Saint Patrick’s 115 Maple Avenue, Victor NY 14564 (585) 924-7111 • www.stpatricksvictor.org Authentic faith, Welcoming and Engaging + + + Be holier today than yesterday. The only and truly sad thing in life is not to become a saint. + + + Catholic Church November 24-25, 2018 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King Remember your dignity; honor Sunday. Introit: First Sunday of Advent To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope (wait) in you be put to shame. Psalm 25:1-3 During Advent, we focus once more on the theme of waiting in relation to the two comings of the Lord: his first coming two thousand years ago as a baby boy, and his second coming at the end times as eternal judge. Psalm 25 is attributed to King David. In this psalm, King David expresses his trust in God made evident in his willing- ness to wait (in Hebrew qwh) for God, who when He comes would vindicate David against his enemies. King David asso- ciates trusting in God and waiting for God as attitudes that lead one to being honored by God, as opposed to being put to shame by God. By making these associations, we recognize a literary tech- nique in Hebrew poetry, in Latin called parallelismus membrorum. In this technique, repetition by pairing word/s with a synonym or antonym is employed to emphasize what is being said. So, one way of reading the three verses above would be as four lines, where the first parallels with the third, and the second parallels with the fourth. In such arrangement, we find the lifting up one’s soul to God (line 1) is synonymous to God not allowing one’s enemies to be exulted (line 3), trusting in God (line 2) is associated with waiting for God (line 4). The repetition of ‘put to shame’ in lines 2 and 4 appears to sup- port the four-line division and association. Although Psalm 25 is considered a psalm of lament be- cause of the recognition of one’s enemies (v.2) and one’s own sins and transgressions (v.7), there is much confidence and trust in God. Because of God’s mercy and compassion, there is forgiveness of sins and transgressions (vv.6-7). Because King David considers himself a friend of God, he considers his enemies unjust (v.19). This Advent, may our own waiting for God lead us to greater trust in Him. He came the first time, and this is our guarantee for His second coming. May our trust in God come also from our real experience of His mercy and forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. May our reliance on Him keep us from getting distracted by our enemies, and look forward to being exulted by Him. Let us double our prayer to God by our singing. Saint Cecilia, patroness of musicians, pray for us! ‘tis (almost) the season! We prepare for everything we consider important in life. And that includes Christmas. We visit family and friends, bake cookies, decorate our trees, and shop for gifts until we’re ready to drop. This year, prepare for Christmas in a different way. Join our parish for BEST ADVENT EVER, a free email pro- gram from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during the busy holiday sea- son. Each day of Advent, you will receive an email with: Short inspirational videos from Allen Hunt and Dominick Albano, with guest appearances by Matthew Kelly Practical tips for everyday life Real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey. Plus, every Sunday during the program, you will receive a thought-provoking video reflection that will help you under- stand how the Gospel relates to your own life. To sign up, visit BestAdventEver.com/Christmas. Join the nearly million people who participated in the program last year. Are you ready to have your best Advent and Christmas ever? Be Bold. Be Catholic. Kindness Is Noticed At our All Saints Day Noon Mass, a mom noticed another mom in the pew with four children. As the Mass pro- gressed, the little ones became restless and needed more attention from their mom. An older parishioner approached the mom and asked how she could be of help. The older parishioner ended up spending time with a child to provide the attention he needed at that moment. All it took was to recognize the situation, ask if there was anything that could be done, and what could be done was kindly done.
Transcript
Saint Patrick’s
115 Maple Avenue, Victor NY 14564 (585) 924-7111 • www.stpatricksvictor.org
Authentic faith, Welcoming and Engaging
+ + + Be holier today than yesterday. The only and truly sad thing in life is not to become a saint. + + +
Catholic Church
November 24-25, 2018 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Remember your dignity; honor Sunday.
Introit: First Sunday of Advent
To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame.
Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope (wait) in you be put to shame.
Psalm 25:1-3
During Advent, we focus once more on the theme of waiting in relation to the two comings of the Lord: his first coming two thousand years ago as a baby boy, and his second coming at the end times as eternal judge.
Psalm 25 is attributed to King David. In this psalm, King David expresses his trust in God made evident in his willing-ness to wait (in Hebrew qwh) for God, who when He comes would vindicate David against his enemies. King David asso-ciates trusting in God and waiting for God as attitudes that lead one to being honored by God, as opposed to being put to shame by God.
