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St. Luke
Catholic Church
2800 Rockwell Drive
Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: www.stlukecc.org
Phone: 956-541-1480
Fax: 956-542-8043
Email: [email protected]
There Are No Strangers At St. Luke, Only Friends We Have Yet To Meet!
Parish Staffl
Personal de La Parroquia
Rev. Fernando Gonzalez, Pastor
Rev. Andres E. Gutierrez, Vicar
Deacon Javier A. Garcia
Ms. Teresa Cavazos, Secretary
Mrs. Angie S. Chavez, Bookkeeper
Parish Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
1:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Religious Education Officel
Oficina Religiosa
Mrs. Helen Vargas, ORE
Director of Religious Education
Mr. David Vargas,
Coordinator of Youth Ministries
CCE Office Hours
Horario de Ofieina CCE
Sunday: 9:00-10:45am
Monday/Wednesday: 1:30-5:30pm
Closed Friday/Saturday
Telephone/Telefono:
956-541-0184
Website:
www.stJukecc.org/ccehome.htm
ST. LUKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
In Memory of Mary Ann Kuzmich
2850 Price Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
Phone: 956-544-7982
Fax: 956-544-4874
Website: www.stlukecs.org
Mrs. Anne Serrato, Principal
Mrs. Bernice Alcocer, Secretary
Ms. Carmen Martinez, Bookkeeper
Mass Hours/Horario de Misas
Monday - Friday/Lunes - Viernes
Saturday/Sabado
12:00 P.M. Enqlish/lnqles
6:00 P.M. Enqlish/lnqles
Thursday/Jueves
Sunday/Domingo
(During Schaal Year/
Durante Ana Escalar)
8:30 A.M. Enqlish/lnqles
Reconciliation/Reconciliacion
4:00 - 5:00 PM Saturday/Sabado
8:00 A.M. Spanish/Espanal
9:30 A.M. Enqlish/lnqles
11:00 A.M. Enqlish/lnqles
6:00 P.M. Spanish/Espafiol
ST. LUKE CATHOLIC CHURCH
MASS INTENTIONS
INTENCIONES de la MISA
January 3, 2016
Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
t Rodolfo (Rudy) Trevino;
16:00 pm
1st Anniversary
t Jesus Oceguerra
t Lydia T. Garcia; 1st Anniversary
SUNDAY, January 3, 2016;
Epiphany of the Lord
La Epifania del Senor
18:00
am
PRO POPULO
t Epimenio Rojas
t Alfonso Gallegos
t Paula Rangel
t Samuel Trevino
t Laura Garza Ruiz
19:30 am
11:00 am
•
•
Magi from the east arrived in Ierusalem, saying,
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews'?
\Ve saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage:'
Birthday Blessings: Ace Hernandez
Health Blessings: Odilia G. Gonzales
t Alicia
6:00 pm
t
Padr6n; 1° Aniversario
y t Omar Padr6n
t Constancio Velazquez De Le6n y
Maria Ascension Maldonado Hernandez
I
t Telesforo Martinez
Monday, January 4, 2016; St, Elizabeth Ann Seton
12 Noon
1 Tuesday,
St. Luke Parish Community
January 5, 2016; St. John Neumann
12 Noon
La Comunidad Parroquial San Lucas
Wednesday, January 6, 2016; St. Andre Bessette
12 Noon
•
U110S magos de Oriente Ilegaron
entonces a Jcrusalen y preguntaron:
"z,Donde esta el rey de IDs judios que acaba de nacer?
l.-nT.nlt· vimos surgir su estrella y hernos venido a adora
Birthday Blessings: Reyes A. Trevino "94"
•
In Thanksgiving: Renata & Jemma Singsing;
22nd Anniversary
Thursday, January 7, 2016;
St. Raymond of Penyafort
12 Noon
.f>-yfie gate of
St. Luke Parish Community
Friday, January 8, 2016
M/tlJelv
12 Noon
is very low;
La Comunidad Parroquial San Lucas
1Z:~
Parish Offertory
Envelopes
for 2016 can be
picked up at the entrance of the church after a"
the Masses.
Thank You.
Los
sobres
parroquial
de las Of rend as para
listos para recoger en la entrada
de la Iglesia despues de todas las mi-
2016, sstan
principal
sas.
Gracias.
