The 2018 White House Ornament Sale by the Women of ...

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”

James 1:21

My dear parishioners, We are reminded today that what is most important is, “what's in our heart.” What should be in our heart? LOVE! Love for God and for each other - which Jesus tells us are the two greatest commandments. Jesus noticed where the scribes and Pharisees went wrong, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” We are not perfect, but Jesus is there to help us if we ask Him. What Jesus wants to do is fill our hearts with His love. Out of this love, He desires that we love and serve God and treat one another in a kind and loving way. As we begin a new school year and parish life together, maybe the words of St. Catherine of Sienna provide our marching orders - “always keep your eyes on God. Let everything you do be directed toward God. Let each of you try to grow from strength to strength ….” Love and blessings,

Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor

The Catholic University of America Second Collection, this weekend

The Catholic University of America, located in Washington, D.C., is the national university of the Catholic Church. Founded in 1887, CUA offers students an excellent education in a faith-filled atmosphere that is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Collection for The Catholic University of America underwrites scholarships to assist financially deserving students in completing their education at CUA in over 50 disciplines.

University faculty and scholars promote Catholic social teaching and, through their research and discourse, help form the Church’s response to challenging social issues of our time. In addition, Catholic University educates hundreds of priests and religious each year and can proudly call more than 12,000 of them alumni.

The 2018 White House Ornament Sale by the Women of Nativity will be here soon!

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 September 8, 9, 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

Please note: There will be additional weekday confession times

on the following Wednesday Evenings

Wednesday, September 5 - 7:45-9:00pm Wednesday, September 12 - 7:45-9:00pm Wednesday, September 26 - 7:45-9:00pm

In Observance of Labor Day, the Parish Office will be closed all day on Monday, September 3rd

Monday Morning Mass at 9:00AM

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

The 2018 Annual Parish Ministries Fair takes place during the weekend of September 8th and 9th, before, during, and after all Masses, in the Fr. Martin Center

God chooses us to share in the building of the Kingdom, is there a parish ministry that God is asking you to become involved in? Some of the ministries,

groups and organizations that will be represented at the fair:

Bulletin Stuffers Italian Heritage and Cultural Society Just Faith Knights of Columbus Little Angel Gift Shop Mom and Me Nativity Craft Group Pro-Life Committee Women of Nativity (WON) Stella Marina Boy Scout Troop 1100 Cub Scout Pack 1101 Girls Scouts CYO Basketball Fall Festival Committee Theater Ministry Laundry Love Team Laundry Love to Go Youth Ministry Young Adult Ministry College Ministry

Operation Starfish

Altar Guild Altar Servers/Liturgy Eucharistic Ministers Ushers/Lectors Our Lady of Knock Society Prayer Shawl Ministry Walking with Purpose Art & Environment Ministry Legion of Mary Adult Traditional Choir Youth Contemporary Choir Family/Folk Choir Children's Choir Catholic Women’s Bible Study Cursillo de Cristiandad Kairos Men’s Prayer and Reflection Group Bible Study Prayer Group Rosary Ministry Children's Liturgy of the Word Diabetes Support Group Grief Support

English Religious Education Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIA) Nativity School Nativity Pre-school Nativity School PTO Hispanic: Altar Servers Bible Study Community Outreach Lectors Spanish Legion of Maria Spanish Religious Education Hispanic Choir

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

“Religion (cannot) be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life.” Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 183.

Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.

Are you suffering from an abortion experience? PROJECT RACHEL offers spiritual and psychological healing.

Call 703-276-0373 ([email protected]) for a referral for private, sensitive and confidential counseling and/or

reconciliation. (Project Rachel is a post-abortion healing program open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington).

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 on 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.

COME TO ITALY WITH US!

Here’s an exclusive travel opportunity for Nativity parishioners, friends and family. The Nativity Italian Heritage and Cultural Society invites you to go on a

once in a lifetime trip to Italy next April, 2019. Twelve days with parish friends. See the scenic sights of

southern Italy and Sicily. Four star hotels and most meals. Special pricing for our group only good through October 2. Guided tours, free time and lots of fun throughout Palermo, Giardini Naxos, Mt. Etna, Matera, Sorrento, Rome, Amalfi Coast and more. For an optional “add on,” linger in Rome two more days at the end of the trip. Remain in the same

hotel for a modest rate. Be at St. Peter’s for Palm Sunday!

