HERE - St. Brendan the Navigator

The Epiphany
January 3, 2016
The Navigator
El Navegante
St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church
Cumming, GA
Go… Baptize… Teach…
Vayan… Bauticen… Enseñen…
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for January
Universal: That sincere dialogue among men and women of
different faiths may produce to fruits of peace and justice.
Evangelization: That by means of dialogue and fraternal
charity with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may
overcome divisions.
Fr. Patrick’s 25th
Anniversary
Today, Jan. 3rd,
Fr. Patrick Langan, LC
celebrates his 25th
Anniversary as a priest. A
reception will be held after
the 9:00am Mass. Please
pray for him and come and
celebrate with him.
Congratulations
Father!
Letter from Fr. Matthew
Fr. Matthew shares his
reflections on the Epiphany.
You can read it on page 6.
Mass Etiquette: Epiphany
When we enter the Church,
we genuflect, or go down
on one knee, before the
Tabernacle (where the
Eucharist is kept) out of
reverence. It is a physical
sign of our hearts bowing to
God. On this Epiphany,
when we genuflect, let us
be aware that we are giving
praise to God.
Year of Mercy
"Mercy is the force that
reawakens us to new life
and instills in us the
courage to look to the
future with hope."
Pastoral Staff
Rev. Fr. Matthew VanSmoorenburg, L.C., Pastor...
Rev. Fr. Octavio Ventura, L.C., Parochial Vicar ......
Rev. Fr. Patrick Langan, L.C., Parochial Vicar …….
Rev. Fr. Jason Brooks, L.C, Parochial Vicar……......
Rev. Mr. Roger Fraser, Deacon ..............................
Rev. Mr. Luis Carlos Lorza, Deacon ……………….
Rev. Mr. Ed Rubio, Deacon ....................................
[email protected], ext. 42
[email protected], ext. 12
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected],
ext. 43
[email protected]
How Do I?
Register at the parish?
Visit www.stbrendansatl.com/online-registration or pick up a “Welcome” packet in the Narthex.
Receive personalized offertory envelopes?
Elba Banderas at [email protected] or ext. 10.
Make arrangements for a wedding?
Contact Fr. Octavio, ext. 12 at least six months before an anticipated wedding date.
Contact someone about my interest to become Catholic?
Don Conklin, [email protected] or ext. 26.
Contact a Priest in a Sacramental Emergency?
Phone 678-224-8448, 24 hours a day.
Arrange for Communion to the sick or homebound?
Call the parish office at 770-205-7969.
Arrange to have my child baptized?
Sandy Spera, ext 27 (English), Deacon Luis Carlos Lorza, ext. 43 (Spanish)
Request Baptismal, Confirmation or Marriage certificate?
Luisa Rubio, [email protected] or ext. 15.
Place an announcement in the bulletin?
Online form available at www.stbrendansatl.com/calendar.
Receive information about an annulment?
Deacon Roger Fraser, [email protected].
Reconnect with the Catholic Church?
Don Conklin, [email protected] or ext. 26.
Register my child/children for Religious Education?
Stacy Applegate, [email protected] or ext. 13 (English), or Monica Plew,
[email protected] or ext. 40 (Spanish)
Make arrangements for a Funeral or Burial?
Deacon Luis Carlos Lorza, [email protected] or ext. 43 or
Schedule an appointment with a priest?
Mary Ann Mallon, [email protected] or ext. 11.
Request a Mass intention?
Elba Banderas ext. 10.
Reserve a meeting space at St. Brendan?
Online form available at www.stbrendansatl.com/calendar.
Volunteer in the parish?
Opportunities are updated weekly and listed online at
www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/
Seek counseling services for myself or my family?
Holy Family Counseling Center, 678-993-8494 or Catholic Charities of Atlanta, 404-920-7725.
Seek bereavement support?
Debbie Rigby, [email protected], 678-617-7268.
Receive assistance from the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry?
Open Wed. 4:30 – 6:00 pm in the Barn behind the Church or contact Barbara Gordon at
[email protected], 404-431-9924.
Seek emergency financial assistance?
