parishworks! 1Vol. 08 No. 37 Dec 29, 2012

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A TIME FOR RECONCILIATIONby Gene Alberto

Our good intentions and New Year’s resolutions are not enough to break out of self-destructive patterns and routines we have followed over the years. We tried to change but inevitably reverted back to old ways.

What we need is a power greater than ourselves. We need Christ! He has been waiting for us to stop trying and start trusting.

It is common knowledge that no matter what we do in life, some people are not going to like it. We have experienced rejection and carry the scars in our hearts.

The world desperately needs reconciliation. It means restoration of peace. Peace with God, peace with others and peace in our own hearts. It is the powerful miracle cure for broken lives and relationships.

Reconciliation defuses conflict and turns chaos into calmness. It quiets quarrels and produces peace of mind instead of panic or pressure.

Is “peace on earth” really possible, or is it an unattainable fantasy? Is “goodwill toward men” possible when current culture is conditioning us to be cynical and sarcastic, to put – down and to demean others?

The starting point to attain peace and reconciliation is to mend our natural self-centeredness when “I want everything my way.” Another thing which is less understood, is expecting others to meet the needs in our lives that only God can meet. We make demands of others instead of looking for God.

The world is littered with the debris of broken homes, damaged children and discarded friendship. The good news of Christmas is that Jesus came to be the bridge of reconciliation between us and God.

2013 By: Msgr. Dennis Odiver

As we usher into the New Year, let us turn to Mary and the Saints. By their faith and life, let us tread the path of renewal with belief and conviction, hope and confidence, love and commitment.

Believe in Jesus as our radiant light that dispels the power of darkness. The light brings forth life. The light warms us. The light illumines our way. Be convinced that the light that emanates from Him will shine through you.

Hope in Jesus, our complete joy. Never despair amidst the trials and tribulations of each passing day. Let every moment and event direct us to God’s greatness and graciousness. Constantly be awed and inspired by Him. Be confident that He can cast away all our fears, anxieties and uncertainties. Jesus shall turn them all to peace and happiness.

Love like Jesus. Love genuinely and unconditionally. Be committed not only being a vessel of His love but also a channel of His love to others.

We pray that 2013 be a grace filled and fulfilling year to you and your loved ones.

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A Time for Reconcilation ... from page 1

Mary and the New YearBy Susan Amoroso

We always remember some special firsts in our lives. Our first love, our first kiss, our first school, our first grown-up party, first-bought house, first job, first time out of the country, first time in Boracay, first time to receive a bonus and so many firsts that we have lost track of all of them. Every first of January we celebrate the new year. It’s a cause for great celebration. Our tables are set with our favorite special dishes for family and friends to partake. Firecrackers are lighted as we celebrate once more this new beginning. We heave a sigh that we can leave the past year behind and the odds it brought into our lives. Every first day of the new year brings a fresh hope. It’s like a new dawn, a wonderful fresh start once more. God is so good. He gives us always an opportunity to make a fresh start. How wonderful to have a loving Father like our God almighty. He loves us so much. He not only gave us his only begotten son Jesus, he also gave us the mother of our Savior to be our mother too. That is the reason why the Church is dedicating the first day of every year as a celebration of the solemnity of Mama Mary, the mother of God.

Mary, the blessed virgin who was born without original sin became the mother of Jesus Christ our savior. Our salvation was sealed when she said, ``I am the Lord’s servant, be it done to me according to thy word (Luke 1:38),’’ after the angel Gabriel announced to her that she will conceive a son , by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the boy is to be called Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins(Matthew 1:21).

From that moment Mary is filled with all the graces of God. Imagine the joy and spiritual ecstasy Mary must have felt as the baby in her womb grew until she gave birth. But her joy also is mixed with apprehension. She had to tell Joseph. her betrothed ,that she is with child.An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary is a virgin

and will conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. So Joseph married Mary. When finally Mary gave birth to Jesus, the heavens and all the angels exalted the birth of Jesus. A star led the three kings of the East to the very place , a manger in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

Mary is the first disciple of Jesus and the first real intimate human connection of God to man. Jesus is God and yet he was conceived and born to Mary a virgin. Mary is the ultimate human connection of man to God. Mary has been called by the holy fathers of the Church as the mediatrix or great intercessor and intermediary between man and God. She is also called the co-redemptrix meaning she shares in the redemption of man.

The power of praying to Mary to be our intercessor could never be over-emphasized. Truly she is the second greatest gift of our Father to us, her children.

We could always refer to a great Mariology ,St. Louis de Monfort (1673-1716), a French Dominican priest and preacher, author and composer of religious hymns. He was deeply devoted to Mary and always prayed the rosary. He authored books about Mary and the rosary and influenced four popes particularly Pope Leo XII, Pope Pius X, Pope Paul VI. Pope Pius XII in their great love and devotion to Mary.

