Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of ...7:00am † Marcia Briggs Wahl...

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2020


ALL MASSES WILL BE IN PERSON AND LIVE-STREAMED. WE WILL CONTINUE TO

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. OVERFLOW FROM THE CHURCH WILL BE ABLE

TO ATTEND MASS IN THE CAFETERIA AND FR. MARTIN CENTER.

Engaged and married couples, the Marriage Enrichment Ministry is here for you!

The Marriage Enrichment Ministry strengthens marriages in the Church and provides support to all couples called to the holy vocation of marriage. Connect with us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nativitymarriageenrichmentministry

Parish Webpage: https://nativityburke.org/marriage-enrichment-ministry/

and while on the page click on "Signup for Email List" to receive our monthly flock note.

Contact Jennifer Sturgeon at [email protected] or call 703-455-0372 ext. 116.

We look forward to seeing you at our next Nativity date night!


Your Gifts to Catholic Charities Are Deeply Appreciated! Thank you for your generous support of Catholic Charities

which is essential to their work. Those who will benefit are so grateful for your gifts. If you missed the collection, you may

still make a year-end gift by going online at: http://www.ccda.net/donate/ChristmasCollection.

We will offer additional opportunities for confession this Advent season in addition

to our regular confession times on:

Monday, December 21 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 2:00 – 4:00 pm

We will NOT be able to offer a Penance Service this year. Thank you for your understanding.

Advent Wreath Prayers

If you are setting up an Advent wreath in your home this year, here are some prayers you could say while you light its candles. You may say these before or after a meal, when waking up, before going to bed, or whenever you and the members of your household gather for prayer. Before you say the prayer, read and talk over the Gospel you heard at Sunday Mass that week. Week 4: O God, who sent your angel Gabriel to announce good news to Mary, make us happy with your word of life. Let our hearts be so filled with love for you that they glow with the lights of these four candles. May we live in a way that will please you. Through Christ our Lord.

#JustOneYes Advent Campaign https://nativityburke.org/joy/

Join Bishop Burbidge and Catholics throughout the Diocese through Wednesday, January 6 in prayer, acts of service and more!

Help us turn #JustOneYes into countless yeses for the trans-formation of the world. In exchange for your commitment, you'll receive free daily email meditations during the seasons of Advent and Christmas courtesy of Magnificat: https://mailchi.mp/arlingtondiocese/joy2020

Please arrive no earlier than 1 hour before Mass. After Mass is completed, please say your prayers then

visit with friends & family safely outside. We need time to properly clean and sanitize

between Masses. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!

We are working very hard at Nativity to keep you spiritually engaged during this time of separation.

Please know that we are praying for you, miss you and look forward to the day when we can all be together again!

“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life are living in our midst.

Is this the day He has called you? Contact Fr. Michael Isenberg, [email protected]

or (703) 841-2514.

Just download the App, register with

‘Nativity of our Lord’ and begin.

Thank you!


Michael and Tina Ward Michael & Angelina Santoro, Fannie Ward and Hubert Ward Anonymous Joe & Jean Germaine Anonymous Restoration of Health for David, Christopher and Carol Anne Barbara Emard Marie & Joseph Packer, Raymond & Mary Packer, Patricia Land Charles & Ann Rimkus John & Mary Rimkus, Jerome & Helen Timm The Ginty Family Michael & Winifred Ginty, Rita Nassif Edward and Susan Bond Carolyn Makurat and Lois Bond The Ferraro Family Richard Ferraro Anonymous Deceased Members of the Supapo, Namata, Pomantoc, Noguera and Licud Families The Brandt Family Deceased Members of the Yarros Family Thomas J. Snee Karen A. Snee Pat Connell The Connell, DiPalma and Martin Families Paul, Nick and Syndey Prokopovich Cheryl Prokopovich Stan and Barbara Zagalak Deceased Members of the Albrecht, Laskowski and Zagalak Families The Bayard Family Frank Bayard, Clarice & Roger Duthiers The Hartzog family Murdo & Joanne Macleay, Earl & Mary Hartzog Kitty Murdock Jerry Murdock and Deceased Members of the Caffi, Murdock, Pesce and Merriman Families Vince and Carol Ann Occhipinti Alexander J. Rohan, Margaret C. Rohan, Alice Cavanaugh, Vincent E. Occhipinti, Margaret Occhipinti Kathryn Quan Bernie & Jane Crum, C.K. Quan Patricia Haddock Stanley J. Haddock Mary Louise Kolodziej The Kolodziej, Trzok, Borrelli and Conti Families The Bonner Family Lu Rowley Dave and Rose Anne Zivich Steve & Bertha Zivich, James & Betti Dionne The Reinhard Family Lloyd & Evelyn Reinhard, Karl & Sheila Posch and Janice Jaekle James and Gina Percoco Gregg Anthony Percoco Anonymous Cosme M. Rosal, Aurora Tineo and Ramon Tineo Anonymous My Parents Frank, forever my love My Beloved Wife Henrietta The Pace Family Mila Fabon Kathy McHugh Philip, Kathleen and Bobby McHugh The McKnight Family The McKnight and Goffredi Families The Bisset Family Pat & Al Bisset The Children and Grandchildren Pat and Doc Kuntz Zulma Weeks Ernie Weeks, Angela Vega, Alberto J. Vega and all Deceased Members of the Vega & Weeks Families The Bollea Family Paul J. Bollea The Kelliher Family Michael Kelliher The O’Grady Family Robert DeVito Virginia, Sarah and Joseph Natalie and John Lago The Mukai Family The McConaghay and Brown Families Phil & Kathleen Puckett Our parents, John & Edna Wadsworth, Phil & Eva Puckett Edward and Susan Bond Carolyn Makurat and Lois Bond