Good Samaritan Hotline: 770-205-2324; leave a message and expect a call back within 24 hours.
Sign up for electronic giving?
Look for the “online giving” link on our homepage at www.stbrendansatl.com or Laura Myers,
[email protected], ext. 21.
Receive a tax receipt for donations?
Laura Myers, [email protected], ext. 21.
Find out about St. Brendan’s Preschool?
Julie Lahey, [email protected], ext. 19.
Find out about parish life?
Kelle Russo, [email protected], ext. 41.
MASS SCHEDULE
HORARIO DE MISAS
Saturday Vigil:
5:00 pm & 7:00 pm (en Español)
Sunday:
7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am,
1:00 pm (en Español), 5:00 pm
Daily Mass
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am
Tuesday, Thurs. & Fri.: 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 pm (en Español)
Rosary – after weekday am Mass
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
en Español
Sundays at 12:30 pm
Eucharistic Adoration
in St. Sebastian Chapel
Tuesday - 6:30 pm – Wednesday
6:45 pm
Reconciliation
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. until last person
served and 3:30 - 4:45 pm
Tuesday: 4:30 - 5:45 pm
Wednesday: 5:30 - 6:45 pm English
and en Español
Please note: Mass times may vary on
Holy Days. Check the Mass Intentions in this bulletin or the website
calendar.
Parish Office Hours:
Oficina Parroquial:
Mon – Thurs
9:00 am – 4:00 pm,
Fri 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Maintenance Personnel
Contact Info:
Mac McKinney – 678-467-6490
Melvin Rogers – 404-313-2330
Alex Ayala – 770-500-9341
St. Brendan the Navigator
Catholic Church
4633 Shiloh Road
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: 770-205-7969
Fax: 770-205-5040
WWW.STBRENDANSATL.COM
ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA
24 HOUR ABUSE REPORTING LINE
1-888-437-0764
A Million Reasons to Celebrate!
Many thanks to all parishioners who
supported Father Matthew’s request to
raise our first million dollars by the end
of this year! Everyone responded with
great generosity and interest in his request
and during the 4th week of Advent, we
reached our goal.
Now with our first goal achieved, we can
concentrate on the second — raising an
additional $4.0 million to meet the needs of
our Phase one expansion. This goal will
be spread out over two years beginning in
January. Our official Capital Campaign
begins with pledges and fund raisers in
January, so be on the lookout for
invitations to participate in activities,
events and pledge commitments. The
Building Fund second collection envelopes
will be renamed Capital Campaign and
can be used to make monthly gifts or to
Garden Ministry
Want to have some fun, make new friends
and help feed those in need all at the same
time? If "Yes", then the Garden Ministry is
for you! This Ministry has been
"Producing" for six years and has provided
the St. Joseph Food Pantry with fresh fruits and veggies for its
patrons. We are looking for Chair/Co-Chair persons for each of
the following committees: communications, events, planting and
Work Days, seed starting, maintenance, ministry carnival, and
team coaches. No experience is needed, just a love of the earth
and of your fellow neighbors in need. Contact Ann Marie Dusek
[email protected]
2016 Kick-Off Meeting
The Garden Ministry will hold its 2016 Kick-Off Meeting on
Thursday, Jan. 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the Barn. Everyone is welcome
to join us as we plan for the upcoming growing season. Whether
you like to play in the dirt or stay behind the scenes, there are
many ways to "dig in" and let your hands and feet be those of
Jesus. For information, contact Ann Marie Dusek at 678-513-0050
or [email protected]
St. Brendan’s Preschool Open House
St. Brendan’s Preschool will host two open houses
Building Expansion Update
before registration in February. These will be on
Tuesday January 12thand Wednesday January 20th at
The Stewardship Council at
10:00 am. Tours and general information about
St. Brendan’s hosted a kick off meeting
registration
for
the 2016/2017 school year will be available, as
for volunteers who expressed an interest
well
as
the
opportunity
to observe our classrooms in session.
during the last Town Hall meeting to help
Come
see
what
makes
St.
Brendan’s Preschool such a special
with the activities in support of our
place
to
learn
and
play.
