless, extreme sufferings and wonder why God would allow that kind of life experience for some. Others seemed to have had easy lives. It didn’t seem fair. However, in my later years, I have come to realize that much suffering is not visible. Only God knows the deep interior sufferings that many endure.

I also realize that just as our lives are a mixture of joys and sufferings, so was the human life of Jesus. Even his birth in a lowly cave which sheltered animals also included the loving embraces of Mary and Joseph.

The Church Year focuses on different aspects of the life of Jesus. During Lent, we will be focusing on the sufferings of  Jesus.

A comment my mother made has remained with me over the years. She had just come home on the bus after grocery shopping. (She had, had a very difficult life and was severely lame.) She mentioned to me that a lovely young girl had sat beside her on the bus and had been very kind to her. My mother’s observation was that “she must have had a lot of suffering in her life, otherwise, she would not have been so thoughtful.”

As I reflect on people I have met in my lifetime, I am aware of the great generosity of poor people who help others. They know what it feels like to be hungry and in need. I recall instances of parents with handicapped children reaching out to help other children. I know of couples who could not have a biological child of their own, adopting children and providing them with loving homes. God knows what he is doing, though it is difficult for us to understand at times.

If we want to have beautiful spring flowers, we know that both sunshine and rain are required. So too must we have joy and pain in our lives to grow and fully blossom.

 Reflection Question:  Why so much suffering? Can you think of any instance in which suffering produced “good fruit?”

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Tentaciones y Sufrimiento

En el Evangelio de hoy, se nos habla de las tentaciones de Jesús. Cuando había ayunado durante 40 días y tenía hambre, el diablo lo tienta a convertir las piedras en pan. Entonces, el diablo le dice que si se inclina y lo adora, se le darán todos los reinos del mundo. Finalmente, el diablo, tratando de apelar a un deseo de prestigio, desafía a Jesús a saltar desde un pináculo para mostrar que él sería salvado por los ángeles.

Jesús eligió asumir la experiencia humana completa, incluso dejándose tentar. Debido a esto, podemos saber que él entiende por lo que pasamos cuando somos tentados. También nos mostró cómo resistir las tentaciones.

Cuando era más joven, solía pensar en el sufrimiento de Jesús principalmente durante su Pasión. Luego, vería los sufrimientos de mis familiares, amigos y otros que sufrieron sufrimientos extremos de por vida, implacables, y me preguntaría por qué Dios permitiría ese tipo de experiencia de vida para algunos. Otros parecían haber tenido vidas fáciles. No parecía justo. Sin embargo, en mis últimos años, me he dado cuenta de que mucho sufrimiento no es visible. Solo Dios conoce los profundos sufrimientos interiores que muchos soportan.

También me doy cuenta de que al igual que nuestras vidas son una mezcla de alegrías y sufrimientos, también lo fue la vida humana de Jesús. Incluso su nacimiento en una humilde cueva que abrigaba animales también incluía los abrazos amorosos de María y José.

El Año de la Iglesia se centra en diferentes aspectos de la vida de Jesús. Durante la Cuaresma, nos enfocaremos en los sufrimientos de Jesús.

Un comentario que hizo mi madre ha permanecido conmigo a lo largo de los años. Ella acababa de llegar a casa en el autobús después de la compra de comestibles. (Tuvo, tuvo una vida muy difícil y estaba gravemente coja). Me comentó que una joven encantadora se había sentado a su lado en el autobús y había sido muy amable con ella. La observación de mi madre fue que “Ella debe haber tenido mucho sufrimiento en su vida, de lo contrario, no habría sido tan pensativa”.

Al reflexionar sobre las personas que he conocido en mi vida, soy consciente de la gran generosidad de las personas pobres que ayudan a los demás. Saben lo que se siente estar hambriento y necesitado. Recuerdo casos de padres con niños discapacitados que ayudaron a otros niños. Sé de parejas que no podían tener un hijo biológico propio, adoptar niños y proporcionarles hogares afectuosos. Dios sabe lo que está haciendo, aunque a veces nos cuesta entenderlo.

Si queremos tener hermosas flores de primavera, sabemos que se necesita sol y lluvia. Así también debemos tener alegría y dolor en nuestras vidas para crecer y florecer completamente.

