Dear Parishioners, Mrs. Cho Cha Elizabeth Kim lived a few yards

Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
Dear Parishioners,
Mrs. Cho Cha Elizabeth Kim lived a few yards from us at Burke Lake Gardens Retirement Home.
Every morning an aide would push her in her wheelchair to church so that she could attend morning
Mass where she always occupied the front pew. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them.
Elizabeth, ( her baptismal name), especially loved her priests. Each morning she waited to greet us with
her Korean bow of reverence and Father Bill and I would do the same in return. She often would ask her
children to bring her vanilla Korean cookies which surprised her son and four daughters as she didn’t eat
many sweets. They later learned that every couple of weeks she would give Father Bill and me a large
box of her favorite cookies. Cho Cha Elizabeth did not speak English and Fr. Bill and I did not even
know how to say hello in Korean. However, Elizabeth spoke the language of love through her smile and
her reverential bow with clasped hands. On November 11th, as Elizabeth was getting ready to attend her
7:30am Mass, she died sitting at her kitchen table. Father Bill and I attended her funeral Mass at Saint
Paul Chung Church in Fairfax. I asked Fr. Bill to share a few words at the end of the Mass which were
translated into Korean by her grandson, after which her children and grandchildren, each holding a white
candle, gathered around her for the final commendation. Why did Bill and I attend Cho Cha’s funeral?
Certainly not because of the vanilla cookies. We both wanted to concelebrate her final Mass simply
because she exuded kindness and love to so many and especially her priests. And that language of love
surpassed the fact that we didn’t know each others native tongue.
As we enter these pre-Christmas days many will be occupied with buying, wrapping and giving
presents. Some may even be buying an office gift for someone they don’t like because it is just the thing
we are supposed to do. We might stop to think what is the most important gift of all. As I grow older,
the real meaning of Christmas becomes clearer. While presents are nice to give and receive, the most
important gift we can give is the gift of presence. For some, that gift might be called caring or it could
be a phone call to a friend or loved one we have put off. For others it might be the all important gift of
forgiveness to a family member or friend. Author Henri Amiel wrote: “Life is short and we have
never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the journey with us. Oh be
swift to love, make haste to be kind.”
Cho Cha Elizabeth Kim spoke little to no English, yet she was loved by so many because of the
language that we all understand - the language of love. She taught me a great lesson. Buy and wrap your
Christmas gifts, but remember what the real meaning of Christmas is all about - not VISA or MASTER
CARD. Reflect on the words of the philosopher Seneca: “WHEREVER THERE IS A HUMAN BEING
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KINDNESS.”
Have a nice week!
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
FRIARS CORNER
WATCH AND WAIT!!
Advent, this is a Season of promise, of anticipation, excitement, joy and expectant hope. During
these four weeks, we are to look to the future and remember the past, in order to focus on the present.
It is a time to wait for God while being with God. This first Sunday, the prophet Isaiah prays to God, begging
Him to return to his people. He speaks of the people waiting in their sinfulness and guilt. He acknowledges their
dependency on the Potter who made them. This sets the tone for Advent. We await the fulfillment of God’s
promise to us throughout the ages. Just as the people of old waited for the coming of the Messiah, we wait for the
return of Christ, not filled with fear, but in hope-filled readiness. And so we are called to prepare ourselves, to
make ready, to become a faith-filled people. We do this by seeing Christ in our world today and embracing Him.
As busy as these weeks before Christmas can be, try to stop and spend a few minutes each day contemplating
God and the wondrous gift that He gave to our world – His Son, made man, Jesus Christ!
The Altar Flowers this week are
In Loving Memory of
Jack Kilgore
From Maria Kilgore
And
In Honor of the 40th Wedding
Anniversary of Karen and Tom Snee
THE NATIVITY CRAFT GROUP will have their
annual CHRISTMAS BAZAAR on Saturday,
December 3rd from 9:00am to 1:00pm and on Sunday,
December 4th after all Masses in the All Purpose
Room. A variety of handcrafted and baked goods will be
on sale. All proceeds from the BAZAAR will go to local
charities.