To
RSVP please e-mail your name, phone
building expansion.
number, and birthdate of your child to
Over 25 people attended the meeting
[email protected]. For more information on our
held just before Christmas and were
program, please visit the parish website www.stbrendansatl.com
given an overview of the plan to raise
Spots Available at St. Brendan’s Preschool
$4.0 million in the next two years so we
St. Brendan's Preschool spots available for
can begin physical work on Phase
children in our 4 year old pre-k program for the
One. Groups were formed to concentrate
current school year. If you are new to the area or unhappy with
on Administration & Planning,
your current preschool, we have a wonderful program with
Fundraising, Communication, Jacks of
qualified teachers and small classes. Call today and schedule a
all Trades, Social, Financial Peace and
visit 770-205-7969 ext. 29.
Witness Talks.
Leaders were assigned to each team,
who will work as autonomously as
possible, with support and guidance
through the Admin & Planning leader to
the Stewardship Council. This structure
allows for freedom to action ideas/plans
under the guidance of church
leadership.
Many opportunities exist to get involved
as we are just beginning the formation of
teams. If you are interested in
volunteering for any of the above named
committees, please contact Laurie
Johnson at
[email protected]. There is a
role for anyone who is willing to help.
Our church has a strong mission to Go,
Baptize and Teach and will require many
hands (and feet) to achieve our goal of
being a home where Christ can be
MOM Time
Calling all Moms! Take a break after dropping the
kids off at school and enjoy some fellowship with
other moms in the trenches. It is therapeutic to
hear that you are not alone in your daily
struggles, and this group provides a great forum to
exchange field tested Catholic based parenting
methods and ideas. Feel free to bring little ones, but no separate
childcare will be available. Wednesdays 9:15-10:30 Jan. 6-April
in the Faith Formation Center Sunroom. Contact Sara Sullivan at
[email protected] or 404-519-3356
Prayer and Life Workshops Restart
Prayer and Life Workshops help you learn the art
of prayer. By praying we learn to pray. We learn to
enter into a personal
relationship with the Lord through different prayer
methods, from the first steps of simple prayer to
the heights of contemplation. Join us in the Adoration Chapel on
Jan. 25th at 6:30pm. For more information contact Luis Herrera
at [email protected].
Homeschool Mass
This month the Homeschool Mass will
be on January 8, 2016. Held during the
regularly scheduled 8:30am Mass. After
Mass we will pray a decade with the
children and meet out front. All are
welcome!
DIG: Handing on Your Values to Your
Family
Do you want to ensure
the values you hold so
dear are passed along
to your next generation? Join the men at St. Brendan’s for
DIG. The presenter will share an entertaining and inspiring film followed by a
discussion discovering the beauty and
values we experience in our everyday
life as portrayed in the film. Please come
and invite your friends. You won’t be
disappointed. Next Session: Tuesday,
Jan. 19th in the Social Hall. Dinner starts
at 6:30pm. Contact Don Conklin at
[email protected]
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Next Sunday:
Readings for the Week of January 3, 2016
Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12
1 Jn 3:22--4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44
1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52
1 Jn 4:19--5:4/Lk 4:14-22a
1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16
1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30
Is 40:1-5, 9-11 or Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7 or
Acts 10:34-38/Lk 3:15-16, 21-22
LIFT January
For women who desire to Live In Faith Together...
Come to LIFT!
Jan. 5, 2016 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Social Hall
Enjoy a relaxing evening growing in friendship with
others, as you share and grow in faith. This includes dinner, a
presentation and always a lively discussion! Remember, we do
the cooking. $8 for dinner, dessert and beverages. For more
information contact: Jan Rooney at [email protected] .
PT Director of Music Opening
St. Brendan’s has an immediate opening
for a part-time Director of Music (28
hours
per
week).