~---=---
I
La Epifania del Senor
-,
r-
The Epiphany of the Lord
l
Reflexionemos sobre la Palabra de Dios
Reflecting on God's Word
EI relato de Mateo no es tanto una historia de aventureros, sino mas bien la de un Dios, que atrae a las personas
hacia el misterio de la divinidad por medio del nacimiento
de Jesus. Una estrella que guia y una explicaci6n con palabras sabias son las cosas que conducen a los magos hacia su
destino. Las sefiales naturales y las palabras que se nos van
revelando son las cosas que utiliza Dios en nuestros dias
para llevarnos a la presencia de Jesus, el Hijo de Dios.
La historia de los reyes magos gira alrededor del
nacimiento de Jesus y tienen un mensaje para los que buscan a Dios en el mundo de hoy. Dios no atrae a nadie a la
fuerza. Los angeles dan un mensaje de gozo, que es para
todos; pero no ordenan insistentemente que los pastores viajen durante la noche para adorar al nifio. Una estrella aparece en el firmamento, pero nadie fuerza a estos astrologos a
empacar algunos regalos y emprender su camino hacia tierras desconocidas para postrarse ante Jesus y adorarlo.
EI mensaje central de esta historia es 10 que se
anuncia en la carta a los efesios: El plan de Dios es que todas las personas esten incluidas en el misterio de la salvaci6n y que, junto a la descendencia de Abraham, "todos los
pueblos comparten la misma herencia, son miembros de un
mismo cuerpo y participan de la misma promesa en Cristo
Jesus" (Efesios 3:6). Dios quiere que todos participen en la
vida divina -jtodos! Piensalo bien.
Matthew's tale is less a story of adventurous seekers than of a luring God, drawing others into the mystery of
divinity through the birth of Jesus. A star that guides and
wise words that explain are what help lead the magi to their
destination. Natural signs and words of revelation are what
God works through in our own day to bring us into the presence of Jesus, the Son of God.
The story of the wise men is a journey that surrounds the birth of Jesus. It speaks to all seeking God in
today's world. God does not use force to attract others. Angels speak a message of joy for all but give no orders that
insist that the shepherds journey through the dark of night to
worship. A star appears in the sky but no one forces these
astrologers to pack up some gifts and make their way across
foreign terrain to kneel and prostrate themselves and do Jesus homage.
At the heart of this story is the message announced
in the letter to the Ephesians: God's plan was that everyone
be included in the mystery of salvation, that, along with the
children of Abraham, "the Gentiles are coheirs, members of
the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:6). God wants everyone to share in divine
life-everyone! Give it your thoughtful consideration.
James A. Wallace, C.SS.R.
-James A. Wallace, C.SS.R.
Derechos de autor © 2014, World Library Publications.
Todos los derechos reservados.
Vivamos la Palabra de Dios
Podemos orar para que las divisiones y los odios se resuelvan por medio del don de la sabiduria que nos ha dado Dios.
Podemos orar para que aumente el numero de mujeres y
hombres con sabiduria, que presten atenci6n a los signos
que Dios envia para que junten esfuerzos con el fin de alabar aDios y conseguir la paz. EI destino final de todas las
personas es lIegar ante la presencia de Dios.
Copyright © 2014, World Library Publications.
A II rights reserved.
Living God's Word
We can pray that the divisions and
through the wisdom that is the gift
increase of wise men and women
signs of God drawing them to join
live together in peace. The ultimate
is to arrive in the presence of God.
hatreds will be resolved
of God. We pray for an
who are attuned to the
together in worship and
destination of all people
Copyright © 2012,
World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
Derechos de autor © 2012,
World Library Publications.
Todos los derechos reservados.
LECTURASDELASEMANA
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Lunes:
Monday:
1 Jn 3:22 - 4:6; SaI2:7bc-8, 10-12a;
Mt 4:12-17,23-25
I Martes:
1 In 4:7-10; Sal 72 (71):1-4, 7-8; Me 6:34-44
Miercoles: 1 In 4:11-18; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 10, 12-13;
Mc 6:45-52
Jueves:
1 In 4:19 - 5:4; Sal72 (71):1-2,14,
15bc, 17; Lc 4:14-22a
Viemes:
1 In 5:5-13; SaI147:12-15, 19-20;
Lc 5:12-16
Sabado:
1 In 5:14-21; SaI149:1-6a, 9b; In 3:22-30
Domingo: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 0 Is 40:1-5, 9-11;
Sa129 (28):1-4, 3, 9-10 0 Sall04 (l03):lb-4,
24-25,27-30; Hch 10:34-38 0
Tit 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Lc 3:15-16, 21-22
L
1 In 3:22 - 4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a;
Mt4:12-17,23-25
Tuesday:
1 In 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday: 1 In 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2,10,12-13;
Mk 6:45-52
Thursday:
1 In 4:19 - 5:4; Ps 72:1-2,14, 15bc, 17;
Lk 4:14-22a
1 In 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16
Friday:
I In 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-6a, 9b; In 3:22-30
Saturday:
Is 42:1-4, 6-7 or Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 29:1-4,
Sunday:
3, 9-10 or Ps 104: 1b-4, 24-25, 27-30;
Acts 10:34-38 or Ti 2:11-14; 3:4-7;
Lk 3:15-16,21-22
l_
"MERCY MINUTES"
J{e Is Lord
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
**NO CCE MiddlelHigh Students
Sun. Januan: 3
**NORCIA
Tue. Januan: 5
**CCE Elementan: Students;
6:00pm, School
Wed. Januaa
**CCE Elementan: Students;
6:00pm, School
6
Thurs. Januarl; 7
God is my Father and so I, His
child, have every claim to His divine Heart; and the greater the
darkness, the more complete our.