On the Feast of Christ the King, Bishop Loverde
dedicated the diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We,
too, have dedicated our parish, The Church of the
Nativity, with this prayer:
An Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart for Parishes
Lord Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, we consecrate to
you our persons and our lives. We give you our actions,
our desires, our troubles, our joys and our sufferings. We
White House Christmas Ornaments are
still available in the Little Angel Gift
Shop. You will also find cards and
Christmas gift ideas.
give you our families, our friends, and our parish community. In the future we wish to live only to honor and
love you and bring you glory. It will always be our heart’s
desire to love you more and more, and to make you
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take
place on Friday, December 4th from 8:00am to
11:15am. Closing at 11:15 with Benediction.
Thought for the Week:
“Get rich quick - count your blessings.”
Sign outside Central United Methodist Church,
Oskaloosa. IA
Via Pastor Dale Schoening, Bussey, IA
known, loved and served by others. We know this, O Sacred Heart of Jesus! You are the faithful friend, the
heart’s intimate friend. You never abandon us. We trust
ourselves to you! Above all give us charity. Bind
our hearts together in the faith community of
The Church of the Nativity. May our names one
day be written forever in the Book of the Living
with the just who reign with you in the life of
everlasting happiness. Amen.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PRO-LIFE CORNER
The evidence is clear that abortion can
harm not only the mental and physical
health of women, but also their role in
society. Rather than serving as a fundamental “right” that
affirms women’s equality, legalized abortion goes against
the inherent dignity of women and always brings death to
her baby. 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 1-866444-3553 or gabrielproject@arlingtondiocese.org You are
not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program
open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of
Arlington.)
Pro-Life Rosary and Witness - Nativity Parishioners are
invited to pray for both an end to abortion and healing for
those suffering from abortion at NOVA “Healthcare”,
10400 Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA 22030, from 7:30 - 8:30
AM on Saturday mornings. This is the busiest hour of an
active abortion clinic; it is not uncommon for over 10
women/couples to arrive during this time. Peacefully pray
for Our Lady's intercessions and lovingly encourage calls to
the numbers below. For more info, please contact Josh
Reynolds, 703-470-8979, josh.reynolds.01@gmail.com
November 27, 2011
Please remember, in your prayers, the sick and
deceased of our Parish Community:
Sick: Margaret Andruski, Cesar Barrios, Marie
Bernard, Marcelle Brodeur, Ana Moria Elias, Tami
Gladstone, Bill Hartley, Cathy Hogden, Eduardo
Huerta, Ricardo Jora, Maggie Joun, Kimberly Kianka, Hayfa
Kirma, Jessica Knoeber, Bryan Morton, Tula Ramirez, Richard
Shaffer, Barbara Simco, Jason Todd, Amy Viccora, Michael
Worley, Dirk Wyckoff
Deceased:
Cyrilla Brungardt, Mother of Lorrinda Schmeidler
Elizabeth Cho Cha Kim, Mother of Pauline Kim
Mary Sala, Great Aunt of Kitty Murdock
Pray for our military men and women and their families. May
God keep them safe and out of harm’s way.
On Saturday, December 10th at 7:00pm there
will be a Mass, procession and reception in
the cafeteria to honor of Our Lady of
Guadalupe. Everyone is invited to help
celebrate this special feast of Our Lady.
24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP
Project Rachel (healing after abortion):
1-888-456-HOPE (4673)
Pregnancy Resource Centers Phone Numbers:
Catholic Charities National: 1-800-CARE-002
Catholic Charities Local: 703-425-0100
A Woman's Choice: 703-538-4305
Gabriel Project: 1-866-444-3553
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE FOR 2011
December 24th Christmas Eve
4:00pm…….Children’s Liturgy
6:00pm…….Vigil Mass
8:30pm…….Vigil Mass
11:00pm…….Christmas Carols
12:00am…….Midnight Mass
December 25th Christmas Day
Mass at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00
1:00pm…….Hispanic Mass
Marcelina C. Cuejilo
Monday, November 28
7:30am
Fr. Martin
All Souls Day Novena
Tuesday, November 29
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Wednesday, November 30
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Special Intention
Thursday, December 1
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Lee K. Evelhoch
Friday, December 2
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Elizabeth Deck
Linda Edwards
Paul McGraw
Spanish Mass
Saturday, December 3
9:00am
5:00pm
7:00pm
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Wilson
Thanksgiving
Helen Neviackas
James Benson
Norm Paul
Sunday, December 4
7:30am
9:00am
11:00am
12:45pm
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Korpi
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
OPERATION STARFISH® NEWS 25th Northern VA Training Center Christmas
Celebration.