This
person,
reporting to the Director of
That Man is You
“That Man is You”
Liturgy, will plan, develop, communicate, and implement the
addresses the pressures music for liturgical worship according to the norms and rites of
and temptations that
the church throughout the calendar year. Responsibilities
men face in our
include overseeing all Mass celebrations, managing paid and
modern culture,
volunteer staff, budget adherence, and other managerial/
especially those relating to their roles as
husbands and fathers. The program shows leadership tasks. These include raising awareness of the music
ministry needs and developing talent to support those needs.
the harmony between current social and
medical science with the teachings of the Requirements include: expertise in piano, prior management
Church and the wisdom of the saints in
experience, knowledge of music theory, singing expertise,
order to develop the vision of man fully
experience in leading and directing vocals/instrumentalists, and
alive. Come to one session or as many as an active member of the Catholic Church. Please send letters of
you can! The Winter Kick-Off is Saturday, interest and resume to Laurie Johnson, Parish Business Manager
Jan. 9. The Winter/Spring session meets
at [email protected].
through April on Saturdays from 7:309:00am in the Faith Formation Center
Assistant Director of Music
Great Room. Contact Mike Quercia at
St. Brendan’s Music Ministry has an immediate opening for a
[email protected] for more
part-time Assistant Director of Music (15 hours), who will help
information.
plan, develop, communicate, and implement the music for
Contribution Statements for 2015:
liturgical worship according to the norms of the church for the
weekly Mass celebrations, special feast and solemnity
Contribution Statements for tax year
2015 will be mailed out by January 31st celebrations, and other special events requiring music. The role
will concentrate on directing and leading the weekly Sunday
to the address currently on file at the
9:00am Adult Choir. Please send cover letter and resume to
parish. Please note that contributions
Laurie Johnson, Parish Business Manager at
to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are
[email protected].
not included on this statement as they
are sent separately by the Archdiocese.
Financial Peace University
In addition, statements for any oneDo you worry about saving for college or retirement, dealing with
time donations of $250-plus will be
debt, or figuring out where your money goes every month? Worry
mailed out at the same time as required
no more. You can learn God’s own wisdom about handling money
by the IRS. If you do not receive your
during Financial Peace University. This top notch video-group
mailed statement, please email (or call)
program will run for 9 weeks on Monday nights beginning Jan.
after February 5th to request a
11th at 7:00pm in the Social Hall. Interested participants should
duplicate. Laura Myers, Bookkeeper,
contact Wendy Paxton at [email protected].
ext. 21, [email protected].
Mass intentions/Intenciones para las Misas
Monday
4-Jan
8:30 AM Takao Kow (D)
Tuesday
5-Jan
8:30 AM Dana Bergmann (D)
6:00 PM The Foster Family (L)
Update on Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
Wednesday 6-Jan
8:30 AM The Heard Family (L)
7:00 PM Edgar Pinzón (D)
Archbishop Gregory recently notified all
parishes of their goal for the 2016 Archbishop’s Thursday
7-Jan
8:30 AM Martha Bedingfield (L)
6:00 PM Thomas Joseph Gribben (L)
Annual Appeal. St. Brendan’s goal increased
Friday
8-Jan
8:30 AM Tony Madda (D)
by 1.8% to $140,700. Families in our parish
6:00 PM Harry Gainer (D)
have been very generous to the AAA in
Saturday
9-Jan
8:30 AM Mitchell L. Easter (D)
previous years and as a result we have
12:00 PM Iluminada Llanes Milian (D)
enjoyed a surplus that comes back to the
5:00 PM Francesca Sichenze (L)
parish assessment free. Through November,
7:00 PM Tania Montes (L)
our rebates totaled over $42,000. We are
Sunday
10-Jan
7:30 AM For the People of Our Parish (L)
9:00 AM Rose Perott (D)
always encouraged to apply this overage to
11:00
AM Roy Carol Coniglione (L)
something memorable, substantial and long
1:00 PM Roberto & Elia Delgado (L)
lasting that reminds the parish of its
5:00PM Kit Houck (D)
generosity. This year, our rebate amount will
be applied to the Building fund, to help realize
Please Remember in Your Prayers
our goal of expanded
Recordemos en Nuestras Oraciones
space that much
The Sick (Enfermos)
Sam Boone
sooner. God bless you
Charles Shellman
for your generosity!
From the Diocese of Mobile, Alabama.
Author anonymous.
