Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018 “Along the way, Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’” - Mark 8:27-35 My dear parishioners, One of my favorite days of the year is Catechetical Sunday....... which happens to be today. Part of the reason I like it is because I am a catechist, a teacher of the faith along with hundreds of others in our parish. I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the people who communicated their faith to me throughout the years: my parents, teachers, priests, sisters, mentors, and friends. I am grateful too for the saints, the writers of spiritual books, and people I have never met who taught me by their heroic living and deep reflection. Jesus was a catechist. He taught his disciples by instruction and also by his example of prayers, compassionate healing, and willingness to forgive any sinner and restore them to grace. One of the most interesting ways Jesus taught was by asking questions. He doesn't always answer them but leaves them open for our ongoing reflection. How we answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” makes all the difference in the world. It will decide how we live and what our priorities are. It will influence our relationships and the things we value and give our life to. St. James reminds us that faith is not something that only happens in our head nor the sentiments we hold in our heart. Real faith is not in the thinking, but in the doing. On this Catechetical Sunday I thank all parents and teachers, youth ministers and sponsors for the gift of passing on the faith to others. May we come to a deeper friendship with Jesus so we can personally respond to the question Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Today we honor Fr. Cedric Wilson as he celebrates his 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. He is a teacher and preacher of the Good News of the Gospel and has faithfully followed Jesus in his life. Thank you Fr. Wilson for your generous "Yes" to God's call for you to be a priest. Your joy and dedication to service is a great witness of the priesthood for our times and we thank you. Our Parish Ministry Fair last Sunday was wonderful. Special thanks to the Staff and Coordinators of our various ministries who organized the day and to so many who signed up to share their time and talents for the work of the church. Together, we the people of God strive to love God, love our neighbor, and form new disciples for Christ. We celebrate Christ in Word, Sacrament and Service. Love and blessings, Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor 2018 White House Ornament Sale by the Women of Nativity The 2018 White House Ornament honors Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States. This ornament is designed to illustrate three significant changes made by President Truman during his administration, one to the Presidential Seal, and two to the White House itself. One side of the ornament features his celebrated Truman Balcony, added in 1947-48 to the South Portico, and the other side features his renovated Blue Room, which was dismantled and rebuilt during the renovation of 1948-52. The ornament is crafted from non-tarnishing 24K gold-plated brass and is a perfect addition to all the other previous White House Ornaments. Dates of sale will be THIS weekend: September 15 and 16 in the Church Narthex Hours of sale: • Before and after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday evenings • 8:00am to 1:00pm on Sunday mornings • Before and after the 5:30pm Mass on Sunday evenings Cost is $20.00 for each ornament, as long as supplies last! The Women of Nativity appreciate your continued support of our only fundraiser. You make our parish the giving parish that we are. THANK YOU!! A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski
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Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
“Along the way, Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’” - Mark 8:27-35
My dear parishioners, One of my favorite days of the year is Catechetical Sunday....... which happens to be today. Part of the reason I like it is because I am a catechist, a teacher of the faith along with hundreds of others in our parish. I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the people who communicated their faith to me throughout the years: my parents, teachers, priests, sisters, mentors, and friends. I am grateful too for the saints, the writers of spiritual books, and people I have never met who taught me by their heroic living and deep reflection. Jesus was a catechist. He taught his disciples by instruction and also by his example of prayers, compassionate healing, and willingness to forgive any sinner and restore them to grace. One of the most interesting ways Jesus taught was by asking questions. He doesn't always answer them but leaves them open for our ongoing reflection. How we answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” makes all the difference in the world. It will decide how we live and what our priorities are. It will influence our relationships and the things we value and give our life to. St. James reminds us that faith is not something that only happens in our head nor the sentiments we hold in our heart. Real faith is not in the thinking, but in the doing. On this Catechetical Sunday I thank all parents and teachers, youth ministers and sponsors for the gift of passing on the faith to others. May we come to a deeper friendship with Jesus so we can personally respond to the question Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Today we honor Fr. Cedric Wilson as he celebrates his 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. He is a teacher and preacher of the Good News of the Gospel and has faithfully followed Jesus in his life. Thank you Fr. Wilson for your generous "Yes" to God's call for you to be a priest. Your joy and dedication to service is a great witness of the priesthood for our times and we thank you. Our Parish Ministry Fair last Sunday was wonderful. Special thanks to the Staff and Coordinators of our various ministries who organized the day and to so many who signed up to share their time and talents for the work of the church. Together, we the people of God strive to love God, love our neighbor, and form new disciples for Christ. We celebrate Christ in Word, Sacrament and Service. Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor
2018 White House Ornament Sale by the Women of Nativity
The 2018 White House Ornament honors Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States. This ornament is designed to illustrate three significant changes made by President Truman during his administration, one to the Presidential Seal, and two to the White House itself. One side of the ornament features his celebrated Truman Balcony, added in 1947-48 to the South Portico, and the other side features his renovated Blue Room, which was dismantled and rebuilt during the renovation of 1948-52. The ornament is crafted from non-tarnishing 24K gold-plated brass and is a perfect addition to all the other previous White House Ornaments.