trust should be.
.
**St Luke School Mass
8:30am, Church
I do not understand how it is possi- •
ble not to trust in Him who can do
all things.
With Him, everything; without Him,:
nothing. He is Lord. He will not allow those who
have placed all their trust in Him to be put to shame. :
**Legion of Maria;
7:00 pm, Salon de reuniones
Sun. Januan: 10
**CCE MiddlelHigh Students
9:30am, School
**R C I A; 4:30pm, School
ATTENTION/ATENCION
CCE (Religious Classes)
will resume for:
Tuesday children on January 5th
Wednesday children on January 6th
Junior High and High School youth
on Sunday , January 10th
La catequesis (CCE),
se reiniclardn las clases el:
Martes, 5 de enero y Miercoles, 6 de enero
para los ninos
Domingo, lOde enero para los j6venes
de Junior High & High School
(Diary of St. Faustina
I
I
•
357, 358)
The Divine Mercy Hospital Ministry
meets every Saturday at 2:45 p.m. at
the Valley Regional Hospital Chapel on.
Aiton Gloor Road to pray for the sick.
o
ST. LUKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
THANK YOUI iGRACIASI
ST. LUKE PARISH COMMUNITY
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
WITH YOUR GENEROUS
CONTRIBUTIONS I
THANK YOU TO:
•
Everyone who participated in: La Posada - Pastorela and Night in Bethlehem
• Ladies ofthe Rosary & Altar Society, who decorated our church so beautiful for all
of our December festivities
• Choirs who lead the parish community in songs of praise at all of the Christmas masses
• Youth who participated in the Midnight Mass Celebration
Again, Thank You! for making our
Christmas celebration more festive in our parish community.
*************************************
AGRADECIMIENTO
•
PARA:
• Todos los que participaron: La Posada - Pastorela y La Noche en Belen
Las Damas de La Sociedad del Rosario y el Altar, que hicieron un trabajo estupendo en la
decoracion de nuestra Iglesia para los festejos decembrinos
• Los coros que nos dirigieron en la alabanza durante las misas de Navidad;
• Los jovenes que participaron en la Misa de Navidad,
[Una vez mas: Mil Gracias! por hacer posible las celebraciones
navideiias mas festivas en nuestra comunidad parroquial.
Inspiring a deeper understanding of true giving
January 2016
tewardshi
W
e enjoy a standard of living
far beyond that of other people. Better housing; more
motor cars; numerous home appliances; more luxuries. Indeed, people from
other lands are astonished with the
abundance of our possessions. We live
well. The children have excellent food;
wear good clothing; get top medical
treatment. America really offers a high
standard of living.
A Christian's high standard of giving
The Christian's duty and task is to
correlate material prosperity with spiritual opportunity; to use God's gifts to
promote God's glory. Right here we
meet an old enemy ... forgetfulness of
God's goodness ... and say, "my power
and the might of my hand hath gotten
me this wealth." But the Christian remembers, "the Lord God for it is he
that giveth ... power to get wealth." Yes,
God gives us everything. He gives us
the good land. He gives us health and
wealth and good days. The Christian
knows this and returns to God some
measure of these gifts to spread God's
gospel of love to new areas and other
people. The Christian relates God's
blessings to people's obligations; great
living suggests greater giving.
Our need of Christian Stewardship
Our need of a High Standard of Giving can never be fully realized until we
acknowledge our obligations to God.
Only when we realize that we are stewards of the good things of life, and not
owners, can we act as Christians should.