Brownie Crumbs
Mrs. Baughman was my 6th grade Sunday school
teacher. One morning she brought a pan of
brownies to our class. As the goodies sat by her
chair, she gave each child a slip of paper marked
with a household expense: mortgage payment,
utility bill, phone bill, entertainment, etc. My slip had
a car payment. Before long, Mrs. Baughman picked
up the tray of brownies and began naming the
expenses written on the papers. As we gave her our
expenses, she redeemed each one with a brownie.
"Car payment" she announced. I jumped up to get
my brownie from the pan. Finally, the last brownie
had disappeared. But one boy named Donald still
held his unredeemed slip. "God," called Mrs.
Baughman. Donald came forward hoping the
teacher had one more brownie hidden somewhere.
With a knife Mrs. Baughman scraped the crumbs
from the bottom of the pan into Donald's napkin. He
got a pretty raw deal, I thought, just crumbs. "The
brownies represent your money", the teacher
explained to us. "If you don't give God his share
right away, He probably won't get anything except
maybe the crumbs."
I never forgot that illustration, the day my friend
Donald got only the brownie crumbs. Even as a
child, I learned that God should have the first right
to everything I have.
In the years since Mrs. Baughman’s class I have
struggled with giving and priorities, but whenever I
recall the "Crummy Sunday School Lesson," I know
who should and must always come first in my life!
Chuck Perott
Emerit Allison, nephew of Bridget Tessness
Nicholas Bisig, son of Jim & Sandra Bisig
Sally Von Bargen, sister-in-law of Jane Smith
Todd Young, nephew of Jane Smith
Recently Deceased (Fallecidos)
Ann Von Bargen, sister-in-law of Jane Smith
Mel Paris
Parish Stewardship of Treasure
December 2015
6-Dec-15
$34,381.00
13-Dec-15
$48,502.00
20-Dec-15
$27,553.00
27-Dec-15
Electronic Giving for the Month:
Total:
$110,436.00
Offertory Monthly Budget:
$105,000.00
Overage/Shortage for the period:
$5,436.00
Offertory Actual YTD:
$850,587.00
Offertory Budget YDT:
$910,000.00
Overage/Shortage YDT:
($59,413.00)
Last Week’s Second Collection:
Building Fund
$25,189.00
Current Month Contributions:
$41,048.00
Building Fund
Electronic giving for the Month:
Total Building Fund Contributions:
$41,048.00
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Update 2015
Goal
$132,000.00
Outstanding Pledges
$45,803.00
Payments to date
$196,543.00
The Three Kings and the baby shower.
As Christmas rolls around you have the dilemma, 'What do I give my loved ones for Christmas?'
Well, that is exactly what the three Kings must have been thinking. They believed they were being
called on this journey to a birth, to find the new born King of the Jews. But when they found him,
what would they give him? In other words, they were doing a surprise baby shower, the first in
recorded history.
In all seriousness, it must have been a very ponderous journey. It must have been an amazing
journey.
Tradition gives us the names of the three kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. But how did they
meet since their names indicate they were from India, Persia, and Babylonia? What got them
talking about the star? How did they connect the new star to a new born King of the Jews?
Sometimes things are meant to happen in order to lead us to a greater knowledge of God and
ourselves. Each of the Kings answers to this providential journey, a journey of faith, in his own
way.
So why were the gold, frankincense and myrrh the chosen gifts? Actually, I think all these gifts
came from ‘private epiphanies’ given on the way to this ‘Divine Epiphany’. Any gift to another has
meaning, so what might be the meaning of these particular gifts?
Caspar’s gift seems to have been Gold. Gold is a kingly gift.
Although it seems to lead to pomp, it probably meant survival
for the little King. Caspar and the others had, in a certain
sense, been very naïve about the welcome the Jews would
give to the long awaited Messiah. When the three Kings had
visited Jerusalem they had been open about their
pilgrimage. King Herod was shrewd; he thought to use the
good will of these men to rid himself of a rival. The
Jews knew exactly where to find the long awaited Son of
David. But they did not bother themselves to go to Bethlehem
after telling the travelers where to go. They were
disinterested in the Messiah. How sad. As a result of the
apathy of the Jews about their new King and the jealously of
Herod, the Holy Family would have to flee for their lives to
Egypt. But God took care of them by inspiring Caspar to give
them gold. The gold must have rented them a house and
allowed them to become invisible migrants in a strange land.