Knights and their families will help NVTC residents, who
have intellectual disabilities, celebrate Christmas on Friday,
December 9, 6:30 to 8:30pm, at their Annandale campus.
This is the 25th consecutive year that the Fr Sikora Council
has sponsored this special event featuring Christmas music,
refreshments and gifts from Santa. Contact Bill Canavan
703-866-5217 or wcanavan@cox.net for more
information.
Breakfast with Santa. The Knights of Columbus invite
you to join them in the Parish Hall on
Saturday morning, December 10th, 10am
to noon, for fun, fellowship, and a chance
for the children of our Parish to meet and
have breakfast with Santa. Donations of
non-perishable food items will be
accepted for Nativity’s Food Cupboard.
Join us for fun, food, pictures with Santa, a Christmas craft,
and a children's Christmas video. Santa will be bringing a
surprise for all boys and girls who attend. Please RSVP to
John Larvie at 703-451-3477 or siloin1@verizon.net so he
can tell Santa how many treats to bring with him. See you
there!
Nativity Scout Wreath Pickup
Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be delivering
orders for wreaths and holiday greenery
products after Mass on November 26th and
27th, and December 4th. Proceeds from
these sales enhance and aid scout activities throughout the
year. Thank you for your generous support.
Advent Penance Service
There will be an Advent Penance Service on December
13th at 7:30pm. Several priest will be hearing confessions.
Deacon Dale Avery will give a parish mission on
Thursday, December 15th at 7:30pm in the Church. His
topic is “Our Journey Through Advent to Christmas.” A
“free will” offering to benefit ECHO, Lamb Center and our
local Salvation Army will be taken up.
November 27, 2011
www.operation-starfish.org
FR. DUKEN’S MESSAGE TO NATIVITY PARISH Just before returning to Haiti, Fr. Duken Augustin, who oversees
our projects in Northern Haiti, celebrated a morning mass with
Fr. Martin. His message to the congregation bears repeating…
Good morning Church!
Last night, I was trying to figure out how many families have
been rescued through your donations: thousands of families
benefit from your generosity. I said : “God!, this is remarkable.
Not many parishes in the USA have done what Nativity has
done.” For you and with you, I give thanks and praise to God.
Like Zacchaeus, those families were lost and abandoned in areas like Prolonge and Shada. They were truly unable to help
themselves. So, you came, lent a helping hand and bailed them
out. That is exactly what Jesus asks us to do: "seek and save
those who got lost into sins, into misery."
Imagine being afraid of the house where you live with your
family because it can collapse at any time, and all you can do is
pray! This situation becomes much more stressful when people
are dying all around of diseases like diarrhea, malaria, typhoid
and cholera, and there is nothing you can do. This is the kind
of stress you stop when your generosity and your compassion
help to move these families to a better environment. You transform deep sufferings into great joys and move the destitute to
give praise to God.
Nativity parishioners, through Food for the Poor and the Starfish Program, have become a beacon of light and hope all over
Haiti. You allow poor people to dream of a better future instead
of just worrying about whether or not they are going to survive
from one day to the other. In fact, with full access to clean
drinking water, secure home with sanitation attached, you have
given an entire community peace of mind and the means of taking care of one another.
A Nativity parishioner told me yesterday that when she listens carefully, she hears prayers of thanksgiving being said by the poor of Haiti. She is right!