We thank the following who have helped decorate our Christmas Sanctuary

with their flower donations

DONATED BY IN LOVING MEMORY and IN HONOR OF


https://nativityburke.org/knightscouncil7992/ Facebook: Knights of Columbus Father Sikora 7992

Twitter: @kofc7992

Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK Br. Adrian Santillan-Lecaside or GK Barry Basselgia with any questions or if you need a form 100. If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try Online Membership. It only takes 5-10 minutes. Just go to Go to https://www.kofc.org/ and click “Join” and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. We’ll do the rest for you to make you a member of our Order and our Nativity Council! Council Meeting: Our regular business meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Meetings are conducted virtually via GoToMeeting. Name Tag Assistance: If you have not received a name tag, please provide your name so the Worthy Warden Tom Siepmann can place the order at: [email protected]. Handy Knights Ministry: Need a hand with minor home repairs or know someone who needs help? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected]. Food For Others Food Recovery Ministry: Consider joining our ministry to recover food on Tuesdays between 11:00AM and 1:00PM from the Giant location on Burke Center Parkway and delivering it to Food For Others in Fairfax. We average 300-400 lbs of food picked up per week, but have seen loads over 900lbs. If you are interested contact me at [email protected]. Join Nativity’s Usher Ministry: Several weekend Masses at Nativity are in need of additional ushers. The greatest need is at the 9:00am, 12:45pm, and 5:30pm Masses on Sundays. Nativity offers an usher training program sponsored jointly by the Diocese and Nativity. If you are interested in joining the Usher Ministry, please contact Br. Tom Wilder at [email protected]. Prison Ministry: Fr. Vaccaro is asking brother knights help in writing letters to those incarcerated. He has a list of names whose lives might be impacted for the better with your corre-spondence. Please contact him if interested. Stephen Ministry: Brothers, Father Bob has enlisted the parish council to assess the possibility of establishing a Ste-phen Ministry in Nativity. This will be a parish program, and they are looking for volunteers from across the parish to join in this ministry. As Knights, our reputation for service pre-cedes us, so Jim has asked that we canvass the council to see who can support as individual volunteers to serve as leaders and/or ministers. Contact parishioner Jim Crawford at [email protected] or to volunteer.

Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39

nativityburke.org/youngadult

“Young Adult Ministry with Nativity”

@nativityyam

Our young adult community is still staying connected, even now! We’re grateful to the young adults who’ve shared their gifts these past few months by assisting with live-streaming Masses and providing music, and to those who have made videos of how they’re staying connected to God this year.

To find out more about our ministry and how you can participate in the community, visit our social media accounts or page on the website.

-‘

College Ministry Serving people ages 18-21 nativityburke.org/college

College students- we’re thinking about you and praying for you!

As more colleges send students home for the remainder of the semester, we want to check in on you while you’re here. If you’re local and interested in getting more involved, contact Alison. Text 703-577-5329 or email [email protected].

Young Family Ministry Serving families with children newborn- elementary

nativityburke.org/young-family-ministry/

In our ministry, “family” encompasses families in all shapes and sizes- married couples, single parents, adopted children, one child, multiple children, etc. It’s a chance to talk to others about the joys and challenges of raising a family, and also to learn from someone just a step ahead of you. If you have a young child, we welcome you in our community!

