Saint Gerard Catholic Church 809 Orange Avenue NW Roanoke, Virginia 24016—Office (540)343-7744 Fax (540)343-3599

Facebook—St. Gerard Catholic Church, Roanoke

Instagram—stgerardchurchroanoke

Website: stgerardroanokeva.org

VISION STATEMENT—VISION DE LA PARROQUIA A model Christian parish where each individual contributes unique gifts and talents to create a prayerful,

caring and inclusive community.

Una parroquia Cristiana modelo, en la cual cada individuo contribuye sus dones y talentos para crear

una communidad de oración, amor e inclusión.

Akarorero kumukirisu nihamwe umunta wese atanga ikado nziza cane n’impano zokubaka

amasengesho n’umwitwarariko kubaka ubumwe.

February 5, 2017— February 11, 2017

5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

*In Service to our Faith Community*

Rev. Fr. Mark White, Pastor moreheheard@gmail.com Rev. Matt Kiehl, Parochial Vicar mkiehl@richmonddiocese.org Rev. José Morán Arce, Parochial Vicar jarce@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Maria Morales CRE reled@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Isabel Booth, Hispanic Ministry ibooth@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Jenn O’Herron, Bookkeeper joherron@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Beverly Stith, Secretary bstith@stgerard.roacoxmail.com In case of emergency call (202) 489-3607

Parish Leadership/Lideres de la Parroquia Building & Grounds Committee………………………………………………………..Jaime Benavidez & Jesus Cardenas Christian Formation……………………………………………………………………...Maria Morales, Staff Finance Council………………………………………………………………………….Karen Wray Called to Serve Ministry………………………………………………………………...Digna Martinez Knights of Columbus-Fr. Maurice McDonald Council #13046……………………..Sergio Arriaga, Grand Knight Liturgy Committee……………………………………………………………………… Nocturnal Adoration Society/Sociedad de la Adoracion Nocturna………………...Jaime Benavidez, Presidente Pastoral Care……………………………………………………………………………Charles Anderson Pastoral Council……………………………………………………………………… ..Paul English, Chair St. Andrew’s Diocesan Cemetery, Parish Representatives………………………..Caecilia Hubbard Youth Ministry…………………………………………………………………………...Victoria Brown & Claudia Arriaga Parish Community Life……………………………………………………………… ...Phyllis Mardian (Co-Chair)

Welcome to Our Visitors!

Whether you’re just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, are returning to the practice of our

Catholic faith, we’re happy to have you here.

La Bienvenida a Nuestros Visitantes

Sea que solo está de visita, buscando por una parroquia o regresando a la práctica de su fe católica, estamos muy

contentos de que este aquí.

PRAYER INTENTIONS In our Thoughts and Prayers

Please pray for those who are sick, that they

experience strength in the Lord’s compassion

and love: Linda Sparta, Nicholas Surat, William DeBerry, Sachin Varghese, Marilyn Laukaitis, Marsha Laukaitis, Fr. Michael Herbert, Dabney Ward, Jessica English, Donna Boyd, Carolyn Mann, Claire Williams, Bill Grogan, Linda Crutchfield, Ed Harris, James Brown, Jack Stilton, Tyrone

Johnson, Mary Ann Huff, Fr. Jim Parke, Charles Anderson

Bless all who give themselves to the service of others: To those who devote or have devoted their lives to serving our country, children and neighborhoods; they are giving back. They have answered the call to serve.

Heavenly Father, You have called my son to be a priest and

he has generously responded to that call: David Arellano, John R. Baab. Dillon A. Bruce, Deacon John R. Christian, Phillip L. Decker, Anthony Ferguson, Benjamin W. Fleser, James W. Hickman, Magnus T. Iwuji, Deacon Mark E. Kowalski, Thomas B. Lawrence III, Christopher M. Masla, Jr., John D. Minnich, Daniel R. Molochko, Kyle S. O’Connor, James P. O’Reilly, Julio Hernan Realegeño Reyes, Nicholas E. Redmond, Kevin J. Riedel, Cassidy M. N. Stinson, Christopher J. Weyer, Riley W. Winstead, Deacon Miguel Melendez, Armando Herrera, Alex Jiménez, Joe Kauflin, Patrick Walsh, William Douglas, Andrew Clark, Gregory Guilfoyle

Office’s Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

QUESTION OF THE WEEK PREGUNTA DE LA SEMANA

Do you believe everyone is welcome in the reign of God?