Please allow me to echo the prayers of the poor and say:
THANK YOU! May God bless you and your families for such
a precious gift of love.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
Theology Courses at
Christendom Graduate School
Monday, November 28
4:00 & 7:00 pm……..……………….………….…....….CCD (S)
7:00 pm………………………………….……………RCIA (GR)
7:00 pm……………………………………..…………RCIC (PH)
8:00 pm………………………..…………......AA Meeting (APR)
Tuesday, November 29
9:30 am………………………….…………....Bible Study (APR)
4:30 & 7:00 pm……………………………...…….…….CCD (S)
7:30 pm…………………………………..Legion of Mary (APR)
Wednesday, November 30
10:00 am………………………………..….…Mom & Me (APR)
7:00 pm…………….…………….....Hispanic Prayer Group (SC)
7:00 pm…………………………………..ESL Classes (Room 5)
7:30 pm………………………………………...Youth Choir (CH)
Thursday, December 1
9:30 am…………………………………...….Craft Group (APR)
7:00 pm……………………………...…...ESL Classes (Room 5)
7:15 pm………………………………...…...Prayer Group (APR)
7:30 pm……………………………..………….Grief Support (S)
7:30 pm…………………………………...Traditional Choir (CH)
Friday, December 2
8:00 am………..…….Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
9:30 am……………….....Catholic Women’s Bible Study (APR)
11:15 am………………….……………..Exposition Closing (CH)
Saturday, December 3
9:00 am………………………………...Christmas Bazaar (APR)
9:30 am…………………………....First Saturday Devotion (CH)
10:00 am…………………………..……….ESL Classes (Room 5)
10:00 am………………….……………….....Dog Obedience (PL)
5:00 pm……………………………..…..Hispanic CYO (Room 4)
5:00 pm…………………………………..…….Hispanic CCD (S)
Religious Emblems for Scouts:
The Catholic Committee on Scouting and
Campfire (CCOSC) encourages all Girl Scouts,
Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts to work towards a
religious emblem or medal this year. Earning a religious emblem
or medal can enhance a scout’s growth in the faith. There are
programs for every level of scouting. Younger scout leaders (Cub
Scouts and Girl Scouts grades K – 5) can contact Becky Chaves
at (703) 425-4965 for more information or to purchase booklets.
Older scout leaders should visit the Arlington Diocese Scouting
website at www.arlingtondiocesescouting.org for more
information as the programs for older scouts usually involve
working with a trained coordinator. Completed booklets for the
younger scouts take 3 – 6 months to complete and will be due to
the parish in late spring. The annual recognition Mass for scouts
who have earned religious medals this year will be celebrated in
June 2012.
Enrich your life and learn more about the Faith by
taking a spring course at the Christendom Graduate
School! The session runs from Jan. 16 – May 5. At our
convenient Alexandria campus (on Queen of Apostles Parish grounds) we are offering:
New Testament; Theology of the Eucharist; Latin I & III; Liturgy & Sacraments;
Moral Theology; Christology; Catholic
Social Teachings; and Philosophical Errors.
We welcome both degree-seeking and casual students, on either a part-time or full-time basis.
We have low tuition rates and discounts for seniors, catechists, and Catholic school teachers. WE ALSO
HAVE ONLINE COURSES. For more information, please
visit www.christendom.edu/grad, call 703.658.4304, or
email us at NDGS@Christendom.edu.
SHARING HOPE, a support group for men and women going
through separation and divorce, will meet this Friday, December
2nd, 8:00 p.m., at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church Hall, off
Rte 123. The topic will be “Coping With The Holidays”. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and there is no fee. For further
information, directions or encouragement, please call Maureen
at 703-978-6318 or Barbara at 703-425-5467.
ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK
Robert D. Argentieri D.D.S.
Yodit Beyene,D.D.S.
Family Dentistry
703-569-6644
The monthly ECHO food collection will be taken on
Sunday, December 4th at all Masses. Only non-perishable
foods are accepted. They are currently low on Mac and
Cheese, stuffing mix, pancake mix and syrup, canned
meats, tuna, boxed pasta helper and jello and pudding
mixes. Thank you for your generosity.
Bobby Jasinski, a Nativity parishioner, will be giving his
Eleventh Benefit Concert on Friday, December 2nd, 7:30
P.M. at St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, Va.
Bobby, a pianist, will be performing solo standards from the
Great American Songbook. Admission is a monetary
donation for a local Fairfax County charity, Homestretch,
who provide temporary housing to families seeking jobs. For
more information, you may visit Bobby's website at
http://bobbyjasinski.yolasite.com and http://
www.homestretch-inc.org/.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
It’s that time again for the annual Women of Nativity’s Giving Tree Project. As always, we are
excited about the upcoming event and are so appreciative to partner with the generous
parishioners of our church. On November 19/20 and 26/27, ornaments with holiday wishes will
be placed on a Christmas tree in the vestibule. Please take the ornaments of your choice and
return the gifts to the church vestibule on the collection dates of December 3/4 and 10/11.The
wrapping instructions for each gift will be on the back of the ornament. Several of the
organizations we service have requested the gifts be UNWRAPPED for easier distribution and
the integrity of their program involving young children. Please securely attach the ornament
you take from the tree to the gift. This helps us greatly in separating and bagging the gifts for the various
groups to collect. GIFT CARDS should be put in an envelope with the recipient marked on the outside. It is
easier to handle Gift Cards if they are not wrapped. We appreciate your cooperation very much.
