CHURCH OF THE
INCARNATION 8220 W. HILLSBOROUGH AVE. • TAMPA, FLORIDA 33615
http://www.icctampa.org
Phone: 813- 885-7861
5124 Gateway Drive (mailing address) • Fax: (813) 884-3624 PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Clergy - 813-885-7861 Summer Hours
Rev. Michael Suszynski, Pastor Rev. Diego Ossa, Parochial Vicar Rev. Philip Clement, Parochial Vicar Deacon Joseph Krzanowski Deacon Frank Julian Deacon Pablo Maldonado
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am to 12pm
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 10, 2011 You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest. — Psalm 65:12
Staff - 813-885-7861 Paul Hunter Parish Business Administrator iccphunter@tampabay.rr.com
CHALLENGE TO CHANGE At this time of the year farmers and gardeners begin to see the fruits of all their labors. They sowed more seed than they needed, as not all survive and produce. The parable of the sower offers layers of new meaning. In Jesus’ day, following the Law of Moses was said to assure abundant blessings. Jesus demonstrated that following the rules and living the life are not the same. Why does the seed of the word not bear fruit in everyone? Jesus quotes Isaiah, who describes people as dull of hearing with their eyes shut. Jesus says that if people really hear and really see, they might have to change. Do we really hear the word and allow it to take root in our lives, or do we push it to the edges or choke it? Disciples are the ones who water and nurture it, asking Jesus to help them produce abundant fruit. Copyright © 2010, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.
Dave Arnold Facility Manager - 919-4284 iccdave@tampabay.rr.com Irene Martinez Parish Secretary/Bulletin Editor irenemartz@tampabay.rr.com Silvia Rivera Receptionist/ Asst Editor iccsrive@tampabay.rr.com Donal Noonan Music Director donal@tampabay.rr.com Carmen Cayon Director of Faith Formation carmen_dre@tampabay.rr.com Philomena Johnson Grades Pk-12 ; Sacrament Preparation & Youth Ministry pjohnson@icctampa.org
INCARNATION SCHOOL
MASS SCHEDULE Monday through Friday - 7am & 8:30am
Misas en Español:
Saturday - 8:30 am & 4:30pm (Vigil)
Cada domingo a la 1:30pm
Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am (signed), 12pm
Cada viernes a las 6:30 pm
DEVOTIONS:
813 884-4502
http://www.icstampa.org Mr. Michael Zelenka, Principal
Morning Prayer Group: Liturgy of the Hours Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. from 8:10am - 8:25am First Friday Adoration following the 8:30 am Mass until 6:15pm Rosary every Thursday at 11:30am in the chapel Rosario en español cada jueves a las 7:00pm en la capilla
CONFESSIONS: Saturdays - 2:30 to 3:30pm in the Church
Church of the Incarnation, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 885-7861
Incarnation Catholic School “Preparing Students for the Future”
Spaces Are Still Available for the 2011—12 Year -Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic Education -In-Parish Tuition is an affordable $5,250 (much lower than other schools and no other hidden costs) -We accept Florida School Choice Step Up For Students Scholarships– new families are being accepted into this program through May 21st -Guided tours are available -2nd, 3rd and 4th Child Discounts are afforded to families with multiple children attending ICS 5111 Webb Road Tampa, FL 33615 Phone: 813.884.4502 Fax: 813.885.3734 Website: http://www.icstampa.org/
Inspiring life-long learners Challenging each individual to develop spiritually Striving to serve each other and the community
-We have morning care (before school, free of charge) and after school care (until 6:00 p.m. for a fee) -Contact the school by phone: 813.884.4502 or email: icsmmood@icstampa.org for more information! Become who God created you to be at ICS.
Fr. Clement received a warm welcome at the 8:30 Mass!
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on the web @ www.icctampa.org
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 10, 2011
† Mass Intentions †
Sick Prayer List: New names appear in bold. Other than
SUNDAY - JULY 10 - FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7:30 A.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION 9:00 A.M. +Lois Fedon by Friends 10:30 A.M. +Jorge L. Aspiro by Aspiro Family 12:00 P.M. +Mary J. Christianson by Friends 1:30 P.M. +Adela Rivera by Olivo-Rivera Family MONDAY - JULY 11 - ST. BENEDICT, ABBOTT 7:00 A.M. +Gary Trimble by Wife and Daughter 8:30 A.M. +Deceased Members of Vera Cruz Family by Perla Sullivan TUESDAY - JULY 12 7:00 A.M. 8:30 A.M. WEDNESDAY - JULY 13 - ST. HENRY 7:00 A.M. 8:30 A.M. THURSDAY - JULY 14 - BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN 7:00 A.M. 8:30 A.M. +Leanne Cote by Alice Dillon FRIDAY - JULY 15 - ST. BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF CHURCH 7:00 A.M. 8:30 A.M. 6:30 P.M. +John and +Alberto Landino by Landino-Agudelo Families SATURDAY - JULY 16 - OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL 8:30 A.M. (SI) Nguyen Thi Phien Family 4:30 P.M. +Joyce Hiller by Wes Hiller and Family SUNDAY - JULY 17 - SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 7:30 A.M. PEOPLE OF INCARNATION 9:00 A.M. +Feliciano Hernandez by Brenda Franco 10:30 A.M +Jay Cerra by Cerra Family 12:00 P.M. +Evelyn and Stanley Pajdo by Daughter and Grandchildren 1:30 P.M. +Andres Fernandez by Font Family
SACRIFICIAL GIFTS OF TREASURE OFFERTORY (First Collection) is used solely for the operation and maintenance of the parish. Weekly Target ................................................. $23,000.00 07/03/2011 Offertory Donations .................... $17,169.25 Shortfall ............................................................ $ 5,830.75 Tuition Assistance ........................................... $ 40.00 Helping Hand ................................................... $ 69.00 RENOVATION & BUILDING FUND (Second Collection) is used to pay the monthly principal and interest obligation on our Church Renovation Loan and to fund repairs and updates to our Church building. 07/03/2011 Renovation Donations .................... $ 3,987.00
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! If you have any questions about our finances or parish renovation activities, please contact Business Manager, Paul Hunter at 813-8857861 or by e-mail: iccphunter@tampabay.rr.com.