All Christian people need this sense of
stewardship. Our time, our talents and
our money are a trust; therefore, a percentage should be willingly returned to
God. God has given so much ... even
his Son ... that a High Standard of Giving is the only worthy response.
<:::x
T
he hustle and bustle of the season seems to run in fast forward.
Busy holiday shopping, cards to
write, visiting loved ones, and attending this meeting, and that Bible study,
make time a precious commodity. We
now have time to relax, and give of our
time.
Every Friday night, I go to my.
grandson'S house. During this time, we
eat dinner, and I play with my grandson. Then I give him a bath, and we
play some more until his bedtime. This
amounts to about five hours. This gives
his parents a break from their busy
schedule of working and parenthood.
So often in our busy lives we forget that the younger generation needs
our time, too. Stewardship does not
mean only giving of monetary gifts; it
also means to give a gift of one's time.
Lord, help me to slow down, and give
the precious gift ... time.
T,
me is a gift that is
given to people. We
are to use it according
to God's own plan
To each God gives a
measured amount; to
each a directive to make
it count. Spend this gift
wisely. Develop life's
plan to the glory of God
and the service of his
kingdom.
<:x
1
YoungSTE~
~
c
en'"
o
o
.,
:::J
CD
.,
Put Your Heart Into It
.The
great Spanish violinist Pablo Sarasate was once called a genius by a famous critic. "Genius!" he snorted. "For 37 years I've practiced 14 hours a
day, and now they call me a genius."
God has given each of us one or more special talents: a mechanical bent, a pleasing personality, a creative imagination, a green thumb.
Realism warns us that we can't do ev- __ ",~·"_,~_""",~~"m~=.m"·'''''''F·''X='.~"",_,=,,,,,,,,,,,,,
fXJhatever
standard
we, choose, be it
tithing or some other, it
must never be confused
with the reason for giving. We give because
God has blessed us and
because we want with all
our hearts and minds to
return to him that which
he has given. This is the
motive.
rr
erything. Confidence tells us that we can
do a great deal.
Perhaps you have a special talent to
offer your church as an artist, teacher,
carpenter, writer, musician, or as a professional person with a unique ability that would be gratefully welcomed.
Think of the spirit of cooperation and
accomplishment that would develop
if all church members devoted just an
hour of their time and talent each week
to a church activity. The best part of it
is, while greatly helping the church,
you would experience the good feeling
of satisfaction that comes with doing
something worthwhile, something especially meaningful, with all your heart for
your church. <:::x
2
and for whatever reason have slipped
away, the first time back is the hardest,
but it is worth it. There is no other way
D
o you remember "On your
mark, Get set,GO!"? As children in the school yard, ):lOW
many times have we heard those exciting words that set us off on a relay race.
My thoughts have to do with getting
started in growing as a follower of Jesus
Christ.
One of my favorite hymns is "New
Every Morning is the Love" which reminds us that each day we are alive can
be for us a n~w opportunity to start over.
Iam not naive enough to believe that we
ever wipe the slate clean, for we are too
much creatures of deeply ingrained habits for that, but my first word is: each day
is a time for new beginnings. We do take
seriously growth in learning of the central doctrines of our Christian Faith. We
do believe that it is vital for us to know
more and more about the Bible, and to
have a community of fellow "learners
in the spirit" to give us reinforcement
and support. All these ingredients are
needed, and we are hard at work trying to make education one factor in our
growth as persons in Christ.
The other word Iwant to write is this:
the only way you start is by starting.
How obvious when we think of such
matters as swimming or baking a cake.
You can read all the manuals on swimming you want but there comes a time
when you've got to try it in the water!
Getting started as a growing Christian
demands that you begin with worship.
You learn to pray by praying, you come
to know the Bible by reading it, and so .
on. If you once were active in the church,
that I know of to grow in Faith than by
beginning today or tomorrow. Ask God
to give you the courage and the strength
to start anew. There is such richness
and joy and peace to be found. Do not
be content to live in the oldness of your
worn, shoddy habits. Try your hand at a
new beginning. You will be blessed for
it.
c:x
A Widow's Plea
'Derhaps the real
significance of
giving is what is does
to the steward. What
matters to God is not
the gift, but the giver.
Stewardship is God's
invitation to a way
of life. It helps us to
overcome our selfishness and love of things.
What we do with what
we have been given is
a sign to God and to
the world of the depth
and meaning or our
commitment.
r
S
ome years ago a deacon of a
country church in Virginia went
to his pastor with a concern. He
said to the minister that there was a
widow with six children in the congregation who was giving more than she
really could afford to the church.