It is very important that gifts be returned on the scheduled dates because of the delivery arrangements. Thank
you for your consideration in this matter. Transportation is very difficult to arrange after Dec 11, and it would
be sad if we couldn’t deliver on a child’s request.
Below is a list of the groups we support with their corresponding ornament.
Purple Christmas Bulb –
S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat)
Green Christmas Bell Sunday Suppers
White Angels –
Martha’s Table educational and homeless shelter, Washington, DC
Red Gift Box –
Nativity Parish families in need
Yellow Star –
Hispanic outreach program for No. Va. Day workers
Children’s Christmas Gifts
ECHOBlue Snowmen –
St. Augustine Church, Washington, DC
Orange Gingerbread Men –
Father Wilson’s counseling project
Salvation Army These ornaments are prepared by the Salvation Army and each will
have several gifts. You are to choose the item you would like to give.
Annie B. Rose & Ladrey House- Formerly an Alexandria Red Cross program. Program cancelled
due to budget restrictions. Former director continuing to serve the disadvantaged seniors of Alexandria.
Migration & Refugee Services- Sponsored by Catholic Charities. They assist refugees in becoming
American Citizens.
We appreciate the generosity and caring of our parishioners in making this a special and happy holiday for so
many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Please feel free to contact Sally Quenneville (703-764-3239 or
sallyq48@cox.net) with any questions.
BLESSED CHRISTMAS WAFERS
The Blessed Christmas Wafers, a centuries’ old Christmas vigil tradition enjoyed by the East
Europeans, are available from the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at the Knights of Columbus
Christmas tree trailer located at Saint Leo the Great Catholic church, 3700 Old Lee Highway,
Fairfax. Times are week days, 3:30 to 9:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 9:00am
to 6:00pm beginning November 27th. Please call for availability after December 17th. Donation
is $3.00 per wafer package. For information call 703-764-0243. All wafer proceeds benefit the Saint Vincent de
Paul Society.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
I Domingo de Adviento, Ciclo B Mc 13, 33-37: Vigilad, pues ignoráis el momentoAutor:
Camilo Valverde Mudarra Is 63,16-17 - 64,1-8; Sal 79, 2-19; 1Co 1, 3-9 Mc 13, 33-37
«En aquel tiempo dijo Jesús a sus discípulos: Estad en vigilancia: Velad, porque no sabéis el momento. Es igual que un hombre que se fue de viaje, y, al dejar su casa, confió todo al cuidado de sus
siervos y encargó al portero que velara. Velad, pues no sabéis cuándo vendrá el dueño de la casa, si al
atardecer, o a medianoche, o al canto del gallo, o de madrugada; no sea que venga de pronto y os encuentre dormidos. Lo que os digo a vosotros, lo digo a todos: ¡Velad!»
Hoy, con el Adviento, que abre un nuevo año cristiano, el ciclo B de la Liturgia, comienza un tiempo cargado de esperanza.
En este periodo, se exhorta al cristiano a permanecer constantemente en vigilancia, a esperar con ardor la llegada del Señor
y, confesando sus pecados y pediendo perdón por las culpas, a alzar la vista con los ojos llenos de fe, para encontrar y descubrir la presencia del Señor, que llega al alma.
LA PRIMERA LECTURA, tomada del llamado Tritoisaías por el influjo que el profeta Isaías ejerció en su
alumno, ha plasmado su mensaje en los cap. 56-66, probablemente redactado después de la vuelta del exilio. "Tus santas
ciudades son un desierto, Sión se ha vuelto un desierto, Jerusalén un yermo”. El poeta se refiere a la situación trágica, la
desolación en que ha quedado Jerusalén y su templo tras la destrucción del año 587 a. C. Esta desgracia nacional lo lleva a
rogar a Dios que intervenga una vez más, para salvar a su pueblo.
La perícopa presenta una unidad literaria, joya de la literatura bíblica, muy compleja, que expresa la plegaria popular en
forma de lamentación ante la mayor desgracia que ha soportado en su historia. Es un salmo patético (cf. Sal 44 y 89) en el
que entreteje las gestas divinas del pasado, la rebelión del pueblo, su castigo, la confesión del pecado, la servidumbre de
Egipto y el éxodo liberador, y termina apelando a la entrañable ternura del Señor.
