Sunday, December 21, 2008
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Notes from the PastorWe are God’s Temple This mentality comes from the time of King David. This pius Hebrew, after having fought against his enemies, had situated his capital in Jerusalem, and had constructed a palace made of cedar. He had his court and his army and from the heights he looked upon his God, and he felt bad: “I am living in a house of Cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent”. The Lord found out about the King’s plan and ordered the prophet Nathan to tell him, “your majesty has very little memory”. Truly, before David came into the world, the Lord lived in his house, that was no other than his own people. He did not want a house built of stone where he would be confined and separated from his people. And as a counter proposal to David, the Lord manifested that he would be the one to construct a house for the people, a permanent place where he would live always. That is the promise that Luke picks up in his gospel that refers to Jesus. God promises to make of his people a house and a permanent dwelling place. As psalm 88 (responsorial psalm for this Sunday), the people will say: “You are my Father, my God, my saving rock…”. We are celebrating Advent and today we begin the last week. We are not surprised that the liturgy gives us these texts for our reflection. What does Advent mean if not the saving presence of God in the midst of His people? What is the incarnation of Christ if not the planting of His tent in our midst? And what does Mary symbolize in the gospels if not the poor and humble community that receives in it’s womb the Savior. Luke sees in Mary the replica of the scene described by Samuel with relation to the Arc and David. Also the Lord directs this greeting to her: “The Lord is with you.” and she is invited to fulfill what the Lord asks of her. Through Mary we understand how God was faithful to His word to live in a temple and a house absolutely human: it is the warmth of Mary’s womb, the dwelling place of the Almighty, and through her all of humanity is received as the Lord’s guest. Through Mary and Joseph, Jesus is embedded in the long history of human liberation, according to the prophet Nathan; even if the Kingdom of Jesus ends in tremendous regret because of the nationalist aspiration of the majority of the Jews. As we have already seen in the case of David, also the new and definitive work of the Lord will not be the fruit of the effort of any human ambition, but rather a gratuitous gift from the saving love of God. The Son will not make His dwelling through the efforts of any human, but rather by means of the Holy Spirit, that will descend upon Mary, the new humanity. Mary, who opens her womb to the action of the Holy Spirit is, in the mentality of the early Church, the sign of the new community, and “through her obedience in faith”—as Paul tells us in the second reading—is transformed into the people of God. As this Advent comes to an end, it is Mary who not only gives us the child coming forth from her womb, but also the one who above all shows us the way of faith that brings human beings to the encounter with their own liberty. Mary, obedient in faith, is the way to bring to birth in us the Christ of faith. To say yes to God is easier than saying yes to our brothers and sisters. But, where is God if not in human beings, particularly in those most in need? Mary says: “I am the servant of the Lord”. It is not by accident that Luke puts on Mary’s lips this significant saying that will be one of the fundamental elements of his two books: the Christian community, the Church and every Christian...have been called to serve their brothers and sisters. Fr. Bill Persia, csc **********
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 **********
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 ********** Christmas Mass ScheduleWednesday-Dec. 24 **********
Las PosadasLas Posadas is a nine-day celebration with origins in Mexico beginning December 16th and ending December 24th. It is a yearly tradition for many Catholic Mexicans and some other Latin Americans and symbolizes the trials which Mary and Joseph endured before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born, based on the passage in the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke (2:1-9): "Now, at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census -- the first -- took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his home town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and traveled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David's House and lineage, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them." It is a very important Christmas Tradition for the people of Latin America. MERRY CHRISTMAS ********** Rose for Our LadyPray for: My Mother of 97 years in poor health Please call Phyllis Grossi @352-567-6105 for information. Openings are available. Please submit intention at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, using the envelopes stamped with “Rose for Our Lady” that can be found at the entrances of the church. When completed, please put them in the collection basket at the weekend Masses. ********** The Altar Flowers this weekend were donated in memory of Dolores Geihm. If you would like to donate flowers in the future for any reason (memorial, birth, anniversary, etc.) please contact Jean at 352-523-2001. ********** Worldwide Marriage Encounter - By offering married couples the beautiful experience of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, the Catholic Church is affirming and supporting you in your chosen vocation—Marriage. Take