The matter was brought before the
Board of Deacons and they decided
tha! the pastor should call upon her and
assure her that she did not need to give
quite so much to the church. They felt
she could use more of her small income
for her family.
As the minister went on talking he
began to notice tears in the woman's
eyes.
Then, when it seemed he was finished, the woman told the clergyman
that if she gave less, it would mean the
end of the last thing which gave her
life dignity and meaning. Giving to
the church was the one overriding joy
she had. Her plea tugged at the pastor's
heartstrings. As he left her home and
considered what the woman had said,
he decided never to ask anyone to give
less to the church again. It would be
cheating them out of one of the greatest
blessings that a soul can reap.
c:x
3
Love That Transforms
T
here is a man in my church named Jake. I met him several years ago when
he was new to our church and still rough around the edges. He would come
to our Men's Bible study and say things like, "I'll never lead anything like
that," referring to a home study group. He didn't volunteer for much and kept his
commitment level pretty low-key. As time went on, Jake came to understand just
how much God really loved him, and that love softened the sharp edges and melted
away the bitterness. Now he is part of a group that visits the sick and suffering at our
local hospital. He and his wife recently started a Bible study in their home.
What would turn around a man who once held on so tightly to his time and talents, not to mention himself? God's gift oflove in Christ. God didn't hold anything
back in his love for each one of us, so we are freed up to surrender ourselves in service to him, whether it's in the stewardship of our money, time, or abilities. Could
God be calling you to reach out to someone nearby who needs that love today?
<:::x
There is great gain in godliness with contentment; for we brought nothing
into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have
food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to
be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful
desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is
the root of all evils: it is through this craving that some have wandered away
from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Copyright © Parish Publishing, LLC
May not be reproduced without permission.
888-320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org
4
Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith.
January 2016
St. Luke Catholic Church
Rev. Fernando Gonzalez, Pastor
Celebrate life all year round
St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco
was moved by the
light
of young
abandoned
boys in
~
Rome. Using
reason,
religion and
kindness he taught the boys
how to unite their faith with
work and play.
By opening the Oratory of
St. Francis de Sales, he
provided workshops for boys
in shoemaking and tailoring.
He got them off the streets,
educated them, and helped
them find jobs. In 1859, he
founded the Salesians who
were committed to education
and mission work.
Never too busy
As Chancellor of England, St.
Thomas More was swamped
yet always found time to pray.
He said, "1have much very
important business to handle
and I need light and
January is the month during which
our Church celebrates life. This is when
we take time to recognize that we are
all reflections of God and have great
value in his eyes from the
moment of conception to a
natural death. Celebrating
life means being
pro-human every day of
the year.
Befriend a lonely or
disabled person. Spend
time with someone who
is often alone. Take an
elderly neighbor grocery
shopping or bring her
groceries if she is
housebound. Treat an
intellectually disabled friend to
a movie. Often these folks are
on shoestring budgets, can feel
isolated, and will appreciate the
help and friendship.
Support local food programs.
Volunteer to provide meals to a local
WhyD
Catholics
Do That
food bank or soup kitchen, Collect
canned goods in your church,
neighborhood, work place, or
community.
Steward your money. Research the
institutions where you spend, save, or
invest your money to find
out what you are
financially supporting.
Does your favorite store
support causes that you
feel ultimately victimize
others or disrespect your
faith and beliefs? Stop
shopping there. Does
your bank fund
organizations you find
offensive? Put your
money elsewhere.
Nurture patience. Ignore
the crying baby at Mass. Respond
to a sharp word with a kind one (even
when you're right). Let someone ahead
of you in line. People are more
important than schedules.
Why are there
IIDoctors of the Church"?
wisdom ... " When you feel
overwhelmed, remember St.
Thomas and ask God for the
"light and wisdom" to meet
your challenges.
'1\men, I say to you, whatever
you did for one of these least
brothers of mine, you
did for me"
u;~~~~
(Matthew
~~"fff-':::J25
:40).
© Copyright 2016 Success Publishing & Media, LLC
2222
Growing in Faith™
January 2016
Page 2
Laying our gifts at the feet of the King
The three Wise Men gave Jesus gifts worthy of a king. We
can also present him with our own royal gifts. While ours
may not be actual gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we can
still give to him the best we have.
Gold: The gift of kings, the "gold" we can
offer the King of Kings is our talents and
abilities. Like gold, our talents do the most
good when given to others.