Es una plegaria propia de adviento, que, naciendo de la desilusión de la comunidad postexílica por el retraso de la manifestación de Dios, refleja la esperanza en la convicción de que la salvación y la justicia de Dios están cerca. Señala el momento difícil que atraviesa Israel ante el peligro de los ídolos y las divisiones internas, y, a la vez, una gran esperanza indestructible: Señor, tú eres nuestro padre; repetido por tres veces, llama, por primera vez, a Dios "Padre Nuestro", como lo
hará cinco siglos después el Hijo del Hombre, enseñando a orar a sus discípulos.
El pueblo confía en la intervención del Señor, Padre y Redentor, por lo que no culpabiliza a Dios de la desastrosa situación,
sino que confiesa que el pecado del hombre es una mancha que contagia, que rompe las relaciones con el Señor, ocultándole
su rostro. La confesión implica ya un actuar de Dios en el interior humano; ello les hace reconocer que Dios ha permitido su
desvío del recto camino, por la dureza y obcecación de su corazón; ellos han errado y pecado, pero esperan el perdón de
Dios y volver a encontrar su amor.
El Salmo responsorial: «Pastor de Israel, despierta tu poder y ven a salvarnos Dios de los ejércitos, vuélvete: mira
desde el cielo, fíjate, ven a visitar tu viña, la cepa que tu diestra plantó y que tú hiciste vigorosa».
El salmista proclama la lamentación en forma de súplica de todo el pueblo de Israel, mediante el modélico símbolo bíblico
del pastor y su rebaño. El Señor que "guió a José como su corderillo" (Sal 79,2) y a Israel por el desierto, es invocado como
"pastor de Israel", quien desde el arca de la alianza conduce su rebaño y lo protege en los peligros. Sin embargo, ahora
parece ausente, como indiferente. Este pueblo humillado y ofendido por dura prueba, la cruel invasión que devastó la tierra
prometida, suplica a Dios que vuelva a ser pastor y defensa de su viña, otro símbolo muy frecuente, signo de fecundidad y
de alegría. La viña representa el don, la gracia, el amor de Dios; y, por el cultivo, produce uvas que pueden dar vino, que
simboliza la respuesta humana, el compromiso personal y el fruto de obras justas.
En la segunda lectura San Pablo desea a la comunidad de Corinto "la gracia y la paz". La "gracia" indica el amor
del Padre, que entrega al mundo a su propio Hijo, la plenitud divina (Col 2,9). De Cristo ha recibido la comunidad todos los
dones; la fe les ha venido del Señor por pura donación gratuita. La "paz de Dios" designa el conjunto de los bienes mesiánicos anunciados por los profetas y la vivencia de la relación de los hombres con Dios, "Padre Nuestro". Jesucristo es el
rostro de Dios, Padre, vuelto amorosamente a los hombres: "Felipe, el que me ve a mí ve al Padre" (Jn 14,8).
En esta carta el Apóstol, tras el saludo inicial y la acción de gracias, afronta la dificultad de las divisiones en la Iglesia de
Corinto; los exhorta a que pongan su interés en el núcleo del mensaje, que él predica. Sólo Cristo es la roca indivisible que
los puede cimentar establemente una en su fe. Sólo Cristo murió por la salvación de todos los creyentes.
El Nuevo Testamento es todo gracia y bendición. Dios ha volcado sobre nosotros todos sus dones; la bendición principal es
Jesucristo. Dios se manifestó y nos salvó en y por Jesucristo. La gracia de Dios no cesa, seguimos esperando a Jesucristo,
sigue viniendo el Salvador. Jesús viene siempre.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
Dios es Nuestro Padre, nos da la nueva vida y nos hace hijos suyos en Cristo; la salvación y la vida, nos vienen de Dios por
Jesucristo y por Él tenemos que dar gracias a Dios.
El santo evangelio, según San Marcos invita a vivir con el espíritu puesto en el futuro: "Velad, vigilad, pues no se
sabe el día ni la hora".
Las diferencias en las versiones de Mt Y Mc se deben a que son distintos los interlocutores y el desarrollo; en Mt son los
discípulos y en Mc, sólo, Pedro, Santiago, Juan y Andrés, de ahí la restricción final: "Lo que os digo a vosotros, lo digo a
todos" (Mc 13,37). Este discurso de Jesús, en forma de parábola en “acción”, trata de atraer la atención sobre la vigilancia.