Dates of sale will be THIS weekend: September 15 and 16 in the Church Narthex Hours of sale:
• Before and after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday evenings
• 8:00am to 1:00pm on Sunday mornings
• Before and after the 5:30pm Mass on Sunday evenings
Cost is $20.00 for each ornament, as long as supplies last! The Women of Nativity appreciate your continued support of our only fundraiser. You make our parish the giving parish that we are. THANK YOU!!
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
“Gracious Father, I thank you for the mercy you have shown in forgiving my sins and for the peace that
comes from being reconciled with you and with your Church.” “Trust in God’s Mercy”, USCCB Prayer
Card (Post-Abortion Healing).
Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.
The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866-444-3553 or
[email protected]. You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and
sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.)
Baptisms take place the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. The next baptismal class is scheduled for
Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 7:30pm in the Nativity School Teachers Lounge.
Please call the office at 703-455-2400 to sign up.
In order to schedule a baptism, the following forms are required: 1. Application for Baptism form (can be found on our website
under Sacraments), 2. A copy of the baby’s birth certificate and 3. Letters of eligibility from BOTH Godparents.
For any further questions, please contact Anna Marty.
RCIA – Encounter Jesus through Full Communion with the Catholic Church
Come and see! We welcome you to Nativity’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) journey of faith, starting with the Welcome Class THIS Monday, September 17, 2018, at 7:00 pm, in the Parish Hall.
RCIA forms new disciples, as adults prepare to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 20, 2019, with reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. Monday classes continue until just prior to Pentecost Sunday 2019, preparing for life in the Church as disciples. This faith journey deepens one’s personal relationship with Jesus by encountering him through passionate teaching, personal witness, prayer and Eucharistic adoration, lively discussion and spiritual events. RCIA is open to those who have not been baptized, Christians baptized in another faith, and baptized Catholics who have not received catechesis for the other Sacraments of Initiation.
For details, contact the Church office at (703) 455-2400, e-mail Ron Riggins at [email protected] or Linda Loffredo at [email protected], to attend the Welcome Class or pick up a brochure and registration form in the Church office.
Nativity Italian Heritage and Cultural Society
Puglia and Padre Pio Presentation Join the Nativity Italian Heritage and Cultural Society as it kicks off its new season discovering the Italian region of Puglia (Apulia) and one its most famous citizens:
Padre Pio Thursday September 27 at 7:00pm in the Nativity School Cafeteria
Guest speaker Daniela Cockayne will discuss her visit to this lesser known area, the heel of the “Italian boot” with all of its hidden treasures and beauty. Ms. Cockayne will also talk about one of Puglia’s most famous recent residents, Padre Pio - known as Saint Pio, the 20th Century priest known for his piety and charity. Padre Pio’s feast day is September 23, so join us for an evening about this lovely, sun-drenched area and its most famous resident.