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:1-12a

╬

¿Crees que todos son bienvenidos en el reino de Dios?

Gospel Reading Mateo 5:1-12a

Upcoming at St. Gerard’s!

¡Ya viene a San Gerardo!

Sunday, January 29 / domingo, 29 de enero ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL AFTER ALL MASSES 9:30 am-Mass—Pro Populo 10:45 am—CF Classes

12:30 pm-Misa – Angela Sifuentes Puente † 2:00 pm—Family meeting Class/Clase del Ministerio de la

Familia 5:00 pm—P. J. Ryan †

Monday, January 30 / lunes, 30 de enero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s

6:00 pm—Estudio Biblico

Tuesday, January 31 / martes, 31 de enero

12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s Wednesday, February 1 / miércoles, 1 de febrero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:15 pm—Confessions 7:00 pm--Knights of Columbus Thursday, February 2 / jueves, 2 de febrero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:30 pm—High School Youth Ministry and Catechesis 6:30 pm—Confirmation Interviews Friday, February 3 / viernes, 3 de febrero 7:30 am—Mass 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:00 pm—Prayer group (Grupo de Oración) 7:00 pm—First Friday Mass (Spanish)

Saturday, February 4 / sábado, 4 de febrero 5:00 pm— Spanish Children’s Choir Practice

Sunday, February 5 / domingo, 5 de febrero 9:30 am Mass – 10:45 am—CF and Adult Formation Classes (Spanish) 12:30 pm Misa – 5:00 pm—

Ministers for February 5, 2017 9:30 am Mass Lectors: Benjamin Nkunzimana Ministers of Holy Communion: John Karambizi, Constance Crutchfield, Altermease Brown, Nicole Terry, James Brown, Coordinator: Becky Carr

Ministros para la misa de 12:30 pm del 5 de febrero Lectores: Beatriz Munoz, Milagros K Muniz Servidores del Altar: Jerry Cardenas, Shellie Salinas Ministros de la Sagrada Comunión: Noemi Aguilar, Minerva Carreon, Angelica Cortez, Karla Benavidez, Paula Carreon, Miguel Cisneros, Victoria Brown

Coordinator: Joana Flores

Readings for Sunday, February 5 / Lecturas para el

domingo 5 de febrero

70: Zep 2:3, 3:12-13 Ps 146:6-10 1 Cor 1:26-31 Mt 5:1-12a

Parish Support Jan 22 Jan (Month to Date)

Diocesan Collection(s)$ 777 $ 842 (CCHD, Catholic Charities, Respect Life)

Fundraising $ 484 $ 1108 (bread ticket, food sale)

Regular Collection $ 3,908 $ 13,407 Capital Improvement $ 172 $ 5,114 Total $ 4,080 $18,522

Budgeted Regular Collection $ 3,145 $15,726 Capital Improvement $ 462 $ 2,308 Total $ 3,607 $18,034

Over/(Under) 473 488

Did you know?

The word community has many implications, some

positive, some negative.

Community can make us think of a safe

togetherness, shared meals, common goals, and joyful

celebrations. (a good and positive definition of community)

It can also provide images of being exclusive, having

in-group language, and self-satisfied isolation. (a negative

meaning)

However, community is first of all a quality of the

heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive

not for ourselves but for one another. It is inclusive. Community

is the result of our capacity to make the interests of others more

important than our own.

“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts

of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ”.

1 Corinthians 12:12

Who knew?

¿Sabías qué?

La palabra comunidad tiene muchas implicaciones,

algunas positivas, otras negativas.

La Comunidad nos puede hacer pensar de un estar

juntos seguros, compartir comidas, metas comunes y alegres

celebraciones (una buena y positiva definición de comunidad).

También puede proveer imágenes de ser exclusivo, tener el

mismo lenguaje y aislamiento auto satisfactorio (un significado

negativo).

Sin embargo, comunidad es primero que todo una

cualidad del corazón. Crece del conocimiento espiritual de que

estamos vivos no para nosotros mismos pero para el uno con el

otro.