Frankincense: Frankincense was used as
incense during worship and symbolized the
prayers offered up to God. In the time of Jesus,
=s ·
Crtpture
Luke 4:21-30, Live the truth
From the time God promised a
Messiah, his people imagined
a triumphant king with
extraordinary abilities who
would defeat Israel's
enemies. They didn't expect
someone ordinary, or even
familiar, like Jesus.
Still, his friends and
neighbors had heard reports
about his amazing deeds and
were excited when he read Isaiah's
prophecy about the Messiah and
announced its fulfillment in him.
All of that changed when they heard
the tough message Jesus had for the
children of Israel. They wanted a
comforting message from him, not one
Feasts
&.
Celebrations
that reminded them of how often
they failed God. And when Jesus
mentioned God's grace to
the Gentiles, a people
they thought were
inferior to themselves,
they became angry and
threw him out. They
forfeited his blessings
because they rejected his
word.
There is no substitute for the
truth, even when it is hard to hear.
Turning our backs on the truth will
close the doors to the kingdom to us.
For a follower of Iesus, living the
truth of the Gospel is the only way to
fully enjoy God's blessings and grace.
doors of Christian homes.
Jan. 13 - St. Hilary of Poitiers (Late
Third Century). St. Hilary converted
to Christianity as a young man and
was elected bishop around 350. St.
Jan. 1 - Solemnity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
Today, we honor Mary as the Mother
of God. In celebrating this feast, we
honor Mary, but also Jesus as God.
Jan. 3 - Solemnity of the Most Holy
Name of Jesus. In January we celebrate
the Holy Name of Jesus. 'I\t the name
of Jesus every knee should bend, of those
in heaven and on earth and under the
earth" (Philippians 2: 10). In fact, the
English letters IHS-representing
the
first three Greek letters in Jesus'
name-used to be written over the
Hilary spent most of his office
battling the Arian heresy, which
denied the Divinity of
Christ. He was
exiled to Phrygia
(modern day
Turkey). He
spent his
four-year exile
writing and
teaching against
Arianism until the
emperor begged
him to return home.
Much of what Jesus did in his
ministry was to be an example for us.
Though he was sinless, Jesus allowed
himself to be baptized by John as a
visible sign of his
willingness to obey the
Father's will. Doing the
Father's will is what he
wants from us. After
Jesus was baptized, the
skies opened up and
the Holy Spirit
descended on Jesus.
"And a voice came from the heavens,
saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with
whom J am will pleased'" (Matthew
3: 17).
Baptism is often called, "The
Gateway Sacrament," because it is the
first one we receive when coming into
the Catholic Church and the
Sacrament that precedes all the others.
It is usually administered to infants for
that reason. Baptism is key to our own
redemption so it is fitting that Jesus
led the way. We follow him. "There is
the whole mystery: he died for you. In
him you are redeemed, in him you are
saved" (Catechism of the Catholic
Church, No. 1225).
~p.'r~·
....
Jl).~J91n.,
provide practical ideas that promote
faithful Catholic living.
Success Publishing &> Media. LLC
Publishers
of Growing in Faith= and Partners in FailhTl!
(540)662-7844 (540)662-7847 fax
hnp://www.growinginfaith.(om
(Unless noted Bible quotes and references are from
the Revised Standard Version and the New Amerirf'ln Rihle)
© Copyright 2016 Success Publishing & Media. LLC
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e
2~OORockwell Dr.
Brownsville, TX. 78521
IAlnT lUKE
PARISII
THE PRINCIPLE MERCY III)
Yahweh said, "I have seen the humiliation of my
people in Egypt and I hear their cry when they are
cruelly treated by their taskmaster. I know their
suffering. I have come down to free them from the
power of the Egyptians".
Ex 3,7.
And the word was made flesh; he had his tent pitched
among us, and we have seen his Glory, the Glory of
the only Son, coming from the Father: fullness of truth
and loving-kindness.
In 1,14
The Lord Jesus, when He prayed to the Father,
"that all may be one ... as we are one" opened
up vistas closed to human reason, for He implied
a certain likeness between the union of the
divine Persons, and the unity of God's sons in
truth and charity. This likeness reveals that man,
who is the only creature on earth which God
willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except
through a sincere gift of himself.
Gaudium et Spes 24.
0 God, who anointed your Only Begotten Son with the Holy Spirit
and made him Christ and Lord, graciously grant that, being made
sharers in his consecration, we may bear witness to your
Redemption in the world.
(Collect of Chrism Mass)
To be moved by this Principle of Mercy presupposes three
moments.