Esta acción de vigilar se convierte en una cuestión significativa y paradigmática en la que están implicados todos los
oyentes.
Al abrirse el Adviento, tiempo de la preparación, el Señor recomienda insistentemente la vigilancia: "Al atardecer, a medianoche, al canto del gallo, al amanecer", las cuatro vigilias en que se dividía la noche. No se puede dormir, hay que velar,
sabe el Señor que es fácil caer en el sueño y el descuido, como las vírgenes necias, que dejaron escapar la oportunidad. Dios
puede venir cualquier día y hora. Jesucristo viene es preciso velar, reconocerlo y acogerlo. El Señor está cerca.
La redacción en la pluma de los evangelistas ofrece un magnífico ejemplo de transmisión dinámica y creadora de la
palabra de Jesús; se manifiesta el respeto al pensamiento y a la intención de Jesús. San Marcos insiste, no en el cuidado de
los bienes confiados a los criados, sino en la actitud despierta y vigilante, porque no se conoce el momento de la llegada del
dueño. Es ciertamente una invitación a vivir mirando al futuro, a vivir no sólo desde nuestro presente, sino también desde
Dios. Un Dios que está ahí amándonos y que vendrá a nosotros, pero no se sabe decir cuándo y cómo. La esperanza evangélica del presente se vive en "el hoy de Dios"; el Evangelio contempla la vida desde las realidades presentes. Jesús inculca la
esperanza a sus oyentes, por la liberación final y les pide que, con confianza, estén vigilantes. "No os preocupéis de..., pero
el que persevere hasta el fin...", "estar sobre aviso; mirad que os lo he predicho todo" (Mc 13,11-25).
Velar es trabajar, según dice el evangelista, cada cual ha recibido ya su "trabajo". Los cristianos deben esperar la venida de
Jesús, entregados a su trabajo de cada día, con la profunda actitud interior de la fe. Es mantenerse atentos a las realidades
esenciales, con mirada "contemplativa". Los ojos contemplativos saben ver las señales que emergen y anuncian movimientos profundos. Velar es no dejarse engañar por lo episódico y por los falsos mesías que pululan ofreciendo la clave de los
enigmas del tiempo; velar es no caer en el desconcierto por las dificultades, divisiones y persecuciones de todo tipo, sabiendo que Dios está cerca e interviene siempre en la obra de la salvación del hombre. Velar significa vivir en actitud de servicio permanente, a disposición del amo, que va a regresar; significa lucha, fatiga, renuncia. La vigilancia es fruto de la fe,
de la esperanza y del amor; es mantener la fe, la fidelidad a Cristo,
Muchos piensan que ya Dios no es necesario, se arreglan sin Dios; la técnica y el saber científico los ha ensoberbecido,
creen que pueden valerse por sí mismos, mostrando así, no la gloria de Dios, sino la del hombre. Y, así, se vuelven agresivos y violentos, acudiendo a la guerra para defender la paz… y ampliando cada vez más el abismo entre los ambiciosos
ricos y los humildes pobres… Sin embargo, toda la ciencia junta no puede ni podrá nunca generar una pizca de misericordia, ni un pedacito de AMOR. Sin Dios todo carece de sentido; la muerte deshace todas las conquistas y esperanzas humanas.
Pero el cristiano sabe, que amar es una forma de mantenerse a la espera. El Señor vino y vendrá… pero sobre todo,
el Señor está viniendo al hombre cada instante. Jesús llega, su manifestación se verifica día tras día, a medida que el Reino
de Dios entra en el corazón de los hombres. La vigilancia es la disponibilidad para la última venida y para la venida de cada
día. Es muy fácil, pidamos: "¡Venga a nosotros tu Reino!"; nuestra oración "acelera" el cumplimiento de la promesa.
I Domingo Adviento - B
Evangelio de la Misa: Mac 13,33-37 ¡Velad!
En el comienzo del año litúrgico son especialmente oportunas las
recomendaciones a estar en vela: “Mirad, vigilad: pues no sabéis cuándo es el
momento”.
