INCARNATION CATHOLIC CHURCH CLERGY Rev. Michael Cormier, Pastor Rev. Brian Fabiszewski, Parochial Vicar Rev. Francisco Hernandez, Parochial Vicar Deacon Ramon Rodriguez Deacon Matt Shirina Deacon Jim Minary Deacon Frank Julian PARISH OFFICE Hours: 9am - 4pm 5124 Gateway Dr. Tampa, FL 33615 Ph. 813.885.7861 | www.icctampa.org
SCHOOL OFFICE 5111 Webb Rd. Tampa, FL 33615 Ph. 813.884.4502 Fax: 813.885.3734 | www.icstampa.org
STAFF 813-885-7861 Business Manager - Rae Stabile stewardship@icctampa.org 813-493-3069 Facility Manager - Arnie Fernandez facilitymanager@icctampa.org 813-486-1612 Parish Secretary - Irene Martinez secretary@icctampa.org Bulletin Coordinator - Monica Windmiller bulletin@icctampa.org Director of Music - David Funes musicdirector@icctampa.org 813-885-7811 Director of Faith Formation Deacon Matt Shirina dff@icctampa.org 813-884-3624 Religious Education Ministry Judy Licari reled@icctampa.org 813-884-3624 Youth Coordinator -Thomas Myers youthcoordinator@icctampa.org
SCHOOL OFFICE www.icstampa.org Ph. 813.884.4502 Principal - Marrie McLaughlin
MASS SCHEDULE Monday through Friday: 7:00am Saturday: 9:00am & 4:00pm (Vigil) Sunday: 7:00am, 9:00am & 11:00am, Spanish at 1:00 pm MISAS EN ESPAÑOL: Domingos a la 1:00pm
CONFESSIONS/ Confesiones: Saturdays - 2:30pm to 3:30pm in Church or by appointment
8220 W. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, FL 33615 |www.icctampa.org
1
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT
Prepare “Jesus said to his disciples: Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” – Mark 13:33 This weekend we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of new liturgical year. It’s also Thanksgiving weekend. Generally, when we think of Advent, our thoughts turn to preparing for the birth of our Savior at Christmas. The anticipation and birth of a child brings emotions of hope and joy. And yet, the reading from Mark’s Gospel this weekend seems a bit more ominous. Advent is indeed a time of preparation. We prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in history, and we prepare for His second coming in glory at the end of time. It is the latter that Our Lord is speaking of when He says, “Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” In fact, the word “watch” is used four times in this short Gospel reading. Jesus mentions the times of the day when we are typically most tired or sleepy: evenings, mornings, midnight or at dawn. These are times when it is most difficult to stay awake and vigilant. Jesus was not using these times in the literal sense, but rather figuratively. The reality is that many people go through life on cruise control. We can fall into habits and lose track of the meaning and significance of why we do certain things – like going to Mass each weekend. Some miss a Sunday at church, then another, and then it becomes a pattern. We know that Our Lord will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Our time on earth is but a moment in time, and we don’t know how much time we may have. Therefore, we should be prepared. Live each day as if it could be your last day. Don’t put off until tomorrow what we should do today. Tell your family and friends that you love them and forgive those who need to be forgiven. Seek God’s forgiveness in your own life. Be the person that God has created you to be. Prepare. If you do so, there’s no need to worry about the Master’s return. -Bishop Parkes
I pray these lines find all doing well, I pray you had your fill of turkey and had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I need to share that the Thanksgiving Mass is one of my favorite Masses. Although it is not required so many people attend, and I really love that. The Gospel used is the 10 lepers who were healed but only one came back to Jesus to give thanks. In a very similar way, those who attend the Thanksgiving Mass are like that one leper – If not for Jesus you would not have a family to gather with at Thanksgiving, all we have is from God so to begin Thanksgiving giving thanks to the giver of EVERYTHING is the perfect way to begin the holiday. Also, more times than not the ones who attend are the ones preparing the meal, having people over and have very busy days ahead of them but they also have their priorities in check. We celebrate today the first Sunday in Advent. The readings are a total “de ja vous” be ready – like we have not heard that for the past three weeks excluding last week. And our being prepared is two-fold, being ready to see Jesus at the end times or our own personal “end time,” the second being us being prepared for the celebration of Christmas. When Mary was ready to bear her child there was no room at the inn. The Lord now looks to live within our hearts but there are times when there is also – no room. May we take the time this Advent to “clean house” so that at Christmas we may welcome the Lord into our hearts! Have a great week! Love, Fr. Mike