Puglia, Italy
Retreat for persons facing a serious illness
A Retreat for People Facing a Serious Illness will be held at the San Damiano Spiritual Life Center in White Post, Virgina from October 5-7. Fr. Bob Cilinski and Fr. Jack O’Hara will serve as Spiritual Directors along with a retreat team of doctors, nurses and helpers. The cost of the retreat is free for all retreatants.
If you are facing a serious illness please, consider taking this time for spiritual renewal. Call Catholic Charities at 703-841-3830 to
begin the application process.
Is your child registered? Registration forms are available in the Religious Education office and online at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd. Registration and payment must be turned in at time of registration. For any questions, please contact our office at 703.455.0372.
CLASSES START THIS WEEKEND!!
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM
I am desperate and in need of a teacher!! Please prayerfully consider helping the
Sisters in finding me a teacher!
For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office at 703.455.0372.
We’ve Got a Few Seats Left in Second Grade -- We’re looking for a couple of rising Second Graders to join us. From Sacraments to Social Studies, we may be just the school for which you’ve been searching! Come tour our campus and meet our staff by contacting Shannon Murphy at [email protected].
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
Monday, September 17 7:30am † Josephine Morreale
Tuesday, September 18 7:30am † Ag Maguire 12:00pm † Sr. Francis Lunney S.S.J. Wednesday, September 19 7:30am Special Intention for Dr. Ariel N. Rad (Burke HC) 3:00pm Special Intention for Elizabeth Watta & Family
Thursday, September 20 7:30am † Austin Bryant 12:00pm † Patty Ward Friday, September 21 7:30am † Jenevieve & Donald Valentine (School Mass) 9:00am † Della Schuchart Saturday, September 22 9:00am † Suzanne Golden 5:00pm Parishioners 7:00pm Special Intention for Kristine on her Birthday
Sunday, September 23 7:30am † Suzanne Golden 9:00am † Abel Arakaky 11:00am † Stephen Scott Lisi Jr. 12:45pm † Stephen Scott Lisi Jr. 5:30pm Parishioners
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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl meetings for the month of September will be held on Monday morning, September 17th,
at 9:30am and Wednesday evening, September 19th, at 7:00pm. This ministry is open to all members of our community. It provides a tangible sign of our prayers and concern to the critically ill. Members lovingly craft shawls, which are subse-quently blessed by a priest, and shared with those who are in need.
For all the women of Nativity, we invite you to join the 70 ladies who participated in “Walking With Purpose” last year. “Walking With Purpose” is a women’s small group Bible study designed to enable women to grow closer to Christ through Scripture. The best part is that we all take this journey together.
For newcomers, the first study is “Opening Your Heart” which will meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm, beginning October 16th. For those returning to “Walking With Purpose,” the new study is “Keeping in Balance” which will be offered Monday mornings, from 8:30 – 10:30 am and Tuesday evenings, from 7:00-9:00 pm., beginning October 15 & 16th. Registration is available on the church website under Devotional groups. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected].
Nativity Rosary Ministry
If you are interested in learning to make cord rosaries for the foreign missions, mark your calendars for Monday, September 17th, at noon in the Fr. Ready Room. If you are a member of our group, thank you for your time and energy in making beautiful rosaries for our parish, CCD and for the foreign missions.
We have sent out 5100 rosaries this year - that included the broken rosaries we cleaned and repaired. Come and join this awesome and rewarding ministry! We give you the supplies you need and you work at your own pace at home. We gather every 2 months to teach and to gather more supplies. Contact: Diane Fields [email protected]
Stella Marina Kit Building
There will be a Birthing and Newborn Kit Build on Saturday, September 22 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm in the Nativity Cafeteria and we need your help!!