By making these associations, we recognize a literary tech-nique in Hebrew poetry, in Latin called parallelismus membrorum. In this technique, repetition by pairing word/s with a synonym or antonym is employed to emphasize what is being said. So, one way of reading the three verses above would be as four lines, where the first parallels with the third, and the second parallels with the fourth. In such arrangement, we find the lifting up one’s soul to God (line 1) is synonymous to God not allowing one’s enemies to be exulted (line 3), trusting in God (line 2) is associated with waiting for God (line 4). The repetition of ‘put to shame’ in lines 2 and 4 appears to sup-port the four-line division and association.
Although Psalm 25 is considered a psalm of lament be-cause of the recognition of one’s enemies (v.2) and one’s own sins and transgressions (v.7), there is much confidence and trust in God. Because of God’s mercy and compassion, there is forgiveness of sins and transgressions (vv.6-7). Because King David considers himself a friend of God, he considers his enemies unjust (v.19).
This Advent, may our own waiting for God lead us to greater trust in Him. He came the first time, and this is our guarantee for His second coming. May our trust in God come also from our real experience of His mercy and forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. May our reliance on Him keep us from getting distracted by our enemies, and look forward to being exulted by Him.
Let us double our prayer to God by our singing. Saint Cecilia, patroness of musicians, pray for us!
‘tis (almost) the season! We prepare for everything we consider important in life. And that includes Christmas. We visit family and friends, bake cookies, decorate our trees, and shop for gifts until we’re ready to drop. This year, prepare for Christmas in a different way.
Join our parish for BEST ADVENT EVER, a free email pro-gram from Dynamic Catholic that will help you slow down and focus on what matters most during the busy holiday sea-son. Each day of Advent, you will receive an email with:
Short inspirational videos from Allen Hunt and Dominick Albano, with guest appearances by Matthew Kelly
Practical tips for everyday life
Real-life stories to encourage you in your faith journey. Plus, every Sunday during the program, you will receive a
thought-provoking video reflection that will help you under-stand how the Gospel relates to your own life.
To sign up, visit BestAdventEver.com/Christmas. Join the nearly million people who participated in the program last year.
Are you ready to have your best Advent and Christmas ever?
Be Bold. Be Catholic.
Kindness Is Noticed At our All Saints Day Noon Mass, a
mom noticed another mom in the pew with four children. As the Mass pro-gressed, the little ones became restless and needed more attention from their mom. An older parishioner approached the mom and asked how she could be of help. The older parishioner ended up spending time with a child to provide the attention he needed at that moment.
All it took was to recognize the situation, ask if there was anything that could be done, and what could be done was kindly done.
HOLY MASSES FOR THE WEEK
Page 2 Get informed. Get involved. November 24-25, 2018
Liturgy & Sacramental Life
because Jesus taught us to pray
Liturgical Ministers for the Weekend of December 1-2
Ministry Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 8:30 AM Sunday 10:30 AM Sunday 5:00 PM
Sacristan Jackie Lafferty Diane Gernert Liz Gartland Dee Ainsworth
Lector One Dan Lafferty Thom Rafferty Chris Gerace Jack Marren
Lector Two Jackie Lafferty Sarah Parsons 5th Grade Faith Formation Dee Ainsworth
Holy Body (3) Kevin Klee, Dan Lafferty,
Jackie Lafferty Tom Gormel, Julie Knapp,
Judy Klein Judy Platten, Bill Simmons,
Bette Rae Simmons Joyce Richards, Gretchen
Vanderlee, Marie VanKuren
Precious Blood (2) Henry Miller, Linda Sandburg Rita Martens, Ken Reasoner Ron Platten, Deacon John Cynthia Barron, Luis Barron
Altar Servers (3) Garett Lester, Ella Hall Ben Gensiejewski, Hannah Fleming
Jack Eilertsen, Landon Ray, Gavin Ray
Kelton Everett
Head Usher Pat Bolger Mark Weigert David O’Hare Sante DiCarlo
Ushers / Greeters (3) Tom Denninger, Jerre Ryan,
Mike Manikowski Dennis O’Dea, Dan Weigert,
Wayne Brotsch John O’Brien, Ken Trotta,
George Heissenberger John Butler, Norm Ainsworth,
Nick Ward
Note: If unable to serve, please find a substitute. Take the time to sign-in in the Sacristy before Mass. If interested in serving as liturgical minister during the weekend Masses, please give the coordinators a call.
See list of ministries on page 5 for contact information. Thank you for serving.