November 29, 2020
Holy Day Mass Schedule December 8 Immaculate Conception Tuesday, December 8th
7am, 9:00am, 12:10pm, 6pm Spanish Vigil Mass Monday, December 7th
at 7pm
A change in Offertory Envelopes: Envelopes are now being provided annually instead of bimonthly: 11/1/2020 - thru10/31/2021 • Envelopes are contained in a small box, which is easier to use and store in a safe place. • Envelopes will no longer be mailed. • Please call Rae at 813-493-3069 to schedule a time to stop by the Parish Office and pick up your envelopes. • This change will help the Parish to practice good stewardship as well as making it easier for you the parishioner. 2
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT
November 29, 2020
Prayer List SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 29 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:00 A.M. People of Incarnation 9:00 A.M. + Veronica Gonzalez 11:00 AM. All Souls in Purgatory 1:00 P.M. + Mercedes Andia de Vera MONDAY - NOVEMBER 30 7:00 A.M. + Elaine BrandI TUESDAY - DECEMBER 1 7:00 A.M. + Alice Morse WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 2 7:00 A.M. + Paul Gonzalez THURSDAY - DECEMBER 3 7:00 A.M. + Joan DeNuncio FRIDAY - DECEMBER 4 7:00 A.M. + Estrella Dupres SATURDAY - DECEMBER 5 9:00 AM. + Natalia Lopez de Campos 4:00 P.M. + Therese McCreesh SUNDAY - DECEMBER 6 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 7:00 A.M. People of Incarnation 9:00 A.M. + Celia Tomalis 11:00 A.M. + Maureen Finch 1:00 P.M. + Andres de Jesus Cancio
Offertory totals will be in next weeks bulletin.
Thank you for your generous support last week for the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development! If you missed the collection, it’s not too late to give! Visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections.
BLOOD DRIVE NEXT SUNDAY
Tuesday night English Bible study Incarnation Tuesday night English Bible study will begin ONLINE for a fourteen-week study on the Gospel of Mark beginning on Tuesday December 1st from 7:00-9:00pm and will be every Tuesday evening. This Bible study will only be virtually and not in person. To sign up, please contact Donna Burch @ 813-541-8506.
Please pray for those who are suffering from illness in our parish. Prayer list names remain on the prayer list for 3 months. If you would like to add, remove or update a name call the parish office at 813-885-7861or send an e-mail to bulletin@icctampa.org. Nora Alonso Julie Bianchi Monique Biumi Joseph Brana Nicole Burgos Jenny Cevallos Olga Cora Robert J Cornelio Robert Curry Jennie Cusmano Anne Delgado Beverly Fenton Steve Fisher
Paula Gray Yaris de la Guardia Lopez
Ana Sophia Girwar-Nath
Kiara Girwar-Nath Adriene Goldman Angelica Gonzalez
Margie Hilton Jacqualyn Jones Alina Justo Charles Edsel Justo Rafael Miguel Justo Charles Kanaszka Teresa Kanaszka Patricia Kilkelly Mary Ellen King Alyza Kitchens Sharon Maclejews Matthew T. McLane Meagan E. McLane Melissa D. McLane Bonnie Miller
Veronica Nickell Dina Marie Osburn Sarah Paccione Sylvia Rom Joseph Santiago Chuck Schaff Nancy Shirina Peggy Shirina Rachel Slowey Dominic Van Someren
Rose Marie Varas Daniel Alvarez Viera Rose Vrabel Pat Whitty Amy Workman Sienna Rose Yeager
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY 2LT Dillon C. Browne PV2 Chad Michael Burgess PV2 Angelique Burgess SGT Damian Patrick Bumm SRA Jasmin S. Chan SSGT Christina Costa Marine Amir Cris USCG LT. Andrew Ellis USCG Ensign Patrick Ellis CPL Michael K. Lam A1C Noel C. Marcano SRA Brett Masser LC George Mike
LCPL. Reese Nichols US Navy Brian Quevedo CG Tyler Reyes PFC Yoselyn Rivera C Louis Ruscetta Dante Sanchez SN Ryan Schultz 2LT Brandon Shively SPC Jason Seal Daniella Alexandra Serrano A1C Aaron Wilson Cadet Caleb K. Wong
READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147:1-6; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85:9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — We are the clay and you, O Lord, are the potter: we are the work of your hands (Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7). Psalm — Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). Second Reading — God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Gospel — Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. (Mark 13:33-37). 3
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT INCARNATION COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2020-2021 It is my pleasure to cordially invite you to join us and become a vital part of our wonderful ministry where we serve God by serving others. WHO:
Incarnation Council of Catholic Women (ICCW)?