To sign up please go the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fafae2fa57-birth
Nativity Catholic Women's Bible Study:
All women are welcome to join us on Friday mornings from 9:30am to 11:30am in the Fr. Ready Room for prayer, study and fellowship. We begin this year with “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible” with Jeff Cavins. This program helps to uncover the story woven throughout Scripture so that we can get the “big picture” of the bible and understand what it is all about. If you have never been to a bible study this is a very good place to begin. If you are versed in scripture you will go deeper in your understanding of God’s plan. We start each meeting with the rosary. Each session has a DVD followed by discussion. Join us! contact: Diane Fields at [email protected].
CONGRATULATIONS
Father Cedric Wilson O.S.A. On the 40th Anniversary of your Ordination
September 16, 1978
The Italian Language Program will be offering New Beginner Classes starting this Fall!
Come and learn Italian in a FUN and caring environment. For more information on cost, dates and time, please contact:
Elisabetta Lazarte by text or call 703-887-1995, or contact her by email at: [email protected].
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
http://www.nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
You’re Not Too Late ~~ We Have a Seat for Your Child
For details, contact Shannon Murphy at (703) 455-2300, or [email protected].
************************************** Only One Week Away ~~
-- You Are Invited -- Community Event
Fall Book Fair-
September 23 -- After All Masses
************************************** Yes! It’s That Time of the Year ~~
Our first weeks back to school have been exciting, fun, educational, memorable -- and sweltering
(the weather, that is)! Take a peek ~~
**************************************
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, (703) 455-2300, or
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 [email protected] 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 at: 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.
Council Meeting: The next council meeting is Thursday, September 20. The rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm. Estate Planning Workshop: All parishioners, couples and individuals, are cordially invited. Thursday, September 20, 1:30-3:30 PM or Thursday, October 25, 7:00-9:00 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 Seidl Law Manassas 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 [email protected] or call 703-810-3200 (Ext 1) to RSVP. Shredding Event: The Knights will be sponsoring a Shredding event in the Church parking lot on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. We’ll have a Shredding Truck, bring your documents and donate to have them Shredded. Corporate Communion: The Council will be celebrating our Corporate Communion at the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, September 23. The following are nearby opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 1st Degree (Admission): Tuesday, 18 September at 8:00pm, Council 11922, Holy Spirit School, Annandale, VA. 1st Degree (Admission): Tuesday, 18 September at 8:00pm, Council 8600, St Mary of Sorrow Historic Church Hall, Fairfax Station, VA. 2nd Degree (Formation): Thursday, 27 September at 7:30 pm Council 12846, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Springfield. 3rd Degree (Knighthood): Saturday, 13 October, Newport News Council 5480, District 5.
Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at [email protected] if you'd like to participate in these ceremonies so that we can coordinate with the host Councils.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
- Matthew 19:14
Do you love children? Are you hungry for a way to serve in our parish? Have you been searching for a way to give back to others, to lighten someone's load, to make another woman’s life just a little bit easier?
Walking With Purpose is a women's Catholic Bible Study offered in our parish Monday’s at 830 am. We are seeking to build our Child Care Coordinator Ministry to make our program more accessible to mothers at home with young children. We are praying for a few women to serve once a week in our nursery. The Child Care Coordinator helps with setup and cleanup, Bible story time, snacks, and indoor play. This beautiful opportunity will allow the mothers of our parish the time to receive the love and care they so very much need given to them through the written Word of Christ and the fellowship of other women in our parish. Your YES to this role will be the answer to a mother's prayer! All that is needed is an outpouring of love for children and the desire to build up God’s Kingdom by serving the ones that heaven belongs to!
Perfect for older moms who miss holding their babies, home-schooled teens and college-aged young adults looking for service hours, or the seasoned mother who can recall those "in the trenches" years and would love to reach out and help! Virtus training and WWP Childcare Coordinator Workbook provided. $15/hour at two hours per week on Mondays from October 15th 2018 through April 16th 2019, excluding holidays. For more information email [email protected] or call the parish office.