We’re getting the tour group together now. Sounds good, but you’re undecided? Trip costs are refundable until

October 1. For an electronic brochure with full details, email [email protected].

Questions? Call MaryAnn Holtmann at 703-978-9062. Details are also on our website, www.nativityburke.org/nihcs. This is a very special chance to travel with a very special group of people. Don’t miss out. Register now!

We look forward to taking the trip with you!

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].

NATIVITY FALL FESTIVAL PIE BAKING CONTEST

Show off your pie baking skills and win prizes and the title of Best Nativity Baker!!

1. Individuals may submit up to three entries. (Please fill out a separate form for each entry)

2. All pies must be home made. 3. Sorry, no cream pies or other pies requiring refrigeration

can be accepted. 4. All pies must be in a disposable pan. Each entry will have a

12”x18” space for display, we encourage you to decorate it. 5. Entries must include a complete list of ingredients. We

encourage you to submit the recipe with directions but not including it will not affect judging.

6. Pies will be accepted from 12:00 to 3:00pm for judging at 4:00pm.

Judging will be based on filling and crust, taste, skill, originality, and presentation with all entries receiving partici-pation certificates and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places receiving gift cards. Winners will be announced at 5:00pm. Pies will then be offered for sale by the slice to festival attendees. Planning on entering a pie? Please contact Lynn Dysart at [email protected].

Lord Teach Me To Pray: Part 3

“Discernment and Gifts of the Spirit,” women's group starts September 12, 2018; the men's group starts September 13, 2018;

ending December 19th and 20th. Both groups meet at Nativity School from 7:00pm to about 8:00pm in room 204.

Part 1 and Part 2 are prerequisites for Part 3. Contact Vonnie Herczogh (women's group facilitator) or

Pat Daugherty (men's group facilitator) to register or for more information. Vonnie Herczogh 703-239-9556 H, 703-203-5749 C

or [email protected]. Pat Daugherty 703-851-9454 H, 703-455-8392 C; [email protected].

Nativity is a tithing community Giving back a portion of God’s blessings in gratitude.

“Each day with one heart—we are the hands of Jesus”

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

Monday, September 3 9:00am † Jason Joseph Wesley

Tuesday, September 4 7:30am † David Brown 12:00pm † Paul Francis Gramuglia Wednesday, September 5 7:30am † Louis Jacinto (Sunrise) 3:00pm Special Intention for Kevin and Sherri Marty

Thursday, September 6 7:30am † Rigoberto Amas 12:00pm † Jack Finberg Friday, September 7 7:30am † Kathleen Heinzen (School Mass) 9:00am † Carol Mary Stevens Saturday, September 8 9:00am † Laura Drohan 5:00pm † John Betts 7:00pm † Maria Angelina Gonzalez

Sunday, September 9 7:30am † Jack Dezzutti 9:00am † Sherese “Missy” Byrd-Frantz 11:00am † Salvatore Bortone 12:45pm † Marshall Levitan 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.

ALTAR FLOWERS Donated with Love by

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morrissey In Loving Memory of Marie P. & Thomas N. Morrissey, Sr. With all our Love, Patty, Tommy, Elif, Michael & Ayla

and Veronica Frantz In Loving Memory of

Brian Frantz

2018 Marriage Jubilee Mass

The annual Marriage Jubilee Mass in the Diocese is a chance for jubilarian anniversary couples to offer Mass for the gift of their

silver (25 years) or golden (50 years) wedding anniversaries, meet the Bishop and receive a blessing from him.

This year's Marriage Jubilee Mass will take place on Sunday, October 14, 2018

at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More at 2:30pm To register, please stop by the parish office to fill out an application form no later than Friday, September 14th.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

Love to sing? Would you like to help enhance our church music? Come sing with the

Nativity Traditional Choir!

We sing many different musical styles and we are looking for new choir members in all sections, especially High Soprano and Bass.

The Nativity Traditional Choir (NTC) sings at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass throughout the year, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with the Christmas Chamber Orchestra, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday morning Mass with the Easter Brass Quintet, parish Confirmation Mass, and other special occasions.