advantage of this great gift to enhance your relationship and enjoy a love-filled weekend away together. The next weekend is January 16-18, 2009. For information, call 813-270-7832 or go online at www.wwme-tampabay.org. ********** ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES The Academy of the Holy Names was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. The Academy is a Catholic, independent, coeducational elementary school and a college preparatory high school for young women located near downtown Tampa on 19 acres along scenic Bayshore Boulevard. The Entrance Exam for Grades 1-11 will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. For an application or for more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 813-839-5371 x307 or visit our website at www.holynamestpa.org. ********** Salerno Theatre, in residence at the Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center in Hudson, begins the new year with another great show in its Broadway series on January 2-4 - Sweet Dreams: Frank, Bobby & Dean. Showtimes: Friday & Saturday night at 8:00 pm, with matinees on Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 pm. Tickets: $9.99—$29.99, but as an introduction to Salerno Theatre, tickets are $6.99 each, with no limitations of quantity or seat location. Location: Campus of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road, Hudson. Reservations/Information: 727-857-2604 or smountan@bmchs.com. ********** BENEDICTINE VOCATION RETREATS ********* HOSPITALIZATION Please notify the office if a family member is hospitalized, and make sure that the patient is listed in hospital records as a Catholic. The hospital will not release your name. We can only visit if you notify the parish. HOSPITALIZADOS: Por favor informe en la Oficina si tiene algún familiar o amigo enfermo y desa que sea visitado. ********** Cursillo News: Ultreya is a gathering of Cursillistas. We meet on the first Wedesday of each month at St. Joseph Social Hall (Zephyrhills), after the 7:00 pm Mass. For more information or if you are interested in joining a Friendship Group at St. Rita please call Buddy Boyd at 352-458-3322 or 352-428-9680. ********** When he discovered that Mary was with child, Joseph resolved to end their engagement with as little disgrace as possible. But obedient to the voice of God, he changed those plans and became instead the protector of the child Jesus and His mother, Mary. God grant that I may be as open to the leading of the Holy Spirit! |
Notas del PastorSomos la Casa de Dios Esta mentalidad ya viene del tiempo del rey David. El piadoso hebreo, después de haber luchado contra sus enemigos, había logrado finalmente situar su capital en Jerusalén, se había hecho construir un palacio de cedro, tenia su corte y su ejercito...y desde esa altura miro al Señor su Dios, y sintió cierta lastima: “Yo estoy viviendo en una casa de cedro, mientras que el arca del Señor sigue en una tienda.” El Señor se entero de los planes del rey y ordeno que se le dijera por medio del profeta Natan que “su majestad tenia muy poca memoria”. En efecto, antes que David viñera al mundo, ya el Señor vivía en su casa, que no era otra que su propio pueblo. No quería casa de piedra para quedarse encerrado en actitud estática y separado de los suyos. Y como contrapartida a la propuesta de David, el Señor manifesta que será El quien le haga al pueblo una casa, un lugar fijo donde viva para siempre. Tal es la promesa que recogerá Lucas en su evangelio refiriéndola a Jesucristo. Dios promete hacer de su pueblo una casa y un reino eternos. Y como dice el salmo 88 (salmo responsorial de este domingo), el pueblo dirá a su vez: “Tu eres mi padre, mi Dios, mi roca salvadora…”. Estamos celebrando el tiempo de Adviento y hoy comenzamos su ultima semana. No nos extrañe que la liturgia nos brinde estos textos bíblicos para nuestra reflexión. En efecto, que significa Adviento sino la presencia salvadora de Dios en medio de su pueblo? Que es la encarnación de Cristo sino ese plantar su tienda en medio de nosotros? Y que simboliza Maria en los relatos evangélicos sino esta comunidad pobre y humilde que recibe en su seno al Salvador. El evangelista Lucas ve en Maria la replica de la escena descrita por Samuel con relación al arca y a David. También a ella se dirige el Señor con el favorable saludo: “El Señor esta contigo”, y se la invita a realizar lo que Dios le proponía. Por medio de María comprendemos hasta que punto Dios fue fiel a su palabra de vivir en un templo y en una casa absolutamente humanos: es la calidez del seno de María la morada del Altísimo, y por María, toda la humanidad recibe a su Señor como huésped. Por medio de María y de José, Jesús se entronca en la larga historia de la liberación humana, conforme al vaticinio del profeta Natan; si bien el reinado de Jesucristo terminara por ser causa de tremenda desilusión para las ansias nacionalistas de la mayoría de los judíos. Como ya hemos reflexionado en el caso de David, también la nueva y definitiva obra del Señor no será fruto del esfuerzo ni de la ambición humana, sino don gratuito del amor salvador de Dios. El Hijo no plantara su tienda por obra de ningún hombre, sino por medio del Espíritu Santo, que descenderá sobre María, la nueva humanidad. María, que abre en la fe su seno a la acción del Espíritu es, en la mentalidad de la Iglesia primitiva, el símbolo de la nueva comunidad, que “por la obediencia de la fe”—como dice Pablo en la segunda lectura—se transforma en pueblo de Dios. Al finalizar este tiempo de Adviento, es la propia María quien no solo nos entregara al niño salido de su seno, sino quien por encima de todo nos indicara el camino de la fe que lleva a los seres humanos al encuentro de su propia libertad. María, obediente en la fe, es la manera que tenemos todos de dar a luz al Cristo de la fe en nosotros. Decirle si a Dios es mas fácil que decírselo a los hermanos y hermanas. Pero, Donde esta Dios sino en los seres humanos, particularmente en los mas necesitados? María dice: “He aquí a la servidora.” No es casualidad que sea Lucas el que coloca en labios de María esta significativa frase que será uno de los elementos fundamentales de sus dos libros: la comunidad cristiana, la Iglesia, cada cristiano...han sido llamados para servir a los hermanos y hermanas. Padre Bill Persia, csc **********