Got An Inquisitive Preschooler? Introduce Us! It’s Not Too Late -- A Few Preschool Seats Left
This Fall: Preschool Day Extends; Week Lengthens. This Fall, our Preschool class will meet Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to NOON, with an OPTIONAL Preschool Afternoon Extension from NOON to 2:30 p.m. 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.
Photo: A few of our students on the first day of Preschool at Nativity! Welcome --
we are delighted you are here.
The 26th International Week of Prayer and Fasting coalition
In collaboration with the Marians Fathers, Legion of Mary and Priests for Life, we are asking for individuals, families, prayer groups and parishes to unite for nine days (Sept. 29 – Oct. 7, 2018) of prayer and fasting for the following goals: Conversion of all Peoples and Nations, to Build a Culture of Life, to Defend the Sanctity of Marriage and Family Life, to Pray for Peace and to Implore God’s Mercy. For the opening day, on Saturday, September 29th, please join us at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm for the International Day of Prayer. Registration is FREE, but please register online at www.iwopf.org to receive a free prayer card at the Basilica event. The Celebrant and Homilist for the noon mass is Bishop Roy Edward Campbell, Jr., Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. For more information visit www.iwopf.org or call 888-478-PRAY (7729).
Couples’ Faith Group – Teams of Our Lady Teams of Our Lady is an international lay movement of married couples founded to foster the love of God and spouse and to put into practice the gathering of couples as a “domestic church.” Each Team, consisting of 5-7 couples and a spiritual counselor
meets monthly to share a meal, prayer, scripture, and discussion. Couples of all ages enrich their marriages and
spirituality in this worldwide movement. An information meeting for interested couples will be held on September 25 at 7:30pm in the Bradican Room at St. Bernadette. If you would like further information or wish to attend the information meeting, contact
Jim and Ruth Wagner at 703-764-0872 or by email at [email protected].
Information can also be obtained at www.teamsofourlady.org.
Website: www.nativityburke.org 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”
Instagram - @nativityyam
Weekly: - Every Tuesday - Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room. A discussion of “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. Drop-ins welcome!
Every Thursday - Basketball from 8:30-10:30pm in the Gym.
Monday, 9/17 - Fairfax TOT at The Auld Shebeen - Food/ drinks 6:30pm, Talk at 7:30pm. Speaker: Christina Jacobean, Topic: "Committed: Freedom, Not Imprisonment."
Friday, 9/21 - “Cultural Mass Visit”- attend the 7:30pm Latin Mass at Basilica of St. Mary’s in Alexandria, followed by dinner in Old Town. Email Alison for more info. Saturday, 9/22 - Volunteer at Sunrise Senior Living - 3:00-4:30pm - Visit with the elderly residents for their “senior social.” Email to sign up - [email protected].
COLLEGE MINISTRY
Serving people ages 18 - 21
Follow us on social media!
Facebook Group - “Nativity College Ministry”
Instagram - @nativitycollege
Your Nativity Family is praying for all college-age students as you begin
another year of classes and/or work!
Have you have heard the call to work with youth? YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ.
College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Re-tirees… all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can help.
Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry
Get the Weekly CYM UPdate!
Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] -Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell -Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails UPdate goes out Wednesdays starting in September
Serving students in Grades 6 thru 12 in a variety of
teen groupings
YOU are wanted and needed to make this ministry strong. Consider making
a difference in the life of a teen -
Leading them closer to Christ!
For Complete Information on what we offer visit Nativity web site - Youth & Family
September 2018 - June 2019
High School - Weekly Sundays - LifeTEEN - 6:30 dinner, 7pm Ministry Wednesdays - Go Deeper - Girls - 7pm Thursdays - Go Deeper Boys - 7pm
Middle School - Grades 6, 7, and 8 Weekly Sundays - EDGE - 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Service Opportunities, Fun Outings & Diocesan Events
offered throughout the year.