Thank you to Buds, Blooms & Beyond for their donations of flower arrangements for our weekend liturgies.
critical or terminal conditions, the names will remain on this list for 30 days. Please help us keep our prayer list current. If you would like to add a name, e-mail Silvia Rivera at: iccsrive@tampabay.rr.com. or call the office. Please pray also for our parishioners who are in hospitals, nursing homes and our shut ins. Annlee Acevedo Patricia Alfonso Linda Alvarez Pablo Aviles Gene Biittner David Boyd Alice V. Brown Kenneth Brown Stan Bufkin Marty Butler III Pat Butler Jeanne Calvert Linda Casarez Tony Castro Delma Chimelis Ray Chiarmonte Mary Childers Mendel Claxton Eddie Contreras Lincoln Corra Bob Cramer Jacqueline Cramer Dora Cuellar Sara Desrocher Lucy Dietz Raymond Diez Joseph Dintino Lorraine Dodson Shirley Duran Dylan Edward Manuel Escamilla Tom Esgro Dorothy Fetrow Kathy Fitzgerald
Albert Frietzsche Bertha Fyda Sheila Gildea Luis Gonzalez Maria Gonzalez Paula Hague Leonard Hamilton Patrick Hardy Robert Hasty Steven Harman Greg Jackson Rodrigo Jurado Colleen Kramer Mimi Kuhla Marta De La Rosa Daniela C. LaRosa Grace Leiva Frank Lettiere Michael Lloyd Paige Macfarlane Dolores Mastrino Pat Munroe Noah Nero Kathleen Newell Ernesto Nieves Mila Oquendo Dolores Osterstuck Barbara Painter Maria A. Patton JR Pearce Angelo Perez Carol Perez Lydia Quesada Bill Ramputi
SGT Robert Caruso, Iraq SSGT Angelique Vazquez, Japan LCPL Almoris E. Lugo, Jr. SPC Ryan Wegman, Iraq PVT Joshua Luckey, Afghanistan SGT Michael Haley
Evette Reas John Reitzel Bob Remick Ivan Reyes Geraldine Richards Violet Riche Carmen Rivera Eric Rivera Zoraida Rivera Maria Robles Ewen Rosale Humberto Sanchez Kiki Santiago Kaylala Silva Anne Marie Sims Noah Spivey Mildred Sylvester Janet Taylor Ardith Ternes Sheli Thomas Bridget Thompson Dick Tobin Rhoda Toscano Doug Trent Adrian Valentin Bridget Vitto Maria Vizcarra Robert Walton Jerry Wegman Ty Wegman Selwyn Williams Steven Yudicky
CPT Raymundo Resendez PFC James Blackwelder, Afghanistan Terry Stegman, Afghanistan MAJ Marty Maldonado, Afghanistan CW2 William Garcia, Afghanistan
Buds, Blooms & Beyond Visit them at 11234 W. Hillsborough. Ph. # 813-818-9600 www.budsbloomsandbeyond.com
Floral & Gift Shop Page 3
Church of the Incarnation, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 885-7861
FAITH FORMATION STAFF Director of Faith Formation & R.C.I.A. Carmen Cayon carmen_dre@tampabay.rr.com
Co-Peer Minister Administrative Assistant Jane Rullier
Grades Pk-12 ; Sacrament Preparation & Youth Ministry Philomena Johnson pjohnson@icctampa.org
813-885-7861
THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE HAS RELOCATED
We are now located in the building next to the Parish Office. Our new phone number is 813-885-7861 We are pleased to announce that Jane Rullier will now be part of our Faith Formation team. She will be a co-peer minister, with Philomena Johnson and will also be an administrative assistant to Philomena in Faith Formation for children and youth. Jane is currently a member of St. Paul’s in Tampa, a native of the USA, her parents were born in Lima, Peru. She has previous experience in Faith Formation when she lived in Jacksonville, Fl, and volunteered in Youth Ministry and RCIA for St. Catherine’s Church. Jane speaks Spanish, American Sign Language, and a little French! Jane has trained as a Speech Pathologist Assistant and has special training working with autistic children. She has a love for children and for the Catholic faith. Welcome Jane to our community! Page 4
on the web @ www.icctampa.org
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Children’s and Youth Faith Formation office will open again on August 1. In the meantime, the Faith Formation office will be happy to answer any question you may have via a phone call. We hope that everyone has a wonderful and restful month of July! Registration forms for Faith Formation classes are available during the week in the Parish Office.