 Pregunta de reflexión:  ¿Por qué tanto sufrimiento? ¿Se te ocurre algún caso en el que se produzca el sufrimiento “buena fruita”?

March 3, 2019 - Take a Closer Look

Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time C / Ash Wednesday

Reading I: 
Sirach 27:4-7

Psalm:  92

Reading II: 
1 Corinthians
15:54-58

Gospel: 
Luke 6:39-45

In today’s Gospel, the Lord asks us to consider why we notice the splinter in our brother’s eye and not notice the beam in our own eye. This seems to be a good reflection as we enter into the season of Lent. The Lord is asking us to take a closer look at ourselves.

Often when we criticize someone, we are noticing a fault of our own in that person. I knew a woman who talked so much that people avoided her. One time after talking with her sister on the telephone for a long time, she exclaimed, “My sister never stops talking!” She never realized that she did the same thing herself.

Another way is to listen to what people say to us. When they say something positive, that can be wonderful encouragement. Then, there may be times when they are critical. Sometimes they are wrong, but if we humbly listen, we might
be able to learn something which will ultimately help us.

Listening to ourselves is another door to self-knowledge. Luke chapter 6, verse 45 states that “the words of the mouth flow out of what fills the heart.” This might require an examination of conscience at the end of the day. In our hurried existence, we ordinarily do not reflect on our actions and words of the day.

During the Lenten Season, we are called to renew ourselves as we
seek to enter into a closer, more generous relationship with the Lord
and our brothers and sisters. Some of the traditional ways to grow in our relationships are through prayer, fasting, and outreach to those in need.
Let us ask the Lord what he wants of us this Lent.

Since St. Katharine Drexel went home to God on March 3, 1955, we celebrate her feast on this day.  She is the patroness of racial justice. You can join in the Feast Day Novena prayed daily between Feb. 22 - Mar. 2 by clicking this link to the SBS web Novena page. There you can view and download the Novena brochure.

 Reflection:  Let us ask St. Katharine to help the people of the United States to see every person as a beloved child of God, no matter what the color of their skin or their national origin. Let us embrace one another as true brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father. 

Feb. 24, 2019 - Finding Forgiveness

The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

Reading I: 

1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9,
12-13, 22-23

Psalm: 103

Reading II: 
1 Corinthians
15:45-49

Gospel: 
Luke 6:27-38


“Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this is both a simple and challenging motto. Jesus asks us to be kind to our enemies, not just those who love us.

This does not mean that we condone what our enemies have said or done. It does not mean foregoing justice. It simply means letting go of the hatred that poisons one's soul and can even harm one’s physical health. Pope John Paul II made a point to go to prison to forgive his assailant. That had a positive effect on both. However, the Holy Father did not request that his enemy be released from prison.

As humans, we tend to judge other’s motives even though we have no ability to see within the soul of others. This was brought home to me when I was studying the “group process.” We gathered together at a mental hospital and waited for someone to speak. It happened to be a young woman who had invited her mother to participate. The young woman resented her mother and her brother’s relationship and felt unloved. As the sharing evolved, her mother revealed that the father did not want the son from his birth. The mother tried to make up for the father’s rejection by giving special attention to the son. It did not mean that she loved her daughter any less. By the end of the session, mother and daughter were crying in each other’s arms. What a difference knowing the real motivation of another can make!

A striking example of forgiveness and its redeeming effects is told in the biography of St. Maria Goretti. This young Italian girl was born into a farming family on October 16, 1890.  Her father died of Malaria when she was nine. Because they were so poor, the family had to share a house with the Serenelli family. Maria took over the household duties and care for her younger sister while the rest of the family was working in the fields.

The twenty-year-old Alessandro Serenelli made frequent sexual advances to Maria which she refused, saying it would be sinful. Finally, when she was alone one day and continued to refuse his advances, Alessandro stabbed her 14 times. When the family returned from the fields, they found her in a pool of blood and rushed her to the hospital. The wounds were too bad for the doctors to save Maria. However, before she died, Maria expressed her forgiveness of Alessandro and stated that she wanted him to be with her in heaven.

During his 27 years in prison, Alessandro repented and on his release, went to Maria’s mother to ask her forgiveness. Her response was that if her daughter could forgive him, she could also. Alessandro turned his life around and prayed to Maria each day. Along with her mother, Alessandro attended Maria’s canonization in 1950. Eventually, he became a lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. After living in a monastery working as a receptionist and gardener, he died peacefully in 1970.