One Act Theater Ministry - Fall RALLY - Diocesan Event - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) Life Is VERY Good - Winter Living Stations - Lent VBC, Work Camp - Summer
Seasonal
One Act Jr. Theater Ministry - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) BASH - Diocesan Event - Spring VBC, Camp EDGE - Summer
Website: www.nativityburke.org 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
Todos los feligreses estan invitados a la celebración por el 40 Aniversario de Ordenación Sacerdotal de
P. CEDRIC WILSON O.S.A. Iglesia de la Natividad
DOMINGO, 16 DE SEPTIEMBRE DEL 2018 DURANTE LA MISA DE 11:00AM
RECEPCIÓN A SEGUIR EN EL CENTRO FR. MARTIN
XXIV Domingo Ordinario - B Evangelio de la Misa: Mc 8,27-35
Seguir a Cristo
Hoy se lee en el Evangelio un párrafo denso en contenido doctr-nal, y por tanto de gran importancia y utilidad para la aceptación de la fe y para la vida cristiana. Es el Evangelio de la “encuesta” de Jesús sobre lo que pensaba la gente de El. También en esta ocasión la encuesta está previamente manejada (¿manipulada?). Más que la opinión de los demás, Jesús con su pregunta quería inculcar a sus apóstoles y seguidores quién era El, cómo habrá de terminar su existencia terrena, y qué había que hacer realmente para seguirle con alegría, entrega y re-sponsabilidad.
____________________________________ Señor, Jesús, que compartes nuestra existencia terrena y convives con todos: con quienes te siguen por curiosidad o interés personal, y con quienes te aceptan y se entregan a Ti con amor y fidelidad. No te importaban las opiniones de los demás sobre tu persona y misión. Sobre todo te preocupaba que con sinceridad te entendieran y con lealtad te siguieran constantemente, incluso cargando con la inevitable cruz de cada día.
Tú fuiste por delante con tu vida y tu muerte. Tu eres el mejor Maestro y Guía para caminar por la vida. Dame, Señor, la fe auténtica y por tanto el sentido sobrenatural suficiente para entenderte y seguirte, y así cargar con la bendita cruz de cada día. Y que jamás merezca el reproche que lanzaste a Pedro: ¡”Quítate de mi vista, Satanás, tú piensas como los hombres y no como Di-os!”. Tristemente se ven algunos cristianos tibios y dubitativos, críticos y superficiales, que se empeñan en catalogarte con métodos y criterios puramente humanos, y a veces con una visión torpe, materialista e interesada.
Con esa cerrazón humana y sin sentido sobrenatural no pueden entenderte, valorarte ni seguirte; e incluso tu mensaje se tergiversa convirtiendo la caridad en pura filantropía, la pureza en decencia, la mortificación en simpleza y todas las obras estériles. Que esas palabras, Señor, me ayuden a no perder el sentido so-brenatural en toda mi vida: en el trabajo y en la diversión, en la familia y con los amigos, en el gozar de la cultura y en el compar-tir la solidaridad cristiana. Quiero, Señor, negarme a mí mismo, para aceptar y cargar con la cruz de cada día, y así seguirte hasta “perder mi vida” por el Evangelio. Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
RECONOCER A JESÚS EL CRISTO El 24 DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO CICLO B
¿Quién decís que soy yo?