What might we give to Jesus for his real monetary needs?
Melchior came up with a thoughtful gift, Frankincense. It is a type of incense, in those days used as
an expensive type of air freshener. It was a luxury for use in palaces, a perk for the rich. However,
did Melchior see beyond this? He knew the star was a divine sign; this child was from God and
connected to God’s plans to save man. This gift would not be just for Jesus but about who Jesus
is. He is the incarnate prayer of man to God. As Son of the Most High he would be listened to by
the Most High. The sweet odor of his prayer for us would be the reconciliation of Man and
God. Jesus prayed, “Forgive them, Father, they don’t know what they are doing!” Had Melchior
had an insight on his long trip as he experienced man’s plight in the various lands he passed?
How might we give Frankincense to God?
Finally, we reach Balthazar who seems to give the strangest of gifts to a baby, myrrh. Myrrh was
probably used to anoint the body of Jesus after his death. It’s a cream that smells very good. It
might be used to sooth the body as well. So was Balthazar thinking about baby rash and diapers?
That would actually be a great idea. But maybe on that long trip, in the hours passing through the
desert, he was thinking about the baby, the baby who would be a King. What great deeds was this
King going to do? Fight wars? Create just laws? Bring his people out of poverty and suffering? This
wise man was going to a birth, a beginning. So what would be celebrated at the other end of this
baby’s journey? Did that lead Balthazar to think about the death of this great King? Had our
traveler seen tombs of kings on his travels? Had it brought to mind the question, what would the
magnificent tomb built for this babe look like? Or, was there another divine insight given this wise
man? Did he somehow foresee dimly that this new King would be the conqueror of death itself?
What might I give to the babe at his birth who would conquer death?
God bless you,
Los Tres Reyes y la fiesta del bebé
Cuando se acerca la Navidad ustedes tienen el mismo inconveniente, “Qué le regalo a mis seres
queridos por Navidad?”. Eso es exactamenete lo que los tres reyes Magos estarían pensando. Ellos
creían que habían sido invitados a hacer este viaje por un nacimiento, para encontrar el recién
nacido Rey de los Judíos. Pero cuando ellos lo encontraran, que le regalarían?. En otras palabras,
ellos estaban preparando una fiesta sorpresa para el bebé, la primera en la historia de la humanidad.
Seriamente hablando, debió ser un viaje pesado, un viaje increible.
La Tradición nos da los nombres de tres reyes, Gaspar, Melchor y Baltasar. Pero cómo se juntaron,
sus nombres indican que eran de la India, Persia y Babilonia? Cómo empezaron a hablar acerca de
la estrella? Cómo conectaron la nueva estrella con un recién nacido Rey de los Judíos? Algunas veces las cosas suceden para guiarnos a un mayor conocimiento de Dios y de nosotros mismos. Cada
uno de los reyes Magos responde a este providencial viaje, un viaje de fe, en su propia manera.
Entonces, porqué fueron el oro, el incienso y la mirra los regalos escogidos? Actualmente, yo creo
que estos regalos llegaron como unas “manifestaciones privadas” dadas en el camino hacia esta
“Manifestación Divina”. Cada regalo tiene su significado, y cuales son estos significados?