Mon: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 ********** VOCATION VIEW: Mary was called to be open to the extraordinary. What do you need to say “let it be” in response to God’s call to you? Trust that the Lord is with you and will guide you always. (Luke 1:26-38) PANORAMA VOCACIONAL: Maria estaba abierta a lo extraordianrio. Que necesita uno para poder decir “que se haga em mi segun tu voluntad” como respuesta a la llamada de Dios? Confie en que el Senor este con usted y te guiara siempre. (Lucas 1:26-38) ********** LORD, GRANT ETERNAL REST TO THE SOULS OF ALL OUR DEAR DEPARTED, especially Dr. Rafael Leon. We offer our sympathy and prayers to his family and friends. “May the angels lead him to paradise and may the martyrs welcome him on his way and lead him into the holy city, Jerusalem!” ********** CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. PAUL Come celebrate the JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. PAUL! For information call the Parish Office at 727-822-3481. ********** The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. **********
Sunday, December 21 **********
Las PosadasLa Navidad significa el nacimiento de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Para prepararnos para ese día en que celebramos simbólicamente Su Nacimiento, tenemos Posadas. Estas posadas son una "Novena" o nueve días antes de la Noche Buena, que es el 24 de diciembre. Las Posadas son una actuación de la penuria que pasaron San José y La Virgen María para encontrar posada o albergue en su viaje a Belén para cumplir con el Censo de acuerdo con las Escrituras. En español les llamamos "Los Santos Peregrinos José y María". Cada familia en un barrio se turna una noche y celebra con una posada en su casa; empiezan 16 de diciembre y terminan el 24 en la Noche Buena. En cada casa hay un Nacimiento. Los anfitriones representan a los hosteleros y los niños del barrio, así como los adultos, representan a "Los Peregrinos" quienes piden posada .Todos llevan en sus manos velitas encendidas y se escogen cuatro personas para que carguen a Los Peregrinos, que son dos pequeñas estatuillas de San José jalando a un burro en el cual va montada de lado la Virgen María. La procesión va guiada por una vela dentro de un "farolito", que es como un acordeón de papel de colores con un apertura arriba y una vela adentro. Los Peregrinos piden posada en tres diferentes casas pero solamente la tercera les dejará entrar. Esa es la casa a la que le corresponde la posada esa noche. Cuando los hosteleros les permiten pasar, el grupo de invitados entra en el hogar y se arrodilla alrededor de el Nacimiento y reza el Rosario. FELIZ NAVIDAD ********** PLEASE PRAY FOR: Rose Cooper, Joseph Marciniak, Nettie Gude, Cathy Hillen, Orville Gardner, Rozalyn Alicia Perez, Mary Trombly, Marian Steffek, Maxine Paoletti, Rosalia Roaro, Charles Meinsler, Albert Toth, Margaret Mattis, Michael Agnello, Lydia Bank, Arlean Watters, Irene Lucero, Nancy Carbonneau, Robert Fritts, Fr. James Martel, Jim Brodwolf, Francisco Espinoza, Rosalinda Perez, Francis McHugh, Bob Hormuth, James Albright, Douglas Fritts, Val and Tom Floberg, Leo Leclaire, Patsy Sammons, Jack Barrett, Jr., Connie (Lambert) Wilson, Leslie Kirby, Juan Ismael Peña, Betty Herrmann, Kathy Lambert, Annette Boucher, Joyce Kelly, Terrie Altuna, John Adams, Theresa Species, Elaine and Bob Greim, Hugh Caimi, Brendalee Kelly, Stanley Yancy, Zachary DeRidder, Joel Juarez, San Juana Gracia, Berry Garner, Eudoro Martinez, Vanessa Jasmine Garcia, Hilda Mueller, Sylvia Cerda, Alma Pike, David Blevins, Irene Harris, Yolanda Espinoza, Dr. Rosa Alvarez, Jose Dieckober, Mary Alexander Martinez, Jaime Tapia, Jr., Joanne Bowman, Kay Bourassa, Kathleen M. Spencer, Lucy Borthwick, Jody Lynée Madeira, Barbara Lambert, Sophie Karkut, Robert Doucette, Marie Caimi, Clifford Scotland, Karen Sullivan, Genaro Aguirre, Sharon Matala, Frank Fregoso, Ivette Mendoza, Maryann Budnick, Sandy Marinacci, Manuel Juarez, Louise Lantzy, Jane Yaeger, Ann Bulovas. ********** Making an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift Will Help Our Parish and May Save You Tax Dollars If you are 70 1/2 and older, you must take a required minimum distribution from your IRA. Normally, this distribution is taxed as ordinary income. However, recent federal law extends the opportunity for you, for the remainder of 2008 and throughout 2009, to make a direct distribution from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as our parish or the Annual Pastoral Appeal. This gift to our parish or our parish’s Annual Pastoral Appeal account may lower your federal tax responsibility since it is not counted as income to you, but fulfills your required minimum distribution. For more information about how you and the Church can benefit from an IRA charitable rollover, please contact the parish office, or the Catholic Foundation at 727-341-6825 or 727-432-0205 and ask for Joseph Citro. ********** Offertory for/Colecta para 12/14: $4,378.73 |