WHAT: ICCW Membership Drive for 2020-2021 WHEN: November 1, 2020 through December 1, 2020 MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL DUES: $10.00 Thank you and May God Bless you for your service. Your Sister in Christ, Alma Shamblin, President
SEND DUES TO:
Carolyn Lash, Treasurer 6218 Imperial Key Tampa, FL 33615 OR:
You may drop off your dues at: Incarnation Church Office Mailbox 5124 Gateway Drive Tampa, FL 33615
ICCW is selling gift cards for Village Inn pies You can help ICCW by making a donation, and treat yourself to an award-winning Village Inn pie. The sale of these cards directly supports ICCW’s efforts to help our church! Sweet Returns cards are available! Cost is 1 for $13.00 or 2 for $25.00 Contact Marie Shively (813) 732-1339 call/text or email marieshivelymk@gmail.com
Ways To Stay Connected Like Us On Facebook Live Stream Masses Every Sunday 11am & 1pm Spanish
https://www.facebook.com/icctampa
November 29, 2020
The Five Loaves and Two Fish Apostolate During the months of November and December, the Five Loaves and Two Fish Apostolate will be receiving donations of cold clothes, for the homeless, in the lobby of the church and during the times of the masses. If you want to help this cause, please donate clean clothes in good condition, especially hats, small blankets and coats.
A TRADITION AT INCARNATION Families can sign up to Light the Candles on our Advent Wreath at Mass. If you are interested in signing up your family to light the candles on our Advent wreath before Mass please contact Connie Hennessey at 813-884-8326.
Prayer for Protection against Storms & Hurricanes Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during this Hurricane season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Parish Office is Open! WHILE WE ARE HAPPY TO OPEN, THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE TO KEEP THE STAFF AND VISITORS SAFE. If you or a loved one is ill, please stay home. Visits to the Parish Office are by appointment only. All visitors will need to wear a mask. No exceptions. Only one visitor at a time. Due to safety reasons, there can be no waiting in the front office. If you need to see or speak with one of our priests or a staff member, please call the parish office during office hours to request an appointment. Mass Intentions can be reserved over the phone or by emailing Irene at secretary@icctampa.org. Payment can be dropped off in the bottom mailbox located outside the parish office (rt side of the front door).
Visit our Diocesan Website https://www.dosp.org/chancellor/directory/localmasses-with-online-video-streams/
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is this Friday following the 7:00am Mass until 10:00am. Won’t you spend one hour with our Lord? 4
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT
Faith Formation
813-884-3624
HOPE Reminder No Classes next this weekend. We look forward to seeing you all next Sunday, December 6th. If you feel God is calling you to help pass on our faith to the children and youth of our Parish, please contact Judy Licari at (813) 884-3624. We could still use help in the classrooms no experience necessary. Incarnation’s Angel Tree will be up in the church foyer beginning December 1st. Please take an angel to help a child this Christmas that otherwise would not have a present on Christmas morning to open. Remember, it is through giving that we receive many blessings! For more info contact
Connie Hennessey at 813-884-8326.