Jesus was emphasizing that Christianity requires all-inclusive love.  Letting go of resentment, grudges, and revenge can free up a person’s spirit and can also enable much good to result.

 Reflection Question:  Can any of my relationships be restored or strengthened by letting go of resentment or through honest dialogue?  (If the other person is not open, at least we can pray for the  person and let go of hard feelings on our part.)

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Encontrar el Perdón

“Haz a los demás como te gustaría que te hicieran a ti”. A menudo referida como la Regla de Oro, este es un lema simple y desafiante. Jesús nos pide que seamos amables con nuestros enemigos, no solo con los que nos aman.

Esto no significa que condonemos lo que nuestros enemigos han dicho o hecho. No significa renunciar a la justicia. Simplemente significa dejar de lado el odio que envenena el alma y puede incluso dañar la salud física. El Papa Juan Pablo II se propuso ir a prisión para perdonar a su agresor. Eso tuvo un efecto positivo en ambos. Sin embargo, el Santo Padre no solicitó que su enemigo fuera liberado de la prisión.

Como seres humanos, tendemos a juzgar los motivos de los demás, aunque no tenemos la capacidad de ver dentro del alma de los demás. Esto me lo trajeron a casa cuando estaba estudiando el “proceso grupal”. Nos reunimos en un hospital psiquiátrico y esperamos que alguien hablara. Resultó ser una mujer joven que había invitado a su madre a participar. La joven estaba resentida con la relación de su madre y su hermano y se sentía no amada. A medida que evolucionaba el compartir, su madre reveló que el padre no quería que el hijo naciera. La madre trató de compensar el rechazo del padre prestando especial atención al hijo. No significaba que amara menos a su hija. Al final de la sesión, madre e hija lloraban en los brazos del otro. ¡Qué diferencia puede hacer saber la motivación real
de otro!

Un ejemplo sorprendente de perdón y sus efectos redentores se cuenta en la biografía de Santa María Goretti. Esta joven italiana nació en una familia de agricultores el 16 de octubre de 1890. Su padre murió de malaria cuando tenía nueve años. Debido a que eran tan pobres, la familia tuvo que compartir una casa con la familia Serenelli. María se hizo cargo de las tareas domésticas y de cuidar a su hermana menor mientras el resto de la familia trabajaba en los campos.

Alessandro Serenelli, de 20 años, hizo frecuentes avances sexuales a María, que ella rechazó, diciendo que sería un pecado. Finalmente, cuando ella estuvo sola un día y continuó rechazando sus avances, Alessandro la apuñaló 14 veces. Cuando la familia regresó de los campos, la encontraron en un charco de sangre y la llevaron al hospital. Las heridas eran demasiado malas para que los médicos salvaran a María. Sin embargo, antes de morir, María expresó su perdón a Alessandro y declaró que quería que él estuviera con ella en el cielo.

Durante los 27 años que estuvo en prisión, Alessandro se arrepintió y, luego de su liberación, acudió a la madre de María para pedirle perdón. Su respuesta fue que si su hija podía perdonarlo, ella también podría. Alessandro cambió su vida y oró a María cada día. Junto con su madre, Alessandro asistió a la canonización de María en 1950. Finalmente, se convirtió en hermano laico de la Orden de los Frailes Menores Capuchinos. Después de vivir en un monasterio trabajando como recepcionista y jardinero, murió en paz en 1970.

Jesús estaba enfatizando que el cristianismo requiere amor todo incluido. Dejar ir el resentimiento, los rencores y la venganza puede liberar el espíritu de una persona y también puede permitir mucho bien.

 Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Se puede restaurar o fortalecer cualquiera de mis relaciones dejando ir el resentimiento o mediante un diálogo honesto?  (Si la otra persona no está abierta, al menos podemos orar por la persona y dejar de lado los sentimientos difíciles de nuestra parte).

Feb. 17, 2019 Embracing The Beatitudes

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary  Time  -  Year C

Partial background image © www.LUMOProject.com

Reading I:  Jeremiah 17: 5-8

Psalm:  Psalm 1

Reading II:  1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Gospel:  Luke:6:17, 20-26


Lee Atwater, the Bush campaign manager who died at the age of 40 of a brain tumor, had attained wealth and honor. However, he felt a deep inner emptiness, and said: “My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what is missing in me — a little heart, a lot of brotherhood.” He reached the conclusion that “We must...speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society.”