Daily 3 PM Prayer Intentions Please include any of these intentions at your daily 3 PM prayer:
For parish ministries: Family Prom-ise of Ontario County & Buildings and Grounds
For the success of our 2018 Build-ing Campaign and CMA Campaigns,
For our families whose children are preparing for First Penance and First Eucharist, and those in the Faith For-mation Program,
For our Confirmation Candidates,
For renewal of our commitment to Sunday obligation,
And for the intentions in our prayer jars.
Let us be known by our praying for each other.
The Sanctuary Candle is lit in memory of Robert Przepiora, Jr. by Silvia Warda.
To offer a Mass or to light the Sanctuary Candle in memory of a loved one, please call the Parish Office.
Saturday, November 24, 2018 - Saint Andrew Dung-Lac
4:30pm - Constantino & Teresa DiLella
Sunday, November 25, 2018 - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Dn 7:13-14, Rev 1:5-8, Jn 18:33b-37 (161)
8:30am - Mary Ellen Alfred by Dan & Terri Dorscheid
10:30am - Gino Gabrielli by Mary Kay Nitti
5pm - Robert Przepiora, Jr. by Przepiora Family
Monday, November 26, 2018
8:30am - Bernie Schmidt by Janet Martz
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
8:30am - Lou Schmidlin by Jim
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
8:30am - Jim Budd by Diane Gernert
Thursday, November 29, 2018
8:30am - Communion Service
Friday, November 30, 2018 - Saint Andrew
8:30am - Bernie Schmidt by Helen
Saturday, December 1, 2018
4:30pm - Joseph Sitar by Gary & Marge Wood
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Dn 7:13-14, Rev 1:5-8, Jn 18:33b-37 (161)
8:30am - MaryAnne Frontuto by Frontuto & Clevinger Families
10:30am - Barbara Tarbox by Family
5pm - Jeanne McCormick by Stephenie McCormick
If you have requested the Mass intention and would like to bring up the gifts during Offertory, please inform the ushers before Mass.
Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols Mark your calendars on Sunday, December 9 at 3 PM for 60 to 90 minutes. Enjoy Biblical stories and familial hymns celebrating Christmas. Music will be led by parish choirs (Festival, Adult, Children's, Last Chance) and instrumen-talists. Be reminded of the reason for the season. Reception to follow in the Parish Center.
Page 3 Connect the dots of faith. November 24-25, 2018
PARISH EVENTS THIS WEEK
Membership & Parish Life
because Jesus called a community
Bereavement Support Group The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who
have lost a loved one. Our Bereave-ment Ministry serves those who are grieving and seeking emotional sup-port. Sessions have restarted and con-tinue November 28, December 5, 13 and 19. A follow-up session will take place on January 9, 2019. The meet-
ings will be at 7 PM, in the Parish Library. For info or inquir-ies, please call Barbara Ward at 752-2379. We welcome you.
...by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
- Philippians 4:6
Louise Therrien, Don Rimlinger, Rob-ert Erwin, Carol Estes, Virginia Stavale, Kelly Wilting, Virginia Palen, Loretta
Carey, Ranne, Felix & Dawn Christopher, Antonio Siciliano, Nancy Stavale, Becky & John Crowley, Josephine Hitzfield, Jerry Murphy, Eugene Serptenelli, Ruth Gorski, Michelle Dennehy, Robert Manzari, Dorothy Ocon, Kathryn Walker, Jim & Kathy Heilmann, Cora Crowley, Ken & Debbie Flerx, Mary Louise Mervis, Karen Ford, Christine Palmer, Ann Ros-si, Claudia Miller, Judy Hanlon, Alma Suarev, Suzanne Cum-mings, Hillary McGovern, Gail Merklinger, Lois Zuck, Patty Schmitt, Madeline Dankner, Mathew Przepiora, Michael Dra-goon, Bennett Hudson, Olivia Marsh, Bill & Marlene Goodermote, John & Dee Grub, Jaqui Matteson, Gary Ernst, Debbie Demarse, Phyllis Smith, Bill LaMountain, Michael Prairie, Rosa Cordaro, Maria Kluber, Lori Fisher, Dominic DiMarco, Frank Acquilano, Ed Wicks, Paul O’Brien, Saman-tha Haldeman, Thomas Beatson, Joseph Felice, Deyanira Ainsworth, Sig Bauriedl, John Becker, Helen White, Jerry Mar-tin, Bill Stehling, Ann Amico, Dick Ashlaw, Michael Keane & Mary Belleville Note: This list of parishioners who are ill appears once a
month in the bulletin. Please help keep this list up-to-date by informing the Parish Office at the end of the month if you want your name to be kept.