2020 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
November 29, 2020
A WAY TO HELP YOUR PARISH DECEMBER 6 Following 9am,11am Masses & 1pm Mass Dr. B. Ngoc Pham, MD is a primary care physician here in the Westchase area of Tampa. She is organizing a MASK SALE FUNDRAISER FOR INCARNATION CATHOLIC CHURCH. She will be DONATING ALL THE MASKS and will be donating 100% of ALL PROCEEDS TO THE CHURCH. There are tons of fun styles showcasing NFL sports teams, and TB Rays, and Lightning, as well as some designer-inspired masks along with a collection of kids masks. Dr. Pham, and her husband, Toan along with their 2 kids, Emma and Jacob have been parishioners of Incarnation since 2008. She is excited to be able to support Incarnation through this Fundraiser Event. Stop by the tables at entrance of church at all 3 masses to show your support for the church and purchase some masks. Dr. B. Ngoc Pham, MD and Leilani Phelan, PA-C Proactive Primary Care 11041 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33626 Ph: 813-749-0844 / Fax: 813-749-0846 *** Office is accepting NEW PATIENTS looking for a primary care provider.
OPEN HOURS MON., TUES. & WED. 10am - 9pm THURS., FRI., SAT. & SUN. 9am - 9pm
Stop by and get your Christmas Tree
5
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT
November 29, 2020
Diocesan & Community Events
MEALS ON WHEELS.
1: For Parishes in the Tampa Area Do you have challenges getting out of your home to buy groceries and prepare meals? Meals On Wheels of Tampa may be able to help. Serving the Tampa area for 45 years, a caring volunteer will deliver freshly cooked meals to your doorstep. The cost of the meals depends on your situation. They will work with you to find a price that fits your budget. If this might help you or someone you know, please call their office at 813-238-MEAL to learn more about this important mission. 2: For Parishes Outside the Tampa Area Do you have challenges getting out of your home to buy groceries and prepare meals? A local Meals On Wheels agency may be able to help. By delivering meals to your doorstep, this mission is designed to allow individuals to live with independence, nourishment and dignity, in their own homes. Please contact the Parish office for the phone number of the local Meals On Wheels agency. Meals On Wheels is here to “nourish, enrich and strengthen” the lives of our area’s homebound community. Food Resources Hillsborough County In addition to MOW – 1. Hillsborough County Aging Services (Federally Funded), (813) 272-5250 2. Brandon Meals On Wheels, (Brandon, Suncity, Valrico, Seffner, Mango) Elena LaRussa (813) 657-4755 and Pete Green (813) 689-8769 3. Plant City Meals On Wheels, (813)754-9932
6
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT
November 29, 2020
Our Public Masses Have Resumed With Nuestra Misas Publicas Se Reanuden Con Revised Mass Schedule and Safety Horario de Misas Revisado y Protocolos Protocols In Effect de Seguridad En Efecto (Face masks are mandatory for people who attend mass).
Here are some details of some changes to expect. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still in effect and will be until further notice. Everyone must use main entrance and follow the instructions of the ushers. Please be patient. The side doors are ONLY emergency exits. They are marked by green crosses. People who live in the same home may sit together. Ushers will greet each person and show them to their seat. In order to properly disinfect after each Mass, the Sunday schedule will be:
Saturday 4:00 pm Sunday 7am, 9am & 11am, Spanish at 1pm Please limit private prayer after mass to no longer than 5 minutes so our volunteers can properly disinfect the church. The chapel and cry room will remain closed. There will be a collection basket at the entrance. No basket will be passed around and there will be no basket bearers. Hand sanitizer dispensers are in the Narthex as you enter and leave. No holding hands at Our Father and no contact peace. Ushers will direct section by section in a single line at three communion spots. Communion is ONLY distributed on the hand, not the tongue, for the time being at Incarnation. Please respect other’s space in communion line with proper distance.
Las mascarillas son obligatorias para las personas que asisten a misa.
A continuación, detalles de algunos cambios a implementar: Continúa la dispensa de no asistir a la Misa de Domingo, hasta próximo aviso. Todos debemos usar la puerta principal de la iglesia, así como seguir las instrucciones de los acomodadores (ujieres). Por favor ejercitemos la paciencia. Las puertas laterales de la iglesia se usarían SOLO en emergencia. Siga la guía de las marcas con cinta verde en los bancos. Los ujieres (acomodadores) cortésmente le indicarán los espacios disponibles. Las personas que viven en una misma casa pueden sentarse juntos en el mismo banco. En atención al hecho de que debemos desinfectar los bancos después de cada misa, el horario de celebración de misas es como sigue:
Sábado: 4:00 p.m. Domingo: 7am, 9am & 11am, 1:00 p.m. en Español La capilla y el cuarto para familias con niños pequeños permanecerán cerrados. Canasta de colecta: las encontraremos a la entrada. No pasaremos la canasta dentro de la misa y por el momento las especies para la consagración serán colocados en la mesa cerca del altar en lugar de llevarlos en procesión. Tendrá la oportunidad de higienizar sus manos a la entrada/ salida del templo. No unirnos de manos durante el Padre Nuestro; no contacto en el saludo de la Paz. Los Ujieres dirigen a los comulgantes a formar una sola fila para la comunión, la cual se hará por sección, habrán tres estaciones para recibir la Comunión. Por el momento, La Comunión será distribuida solo en la mano, no sobre la lengua. Por favor mantenga la distancia entre personas en la fila para recibir la Comunión.