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus speaking of what brings true happiness to human beings as He proclaims The Beatitudes. At first glance, they seem to be the opposite of what brings happiness. They teach us that riches, well-being, fame, power or any human achievements are not truly fulfilling. In God alone, do we find all we need and perfect love.

During my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we spent time on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is believed to be the spot where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

Our leader explained that the Scripture writers compiled the teachings of Jesus in the listing of Beatitudes that we read. However, these were taught gradually to the disciples. They are so profound that each one requires reflection and time to absorb their full meaning, especially since they seem to go against worldly wisdom. Unless we take time with each, they seem to be overwhelming. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to understand each one.

 Reflection:   Discover gratitude and compassion by reflecting upon the meaning of each of the Beatitudes listed below.

#1 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Be satisfied with what you have. Share the good things we have with others because God wants us to.

#2 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Comfort those who are suffering. Help others feel better about themselves
after a loss.

#3 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Humility-a true sense of who you are. Get the ego out of the way.

#4 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Do what is fair for everyone. Think WWJD What Would Jesus Do?

#5 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
We forgive those who are unkind to us. Look for ways to show kindness to others.

#6 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
We do what is right just because we know it is the right thing to do.

#7 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
We try to bring God’s peace to the world. We control our behavior so people can see Jesus in us.

#8 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We are willing to stand up for God’s laws even if we are teased or insulted.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Abrazando las Bellezas

Lee Atwater, el gerente de campaña de Bush que murió a la edad de 40 años de un tumor cerebral, había alcanzado riqueza y honor. Sin embargo, sintió un profundo vacío interior, y dijo: “Mi enfermedad me ayudó a ver que lo que faltaba en la sociedad es lo que me falta: un corazón pequeño, mucha hermandad”. Llegó a la conclusión de que “Debemos ... hablar a este vacío espiritual en el corazón de la sociedad estadounidense”.

En el evangelio de hoy, escuchamos a Jesús hablar de lo que trae verdadera felicidad a los seres humanos. como Él proclama Las Bienaventuranzas. A primera vista, parecen ser lo contrario de lo que trae la felicidad. Nos enseñan que las riquezas, el bienestar, la fama, el poder o cualquier logro humano no son verdaderamente satisfactorios. Solo en Dios, encontramos todo lo que necesitamos y el amor perfecto.

Durante mi peregrinación a Tierra Santa pasamos un tiempo en el Monte de las Bienaventuranzas con vistas a la costa del Mar de Galilea. Se cree que este es el lugar donde Jesús dio el Sermón del Monte.

Nuestro líder explicó que los escritores de las Escrituras recopilaron las enseñanzas de Jesús en la lista de Bienaventuranzas que leemos. Sin embargo, estos fueron enseñados gradualmente a los discípulos. Son tan profundos que cada uno requiere reflexión y tiempo para absorber todo su significado, especialmente porque parecen ir en contra de la sabiduría mundana. A menos que tomemos tiempo con cada uno, parecen ser abrumadores. Pidamos al Espíritu Santo que nos ayude a entender a cada uno.

 Reflexión:   Descubra la gratitud y la compasión al reflexionar sobre el significado de cada una de las Bienaventuranzas que se enumeran a continuación.

# 1 Bienaventurados los pobres de espíritu, porque de ellos es el reino de los cielos. Esté satisfecho con lo que tiene. Comparte las cosas buenas que tenemos con los demás porque Dios quiere que lo hagamos.

# 2 Bienaventurados los que lloran, porque ellos serán consolados.
Consuela a los que sufren. Ayudar a otros a sentirse mejor con ellos mismos después de una pérdida.

# 3 Bienaventurados los mansos, porque ellos heredarán la tierra.
Humildad, un verdadero sentido de quien eres. Quita el ego del camino.

# 4 Bienaventurados los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, porque estarán satisfechos. Haz lo que sea justo para todos. Piensa WWJD ¿Qué haría Jesús?

# 5 Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, porque se les mostrará misericordia.Perdonamos a los que son crueles con nosotros. Busque maneras de mostrar bondad a los demás.