Its repertoire consists of sacred music spanning different periods and styles, such as Traditional hymns, Classical & Romantic choral works, as well as Gospel and Contemporary Catholic hymns. Rehearsals are held on Thursday nights in the Church from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The NTC is currently actively seeking new members. Male voices are especially needed. If you have a love for music and a desire to use your musical gift to worship the Lord and enhance the liturgy while praying and singing in harmony with others, you’re welcome to join us. The choir is open to anyone over the age of 18.

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, Sept 17th, at noon, 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]

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 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].

************************************** We’re looking forward to a great school year ~~

Coming Up This Week: Monday - Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday - Preschool/Pre-K Classes Begin Wednesday - Back-to-School Night Grades 6-8 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday - Back-to-School Night Pres/PreK at 6:30 p.m. - Back-to-School Night Grades K-5 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday - Mass at 9:00 a.m.

Mark Your Calendars Special Student Lunch a Week From Today --

The Priests’ Barbecue, Friday, September 14th!

Fall Book Fair - SAVE THE DATE --

Fall Book Fair September 23 - 29 Community Event, Sunday, September 23

-- After All Masses

************************************** Got an Inquisitive Preschooler? Let’s Meet!!

We Have a Couple of Seats Open in Our Fall Class and We’d Like to Offer One to Your Preschooler. Come Tour Our

Campus, Visit the Classroom, and Meet Our Students and Teachers. Learn How We Spend Our School Day!

For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Education Program Director,

at 703-455-2300. **************************************

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

[email protected].

Council Meeting: The next council meeting is Tuesday, September 4. The rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm.

The following are nearby opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 3rd Degree (Knighthood): Saturday, 15 September, Richmond Council 11172, District 9. 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.

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.

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].

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 SEPTEMBER 16TH

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.

Please join the Women of Nativity (WON) on Wednesday, September 12

There will be a welcome coffee and regular meeting to talk about our projects and welcome new members. The morning coffee starts

at 10:00am and the evening meeting will begin at 7:30pm in the Fr. Ready Room. Hope to see you there!!

Website: www.nativityburke.org 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

ECHO Food Collection

The monthly food collection for ECHO will take place NEXT weekend! Please bring non-perishable foods to the entrance of the church. Needed are: flour (2 lbs preferred), Spaghetti sauce, vegetable oil, canned pasta, canned meat, bags (dry) beans, bagged rice (2 lb. size preferred), Jello/pudding, juice (large bottles/cans). Laundry detergent and personal items such as deodorant, razors, shaving cream and shampoo are also needed. All canned food items are welcomed. ECHO also accepts small appliances, but they must be in working order. For more information, call 703-569-9160.

ECHO Center is located at: 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield

Children’s Rosary Join us on Saturday, September 8th at 4:00PM at the School Chapel for a Children’s Rosary. Rosaries and prayer books are provided. No prior knowledge of the Rosary is needed. Children of all abilities are welcome. Parents are encouraged to attend in the role of “guardian angels” of the prayer movement.

Catholic, Single, 40+ ? If yes, then Prime Time Single Catholics (PTSC) is for you

PRIME TIME SINGLE CATHOLICS serves single Catholics 40 and over. Join us for these events in September: Golf (every Monday); lunch (every Thursday); visit to Occoquan (9-2); Vigil Mass at St. Bernadette Church (9-8); mini-golf in Falls Church (9-9); tour of National Cryptologic Museum (9-15); Beach Weekend (9-21 to 9-24); lunch in Falls Church (9-25); Church of the Nativity Fall Festival (9-29); dining out in Alexandria (9-30). For details, see our website: bit.ly/ptsc, or email [email protected].

Fall Festival Entertainment Saturday, September 29th, 2018

This year, we want to showcase the talents of our parishioners. Do you have a talent to share? Are you in a musical ensemble,

a dance team, know magic, participate with a local cultural association, have something you can demonstrate?

Contact Sara Prince at [email protected].

Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation Give a child the gift of a Catholic education and receive

most of your donation back in federal and state tax savings!

The Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit Program will award a 65% tax credit (on top of a regular charitable deductions) for donations made to the Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation, which will, in turn, provide scholarships for new students wishing to attend our diocesan Catholic Schools. You do not have to itemize in order to receive the 65% tax credit! Donations must be preauthorized in advance. Please call Jeanne Combos at 703/841-2764 or go online to download the preauthorization request form at: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/Scholarship-Foundation/

Got An Inquisitive Preschooler? Let’s Meet! It’s Not Too Late -- A Few Preschool Seats Left

This Fall: Preschool Day Extends; Week Lengthens. Our Preschool class will meet Monday through Friday, from 8:30am 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: Our Preschool Students enjoying a visit by one of our Grandparents.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group Monthly meetings offer information, encouragement, and

fellowship for anyone caring for a family member or close friend with any form of dementia. Meetings are held in the

Fr. Ready Room on the second Tuesday of each month from noon - 1:30 pm. Before first attending, please contact the

facilitator Eileen Thompson by phone or email: [email protected] or 703-451-8626.

Website: www.nativityburke.org 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329

Find us on the parish website

COLLEGE MINISTRY and

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39

Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”

Instagram - @nativityyam

Weekly: - Every Tuesday - Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room.

Every Thursday - Basketball returns! 8:30-10:30pm in the Gym. This is a favorite YA event with pick-up games open to people of any skill level. Friday, 9/14 - Joyful Noise with Adoration and Confession returns! 7:30 - 9:00pm in the Church. Join for prayer, praise and worship, and a chance for confession. Saturday, 9/15 - YA Family Ministry - 9:00 - 10:30am in the Fr. Ready Room. Families with children newborn to PreK, join us for coffee/bagels, playtime, and a faith-based discussion!

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!

Save the date for our Thanksgiving Break College Flag

Football Game on Wednesday, November 21, 11:00am-1:00pm on the back field at Nativity

Weekly CYM Update! Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry

Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] - Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell - Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails Receive CYM Update Wednesdays starting in September.

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

Seasonal

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

Website: www.nativityburke.org 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

DIOS ES ALGO PURO XXII Javier Leoz

Hemos finalizado los domingos del discurso del Pan de la Vida: pan sabroso, pan vivo, pan del cielo, pan que alimenta, pan que fortalece y…..vemos que no hay nada como el PAN DE DIOS. Otra cosa, por supuesto, es como sea nuestra disposición interna para recibirlo. La pureza de Dios, en su pan sa-grado, ha de encontrar además de manos limpias y paladar fino unas entrañas más limpias que una patena del altar.

1. Las formas, aun siendo importantes, no son esenciales. O, por lo menos, no nos hemos de quedar en las formas. En cuántas ocasiones, la apariencia de una fina arena, esconde caverna peligrosa. O, en cuantos momentos, una botella que en su eti-queta dice ser buen licor, se convierte en un amargo veneno. ¿Las formas? Sí, por supuesto, siempre y cuando lejos de engañar, sean y tengan por dentro lo que dicen. Abundaban los fariseos entonces y, tal vez, sigan existiendo en medio de nosotros. Pero no es menos cierto que tan malos son los fariseos que no se dan cuenta de su propia realidad como, aquellos otros, que apuntan a los demás y ellos lo son por goleada: no mueven un dedo por nada ni por nadie. Eso si; siempre es más cómodo apuntar al humo que al incendio de mi pro-pia casa.

Jesús quiere poner en el centro de todo al Dios puro y verdadero. Todo aquello que distorsiona esa voluntad, que impide llegar hasta el amor de Dios, no tiene vigencia o deja de tener sentido. La ley de Dios, la suprema, es el amor. ¿Qué ocurría entonces? Ni más ni menos que, el conjunto de normas que indicaban cómo llegar hasta el amor de Dios se habían convertido en objeto de adoración, en el centro de toda reverencia. Hasta tal punto que, ellas y sólo ellas, eran causa de salvación o de condenación. 2 ¿Cuál es el gozo de Dios? Que le amemos desde la libertad y no por obligación. A un padre no se le aprecia porque un papel me dice que soy su hijo, sino porque previamente he sentido su cuidado, su palabra, su protección o su corrección fraterna. Con el amor de Dios pasa tres cuartos de lo mismo: es un amor gratuito, un don que se nos da. ¿Qué ofrecer nosotros a cambio? ¿Un te quiero porque me das? ¡Por supuesto que no! ¡Un te quiero, Dios, porque eres mi Padre y sé que me amas! Eso, en definitiva, es lo que nos adelantó Jesús con su Palabra y su misma vida. Amar a Dios es cumplir sus mandamientos. Pero, cumplimos sus mandamientos porque sabemos que no solamente agradamos a Dios al hacerlo, sino porque al cumplirlos con libertad y sin excesivas fijaciones o distorsiones, damos con la fuente de la felicidad, de la paz y del amor que Dios nos tiene. Cumplir por cumplir, no es bueno. Tampoco irnos al polo opuesto. Pidamos al Señor, a Jesús, que nos ayude a poner en el centro de todo lo que somos y pensamos a un Dios que camina junto a nosotros. Un Dios que, en sus justas leyes, nos anima a no olvidarle y a marcarnos un sendero por el cual podamos llegar hasta El. ¿Lo intentamos?