How can we, imperfect persons, be reconciled to a perfect God? Well, it’s not a matter of compromise or bargaining with God. Peace comes from total surrender, unconditional surrender to God. We must admit that God is God and we are not! We must give up the notion that we know more about what’s best for us and what will make us happy than our Creator. We must give up the

attitude that we can pick and choose which God’s rule we’ll follow and which ones we’ll ignore.

Why should we surrender to God? Well, one fact is certain: There’s no way we can win a war against God.

A beautiful, blessed New Year to all!

parishworks! 3

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SAN ANDRES: Ehemplo ng Buhay na Pananampalataya!by: Harley Dave I. Punzalan

“Mabuhay, San Pedro Calungsod! Patron ng Kabataan, Katekista at Martir”. Ito ang bukambibig ng bawat Pilipinong nagbibigay pugay at parangal sa kadakilaang kanyang inialay alang-ala sa Mabuting Balita at pananampalataya. Masayang masaya tayo dahil isa nating kababayan ay naging ganap nang isang santo. Ipinagmamalaki natin siya at tunay na nagdiriwang ang mga simbahan sa iba’t-ibang dako ng Pilipinas. Higit saan mang lupalop ng daigdig mababanaag ang tagumpay ng mga Pilipino sa ibat-ibang larangan at paligsahan. Subalit ang pagpupugay kay San Pedro Calungsod ay higit sa alin mang pagkilala at medalya na siyang magsisilbing daan at inspirasyon higit sa mga kabataan upang ipagmalaki, ituro at pagyamanin ang pananampalataya. Ang taong ito ay tunay na katangi-tangi at kapita-pitagan sa mga biyaya na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos higit sa ating mga Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng ikalawang Pilipinong santo. Ang biyayang magbubuklod at magkakapitbisig sa ating damdamin na mamuhay na may kinikilala at dinadakilang Diyos. Isang panawagan sa lahat na mahalin, isabuhay at isapuso ang diwa ng pananalig at pagtitiwala sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Tinatapik-tapik ang ating mga kamalayan na maging kasangkapan ng ebanghelisasyon. Magising ka, mamulat ka at papag-alabin nating lahat dahil tila nahihimbing na tayong natutulog sa makabagong panahon.

Kumakailan lamang, nagdiwang ang sambayanan ng opisyal na pagdedeklara ng Santo Papa ng Taon ng Pananampalataya, pagdedeklarang santo kay San Pedro Calungsod noong ikadalawampu’t isa ng Oktubre sa taong ito at kaalinsabay nito ay ang nalalapit na kapistahan ng ating patron na si San Andres Apostol sa ikatatlumpu ng Nobyembre. Maraming nagtataka kung bakit idineklara ng Santo Papa ang Taon ng Pananampalataya, sapagkat isa itong paanyaya sa lahat na buhayin ang pananampalataya sa ating pagkatao. Ito’y hindi nagkataon lamang na magkakalapit ang mga petsa o araw na ating masasaksihan sapagkat ang buhay at mga gawa ni San Andres ay higit na nakalaan sa pananampalatayang kanyang niyakap hanggang sa kapighatian, kabiguan at kamatayan. Ayon sa Bibliya, Si San Andres na kapatid ni San Pedro ay isang mangingisda na tinawag ng Panginoong Hesukristo upang maging unang disipulo sa Dagat ng Galilea. Sa pagtawag ng Panginoon, hindi siya nagpatumpik-tumpik pa, bagkus ay dali-daling sumunod sapagkat batid niyang Panginoon ang nangungusap na mabuhay alang-ala sa