Our ministry is happy to stay connected and support young families during this time of distance. If you’re interested in updates, send us an email at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


MASS INTENTIONS

"We are God's People" 1 Peter 2:10

Monday, December 21

7:30am Special Intention for Isabel Torres

Tuesday, December 22 7:30am † Vi Sigler

Wednesday, December 23 7:30am † Victoria L. Hernandez (HW) † Charles Kelly

Thursday, December 24 7:30am † Cathleen Conway Del Polito 3:00pm Special Intention for Theresa Lieteau & Family

6:00pm † Ulysses 'U.T.' Brown 9:00pm † Elizabeth A. Daly 12:00pm † Marshall Levitan

Friday, December 25 7:00am † Joyce Doheny 10:30am † Bernie Crum † Karen Snee 1:00pm † Theresa Nicoletti

Saturday, December 26 9:00am † Kate Bush 5:00pm † Nella Zinicola 7:30pm † Jolene Kay Wharton

Sunday, December 27 7:00am † Marcia Briggs Wahl Parishioners

11:00am Special Intention for Marie- Anne Dinh

† Lance Whitesel 5:30pm Special Intention for Arianna Jackson

*Please note: All Masses are subject to change (i.e. due to weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances)

In case of a Mass time change, we will do our best to notify the requestor. If there is a Mass cancellation, the

Intention will be said by a Priest at a private Mass. External and Private Masses cannot be attended.

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: https://nativityburke.org/calendar/

In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.

How would Life be different today if Mary, the mother of Jesus, had decided to destroy the child within her womb

instead of submitting herself to the will of God? Pray that the miracle of Christmas, God taking on our humanity,

may lead us to an ever greater respect for all human Life. And may the Joy and Hope of this season bring Peace to ourselves, our

family, friends, our Church and our Country. A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All!

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

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

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

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

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY NEWS All women are invited to join us and learn about The Early Church - Just 3 slots left! Have you ever wondered how the church grew after the 12 apostles? Who are the founding fathers? Epic: A Journey Through Church History -The Early Church is a 10-week course through the Ascension Press. We meet via Zoom every Friday morning beginning January 8th at 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Register on the Nativity web site. Go to Ministries and then Women's Bible Study or contact Diane Fields at [email protected].

2021 MASS INTENTIONS The Mass Intentions Calendar for 2021 is now fully booked

and closed. The opening of the 2022 Calendar will be announced in February 2021. Unfortunately we will not be

able to reserve or block any dates prior to this time. Additionally there will be a limit on the number of Intention

requests for 2022, more information to follow. Please contact Ayse Kenner at [email protected] with questions.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Father Christopher Hayes

December 24

Deacon Richard Kelly December 27


APPALACHIA HOME BUILDING SPECIAL COLLECTION—JANUARY 2/3

On the weekend of January 2/3, the Knights will be speaking at all the Masses asking for your help to continue their home building effort in one of the poorest counties in our country. For the last 20 years, the Nativity Knights and Nativity Parish have partnered with the Appalachian Construction Crew operating out of Bellevue, Nebraska, to build one or two homes in McCreary County, Kentucky, which is rated as one of the top counties in this country for income below the poverty level. Throughout the year both crews raise money to offset the cost of approximately $82,000 to build the home. With the generosity of Nativity Parish, Nativity has raised over $80,000 in past collections and has now become the main funding source for the annual home building effort. Without Nativity’s support, the home building effort would have ceased in 2005. Last year, the combined crews built a home for the Marler family. The family had a total income of approximately $20,000 and the family of five lived in a rundown trailer. We are trying to equal our past collection efforts since we will be building a four-bedroom home this year, but we can’t do it without your help. This will be the 23rd home built by Nativity and the Knights. This year Good Shepherd Catholic Chapel in Whitley City selected the Stephens family of six to receive our next home. The family has been living in a dilapidated trailer with limited bathroom capability, mold issues, and is nearly impossible to heat in the winter. The family’s total income is $22,000. Over a very compressed two weeks in June, the combined crews will build a 1,200SF, four-bedroom home, complete with porches, heating/AC, appliances, and a septic system -- the family assists if they are able. A handyman prepares the foundation and because of county requirements, we must hire local electricians, HVAC specialists, and plumbers who work side-by-side with our crews to complete the home which has significantly added to our costs. Last year we were delayed four months by COVID and didn’t start the home till mid-September but we were able to get the family moved in by the first week in October, literally days after we completed the home. Please help if you can, but above all pray that we may be able to continue this important mission! The Knights will be collecting at all the church exits after all the Masses—checks may be made payable to Nativity Catholic Church, but annotate Appalachia Home Building on the check and your church envelope num-ber to facilitate posting to your account. Please consider electronic giving if at all possible; Appalachia Home Building is one of the designated charities. If you would like to mail your contribution, please send it to Nativity Catholic Church, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA 22015. Please call Bob Corsi at 703-239-2890 if you have any questions or email him at [email protected].