# 6 Bienaventurados los limpios de corazón, porque ellos verán a Dios.
Hacemos lo correcto porque sabemos que es lo correcto.

# 7 Bienaventurados los pacificadores, porque serán llamados hijos de Dios.
Tratamos de traer la paz de Dios al mundo. Controlamos nuestro comportamiento para que las personas puedan ver a Jesús en nosotros.

# 8 Bienaventurados los perseguidos por causa de la justicia, porque de ellos es el reino de los cielos. Estamos dispuestos a defender las leyes de Dios incluso si somos objeto de burlas o insultos.

Feb. 10, 2019 Here I Am, Lord

The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time  -  Year C

Reading I: 
Isaiah 6: 1-2a, 3-8

Psalm:  138

Reading II: 
1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Gospel:  Luke 5:1-11

In today’s Gospel, we observe Jesus calling his disciples to make a complete commitment to Him and His mission. The fishermen, Simon Peter, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, were astounded when, after obeying Jesus’ command to go out into the deep again, they were able to catch many fish in an area where they had previously been unable to catch any, in spite of fishing all night.

Then Jesus invites them to follow Him more closely in a full-time ministry of spreading the Good News. Their confidence and trust in Jesus had been strengthened by the results of their obedience to Him. Jesus then reassures them that they soon would be fishers of men, so they left everything to follow him.

As I write this blog, I recall the homily I heard today. In it, the experience of St. Thomas Aquinas was described as he attempted to follow the Lord by becoming a Dominican friar around the age of 19. Thomas had studied as a child to one day assume a high religious position. His father, displeased that the impoverished lifestyle of a friar would cast a negative reflection on their noble family, had Thomas imprisoned for almost two years in a family castle. They tried to dissuade him from his choice to join this order, but he was not convinced. It was the kindness of his mother and sisters that enabled him to survive. They made sure that he had food, and other necessities until he finally was liberated and able to profess his vows in the Order of Friars Preachers. 

That story reminded me of the factor that family influence has in response to religious callings. When I taught Theology at a high school, I invited a Religious Brother to speak with my class on religious vocations. He described his own experience about sharing his desires with his father. The father objected to him becoming a Brother because he wanted grandchildren. When the young man pointed out that he had siblings who could provide the grandchildren, the father insisted that he wanted grandchildren from him. Nevertheless, the young man still chose to become a Religious Brother in response to a call from the Lord.

When I shared my desire to become a Religious Sister, my father’s response was “Who is going to take care of your mother?” Being an only child, I had to trust that if the Lord was calling me, he would provide for my parents. Fortunately, my mother’s response was that she believed that I would not be happy anywhere else. 

Another only child who entered the convent with me had a very different experience. Not only did her parents object to her entering, but they begged her to come home every time we had our monthly visits. This caused her so much stress that she had all kinds of health problems throughout her novitiate. Nevertheless, she did manage to persevere, in spite of it all.

On the flip side, pressuring someone to become a priest or a Religious Sister or Brother can be equally harmful. A Sister shared with me her belief that her brother, a priest, was an alcoholic because their mother was so determined to have a son in the priesthood that she put a lot of pressure on him. His sister believed that he did not have a priestly vocation, but followed his mother’s wishes and ignored his own desires. This, she felt, contributed to his alcoholism. Only God knows if this is the true cause of his problem.

What does all this mean? Families need to make sure they respect each member’s calling. It can be helpful to approach the topic by asking: “Did you ever think of becoming a priest or religious to open up a conversation.” However, to pressure a person for or against that kind of calling, is unfair and can be harmful. 

The best thing to do is to pray that people find their true callings. If the call is to marriage, pray that they find the right spouse. Also, it is important to recognize that the single life is a special calling. A single person has the freedom to contribute to church and society in many ways because they do not have all the commitments that a priest, Religious, or married person have. Each vocation is important to the Lord and for the world.

 Reflection Question:  Our Church is in great need of workers, priests, Religious, and laypersons. How can I contribute, and how can I encourage others to volunteer?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Aquí Estoy, Señor


En el Evangelio de hoy, observamos a Jesús llamando a sus discípulos a comprometerse completamente con Él y con su misión. Los pescadores, Simón Pedro y los hijos de Zebedeo, Santiago y Juan, se asombraron cuando, después de obedecer el mandato de Jesús de volver a las profundidades, pudieron capturar muchos peces en un área donde anteriormente no habían podido atraparlos. Cualquiera, a pesar de pescar toda la noche.