TU ERES MI LEY, SEÑOR Javier Leoz Mi esperanza, en los momentos de fracaso Mi alegría, en las heridas que producen la tristeza Mi fortaleza, cuando la debilidad asoma y se cuela por la ventana de mi existencia Eres mi ley, Señor; Contigo aprendo a distinguir entre el bien y el mal A separar la verdad de la mentira A diferenciar la humildad de la soberbia El pecado de la perfección Porque, Tú eres mi ley, Señor Te pido que nunca me olvide de Ti Que nada ni nadie distraiga mi atención y pueda, en la medida de mis posibilidades, ser instrumento de tu amor y de tu gracia. Porque, Tú eres mi ley, Señor

Te pido que me ayudes: a cumplir con rectitud tus mandatos a meditarlos día y noche a llevarlos constantemente en mi pensamiento. Pero sobre todo, Señor, Porque tu eres mi ley, ayúdame a que ningún otro precepto esté por encima de Ti. Que ley alguna suprima tu nombre Que interesadas leyes se conviertan en un muro que me impidan el verte que me impidan el encontrarte. Y si algún día ocurriera, Señor, que la letra fuera más grande que tu presencia ayúdame a borrar de mi memoria todo aquello que me obstaculiza amarte y entregarme a ti con todo el alma. Amén

Website: www.nativityburke.org 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018

Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida No nos atemos a nuestras pequeñeces que esclavi-zan el corazon Por: Mons. Enrique Diaz, Obispo de la Diócesis de Irapuato | Santos Nereo y Aquileo San Pancracio Hechos 13,26-33: “Resucitando a Jesús, Dios ha cumplido la promesa que nos hizo” Salmo 2: “Jesucristo es el rey de las naciones. Aleluya” San Juan 14,1-6: “Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida” Tomás, el de las dudas y de las pruebas, desde la última cena man-ifiesta sus inquietudes y se descubre preocupado porque no en-tiende el camino de Jesús. Nada hay tan difícil en la vida de una persona como la duda. Cuando se ha decido a seguir un camino podrá afrontar las dificultades y los problemas, pero si no sabe a dónde va ¿cómo encontrará fuerzas para iniciar el camino? Las palabras de Jesús son certeras al pedir que no se pierda la paz. Po-drá haber muchos contratiempos y hasta fracasos, podrán aparecer malos entendidos y amenazas, pero si tenemos muy claro nuestro objetivo los podremos superar. La gran dificultad estriba en que muchas veces estamos como Tomás: indecisos, sin saber el camino y sin ni siquiera saber a dónde va Jesús. Quisiéramos llevarlo por nuestros propios caminos y utilizarlo para nuestros negocios e intereses, quisiéramos que su mesianismo estuviera a nuestra medida y reducirlo a nuestros proyectos. Pero Jesús tiene muy clara su misión a tal grado que Él mismo se nos manifiesta como el camino, como la verdad y como la vida. Tomás ha convivido con Jesús pero no ha descubierto todavía toda la verdad y está en un mar de dudas. Se requiere dejar todo para seguir a Jesús. Se necesita cambiar el corazón para en-tender sus caminos. Y se necesita mucha fe y mucha esperanza para luchar por una habitación en la casa del Padre. Nos atamos a nuestras pequeñeces que esclavizan nuestro corazón. Resuenan las palabras de Jesús: el que quiera seguirme, que deje todas sus cosas, que venda lo que tiene, dé su dinero a los pobres, tome su cruz y me siga. Peronues-tro corazón se ata y se esclaviza a las cosas materiales a tal grado que a veces sentimos que no valemos si no tenemos. Hoy Jesús nos descubre el verdadero valor. ¿Seremos capaces de ir por el camino de Jesús?