Reading the Gospel of John This week, read the fourteenth chapter.
Jesus claims himself as the way, the truth and the life. As the way, find yourself following his footsteps, imitating him in his thoughts, words and actions. As the truth, align yourself with what he claims as godly for this is your dignity. As the life, be at
peace that finally God has responded and overcome the human condition of sin, suffering and death.
The Holy Spirit is the abiding presence of God, who con-tinually guides the Church until we reach our heavenly goal. As Advocate, the Holy Spirit takes our cause before God. The Holy Spirit helps us fulfill our mission. More than ever, we need to be attentive to the role of the Holy Spirit, and increase our dependency on the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity.
Encounter Jesus through the gospels.
Praying our Way through Advent Join us Tuesday, December 4 at Notre Dame Retreat House (5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua) for this program pre-sented by Sr. Carole Proia, SSJ and Nancy Lynch. The day begins at 9 AM and concludes at 3 PM and includes the con-ference, lunch, confessions and Mass. Register at 394-5700 or [email protected]. $25.00 fee payable day of retreat. Are you already caught up in the busyness of Christmas and missing out on Advent? Let’s begin our new liturgical year by preparing ourselves spiritually for the birth of Christ. Sr. Carole and Nancy will offer Advent practices which will en-hance this time of anticipation.
Sunday, November 25
8:30am - RCIA - Library
10am - Rosary with the Knights - Church
10:30am - Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Alcove/Music Rm
9:30am - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd-Library/Atrium
Saturday, December 1
9:15am - Gingerbread House Making (RSVP needed) -
Parish Center
5:30pm - Couples Night Out - Parish Center
Anointing of the Sick after all Masses
Sunday, December 2
8:30am - RCIA - Library
Morning - Coffee Hour - Parish Center
11:45am - Faith Formation - Classroom Wing
6:30pm - College Assistance Program - Parish Center
Page 4 Grow in faith, hope and love everyday. November 24-25, 2018
Ongoing Faith Formation
because Jesus taught us his way of life
Social Ministry & Outreach
because Jesus called us to serve
Stewardship
because Jesus gave us gifts to share
Gingerbread House Workshop Looking for an opportunity to make beautiful memories for your family? Join us at the Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday, December 1, 9:15 AM. Please sign up at the Welcome Table. Cost is $25 per house, to be paid in ad-vance. Cost covers everything to make your very own special gingerbread house. Call Kim at 924-7111 for more info.
College 101: Planning, Preparing and Paying Seminar College is expensive, but knowledge is power! With that in mind, it is critical for parents to be informed about the many ways to reduce the expense of higher education, especially loan debt, while at the same time finding the best college fit for their children academically, socially and for future career goals. Parents of high school students are invited to a free, one-hour educational seminar called, “College 101: Planning, Pre-paring, and Paying for College” on Sunday, December 2, 6:30-7:30 PM (following Mass) in the Parish Center. It will be pre-sented by Dean Condon of College Assistance Plus. Registration is requested. To register, email Dean Condon at [email protected] or call (585) 831-9104.
2018-19 Capital Projects Of the projects on our list, we hope to have the work on electrical wiring in church to begin in mid-November, and then the installation of the fire alarm system and updating of the lighting to follow. The installation of the AC units in church is scheduled for Spring. This past Tuesday, another company
came to assess the work involved in installing the bells in the tower and in making them operational. Pray that the installa-tion get completed before Advent 2018.
Unforeseen work has also been done: replacement of sec-tions of the sewer pipes in the basement, and sealing of the roof over the Parish Office kitchen. Thank you!
Christmas Basket Program Social Ministry would like to thank everyone who partici-pated with their generous outpouring of help in the 2017 Christmas Basket Program. The 2018 program guidelines and boxes can be picked up at the Welcome Tables. Please re-member to register to help with the program, on the signup sheets located with the boxes and menus. As always, we would like to thank you in advance, for your support this year!