7
FIRST SUNNDAY OF ADVENT Principal Marrie McLaughlin
November 29, 2020 mhm@icstampa.org 813-884-4502
8
Primer Domingo de Adviento
29 de noviembre de 2020
Mi deseo es que al recibir estas líneas, todos se MENSAJE IMPORTANTE encuentren muy bien, que hayan comido DE LA OFICINA PARROQUIAL suficiente pavo, y que su día de Acción de Gracias fue fabuloso. Quiero compartir la Misa MODIFICACIÓN SOBRES PARA EL OFERTORIO de Acción de Gracias es mi preferida. Aunque (COLECTA) no es misa de obligación, muchas personas participan de Los sobres para el Ofertorio de han de distribuir ella y eso me llena de alegría. El Evangelio para este día en forma anual. (ya no en forma bimensual) es el de los 10 leprosos que fueron sanados, pero solo uno Nov/1/2020 hasta 10/31/2021 regresó a darle gracias a Jesús. De una forma similar, los feligreses que participan de la Misa de Acción de Gracias, *Los sobres están dentro de una pequeña caja, lo cual es más fácil de usar y guardar en lugar seguro son como ese leproso – Si no fuese por Jesús, nadie tuviese una familia con quien compartir en la festividad de *En lo adelante no enviaremos sobres por correo. Acción de Gracias. Todo lo que tenemos proviene de Dios; *Favor de llamar a Rae, al telf. (813)493-3069 para coordinar de modo que la forma apropiada de comenzar la el mejor momento de recoger sus sobres en la Oficina. Festividad es dando gracias al dador de TODAS LAS *Este cambio ayudará la Parroquia a practicar la COSAS. Por otra parte, las personas que asisten a esa corresponsabilidad, facilitándole las cosas a usted, el Misa son los que llevan la obligación de preparar los feligrés. alimentos de la celebración, y atender los invitados; por lo tanto están muy ocupados, pero de todos modos tienen y siguen su orden de prioridades. Hoy celebramos el primer Domingo de Adviento. Las lecturas nos traen una serie de cosas conocidas y nos preguntamos si estamos viviéndolas de nuevo. Nos parece Primer Domingo de Adviento 29 de noviembre de 2020 Velen y estén preparados, que estamos preparados para ver a Jesús en los últimos porque no saben cuándo tiempos, primero en nuestro propio final, siendo la segunda llegará el momento. vez cuando nos disponemos para la celebración de — Marcos 13:33 Navidad. Cuando María estaba lista para dar a luz a su hijo, no había lugar en la posada. El Señor siempre busca vivir dentro de nuestros corazones; pero hay momentos en La Oficina Parroquial esta los que tampoco disponemos de espacio. ¿Podemos abierta! tomarnos el tiempo este Adviento para organizar nuestras Al tiempo de que estamos contentos de poder abrir las puertas prioridades, dejar “limpia la casa”, de modo que podamos de nuestra parroquia, debemos observar el siguiente protocolo “darle la Bienvenida” a Jesús en nuestros corazones? a fin de mantener el bienestar de nuestros feligreses y ¡Les deseamos una buena semana! empleados: Si usted, o algún miembro de su familia estuviese enfermo, Con todo mi cariño, Padre Mike Durante los meses de noviembre y diciembre, el apostolado Cinco Panes y Dos Peces, estará recibiendo donaciones de ropa de frio, para personas sin hogar, en el vestíbulo del templo y en los horarios de las misas. Si quiere colaborar con esta causa, por favor done prendas limpias y en buenas condiciones, especialmente gorros, pequeñas frazadas y abrigos.