PLEASE HELP US


Consecration to the Holy Family December 27th is the Feast of the Holy Family. On the weekend of December 26-27, at all Masses, The Knights of Columbus Council will Assist our Pastor, Fr. Bob, in conducting a Con-secration to the Holy Family for our parish Families. You can learn all about this K of C pro-gram at: www.kofc.org/consecration. This weekend after all Masses, the Knights will hand out materials that explains this activity and provide ways your family can prepare for the Consecration next weekend. Those attending Virtual Mass can also participate and can find the prayer and preparation materials at https://nativityburke.org/family-holy-week-activity/.

To help families live out the joy of Christ, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori has composed a prayer through which families will come together to consecrate themselves under the protection of the Holy Family. In this prayer, we ask for the aid or intercession of the perfect son Jesus Christ, Mary the perfect mother, and Joseph who is a model for every father. Preparing for the Consecration to the Holy Family is not a single event. It is choosing a way of life for your family. Through this consecration, each participant is consciously choosing to be a beacon of God’s love through His Church. For more information please visit https://nativityburke.org/family-holy-week-activity/.

From Your Nativity Creation Care Ministry

Thanks so much to those who placed orders during our recent online Fair Trade Sale! We appreciate your support of the Fair Trade artisans and of the Creation Care Ministry’s projects. We look forward to doing our in-person sale next year at this time. Meanwhile, anytime is a great time to support Fair Trade so keep it in mind throughout the year. 4th Sunday of Advent: Mary inspires us to listen to God's call. We do this in prayer. We also do this by being attentive to what is happening in our lives – as individuals, as communities, as a society, as a civilization. If we are attentive, with God’s grace, we can begin to discern God’s call in our lives and our world. Pope Francis provides an excellent example of this, summoning us to care for God’s creation. We need to open our eyes and ears to what is happening to our mother the Earth and the possibilities to heal her that are still available. Thus there is another house that we need to concern ourselves with. It is our common home, the Earth. "Eco" in the word "ecology" comes from the Greek word for 'house' or 'household.' Pope Francis wrote his encyclical Laudato si' because he discerned God's call to the household of the faith to accept his urgent challenge to protect our common home. No home created by us, however lavish and comfortable can substi-tute for the beautiful home created by God. This is a living house that we are called to cherish. Merry Christmas this week from your Nativity Creation Care Ministry!

Solemnity of Mary Mass Schedule

January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Mass schedule is as follows:

December 31 - Vigil Mass at 5:00pm January 1 - 7:00am, 10:30am and 1:00pm (Spanish Mass)

Knights of Columbus Council 7992 Basketball Free Throw Challenge

This fun event will be held on Saturday, January 16th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Father Martin Center and is open to all boys and girls ages 9 - 14. Nativity girl and boy age group winners will be eligible to compete at the Knights of Columbus District Challenge in February at Holy Spirit in Annandale. Proper social distancing will be observed and face masks must be worn.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dave Zivich at [email protected].


ADULTS—YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG PERSON

YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ. College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Retirees ...all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can make a difference.

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

Get the Weekly CYM UPdate! Via FlockNote

High School: nativityburke.org/cym/lifeteen/ Grades 5-8 nativityburke.org/cym/edge/

nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Our Favorite New Tradition — Nativity School’s Hot Chocolate Bar! Thank You, Maria & Rich and team!

The room was transformed! Break time turned into a quiet respite near a crackling fire, sipping flavored hot chocolate adorned with tasty bits of fun -- a pack of chocolate chip

cookies on the side. Sa-weet!

************************************** Congratulations on Reaching Christmas

Break Safely Inside The Classroom!

To ensure our return to the classroom, Nativity School follows a strict regimen of health and safety guidelines.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to our families for helping to make our transition back into the classroom --

and to keep us there -- truly a working partnership.