ebanghelisasyon. Tulad ng mga unos na dumaraan sa ating buhay, hindi naging madali ang kanyang buhay bilang tagaakay ng mga tao patungo sa Diyos. Namuhay siyang tanging ang Diyos ang magsisilbing liwanag at tanglaw sa daang kanyang tinatahak sa pagiging misyonero at sa ebanghelisasyon. Isang kahanga-hangang katangian na kanyang naipamalas at ikinikintal sa ating isipan na huwag lamang mamangha kundi higit sa lahat ang matularan natin siya kung paano ang mamuhay bilang isang mabuting Kristiyano. Hindi man nasusulat sa Banal na Kasulatan ang kasaysayan ng kanyang pagkamatay subalit sinasabi ng tradisyon na siya’y inaresto habang nagpapahayag ng Mabuting Balita sa hilagang kanlurang Achaia at ipinako sa krus na may hugis ekis sa loob ng dalawang araw. Kahit na nakabayubay sa krus ng paghihirap ay patuloy siya sa ebanghelisasyon na maipaabot lamang ang mensahe ng Diyos.Hindi niya tinalikuran ang pag-uusig na kahit na nalalaman niya na siyang ikasasawi ng kanyang buhay dahil sa pagiging misyonero katulad ni San Pedro Calungsod na kinikilalang martir. Buhay, panahon at lakas ang kanilang naibuwis upang ang pananampalataya ay manatiling nagniningning sa pagmamalasakit, pagtitiwala at pagmamahal. Ilan kaya sa atin ang hindi iindahin ang gutom, paghihirap, pag-uusig, pamilya, ari-arian at materyal na kayamanan para sa ebanghelisasyon? Marahil, masikip sa ating kalooban kung ito’y ating gagawin sapagkat lubos tayong nakatali sa mga bagay na makamundo at teknolohiyang ating kinahihiligan. Sa patuloy na globalisasyon at modernisasyon, hindi maikakaila na unti-unti nang nanlalamig ang pagpapahayag ng pananampalataya katulad ng pag-aantanda ng krus kapag dumaraan sa harap ng simbahan, pagdarasal bago kumain at marami pang iba. Tayo’y nagiging abala at patuloy na sumusunod sa takbo ng makabagong pamumuhay.

Sinasabi ng marami na mahirap ang maging instrumento ng ebanghelisasyon katulad ng pari, madre, katekista at iba pa sapagkat maraming krus na maaaring susubukin ang iyong pananampalataya kung hanggang saan mo kaya itong buhatin, tiisin at pasanin. Karaniwan sa ati’y sugatan at nagnanais na lamang putulin ang krus upang mabawasan ang bigat nito. Ang mamuhay para sa ebanghelisasyon sa pagpapahayag ng pananampalataya ay isang dakilang biyaya na ating maihihiling sa Diyos sapagkat hindi natin ito kayang pagtagumpayan sa ganang sarili lamang natin. Sa ating mga pansariling

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Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffSusan Amoroso, Emilio Medina, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Jennifer Reyes, Ann Lopez, Jessica Samantha LimBulletin Board EditorHarley Dave PunzalanPowerpoint CoordinatorsEllie Medina, Ging Santos, Vince Eduard Reyes, Mria Rhea Pia Libao, Leomar Alvarez, SAAP Facebook AdminKaren Ann Phoa

ContributorsGene Alberto

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish. Media and Communications Ministry Coordinator

Parish Office Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-Noon; 2:00-7:00 p.m.Sunday 7:00 a.m.-Noon; 2:00-7:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

Answer key: 1) Grieve; 2) Subordinate; 3) Caravan; 4) Anxiety; 5)Obedient

Puzzle CornerDecember 30, 2012 – Feast of the Holy Family

Readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 / Psalm 128 / Colossians 3:12-21 / Luke 2:41-52By: Karen Ann Phoa

1. “My son, take care of your father when he is old; _ _ _ _ _ _V E E R G I him not as long as he lives.”

2. “Wives, be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E T A N I D R O B U S to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.”

3. “Thinking that he was in the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ N A V R A C A, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.”

4. “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Y T X I E N A.”

5. “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ T N D E I B O E to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.”

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San Andres, Ehemplo... from page 3

krus ay hindi tayo nag-iisa sapagkat binigyan tayo ng mabuting halimbawa ni San Andres, sugatan man ang pisikal na katawan sa hirap at pasakit subalit nag-aalab naman ang kanyang puso na paglingkuran ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ebanghelisasyon. Ang pagdiriwang at mga handaan para sa kapistahan ay walang saysay kung hindi naman nasasalamin sa ating pamumuhay, pag-aasal, pag-uugali at paggawa ang mga aral at halimbawang ipinamalas ng patrong ginugunita. Hindi ba’t mas maganda kung sa atin mismong parokya ay uusbong ang liwanag ng pananalig upang maging tanglaw sa marami pang tao na kanila din namang makatagpo ang Panginoon dahil ito ang layunin ng ating mga pagdiriwang higit sa Banal na Misa. Bilang sambayanang nagpupunyagi kay San Andres Apostol ay maipadama at maibigay natin ang ating sarili sa ating kapwa na higit na saliksikin sa ating buhay ang tunay na kayamanan, ang Panginoong Hesukristo. Bago ang iba pang bagay, magsumikap tayong kamtin ang Diyos ng una sa lahat at sumunod sa Kanyang mga yapak at direksyon.

NEW YEAR’S EVE , Dec. 31

5:00 P.M. (Holy Hour)

6:30 P.M.

8:00 P.M.

9:30 P.M.

9:00 P.M. (Bel-Air 3 Covered Court)

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Jan. 1

8:00 A.M.

9:30 A.M.

11:00 A.M.

12:15 P.M.

3:30 P.M.

5:00 P.M.

6:30 P.M.

8:00 P.M.

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