La Comunidad es inclusiva. Es el resultado de nuestra capacidad

de hacer los intereses de otros más importantes que los nuestros.

“Las partes del cuerpo son muchas, pero el cuerpo es uno; por

muchas que sean las partes, todas forman un solo cuerpo.”

1 Corintios 12:12

¿Quién sabia?

The Feast of Presentation,

often called Candlemas, commemorates the presentation of

Christ in the temple. The name was

derived from the Gospel of Luke

2:22-40 where Simeon’s prophecy

declared Jesus to be the Lord’s

salvation and “a light for revelation

to the Gentiles…”. Candlemas

Day, February 2, is a time to honor

the Lord as the Light of the World

and to remind us that we too have

that light within us through our

Baptism.

Churches will celebrate the

|weekend of February 4/5.

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for

women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached

to the Feast of the Presentation/Candlemas. A day on which the

candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the

world. Men and women in consecrated life are called to reflect

the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

La fiesta de la Presentación, llamada a menudo de la Candelaria, conmemora la presentación de Cristo en el

templo. El nombre deriva del Evangelio de Lucas 2:22-40

donde la profecía de Simeón declaró a Jesús ser el Señor de la

salvación y “luz que se revelará a las naciones…”. El Día de la

Candelaria, 2 de febrero, es un tiempo para honrar al Señor

como la Luz del Mundo y recordarnos que también nosotros

tenemos esa luz dentro de sí mismos a través de nuestro

bautismo.

Las iglesias lo celebraran el fin de semana de 4-5 de febrero.

En 1997, El Papa San Juan Pablo II instituyó un día de

oración por las mujeres y hombres en la vida consagrada. Esta

celebración está ligada a la Fiesta de la Presentación/Candelaria.

Un día en el cual se bendicen las velas simbolizando a Cristo

que es la luz del mundo. Hombres y mujeres en la vida

consagrada están llamados a reflejar la luz de Jesucristo a toda

la gente.

Saint Blaise Fun Facts Raised as a Christian in a rich family, he became a bishop. In a vision, God appeared to him and told him to flee. To avoid persecution, he lived in the hills with sick animals and cared for them. He was later captured ad while imprisoned, cured a boy choking on a fish bone. He was ordered to be killed for refusing to renounce his faith and love of God. His feast day of February 3. He is patron saint of throat illnesses.

Curiosidades sobre San Blas Criado como cristiano en una familia de dinero, él se convirtió en obispo. En una visión, Dios se le apareció y le dijo

que escapara. Para evitar persecución, él vivió en las colinas con animales enfermos y cuidó de ellos.

Luego fue capturado y mientras estaba en la cárcel, curó a un niño que se estaba ahogando con un hueso en la gar-

ganta.

El fue condenado a muerte por reusar renunciar a su fe y a su amor por Dios.

Su fiesta es el 3 de febrero, él es el patrono de las enfermedades en la garganta.

Regional Services / Servicios Regionales

Roanoke Catholic School: 982-3532 Catholic Historical Museum: 982-0152 Madonna House: 343-8464 Roanoke Area Ministries: 345-8850 St. Francis House: 342-7561 Ext. 319 St. Andrew's Cemetery: 342-9180 Catholic Charities: 344-5107 Our Lady of the Valley: 345-5111 Refugee and Immigration Service: 342-7561 Pregnancy Counseling – Catholic Charities: 344-2749 Blue Ridge Women’s Center: 362-4357 5034 Williamson Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 www.blueridgewoman.org

Sacrament of Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism should be celebrated as soon as possible after birth. Therefore parents should contact the parish office prior to the child’s birth. This will allow adequate time for the necessary preparation of the parents and the Godparents.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: On Wednesday from 6:15-7:00 PM or by appointment.

First Reconciliation and First Communion, Sacrament of Confirmation: Please contact the Coordinator of Religious Education (María Morales) for more information.

Sacrament of Marriage: Requires at least nine months of preparation before the Marriage. Contact the Pastor, through the parish office, to start the process.

Pastoral Care: Please contact the parish office if you are aware a parishioner is sick and desires to receive the Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick or a visit from the Pastor.

Parish Registration forms are available through the office.