Serving students in Grades 5 thru 12 in a

variety of teen groupings

For Complete Information Visit the Nativity Website

Starting September 2020 - All gatherings will take place bi-week outside in the fresh air

• All Groups meet from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

• Masks required - Bring a Camp Chair

• Parent involvement is requested to support this ministry during COVID-19

EDGE is middle school ministry Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 LifeTEEN is high school ministry Grades 9-10-11-12

Bi-Weekly Mon EDGE Grades 5 & 6 5:00-6:30pm Tues EDGE Grades 7 & 8 5:00-6:30pm

Wed LifeTEEN Grade 9 5:00-6:30pm Thur LifeTEEN Grades 10-11-12 5:00-6:30pm

YM Meeting Calendar Visit parish the web site - Youth and Family LifeTEEN or EDGE - YM Calendar

No Drop-Ins | SignUp Required Visit Web Site to get on the CYM Flocknote for

Updates, SignUp and Gathering Reminders

The Parish Office will close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 23rd.

It will be closed all day on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th. The Office will reopen at noon on Saturday,

December 27th and will be open regular hours on Sunday, December 28th. Merry Christmas!

http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/


Homilia Solemnidad de la Natividad del Señor (Misa del dia) Feliz Navidad a todos.

Esta es la gran noticia de esta mañana: Dios nos habla en su Palabra, que es Jesús. Una sola Palabra, pero ¡qué Palabra! Una Palabra que nos sabe a Dios. Mucho mejor, una Palabra que es Dios en persona: Jesucristo.

Dios ha nacido, forma parte de nuestra historia, para que nosotros gustemos de su historia, de su proyecto y de su vida. Desde ahora formamos parte de Él. Hoy nos dejamos emocionar por esta Palabra, por un gesto y una mira-da. Dios que nos habla, que nos toca, que nos mira. Navidad es la caricia de Dios, el abrazo de Dios a todo ser que alienta, que tiene vida. El beso de ternura de Dios a toda la humanidad.

Pero la clave, como siempre está en nuestra libertad, está en cómo recibi-mos nosotros la Palabra. Ella acampa entre nosotros, toma nuestra con-dición, "se hace hombre para divinizarnos a nosotros", "se abaja para le-vantarnos".

Ahora Jesús viene a nosotros y podemos descubrirle en los pobres y nece-sitados. Muchas veces no le queremos ver cuando llama a nuestra puerta, le rechazamos como fueron también rechazados José y María buscando posa-da en Belén. Este el gran drama del hombre: el rechazo de Dios y del her-mano. Es significativo ver cómo tuvieron que ir fuera de los muros de la ciudad, cómo los primeros que se dieron cuenta del nacimiento de su hijo fueron los excluidos de aquella época, los pastores, quienes eran mal vistos porque nunca participaban del culto como los demás y vivían al margen de los demás. Los suyos no lo recibieron, por ello su trono fue un pesebre, su palacio un establo, su compañía un buey y una mula… ¡Por algo, her-manos, quiso Dios que fuera así!

Hoy, María y José, siguen llamando a nuestra puerta. Siguen pidiendo po-sada, trabajo, acogida en los rostros de tantos hermanos nuestros que nece-sitan de nosotros. Pobres, inmigrantes, hombres y mujeres desesperados, sin sentido… Hombres, mujeres, niños, jóvenes y mayores, que han negado la posibilidad de encontrarse con Dios, que reniegan de su condición de hijos de Dios, porque nosotros no lo testimoniamos con nuestro modo de vivir. "Y sabrán que sois discípulos míos, si os amáis los unos a los otros como yo os he amado".

Como lo expresa el profeta Isaías: nos ha nacido un niño que con su luz vence nuestras tinieblas, que traerá alegría, gozo, justicia y paz sin límites. Dios "ha desnudado su santo brazo a la vista de todas las naciones", se ha "remangado" y ha mostrado su poder, ha "echado un pulso" al mundo y ha vencido, es "maravilla de consejero, Dios guerrero, Padre perpetuo, prínci-pe de la paz". Pero lo ha hecho a su estilo, en un pueblecito escondido del mapa, en el seno de una familia humilde, en un pesebre pobre y rodeado de la gente sencilla, los pastores. Así nace Dios. "¡Hoy nos ha nacido el salva-dor, el Mesías, el Señor!". ¡Dejémosle sitio en la posada de nuestra vida!