El episodio ocupa un lugar central y decisivo en el relato de Marcos. Los discípulos llevan ya un tiempo conviviendo con Jesús. Ha llegado el momento en que se han de pronunciar con claridad. ¿A quién están siguiendo? ¿Qué es lo que descubren en Jesús? ¿Qué captan en su vida, su mensaje y su proyecto? Desde que se han unido a él, viven interrogándose sobre su identidad. Lo que más les sorprende es la autoridad con que habla, la fuerza con que cura a los enfermos y el amor con que ofrece el perdón de Dios a los pecadores. ¿Quién es este hom-bre en quien sienten tan presente y tan cercano a Dios como Amigo de la vida y del perdón? Entre la gente que no ha convivido con él se corren toda clase de rumores, pero a Jesús le interesa la posición de sus discípu-los: «Y vosotros, ¿quién decís que soy yo?». No basta que en-tre ellos haya opiniones diferentes más o menos acertadas. Es fundamental que los que se han comprometido con su causa, reconozcan el misterio que se encierra en él. Si no es así, ¿quién mantendrá vivo su mensaje? ¿Qué será de su proyecto del reino de Dios? ¿En qué terminará aquel grupo que está tratando de poner en marcha? Pero la cuestión es vital también para sus discípulos. Les afec-ta radicalmente. No es posible seguir a Jesús de manera incon-sciente y ligera. Tienen que conocerlo cada vez con más hon-dura. Pedro, recogiendo las experiencias que han vivido junto a él hasta ese momento, le responde en nombre de todos: «Tú eres el Mesías». La confesión de Pedro es todavía limitada. Los discípulos no conocen aún la crucifixión de Jesús a manos de sus adversari-os. No pueden ni sospechar que será resucitado por el Padre como Hijo amado. No conocen experiencias que les permitan captar todo lo que se encierra en Jesús. Solo siguiéndolo de cerca, lo irán descubriendo con fe creciente. Para los cristianos es vital reconocer y confesar cada vez con más hondura el misterio de Jesús el Cristo. Si ignora a Cristo, la Iglesia vive ignorándose a sí misma. Si no lo conoce, no puede conocer lo más esencial y decisivo de su tarea y misión. Pero, para conocer y confesar a Jesucristo, no basta llenar nuestra boca con títulos cristológi-cos admirables. Es necesario se-guirlo de cerca y colaborar con él día a día. Ésta es la principal tarea que hemos de promover en los grupos y comunidades cristianas.
José Antonio Pagola
Website: www.nativityburke.org 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 16, 2018
El Espíritu de Jesús abre las puertas que la “letra” cierra bajo cuatro llaves | Ignacio Simal
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Jesús les dijo: Yo soy el pan de vida; el que a mí viene, nunca tendrá hambre; y el que en mí cree, no tendrá sed jamás […] Todo lo que el Padre me da, vendrá a mí; y al que a mí viene, no le echo fuera. (S.Juan 6:35, 37 RVR1960) Los seres humanos tenemos la tendencia a sacralizar todo lo que amamos. Y con esa sacralización de lo amado le arrebatamos su liber-tad, su evolución, su crecimiento… En fin, hacemos de lo amado un objeto estático, sin ningún tipo de mudanza y cambio. Y cómo nos asusta lo que está en constante cambio y evolución, porque ello desestabiliza nuestras convenciones sociales y/o religiosas. Aquellos que se sienten seguros con la estabilidad que les ofrece lo que no muda, lo que siempre es igual, experimentan auténtico pavor a la posibilidad de que el objeto estático de su amor cambie de alguna manera, y eso les hace reaccionar con violencia hacia aquellos que afirman que no todo puede permanecer igual, que los tiempos cambian, y que el soplo del Espíritu de Dios es incontrolable. Photo by Giulio Magnifico on Unsplash Ya la primera comunidad de cristianos experimentó una situación que iba a cambiar el devenir eclesial (Hechos,15). Los no judíos esta-ban recibiendo el Espíritu, y creyendo en Jesús sin pasar por el judaísmo. Es decir, sin pasar por el rito-señal de la Alianza que Dios hizo con los patriarcas. Fue un conflicto, no pequeño, que nosotros no somos capaces de atisbar en toda su dimensión. Pero lo que sí po-demos afirmar es que no existía ninguna enseñanza de Jesús al respecto, y todos los textos de las Escrituras militaban en contra de la admisión de los no gentiles sin pasar por