Sacramento del Bautismo. El Sacramento del Bautismo debe ser celebrado después del nacimiento del niño, o tan pronto como sea posible. Los padres deben llamar a la oficina de la parroquia antes de la fecha del nacimiento para que los padres y padrinos reciban la preparación necesaria.

Sacramento de Reconciliación. Los miércoles de 6:15-7:00 PM o por una cita.

Para Primera Reconciliación, Primera Comunión o Sacramento de Confirmación. Llame a la Coordinadora de Educación Religiosa, María Morales.

Sacramento del Matrimonio. Se requieren por lo menos nueve meses de preparación. Para iniciar el proceso póngase en contacto con el Párroco llamando la oficina.

Cuidado Pastoral. Si Ud. se entera de que un feligrés está enfermo y desea recibir la Eucaristía, Unción de Enfermos o una visita del Párroco, llame a la oficina.

Las Formas de Registro Parroquial están disponibles tam-bién en la oficina.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…COMMUNITIES OF

FAITH, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE

We will celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 29– February 3. This is the week that Catholic

schools nationally celebrate the gift of the opportunity

of being educated in our Catholic faith. We ask for your

prayers and support for all Catholic schools that they

may continue to be a strong influence on our children,

not only in their educational life, but their spiritual life

as well.

God, our Father and Creator, be with us in our school.

Help us to treasure your gift of life

and treat one another with care.

Let us always remember that we are all created

in your image.

Come, Lord Jesus, and be with us in our school.

Guide our teachers,

guide our parents,

and lead our students

to recognize you in all people.

Come, Holy Spirit, and be with us in our school.

Give us a vision for the future,

and the determination for shaping a faith-filled future.

Amen. .

In all we do...Evangelize!

“Lord teach us to step outside ourselves.

Teach us to go out into the streets…”

Pope Francis

En todo lo que

hagamos… ¡Evangelicemos!

“Señor enséñanos a salir de nosotros mis-

mos.

Enséñanos a ir a la calle…"

Papa Francisco

SOUP FOR SENIORS! (more than soup)

Help a senior have a hot meal! Next Sunday we will have a box in the commons. We are asking that you help our community. Requested items are: Soups, Canned vegetables, Canned fruits, Crackers, Pea-nut Butter, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Canned meat (such as tuna), Oatmeal)

¡SOPAS PARA LOS ANCIANOS!

(más que sopa) ¡Ayude a un anciano a tener una comida caliente!

El próximo domingo tendremos una caja en el área común. Le pedimos que ayude a nuestra comunidad. Artículos que pedimos son: Sopa en lata, Vegetales en lata, Fruta en lata, Galletas saladas, Mantequilla de maní, Bebida en lata de Desayuno Carnation, Carne en lata (como atún), Avena.

The Roanoke Knights of Columbus invites EVERYONE to come and enjoy the Super Bowl commercials ... and the game...amongst other Catholics and their friends on Sunday, February 5th. There is absolutely no cost to attend, but you are asked to bring your favorite tailgate snack, or food, to share! Beverages will be available. Barring any technical difficulties, we will be enjoying the game on our new SUPER BIG SCREEN projector system! (As a result, there will not be a system available to show DVD movies for the children.) Our home is located at 3136 Harris Street, SW

Roanoke. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM and doors open at 5:30.

No RSVP is required...just come and bring your friends!

The Office for Black Catholics invites you to our 1st Annual Black Catholic Leadership Awards Banquet. This event is being hosted at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump, 12042 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233 on Saturday, March 25, 2017, 6:00pm and will include live entertainment.

The purpose of this event is to recognize Black Catholic leadership within our Diocese. Funds raised for this event are given in the form of scholarships to assist Black Catholic youth in continuing their education.

Black Catholic adults who made significant contributions to their faith community in the Diocese of Richmond will be recognized. The Lifetime Achievement Award, Sister Cora Marie Billings Award and Acacia Tree Award will also be presented.

In an effort to ensure seating, please call the office (540-343-7744) ASAP to make your reservation. Seating is limited therefore a quick response would be encouraged.

Please join us, along with Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, a host of dignitaries and friends. Are you searching for a way to renew your baptismal promises and deepen your relationship with your faith and God? If so, the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to consider a vocation as a Secular Franciscan.