Luego, Jesús los invita a seguirlo más de cerca en un ministerio de tiempo completo para difundir la Buena Nueva. Su confianza y confianza en Jesús se había fortalecido con los resultados de su obediencia a él. Jesús luego les asegura que pronto serían pescadores de hombres, por lo que dejaron todo para seguirlo.

Mientras escribo este blog, recuerdo la homilía que escuché hoy. En él, la experiencia de Santo Tomás de Aquino se describía cuando intentaba seguir al Señor convirtiéndose en un fraile dominicano a la edad de 19 años. Thomas había estudiado de niño para asumir un alto cargo religioso un día. Su padre, disgustado de que el estilo de vida empobrecido de un fraile arrojara una reflexión negativa sobre su noble familia, encarceló a Thomas durante casi dos años en un castillo familiar. Trataron de disuadirlo de su elección de unirse a esta orden, pero no estaba convencido. Fue la bondad de su madre y sus hermanas lo que le permitió sobrevivir. Se aseguraron de que tuviera comida y otras necesidades hasta que finalmente se liberó y pudo profesar sus votos en la Orden de Frailes Predicadores.

Esa historia me recordó el factor que la influencia familiar tiene en respuesta a los llamamientos religiosos. Cuando enseñé Teología en una escuela secundaria, invité a un Hermano religioso a hablar con mi clase sobre vocaciones religiosas. Describió su propia experiencia sobre compartir sus deseos con su padre. El padre se opuso a que se convirtiera en un hermano porque quería nietos. Cuando el joven señaló que tenía hermanos que podían proporcionar a los nietos, el padre insistió en que quería tener nietos de él. Sin embargo, el joven todavía optó por convertirse en un Hermano religioso en respuesta a una llamada del Señor.

Cuando compartí mi deseo de convertirme en una Hermana Religiosa, la respuesta de mi padre fue: “¿Quién cuidará de tu madre?” Siendo hija única, tenía que confiar en que si el Señor me llamaba, proveería a mis padres. . Afortunadamente, la respuesta de mi madre fue que creía que no sería feliz en ningún otro lugar.

Otro hijo único que entró al convento conmigo tuvo una experiencia muy diferente. Sus padres no solo se opusieron a que ella entrara, sino que le rogaron que volviera a casa cada vez que teníamos nuestras visitas mensuales. Esto le causó tanto estrés que tuvo todo tipo de problemas de salud durante su noviciado. Sin embargo, ella logró perseverar, a pesar de todo.

Por otro lado, presionar a alguien para que se convierta en sacerdote o en una hermana o hermano religioso puede ser igualmente dañino. Una hermana compartió conmigo su creencia de que su hermano, un sacerdote, era alcohólico porque su madre estaba tan decidida a tener un hijo en el sacerdocio que le presionó mucho. Su hermana creía que no tenía una vocación sacerdotal, pero siguió los deseos de su madre e ignoró sus propios deseos. Esto, ella sintió, contribuyó a su alcoholismo. Solo Dios sabe si esta es la verdadera causa de su problema.

¿Qué significa todo esto? Las familias deben asegurarse de respetar el llamado de cada miembro. Puede ser útil abordar el tema preguntando: “¿Alguna vez pensó en convertirse en sacerdote o religioso para iniciar una conversación?” Sin embargo, presionar a una persona a favor o en contra de ese tipo de llamamiento, es injusto y puede ser perjudicial.

Lo mejor que se puede hacer es orar para que las personas encuentren sus verdaderos llamamientos. Si el llamado es al matrimonio, ore para que encuentren al cónyuge adecuado. Además, es importante reconocer que la vida individual es una vocación especial. Una sola persona tiene la libertad de contribuir a la iglesia y a la sociedad de muchas maneras porque no tienen todos los compromisos que un sacerdote, religioso o persona casada tienen. Cada vocación es importante para el Señor y para el mundo.

 Pregunta de reflexión:   Nuestra Iglesia tiene una gran necesidad de obreros, sacerdotes, religiosos y laicos. ¿Cómo puedo contribuir y cómo puedo animar a otros a ser voluntarios?