Family Promise of Ontario County St Patrick’s Church will host a Family Promise of Ontario County (FPOC,) training session on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 in the Parish Center from 6 PM to 9 PM. The executive director of FPOC will be conducting the training. Participa-tion is important as we will be hosting clients starting on Sun-day, December 23rd through Sunday December 30th. Volun-teer sign up will be on the night of the training session. Volunteers will be needed to prepare meals, eat with the clients, socialize with the adults and play with their children, prepare continental breakfasts and sandwich lunch, people to prepare the rooms and people to stay overnight with the cli-ents. Our classrooms will become their lodging while they stay with us. Donations of twin bed sheets, pillow cases, blankets, alarm clocks, night stands and night lights are needed to ac-commodate guests. Beds and pillows are provided and come with the clients. Donations will be collected at the closet near the entrance to the Parish Center. Questions or for more info contact Joe Murphy, 764-2712.
College Care Packages Thank you to all who donated items for our Halloween care packages to our St. Patrick’s college kids. They were so appreciative! We are now planning care packages for finals. If you would like to participate, please take a tag from the dis-play near the children’s alcove. Drop off donated items by December 4th in the bin near the alcove. THANK YOU!
-- Deacon John and the Womens' Group
inFormed.org 1. It is easy and free! Go to Formed.org/register.
2. Enter access code: 3KRJJK (capitalized).
3. Enter your email and password (you need these to log in later). Enjoy and share the faith.
Featured resource: Modern Media. Originally written for teenagers, this study on modern media has been modified and revamped to start a discussion for adults about our increasingly
media-savvy world. Smartphones, social networks, apps, data plans, texting, Wi-Fi, tablets, headphones… these things are not necessarily good or bad, but they are incredibly powerful. Using modern media can either hinder our ability to discern God’s voice in the silence of the heart, or it can be a tool for learning and evangelization. This study looks at modern media from a Christian perspective, dives into the unprecedented influence it has on our lives, and gives us some practical tools to live vibrant Christian lives in a media-saturated culture.
March For Life Youth Bus Trip January 17-18, 2019
This trip includes a visit to the Muse-um of the Bible. Teens, 9th grade and older, let Kristen know ASAP if you are interested.
Our Parish Ministries: Serving God and Neighbor Call. Ask. Discern. Serve like Jesus.
I. Liturgy and Sacramental Life Altar Linen Altar Servers Baptism Preparation Team Children’s Liturgy of the Word Church Cleaners Communion Ministers (EMHC) First Responders at Masses Funeral Preparation Team Lectors Liturgical Environment Liturgy Committee Marriage Preparation Team Music Ministry (choirs, cantors) Sacristans Ushers & Greeters Visitation Ministry
II. Membership and Parish Life Bereavement Support Group Coffee Hour Team Funeral Brunch Team Knights of Columbus Membership Outreach Parish Life Committee Welcome Team Women’s Group
III. Ongoing Faith Formation Adult Faith Formation Group Bible Study Catechists & Aides Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Faith Formation Advisory Board Parish Christ Life Team Preschool RCIA Team Youth Ministry
IV. Social Ministry and Outreach Assisi Ministry Community Dinner Giving Garden Prayer Shawl Ministry Prison Ministry Social Ministry Committee Veterans’ Dinner Family Promise of Ontario County
V. Stewardship Buildings and Grounds Committee Cemetery Board Finance Council Parish Bakers Parish Gardens Parish Magazine Parish Office Volunteers Pastoral Council Money Counters Stewardship Committee
Sue Stehling / 924-3409
Pat Bolger / 924-9351 Judy & James Miller / 924-8158
Deacon John Payne / 924-7111 Carl Galland / 924-7111
Ena Gill / 733-6650 Sante DiCarlo / 742-3118
Anne Leitner / 742-3417
Barbara Ward / 752-2379 John Shields / 615-5765
Coordinator Needed Wayne Brotsch / 924-3855 Ken Reasoner / 924-2029
Sam Samoriski / 802-6755 Perri Geiser / (607) 765-8605
Judy Klein / 924-7022
Sam & Tina Condo / 678-4472
Anne Leitner / 742-3417 Anthony Klosterman / 924-2800
Lynn Foley / 259-3823 Anthony Klosterman / 924-2800
Sam Condo / 678-4472 Anthony Klosterman / 924-2800 Deacon John Payne / 924-7111
Kristen Leschhorn / 924-2800
Marcie Hamilton / 924-1528 Jean Acquilano / 645-7998
Dan & Karen Lynch / 314-5098 Mary E 742-2949/Mary S 924-7724
Helen Barnes / 298-2247 Joan Muto / 924-2501 Bob Kelly / 924-5792
Joe Murphy / 764-2712
Joan Oliphant / 742-3452
Kim Reese / 924-7111 Suzanne McCaffrey / 398-8219
Coordinator Needed Becky Fountain / 281-8004 Bridgette Klein / 924-7111
Ev DeVelder / 924-2903 Dave Keebler / 208-6923
Marge Gawronski / 398-7802 Dave O’Hare / 924-5816
Page 5 Pray and live your faith everyday. November 24-25, 2018
Thank You So Much To Nancy Kolb (and the Kolb family) for organizing the Thanks-giving Day dinner. And, to the many parishioners who cooked, baked and helped on Thanksgiving Day.