Secular Franciscans are members of a local fraternity, a living and active Christian community. The Secular Franciscan Order is just that, an Order within the Catholic Church and not an organization or club. Our Companions of Francis and Clare Fraternity meet on the 4th Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem, Virginia.

If you are interested and would like to learn more, please contact Mr. David Kauffman, OFS, at 540-463-9684 or wdkauffman@comcast.net. What should you do with that unwanted vehicle sitting in your garage? Donate it! Your contribution will help provide much-needed support for Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ programs. Cars, boats, RVs and many other vehicles are accepted. Donating is easy and your gift is tax deductible. Call (855) 501-GIVE or visit www.cccofva-cardonations.org. We’ll schedule the pick up and take care of the rest.

OUTSIDE THE PARISH

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the

kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

This one confuses people. Replace the word

“humble” for “poor” and it makes more

sense. People that are humble recognize their

dependence on God and trust that He will

provide all that they need. Unfortunately, for many of us, pride

and ego enters our lives and we think we can live without God.

Remember – God first in all circumstances.

"Bienaventurados los pobres de espíritu, porque de ellos es el

reino de los cielos." Mateo 5;3

Esto confunde a la gente. Reemplacen la palabra "pobre" por

"humilde" y tiene más sentido. Las personas que son humildes

reconocen su dependencia de Dios y confían en que Él les

proveerá todo lo que necesitan. Desafortunadamente, para

muchos de nosotros, el orgullo y el ego entran en nuestras vidas

y pensamos que podemos vivir sin Dios. Recuerda - Dios

primero en todas las circunstancias.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” As we reflect upon the beatitudes, let us explore how to understand our spouse better. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is Mar 31 - Apr 2 in Herndon, VA. Early sign up is recommended. For more information visit our website at: https://renewmarriage-vasouth.org/ or contact us at applications@renewmarriage-vasouth.org or 757-690-1369. Roanoke Catholic School is accepting applications for a part time bus driver for field trips and athletics. Applicants must possess a CDL. Please contact Matt Peck at 540-293-3791 or mpeck@roanokecatholic.com for more information or to apply.

OUTSIDE THE PARISH cont’d

First Friday Mass! We will be starting up a Spanish First Friday Mass (first one on February 3.) Mass is at 7 pm with Holy Hour with the Hispanic Worship Group at 6 pm.

¡Misa Primer Viernes de Mes! Cada primer viernes de mes tendremos una misa en

español (la primera es este viernes 3 de febrero). La misa

es a las 7 pm con Hora Santa guiada por el Grupo de

Oración Hispano a las 6 pm.

The winners Basket with fragrances from Elizabeth Arden and the

Coach Bag Raffle are: Antonio Muñiz (basket) and Luis Yanez (the

bag).

CONGRATULATIONS! And thank you to the community for

supporting this raffle to help with the operating expenses of the par-

ish… We are all winners!

Los ganadores de la Rifa de cesta con fragancias de Elizabeth Ar-

den y 2º premio una bolsa marca Coach son: Antonio Muñiz (cesta)

and Luis Yanez (el bolso).

¡FELICITACIONES! Y gracias a toda la comunidad por apoyar

esta rifa que ayuda con los gastos de operación de la parroquia…

¡Todos somos ganadores!

Life Long Christian Formation – Formaci�n Cristiana de por VidaFebruary 5, 2017

YOUTH CONFIRMATION. Next session is THIS Tuesday February7 at 7:00 pm on the office side is the class.

CONFIRMACI�N DE J�VENES.La pr�xima clase es ESTE martes 7 de febrero a las 7:00pm del lado de las oficinas.

RCIA Schedule 2016-2017. For children and adults are the 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8pm. The next session is onTuesday February 21, 2017.

Horario de RICA 2016-2017. Para los ni�os y adultos son los 3o, and 4o martes del mes de 6:30-8pm. La pr�xima sesi�n es el martes 21 de febrero del 2017.

Youth! Dive deeper into understanding your relationship with Jesus… attend one of the retreats!

Christian Awakening.A peer-ministered retreat which enables the teenagers in grades 11 or 12 to come to know and experience Christ, and to see him in themselves and others. Feb. 24-26, 2017 at 4-H Smith Mt. Lake. Registration is dueby February 14, 2017.