El regalo de Gaspar parece fué el Oro. Oro es un regalo apropiado para reyes. A pesar de que
parezca pomposo y triunfalista, probablemente era para la supervivencia del pequeño Rey. Gaspar
y los otros dos tenían, de alguna manera, una idea errónea de como los Judíos recibirían al tan esperado Mesías.. Cuando los tres Reyes Magos visitaron Jerusalem, ellos habían estado desprevenidos acerca de su viaje, sin ningún temor. El Rey Herodes fué astuto y malicioso, el pensó en utilizar
la buena voluntad de estos hombres para deshacerse
de un rival. Los Judíos sabían exactamente donde
encontar al Hijo de David por tanto tiempo esperado. Pero no se molestaron en ir a Belén después de
decirle a los viajeros donde ir. Ellos no estaban interesados en el Mesías. Que triste. Como resultado
de la apatía de los Judíos acerca de su nuevo Rey y
de los celos de Herodes, la sagrada Familia tuvo que
huir para proteger sus vidas hacia Egipto. Pero Dios
cuidó de ellos inspirando a Gaspar para que les diera
Oro. Con el Oro ellos podrían rentar un albergue y
permitirles pasar inadvertidos como inmigrantes
invisibles en una tierra extraña.
Que podríamos darle nosotros a Jesus de
acuerdo a sus necesidades monetarias?
Melchor llegó con un apropiado regalo, Incienso. Es el tipo de incienso, que en esos dias se usaba
como un caro tipo de ambientador. Era un lujo para ser usado en los palacios, algo apropiado para
los ricos. Pero, que más pensó Melchor acerca de esto? El sabía que la estrella es un signo divino;
este niño venía de Dios y en los planes de Dios para salvar a los hombres. Este regalo no sería solo
para Jesus sino para lo que Jesus es. El es la oración encarnada de los hombres hacia Dios. Como
Hijo del Altísimo el sería escuchado por el Altísimo. El suave olor de esta oración por nosotros
sería la reconciliación del Hombre y Dios. Jesus oró, “Perdónalos, Padre, porque ellos no saben lo
que hacen!” Tuvo Melchor una idea en su largo viaje cuando experimentó las necesidades de los
hombres en las diferentes regiones por las que pasó?
Cómo podemos darle nosotros Incienso a Dios?
Finalmente, llegamos a Baltasar quien parece ser le dió el más extraño de los regalos a un bebé,
Mirra. Mirra fué usada probablemente para ungir el cuerpo de Jesus después de su muerte. Es una
crema que huele muy bién. Podía también ser usada para relajar el cuerpo. Estaría Baltasar pensando en las quemaduras y los pañales del bebé? Eso hubiera sido una gran idea. Pero tal vez en
ese largo viajo, viajando a través del desierto, el estaba pensando acerca del bebé, el bebé que sería
Rey. Qué grandes obras haría este Rey? Pelear guerras? Crear leyes Justas? Sacar a su pueblo del
sufrimiento y la pobreza? Este hombre sabio iba hacia un nacimiento, un inicio. Qué sería celebrado al final de este viaje? Guiaron estos pensamientos a Baltasar, para pensar acerca de la
muerte de este Gran Rey? Vió nuestro viajero tumbas de reyes en el camino? Lo llevaron a preguntarse, cómo luciría la magniífica tumba de este bebé Rey? O, recibió otra idea divina este hombre
sabio? De alguna manera pensó que este nuevo Rey sería el conquistador de la muerte misma?
Qué le daría yo al bebé que conquistaría la muerte?
Dios te Bendiga,
Invitamos a todas las niñas de 5º
a 8º grado a que participen en la
reunión el Sábado 16 de Enero de
10 a 11:30am en el Centro de
Formación de Fe. El grupo de niñas Challenge es especial para
niñas de 5º a 8º grado y es un
grupo social, basado en la Fe.
¡Las esperamos!
LA RESPUESTA
NOCHE EPIC
Para todos los Jóvenes Adolescentes, acompáñenos a nuestra noche
EPIC este Domingo 21 de Febrero
en el Warehouse (en la calle de
Post Road, junto al parque de Midway). Costo de entrada es $5.
¡INVITA a tus AMIGOS!
Para todas las mujeres de la parroquia y sus amigas: las invitamos
a nuestra reunión mensual de la
Respuesta. Disfrute una tarde de
relajación, creando nuevas amistades y compartiendo su fe. La
reunión incluye una cena, presentación y ¡camaradería!
Martes 26 de Enero, 2016
6:30pm—8:30pm Salón Social
Acuérdese: nosotros hacemos la
cena, solo traiga $5 (cena, postre
y bebidas). Para informes llame a
Mónica Plew.