First, internalizing the suffering of others. In other words, to allow
people's suffering to enter into our heart, into our life, into our
core, to internalize suffering that is not our own.
Secondly, this internalization must cause a reaction within us,
moving us to concrete, committed action.
Third, this reaction has only one goal, namely to root out suffering,
to eliminate it, or at least, insofar as possible, to alleviate it.
In short, as we take another's suffering into ourselves, we are
moved to action, and that action is totally directed at eliminating
all suffering in the world.
We call this a Principle because it is a way of life. In this case, it
does not have to do so much with having mercy on the other, but
He who believes in Christ becomes a son of
rather a way of living in which the suffering of others, once
God. This filial adoption transforms him by
internalized, becomes a principle of action that will comprise and
giving him the ability to follow the example of
direct our way of being and our way of acting.
Christ. It makes him capable of acting rightly
and doing good. In union with his Savior, the You anointed your only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness as
disciple attains the perfection of charity which is eternal Priest and King of all creation, so that, by offering himself on the altar of the
holiness. Having matured in grace, the moral Cross as spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, he might accomplish the mysteries of
life blossoms into eternal life in the glory of human redemption and, making all created things subject to his rule, he might present
to the immensity of your majesty an eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth
heaven.
and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.
CEC 1709.
(Preface of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe)
The light of God can only burn on the
earth with the oil of our lives, especially
with the oil of justice and love.
E. Schillebeeckx.
Mercy: the word reveals
the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity.
Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes
to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of
every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and
sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God
and man, opening our hearts to the hope of
being loved forever despite our sinfulness.
Misericordiae Vultus 2
o
el Padre
2800 Rockwell Dr.
Brownsville, TX. 78521
pnRROQUln DE snn Iucns
PRINCIPIO-MISERICORDIA
Tel. (956) 541·1480
Fax (956) 521·1480
(II )
Yave dijo: «He visto la hurnlllaclon de mi pueblo! Dios y Padre nuestro, que ungiste a tu Uniqenito con el
en Egipto, y he oido sus quejas cuando 10 Espiritu Santo, y 10 constituiste
Cristo y Senor, concede a
maltrataban sus mayordomos. Me he fijado en quienes participamos ya de su consaqracion que seamos en el
sus sufrimiento.s, .y he bajado para librarlo del mundo testigos de su obra redentora.
poder de 105 eqrpcios».
Ex 3,7
(Oracion Colecta Misa Crismal)
hl
. d
I Vivir movidos
por el Principio-Misericordia,
supone tres
Y ever
I
b0 se IZO carne, puso su tien a entre
t
. t 0 su GI'ona: Ia GI'ona que. momen .os:
nosat ros, y hemos VIS
..
. .
,.
recibe del Padre el Hijo unlco: en el todo era don Pnmero. Intenonzar
el sutrimiento
de 105 demas. Es decir,
amoroso y verdad.
'
In 1,14 dejar entrar en nuestras entrafias, el sufrimiento de la gente,
interiorizar el sufrimiento ajeno.
EI Senor, cuando ruega al Padre que todos sean Segundo: Esa interiorizacion
tiene que provocar en nosotros
uno/ como nosotros temaien somos uno, abriendo una reaccion, un comportamiento activo, comprometido.
perspectivas cerradas a la razon humana, sugiere Tercero: Esa reaccion tiene solo una finalidad
erradicar ese
una cierta semejanza entre la union de las sufrimiento
eliminarlo y al menos en la medida de 10 posible
personas divinas y la union de los hijos de Dios en alivia 10"
,
la verdad y la caridad. Esta semejanza demuestra
r.' .
..
. .
. .
que el hombre, unica creatura terrestre a la que Es decir: Intenonzar
el sufnm~~nto, que ese suf~~mlent~
Dios ha amado por 51 mismo, no puede encontrar provoque en .nosotros u~a. reaccion y q~e. esa reaccron este
su propia plenitud si no es en la entrega sincera totalmente onentada a eliminar todo sufrirniento en el mundo.
de 51mismo a 105dernas, Gaudium et Spes 24. Se llama principio porque es un modo de actuar, una manera
de ser. En este caso no se trata de tener misericordia del otro,
EI que cree en Cristo es hecho hijo de Dios. sino que es una manera de vivir en la que el sufrimiento de
Esta adopcion filial 10 transforma dandole la
los demas se convierte, una vez interiorizado, en un principio
posibilidad de seguir el ejemplo de Cristo. Le
de actuacion que va a configurar
y dar un estilo a todo
hace capaz de obrar rectamente y de practicar
nuestro
ser
y
a
todo
nuestro
hacer.
el bien. En la union con su salvador, el
I.--.