Kujenga. This is a retreat opportunity for African American and African youth in high school. March 10-11, 2017; RoslynRetreat Center in Richmond. Please contact one of the youth ministers for more information.

PREPARACION MATRIMONIAL. “La misma preparaci�n al matrimonio cristiano se califica ya como un itinerario de fe. Es, en efecto, una ocasi�n privilegiada para que los novios vuelvan a descubrir y profundicen la fe recibida en el Bautismo y alimentada con la educaci�n cristiana. De esta manera reconocen y acogen libremente la vocaci�n la vocaci�n a vivir el

seguimiento de Cristo y el servicio al Reino de Dios en el estado matrimonial.” (Familiaris Consortio, John Paul II, 1981, n. 51).

Las pr�ximas sesiones para las parejas ser�n entre febrero y marzo del 2017. Favor de contactar a Mar�a Morales durante las horas de oficina para hacer una cita y llenar la forma de aplicaci�n a las pl�ticas.

El Evangelio en el hogar.

El Evangelio de esta semana: Mateo 5:13-16. Jes�s env�a a sus seguidores a ser “la sal de la tierra” y “la luz del mundo”. La sal y la luz son tan importantes para nosotros hoy como lo eran para las personas en la �poca de Jes�s. La imagen que Jes�s da de la sal nos reta a enfatizar lo mejor en los dem�s, as� como la sal resalta mejor los sabores en la comida. La imagen de luz nos reta a calentar e iluminar la vida de los dem�s al igual que la luz del sol, y nos reta a vivir en la manera de Jes�s para que nuestras acciones brillen como una l�mpara en un pedestal.

Rezar juntos. Durante la comida en familia, recen juntos para que su familia sea realmente sal de la tierra que mejore la vida de muchos. P�sense el salero alrededor de la mesa. Mientras cada persona sostiene el salero, puede rezar en sus propias palabras para que Dios los ayude a mejorar la vida de su familia y tambi�n del mundo.

The Gospel at Home.

This Week’s Gospel: Mathew 5:13-16. Jesus commissions his followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “light to the world.” Salt and light are just as important to us today as they were to people in Jesus’ time. Jesus’ image of salt challenges us to bring out the best in others as salt brings out the best flavors in food. The image of light challenges us to warm and brighten others’ lives like sunlight. It challenges us to live as Jesus did so that our actions shine forth like a lamp on a stand.

Pray Together. At a family meal, pray together that your family may truly be salt for the earth by making a difference. Pass a salt shaker around the table. While holding the salt shaker, each person can pray in his or her own words for God’s help in truly making a difference in the life of your family and in the world as well.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION FOR THE CHILDREN/YOUTH. The next session is on Saturday, March

25 from 9:00am to 11:30am.

PREPARACI�N DE PRIMERA COMUNI�N PARA LOS NI�OS Y J�VENES. La pr�xima clase de

preparaci�n es el s�bado 25 de marzo de 9:00am a 11:30pm. Padres

recuerden de venir con sus hijos, y de traer sus libros “Una Fe Bien Construida”

The Word of God as a Source of Prayer by Christopher Chapman

It continues from last week… “The Catechism also affirms, in the words of Dei Verbum 11, "[that] since therefore all that the inspired authors or sacred writers affirm should be regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that thebooks of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures" (CCC, no. 107).Note that both in the creation of man and in the inspiration of Holy Scripture, we speak of God breathing.First, with regard to man, "the biblical account expresses this reality in symbolic language when it affirms 'then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being'" (CCC, no. 362, Gn 2:7).Secondly, with regard to Sacred Scripture, St. Paul reminds both St. Timothy and us that "all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness . . . ." (2 Tm 3:16). The word Paul uses there for inspiration is the Greek theopneustos, which translates literally as "God-breathed."Those two Scriptural passages help us see that the conversation and communion between man and God is closely connected with Sacred Scripture. We are meant to breathe in and out the words of God, which are all related to the Word of God, Jesus Christ, "his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely" (CCC, no. 102). “