la circuncisión. La primera comunidad tenía dos opciones, o aferrarse al texto, o atender a la acción del Espíritu rompiendo la convención religiosa o escrituras. Evidentemente, optaron por atender al viento del Espíritu que sopla donde quiere, y como quiere. Y esto lo hicieron a sabiendas que iba a levantar ampollas, como así fue, en un amplio sector del “cristianismo” de aquel tiempo. Cuando leemos las “historia” de Jesús en los Evangelios, debemos caer en la cuenta de que la mayoría de lo sucedido en la historia de la concepción, nacimiento y vida de Jesús contravinieron el pensamiento de los que estaban apegados a la letra del texto, y no a la libertad de actuación del Espíritu de Dios. Esta es una verdad no abierta a la discusión. El Evangelio de Jesús de Nazaret, el Cristo, nos invita a dejar que nuestra barca sea impulsada por el viento del Espíritu, y no por el viento de “la letra” que nos conduce a ninguna parte. Este último viento da una apariencia de movimiento, pero lo que realmente logra es que demos rodeos constantes en torno al mismo lugar. De ahí que cuando Jesús de Nazaret, impulsado por el viento del Espíritu, inicia su ministerio, su praxis gira en torno a la comunión de mesa con “publicanos y pecadores”. Los apegados a letra de las Escrituras, y a los usos y costumbres de su tradición religiosa, reaccio-nan preguntando a los discípulos de Jesús, “¿por qué se sienta a comer con esa clase de gente?” (Mc. 2:16). Y es que como ya hemos dicho, dejarse conducir por el viento del Espíritu logra la inclusión a la vida de la comunidad de Jesús a los excluidos y excluidas por el sistema religioso. Mientras que, por otra parte, escandaliza a las mentes bien pensantes según la letra de las Escrituras. Y de nuevo nos encontramos con las palabras de Jesús con las que hemos iniciado esta reflexión: “Yo soy el pan de vida; el que a mí viene, nunca tendrá hambre; y el que en mí cree, no tendrá sed jamás […] Todo lo que el Padre me da, vendrá a mí; y al que a mí viene, no le echo fuera”. El Padre-madre que está en los cielos da a Jesús a todos aquellos y aquellas que a lo largo de los siglos han sido excluidos de la comuni-dad del pueblo de Dios, y de la sociedad en la que vivían. De tal manera que no hay nadie, absolutamente nadie, que viniendo a Jesús con fe, con ansias de construir el mundo nuevo y con nostalgia de eternidad, le rechace para la militancia en el pueblo de Dios a favor de la conversión de la historia en la nueva forma de convivencia social propuesta por Jesús de Nazaret. El Espíritu de Jesús abre las puertas que la “letra” cierra bajo cuatro llaves. La “letra” cerraba las puertas a que los paganos formarán parte del pueblo de Dios si hacerse prosélitos del judaísmo; cerraba las puertas a que las mujeres tomarán puestos de dirección, e incluso tomarán la palabra en la comunidad de fe; a que los divorciados y divorciadas participaran de la comunión plena de la Iglesia, y así po-dríamos seguir con un largo etcétera de exclusiones en la dilatada y densa historia de las iglesias. Hoy, las iglesias inician un discerni-miento relativamente nuevo, el discernimiento de no condenar, admitiendo a la comunión plena, a aquellas personas que durante siglos han sido excluidas y maltratadas en sus espacios, las personas LGTBI. Y ahí estamos, iniciando un camino escandaloso para los apega-dos a la “letra”, y cerrados, en mi opinión, a la inspiración del Espíritu de Jesús. La historia se repite: cada paso liberador que toma la gracia de Dios siempre ha escandalizado a los que idolatran la literalidad de los textos sagrados. La “letra” puede cerrar puertas, pero el Espíritu de Jesús las abre para no volverlas a cerrar jamás. La “letra” nos condena al hambre existencial y al dolor que este provoca. Sin embargo Jesús de Nazaret sacia nuestro hambre existencial, de tal manera que no volveremos a tener hambre jamás. Pero, siempre hay un “pero”‘, todo depende de que no miremos nunca jamás atrás, porque “nadie que ponga su mano en el arado [con la fuerza del viento del Espíritu] y mire atrás es apto para el mundo nuevo de Dios [donde reinará la justicia, la fraternidad y la misericordia]” (Luc. 9:62 BTI).
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