Has ungido con el oleo de la alegria, a tu Hoo unico, nuestro Senor Jesucristo,
disdpulo aicanza la perfeccion de la caridad, la
para que, ctreciendose a sf mismo como vfctima perfecta y pacificadora en el
santidad. La vida moral madurada en la gracia, altar de la cruz, consumara el misterio de la redencion humana; y sometiendo
culmina en la vida eterna, en la gloria del cielo. a su poder la creacion entera, entregara a tu majestad infinita un reino eterno
y universal: Reino de la verdad y de la vida, Reino de la santidad y de la
CEC 1709.
gracia, Reino de la justicia, del amor y de la paz.
(Prefacio Cristo Rey)
La luz de Dios parece que solo puede arder
en la tierra
con el aceite de nuestra
vida.
Sobre todo con el aceite de la justicia y del
amor.
Misericordia: es la palabra que revela el misterio
de la Santfsima Trinidad. Misericordia: es el acto ultimo
y supremo con el cual Dios viene a nuestro encuentro.
Misericordia: es la ley fundamental que habita en el coraz6n de cada
persona cuando mira con ojos sinceros al hermann que encuentra en el
camino de la vida. Misericordia: es la via que une aDios y el hombre,
porque abre el corazon a la esperanza de ser amados para siempre no
obstante ellfmite de nuestro pecado.
E. Schillebeeckx.
Misericordiae Vultus 2
Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick parishioners and friends under
your care and humbly ask that you restore your servants to health again. Amen.
Ricardo Aguilar, Joel Alanis, Patricia Avila, Felix Campirano, Guillermo C. Cantu, Laura Cantu, Albert F. Castro, Margarita Correa, Enrique De La Cruz;
Juan De La Fuente, Guillermo De Los Santos, Ruben Delgado, Nancy Delaney, Maria Donnell, Hayden Elfrank, Lou and Orleans Eymard, Charles
Fredieu, Cecilia Garcia, Clemente Garcia, Flor de Maria Garcia, Maggie Garcia, Roel Garcia, Rosa Garcia, Virginia & Hector Garcia, Ketta Garcia, Samuel
Garcia, Yolanda Garcia, Anwar Garza, Claudia Garza, Juan Hector Garza, Juanita de Jesus Garza, Ma Dolores Garza, Juan Andres Garza, Alvaro
Gomez, Betty Gomez, Cristiina Gomez, Iliana Gomez, Elsa Gonzaga, Odilia G. Gonzales, Bruno Gonzalez, Consuelo Gonzalez, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Joe
Gonzalez, Jose Angel Gonzalez, Martha Gonzalez, Maria N. Guajardo, Paula Guerra, Elisa Gunnoe, Margarita Gutierrez, Omar Gutierrez, Marlon Hankin,
Chris Harrison, Alfredo Hernandez, Jayceon James Hernandez, Flan & Mona Honan (Sister Dorothy's Family), Veronica Houk, Arnulfo Huerta, Ella
Hurliman, Peggy Jankovich, Fred Kowalski, Joseph Lapinski, Concepcion Marroquin Lerma, Linda Lind, Ramon Longoria, Beatrice Lopez, Diana M.
Lopez, David Lorenez, Eddie Martinez, Maria C. Martinez, Yolanda P. Martinez, Delia Mata, Daniel Medrano, Ninfa Middleton, Sister Gloria Morales; Ana
Moreno, Rodolfo Morin, Jose Moya, Amado Olivarez, Oscar Oropeza, Maria Ortado; Jose P. Palacios, Erika Parker, Rita Populis, Enrique Ramirez III,
Mary Lou Ramirez, Michaela Ramos, Elliott Reece, Sophia Reece, Emma Rivera, Ninfa Rivera, Lucy Robles, Elizabeth Ann Rocha, Deacon Arturo
Rodriguez; Ian Phillip Rodriguez, Ruben Rodriguez, Enrique Ruiz, Ricardo Sanchez, Esperanza Santiago, Maria Elena Silva, Alicia Soto, Josefina Soto,
Hildegard Sraega, Sande Tetreau, Andres Torres, Maria Elena Ude, Victor Valenzuela, Amanda Vallejo, Carol Vallejo, Joshua Villarreal, AI Wright,
Carlos Ybarra, Frank Ybarra, Olivia Zapata, Maria Zamarripa; Hector V. Zamarripa, Anthony Zimmerman
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