The Church's ExhortationSt. Jerome famously asserted, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." It is a statement that is profound in its simplicity and insight. But do we take it seriously? How well do we really know Jesus Christ? How well do we know Scripture? These questions are intimately related. If we do not know Jesus well, is it possible to converse well with him? Is not conversation what prayer is? Should not our reading and listening to Scripture be an intimate part of our conversation with God?In the Catechism, the Church calls on Christians to overcome both those deficiencies through the prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture:"The Church 'forcefully and specially exhorts all the Christianfaithful . . . to learn' "the surpassing knowledge of JesusChrist" {Phil 3:8} by frequent reading of the Divine Scriptures .. . Let them remember, however that prayer shouldaccompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialoguetakes place between God and man. For 'we speak to himwhen we pray; we listen to him when we read the divineoracles'" The spiritual writers, paraphrasing Matthew 7:7,summarize in this way the dispositions of the heart nourishedby the word of God in prayer: 'Seek in reading and you will findin meditating; knock in mental prayer and it will be opened toyou by contemplation'" (CCC, nos. 2653-2654)

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/prayer/teaching-aids-christopher-chapman.cfm

La Palabra de Dios como fuente de oraciónpor Christopher Chapman

Contin�a de la semana pasada… “El Catecismo afirma tambi�n, en palabras de Dei Verbum 11, "[que] como todo lo que afirman los hagi�grafos, o autores inspirados, lo afirma el Esp�ritu Santo, se sigue que los libros sagrados ense�an s�lidamente, fielmente y sin error la verdad que Dios hizo consignar en dichos libros para salvaci�n nuestra" (CIC, no. 107).

Advi�rtase que tanto en la creaci�n del hombre como en la inspiraci�n de la Sagrada Escritura, hablamos de Dios exhalando.

En primer lugar, con respecto al hombre, "el relato b�blico expresa esta realidad con un lenguaje simb�lico cuando afirma que 'Dios form� al hombre con polvo del suelo e insufl� en sus narices aliento de vida y result� el hombre un ser viviente'" (CIC, no. 362, Gn 2:7).

En segundo lugar, en lo que respecta a la Sagrada Escritura, san Pablo recuerda tanto a san Timoteo como a nosotros que "toda la Sagrada Escritura est� inspirada por Dios y es �til para ense�ar, para reprender, para corregir y para educar en la virtud..." (2 Tm 3:16). La palabra que usa Pablo all� para inspiraci�n es el griego theopneustos, que se traduce literalmente como "exhalada por Dios".

Estos dos pasajes de la Escritura nos ayudan a ver que la conversaci�n y comuni�n entre el hombre y Dios est� estrechamente relacionada con la Sagrada Escritura. Estamos hechos para inhalar y exhalar las palabras de Dios, las cuales est�n todas relacionadas con la Palabra de Dios, Jesucristo, "su Verbo �nico, en quien �l se da a conocer en plenitud" (CIC, no. 102).

La exhortaci�n de la IglesiaSan Jer�nimo afirm�, "La ignorancia de la Escritura es la ignorancia de Cristo". Es una declaraci�n profunda en su simplicidad y perspicacia. Pero �la tomamos en serio? �Qu� tan bien conocemos realmente a Jesucristo? �Qu� tan bien conocemos las Escrituras? Estas preguntas est�n �ntimamente relacionadas. Si no conocemos bien a Jes�s, �es posible conversar bien con �l? �No es la conversaci�n lo que es la oraci�n? �No debe nuestra lectura y escucha de la Escritura ser una parte �ntima de nuestra conversaci�n con Dios?

En el Catecismo, la Iglesia llama a los cristianos a superar ambas deficiencias a trav�s de la lectura orante de la Sagrada Escritura:

"La Iglesia 'recomienda insistentemente a todos sus fieles [...]la lectura asidua de la Escritura para que adquieran "la cienciasuprema de Jesucristo" (Flp 3:8) [...]. Recuerden que a lalectura de la sagrada Escritura debe acompañar la oraciónpara que se realice el diálogo de Dios con el hombre, pues 'aDios hablamos cuando oramos, a Dios escuchamos cuandoleemos sus palabras'. Los Padres espirituales parafraseandoMt 7:7, resumen así las disposiciones del corazón alimentadopor la palabra de Dios en la oración: "Buscad leyendo, yencontraréis meditando; llamad orando, y se os abrirá por lacontemplación'" (CIC, nos. 2653-2654)

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