¡Muchas gracias por su generoso apoyo la semana pasada a la colecta para la Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano! ¡Si ustedes no alcanzaron a donar, aun lo pueden hacer! Visiten www.usccb.org/nationalcollections.
manténganse en su casa. Las visitas a la oficina de la parroquia se coordinarán mediante cita previa. Todos los visitantes necesitan llevar una mascara – sin excepción de persona. Para la seguridad y bienestar de todos, se aceptará solo un visitante a la vez en la oficina. Si necesita hablar con uno de los sacerdotes o con uno de los empleados, favor de llamar a la oficina durante horas laborables para establecer una cita. Pueden reservar intención para una misa a través del teléfono, así como mediante el uso de nuestro correo electrónico: secretary@icctampa.org. Puede colocar el pago de ese servicio en el buzón de correo, localizado en la pared, a la derecha de la puerta de la oficina.
9
29 de noviembre de 2020
10
Prepárense “En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: «Velen y estén preparados, porque no saben cuándo llegará el momento»”. – Marcos 13,33 Este fin de semana celebramos el primer domingo de Adviento y el comienzo del nuevo año litúrgico. También es el fin de semana de Acción de Gracias. Generalmente, nuestra imagen del Adviento se concentra en la preparación para el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador en la Navidad. La espera y el nacimiento de un niño genera en nosotros emociones de esperanza y alegría. Aun así, la lectura del Evangelio de Marcos este fin de semana parece un poco más fatídica. El Adviento es, en efecto, un tiempo de preparación. Nos preparamos para celebrar el nacimiento de Jesucristo en la historia y nos preparamos para su segunda venida gloriosa al final de los tiempos. A esto último se refiere nuestro Señor cuando dice: "…así también velen ustedes, pues no saben a qué hora va a regresar el dueño de la casa…No vaya a suceder que llegue de repente y los halle durmiendo. Lo que les digo a ustedes, lo digo para todos: permanezcan alerta”. De hecho, una variación del verbo “velar” se usa tres veces en esta breve lectura del Evangelio. Jesús menciona las horas del día en las que normalmente estamos más cansados o soñolientos: la tarde, la mañana, la medianoche o el amanecer. Éstos son los momentos en que es más difícil mantenerse despierto y alerta. Jesús no estaba usando estos tiempos en el sentido literal, sino más bien en sentido figurado. La realidad es que mucha gente vive su vida de forma automática. Podemos caer en los hábitos, y perder el sentido y el significado de por qué hacemos ciertas cosas - como ir a Misa cada fin de semana. Algunos dejan de ir un domingo, luego otro, hasta que se convierte en hábito. Sabemos que nuestro Señor regresará en su gloria para juzgar a vivos y muertos. Nuestro tiempo en la tierra es sólo un momento en el tiempo y no sabemos cuánto tiempo podemos tener. Por lo tanto, debemos estar preparados. Vive cada día como si pudiera ser tu último día. No dejemos para mañana lo que deberíamos hacer hoy. Dile a tu familia y amigos que los amas y perdona a los que necesitan ser perdonados. Busca el perdón de Dios también para ti. Sé la persona que Dios quiere que seas. Prepárate. Si así lo haces, no tienes por qué sentir ansiedad por el regreso del Maestro. -Monseñor Parkes LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Isaías ruega por el retorno del Señor (Isaías 63:1617, 19; 64:2-7). Salmo — Señor, Dios nuestro, restáuranos que brille tu rostro y nos salve (Salmo 80 [79]). Segunda lectura — Pablo está agradecido por las bendiciones que los corintios han recibido debido a su fe en Jesús (1 Corintios 1:3-9). Evangelio — Jesús dice a los discípulos que estén siempre alerta a la llegada del tiempo designado (Marcos 13:33-37).
Lunes: Martes: Miércoles: Jueves: Viernes: Sábado: Domingo:
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Rom 10:9-18; Sal 19 (18):8-11; Mt 4:18-22 Is 11:1-10; Sal 72 (71):1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lc 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10a; Sal 23 (22):1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6; Sal 118 (117):1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Is 29:17-24; Sal 27 (26):1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Sal 147 (146):1-6; Mt 9:35 -10:1, 5a, 6-8 Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Sal 85 (84):9-14; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mc 1:1-8