To parishioners who have supported both the 2018 Building Campaign and the 2018-19 Catholic Ministries Appeal.
Our dedicated Community Dinner cooks and servers.
Upcoming Second Collections at Mass December 2: Catholic University
Please use second collection envelopes found at Church entrances.
(2016 Census: 856) November 17-18: reported next bulletin Important Note: Current census numbers our parishioners at 5697. With the national average of 25-33% of Catholics attending Sunday Mass weekly, ours at St. Pat’s is
14.74%. Pray for our ongoing effort to promote weekly participation at Sunday Mass. If we strive to even be at par with the national average, we need to raise our numbers to 1,424–1,880 range.
Gift of Treasure November 10-11: $8,807.07
November 17-18: reported next bulletin (2018-2019 budget: $8,365)
2018 Building Campaign. We are raising $80,000. We have raised $63,239 from 139 donors (+ a grant).
Use designated envelopes at church entrances or donate online thru www.stpatricksvictor.org.
Thank you for your stewardship!
CMA: $34,305 from 121 donors, 30.12% of $113,884.00 Goal
Angel Giving Tree Our giving tree is decorated with gift tags. Thank you for participating by taking a tag to purchase a gift to make someone’s Christmas special. Please wrap your gift and tape the tag securely to the outside and return by
There is something about God Himself who had rested on the seventh day. I thought this took so much self-control, particularly when He has unlimited power to create. There is also something about God giving His People the third com-mandment: honor and observe the Sabbath. Godly men and women are godly precisely when we do what is godly – to care for the earth for six days, and to rest and worship God on the seventh day. Godly men and women are not servants be it in relation to our work or anything that distances us from God.
That Friday, some of us received the shock of having to adopt our schedule according to God’s Sabbath. I needed that jolt. I needed to be reminded of my godly image and calling. And I need to take these more seriously. Otherwise, I would end being less.
Abraham Heschel has a mystical understanding of the Sabbath as “a weekly exercise in profound living. The greatest sin of man is to forget that he is a prince.”
As a new liturgical year approaches, I pray that we pro-foundly live remembering that we are princes and princesses.
Let there be light...
Truth in Person – Divine and Human. (Reflection on John 18:33b-37)
Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Pilate asked Jesus a question, and Jesus responded to Pilate by ask-ing the motive behind his question. Whether his motive is religious, political and/or personal, Pilate encountered Jesus, and he had a decision to make – would he allow Jesus to make a difference in his life? Living out our faith: Who do you say Jesus is? Let your re-sponse manifest in your life daily.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” Jesus responded to Pilate’s first question. He identified his kingdom as other worldly without denying that he was the king of the Jews. That his disciples deserted him points to a higher power that allowed things to unfold as planned. In correcting the political misunderstanding about his kingdom, Jesus placed his hearers to be accountable to that higher power. Living out our faith: Live in the conviction that the kingdom of Jesus transcends politics. Be accountable to the higher power behind his kingdom.
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate’s question had to end as a statement. One cannot remain undecided when confronted with Jesus. In one’s search for meaning, Jesus offers not only the truth but also himself as that truth. Living out our faith: For us, Catholics, truth is not a proposi-tion but a person – both divine and human. That we look for the true God, we find Him truthfully in Jesus. That we look for the true man, we too find ourselves truthfully in Jesus.
The Shock of the Sabbath We just finished lunch when I had to remind the pil-
grims that it was Friday – the Sabbath was approaching. The day is observed at the Israel National Parks, and this means the parks are closing an hour earlier (3 PM instead of 4) in addition to the winter hours (4 PM instead of 5).
That Friday, we lost 2 hours that we could have spent learning, exploring and taking photos. Our visit at Caesarea Philippi had to be quick: give background information, read Scriptures passages related to the place, take photos, and then be back in the bus for the nearby Tel Dan. So, two of the pilgrims were not happy that our stay at Caesarea Philip-pi was short.
Thankfully, our tour guide was good at pointing out to us how the Sabbath is still observed, not just by the religious.