Si quieres ser perfecto... ¿Nos iremos también nosotros llenos de tristeza porque tenemos el corazón apegado a los bienes materiales?

Por: Mons. Enrique Diaz, Obispo de la Diócesis de Irapua-to | Fuente: Catholic.net

San Bernardo Ezequiel 24, 15-24: “Ezequiel les servirá de señal: ustedes harán lo mismo que él ha hecho” Salmo Deut 32: “Abandonaron a Dios que les dio la vida” San Mateo 19, 16-22: “Si quieres ser perfecto, vende lo que tienes y tendrás un tesoro en el cielo”

El sábado pasado nos quedamos admirados de la ingenuidad y la alegría de los niños a quienes Jesús ponía como modelo; hoy, en contraste con esa alegría y espontaneidad, descubrimos al joven rico que se va entristecido porque no es capaz de tener libre el corazón. Sabía de memoria todos los mandamientos, se sentía cumplidor de la ley, sin embargo, no tenía libre su co-razón y por eso se va desconsolado cuando escucha decir al Maestro que para alcanzar el Reino de los Cielos era necesario renunciar a las riquezas. La mirada amorosa de Jesús no es suficiente para atraparlo en sus ideales. Hay quien asegura que este joven sería un gran apóstol, si lo hubiera seguido… pero en el camino de los “hubiera”, se han quedado muchas buenas intenciones. Pone Jesús muy claro su camino. Quiere discípulos y seguidores, pero no abandona sus ideales, ni traiciona su misión. Desde el primer momento nos quiere hacer entender que las bienaven-turanzas son dichas en serio y que se tienen que vivir. Ser cris-tiano significa ir más allá de las cosas materiales y de las leyes, a vivir una decisión personal de seguir a Jesús. Quizás en esto hemos fallado los cristianos: hemos aprendido los catecismos, recitamos de memoria las oraciones… pero nos cuesta mucho vivir el Evangelio. Vaya, el evangelio de este día lo sabemos de memoria: el man-damiento del amor a Dios que va unido al mandamiento del amor al prójimo, lo hemos repetido hasta la saciedad. Pero ahora Cristo nos invita a vivirlo con todo el corazón. Quizás pudiéramos decir con este joven que eso lo hemos vivido desde la niñez, pero de una manera débil, autómata y por cumplir. No le hemos puesto vida interior, no nos hemos com-prometido en serio y seguimos viviendo de superficialidades. Dejemos que Cristo ponga hoy su mirada sobre nosotros, es-cuchemos su voz llena de ternura: “Si quieres ser perfecto…” ¿Qué le vamos a responder? ¿Nos iremos también nosotros llenos de tristeza porque tenemos el corazón apegado a los bienes materiales?

CATEQUESIS EN ESPAÑOL

Las inscripciones para la Catequesis en Español están abiertas para los niños, jóvenes y adultos de la comunidad que deseen in-scribirse.

La Catequesis para la Primera Comunión y Confirmación para niños, jóvenes y adultos estará abierta solo hasta la primera sema-na de Octubre. Si desea inscribirse en la catequesis lo puede hacer de lunes a viernes de 10:00 a.m. a 5 de la tarde; o los sába-dos antes y después de misa en la oficina de Catequesis.

¡La Catequesis también necesita voluntarios! Si tiene o no tiene experiencia y desea ayudarnos en la catequesis por favor co-muníquese con María Vela [email protected] o 703-455-0372 ¡Gracias y Que Dios los bendiga!

Ministerio del Rosario de Nativity: Si está interesado en aprender a hacer rosarios de cordón para

las misiones en el extranjero, marque su calendario para el lunes, 17 de septiembre, al mediodía, en el salón Padre Ready. Si usted es un integrante de nuestro ministerio, gracias por su tiempo y energía en hacer hermosos rosarios para nuestra par-

roquia, CCD y para las misiones en el extranjero. Este año hemos enviado 5100 rosarios, que incluyen los rosarios que

estan rotos o incompletos y que limpiamos y reparamos. ¡Ven y participa de este increíble y gratificante ministerio! Le propor-cionamos el material que necesita para que pueda trabajar a su propio ritmo desde su casa. Nos reunimos cada 2 meses para

enseñar y preparer el material. Comuníquese con Diane Fields al correo electrónico: [email protected].