Son advertencias cariñosas y como dichas al oído de cada uno, para que
seamos sensatos, precavidos, y en definitiva verdaderamente sabios con la
sabiduría del “bien vivir”, poniendo los medios auténticos que conducen a lo
único importante: la felicidad en esta vida, y después la felicidad, para siempre,
en el cielo.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Gracias, Señor, por estas advertencias que me haces en tu
Evangelio,
o Buena Nueva, para que sea sensato, prudente y responsable con mi vida.
Tus palabras siempre están llenas de luz, de verdad,
y por tanto de auténtica vida, la que Tu quieres que tenga
para ser feliz
y encontrarme contigo en este mundo y después en el cielo.
Gracias, Señor, por estas palabras que me susurras, una vez
más, al oído,
y en concreto ahora que comenzamos un año litúrgico,
y quieres que lo comience “con buen pie”.
“Velad entonces, pues no sabéis cuando vendrá el dueño de
la casa,
si al atardecer, o a medianoche, o al canto del gallo, o al
amanecer;
no sea que venga inesperadamente y os encuentre dormidos”.
Acojo también, Señor, tus palabras con la responsabilidad
del compromiso vocacional del buen cristiano, que quiere
ser santo,
y difundir tu amor, tu verdad y tu vida,
en mi entorno social y familiar, entre mis amigos y colegas,
y especialmente a todos mis familiares: padres, hijos, hermanos.
Me siento tan reconfortado con tus palabras, y tan animado
y feliz
con tus muestras de amor y confianza conmigo en este
comienzo
del año litúrgico, que prometo no dejar nunca mi oración o
trato contigo
cada día, para mantener esta intimidad, o vida interior y
espiritual;
y de esta manera siga aprendiendo de tu vida ejemplar, de
tus enseñanzas
siempre iluminadoras y animantes; y al mismo tiempo
pueda participar
siempre de la alegría de tu amor y de la satisfacción del deber cumplido
y del servicio a mis hermanos los hombres.
Que nunca pierda la fe y confianza en tus palabras, y que
jamás olvide
tus cariñosas recomendaciones a ser responsable
con mi santidad y mi apostolado.
Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
November 27, 2011
Actividades de la Comunidad Hispana
Iglesia de la Natividad
6400 Nativity Lane-Burke, VA 22015
Teléfono 703-455-2400
Rev. Cedric Wilson
SANTA MISA EN ESPAÑOL:
Todos los sábados a las 7:00pm
CONFESIONES: Los sábados antes de la Santa Misa
de 6:15pm a 6:55pm
.
Catequesis Para niños y Jóvenes: Sábados de 5:00pm a
6:45pm Informes: 703-455-2400, ext 116
Sr. Ponciano 202-262-6659
Catequesis Para niños y Jóvenes: Inscripciones para el
año escolar septiembre 2010 a mayo 2011 están abiertas.
Catequesis para adultos: Bautismo, Comunión, y
Confirmación, Sábados de 5:15pm a 6:15pm
Contacto: Tito Pinto 703-912-9220
Charla para el Bautismo: Primer Miércoles del mes
7:30pm, aula 8
Sacramento del Bautismo: Tercer Sábado del mes.
1:30pm Contacto: Deacon Pardo 703-455-2400
Grupo de Oración: Miércoles 7:00pm a 9:00pm.
Están todos invitados. Marco Camacho 703-968-5585
Grupo de Liderazgo Juvenil reuniones:
Domingo 11:00am-1:00pm aula 5 Contacto: Nelson
Pineda 571-234-3664
Reunión del Grupo de los Jóvenes Sábados: a partir de
las 5:00pm aula 4. contacto: Juan Carlos Chávez 703-4736941
Solidaridad Cristiana: Mayor información llamar Mirian
Ponciano 703-913-5494.
Para mas información: María Guevara 703-444-5716
Anuncios para el boletín: debe ser presentado por
escrito el viernes a las 9 de la mañana (10 días antes de
su publicación). Pueden enviar entradas por correo
electrónico a nativitybulletin@aol.com
Charlas de Convalidación para recibir el Sacramento del
Matrimonio: cada otro domingo del mes 9:00am –
10:45am aula 4. Contacto: Antonio y Maritza Di Paolo
703-493-8719
Misa para Nuesrta Señora de Guadalupe,
sabado, diciembre 10 a las 7:00 pm. Seguida
la Misa celebrademos la fiesta en los salones
parroquiales. Todos estan invitados.