Demos gracias a Dios porque, sin dejar de ser Dios, se hace hombre. Porque, ello, nos lleva a ser mensajeros de esta gran noticia. A cambiar el mundo con la fuerza del amor, del perdón, de la alegría y de la ilusión. Ese es el secreto de la Navidad: Dios se hace presente en el mundo para salvar-lo, para ser fuente inagotable de gracia y de ternura, de perdón y de felicid-ad.

Que al contemplar al Dios Niño nuestras conciencias se vean interpeladas: el que es Todopoderoso, entra al mundo por la "puerta de atrás", de la hu-mildad. El que lo tiene todo, aparece ante nosotros desnudo. El que, en el cielo habitaba entre ángeles, gloria y majestad, nace en el mundo en medio de la soledad, la indiferencia o la frialdad. ¿Por qué nosotros -siendo menos que Dios- no optamos por seguir su ejemplo?

Es un contrasentido que estos días todos nos deseemos paz y felicidad, cuando en nuestro mundo siguen habiendo desdichas, guerras, enemistades y muchas carencias, nos sólo en lo material sino también en lo afectivo y moral. Todo ello es porque el mundo, los hombres aún no hemos compren-dido el gran misterio de la Navidad; que la razón, el sentido de nuestras vidas, la auténtica felicidad nos la da Jesús; que la paz, el modo de sen-tirnos definitivamente hermanos es reconociendo en Jesús al Hijo de Dios mediante el cual todos somos hermanos.

De corazón, con espíritu cristiano, yo os animo a vivir con dicha, paz y felicidad, el gran acontecimiento del Nacimiento de Dios; y a ser porta-dores a todos los hombres de esa inmensa luz que ilumina la existencia de todo ser humano.

Que la Palabra que es luz verdadera nos alumbre y que acampe en nuestro ser.

Que así sea

Navidad - B Evangelio de la Misa: Luc 2,1-14 En la cueva de Belén

Tres misas, con sus respectivas oraciones y lecturas propias, contiene el Misal para esta fiesta. Por ellas discurren los diver-sos textos bíblicos del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento, que alu-den o describen lo sucedido en Belén de Judá. En la Misa de medianoche (“misa del gallo” en leguaje popu-lar) se lee el edicto del emperador Cesar Augusto convocando al empadronamiento de todos los ciudadanos en su lugar de nacimiento. Y se relata el viaje de José a Belén y el nacimiento de Jesús en el pesebre. También se recuerda a los pastores, que, avisados por un ángel, adoran al Niño Dios.

¡Qué agradecidos debemos estar al evangelista San Lucas, que nos relata este acontecimiento histórico, tan trascendental para la humanidad! Señor, quiero acompañarte al lado de María y de José, como un criado fiel y solícito, para aprender de ellos y disfrutar de la paz y de la santidad que se respira en la gruta de Belén. Ellos no protestaron, ni se opusieron al edicto imperial. Aceptaron la orden poniéndose en camino. Con gran fe en tu amor providencial, y desbordado una enorme paz interior, les veo tranquilos y felices. Percibo la confianza que tienen en tus palabras. ¡Cuánto tengo que aprender yo en mi vida, que con tanta frecuencia me quejo, protesto y sufro tontamente por no tener más sentido sobrenatural en mi trabajo, en mis cruces de cada día, y lo mismo en mis alegrías, que no pasan de ser puramente humanas, placenteras y egoístas! Tuvieron que recibir desplantes, incluso desprecios de famili-ares y conocidos. Pero de nadie protestaron, a nadie critica-ron. Su corazón estaba centrado en algo más importante y trascendente, que esas pequeñeces humanas. ¡Qué alegría, Señor, el momento del parto! No importaba el lugar, la pobreza, el abandono de la gente. Se les notaba repletos de amor entre ellos, pues les unías Tu, Señor. Te acogieron como un niño y te adoraron como un Dios. Te parieron como un hombre y nos lo ofrecieron como el Sal-vador. Como ellos, Señor, quiero celebrar tu nacimiento, y con ellos quiero disfrutar de tu humanidad encantadora y agrade-certe la filiación divina que me regalas. Pero siempre la lado y con el cariño de María y de José.

También quiero acompañar a los pastores, que te visitaron y te obsequiaron con lo mejor que tenían, su corazón, pero será en otro rato de oración. ¡Gracias, Señor, por haberte hecho hom-bre, para que yo pueda vivir como un hijo de Dios!

Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia Fourth Sunday of ...7:00am † Marcia Briggs Wahl...

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