RCIAIf you are unbaptized or were baptized in another Christian faith and are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or in becoming a Catholic and joining our community, we would love to meet you! Inquiry classes will resume in August, on Monday nights. Please call Carmen for an appointment and more info. Baptized Catholic AdultsIf you were baptized in the Catholic faith, and are ready to be fully one with our Catholic community by preparing for your first communion, please call Carmen for more info. on how we can help you prepare to be received into the Catholic faith. We plan to begin preparing adults in August.
July 10, 2011
Adult ConfirmationIf you are 18 years old or older and are considering being confirmed in your Catholic faith, please call Carmen for more info. We hope to begin preparation for Adult Confirmation soon! Small Christian CommunitiesBeginning this fall our parish will be offering opportunities to become part of a Small Christian Community. We will use “Lifting Up our Hearts” from Renew International. If you are interested in being a facilitator for a group or just participating, please call Carmen for more information.
From Carmen CayonThank you to everyone who helped our transition this year with Faith Formation for adults and youth! We couldn’t have served our community without the time, talent, and generosity that I experienced here in our community. As my first year as Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization has drawn to an end, I look forward to getting to know our diverse community better and working closer with those who choose to help out next year.
I am so full of gratitude for our clergy, our Faith Formation team, Philomena and Brian, our many volunteer catechists, our parish staff and our parish service organizations, and your prayers for us: all were a vital part of the successful year we had. May God continue to be with us next year! Gracias a todos que nos ayudaron este año con la Formación de Fe de adultos y de jóvenes en nuestra parroquia. No hubiéramos podido hacer lo que logramos sin el tiempo, el talento, y la generosidad que yo experimente en nuestra comunidad. Mi primer año como Directora de Formación de Fe y Evangelización se acaba, pero estoy contenta pensando en como puedo seguir conociendo mejor al comunidad tan diversa en el próximo año, especialmente los que deciden ayudarnos. Estoy llena de gratitud por la ayuda de nuestros sacerdotes y diáconos, nuestro equipo de Formación de Fe, Filomena y Brian, nuestros catequistas que contribuyen de su tiempo tan generosamente, la ayuda de la oficina parroquial, las organizaciones parroquial de servicio y sus oraciones; todos fueron una parte muy importante del éxito que
tuvimos este año. Que Dios nos siga guiando!
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Church of the Incarnation, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 885-7861
PARISH ACTIVITIES
RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
SUNDAY - JULY 10
STORE
MONDAY - JULY 11
OPEN:
TUESDAY - JULY 12 9:00 A.M. Job Search Support Group 7:00 P.M. Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00 P.M. Spanish Prayer Group 7:00 P.M. Prayer Shawl Ministry WEDNESDAY - JULY 13 7:00 P.M. Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00 P.M. Al-Anon 7:00 P.M. Al-Anon Spanish 7:30 P.M. Spanish Choir THURSDAY - JULY 14 11:30 A.M. Our Lady of Mercy Prayer Group 1:00 P.M. Legion of Mary 7:00 P.M. Spanish Intercessions Group FRIDAY - JULY 15 7:00 P.M. Spanish Youth Group SATURDAY - JULY 16 7:00 P.M. Spanish Young Adults
1/2 HR BEFORE & AFTER THE 4:30PM SAT. MASS & ALL SUNDAY
Conference Room St. Patrick’s Room St. Francis Room Conference Room St. Patrick’s Room St. John’s Room Teacher’s Lounge Music Room Chapel Conference Room Chapel St. Francis Room St. Francis Room
MASSES ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE
July 16/17 4:30 pm:
Cameron Carlyon, David Gibson, Brianna Shelton
7:30 am:
Margaret Parker, Matthew Walsh
9:00 am:
Kristen Gajewski, Jordan Jankowski, Hannah Morilak
10:30 am:
Sara Fernandez, Sam Fernandez, Megan Shively
12:00 pm:
Liana Lemus, Jeff Miraflor, Nicholas Ortega
1:30 pm:
Raul, Ashley, George, Gabriel, Rashell, Maricel
Anointing of the Sick gives spiritual strength in the face of suffering. A Parish priest is on call 24 hrs. in cases of emergency. Call the Parish Office at 885-7861. Matrimony (Marriage) - Couples need to contact the Parish Office at 885-7861 before setting a date. The preparation process takes a minimum of 6 months. Holy Orders is for single men answering the call to priesthood. Any man or woman interested in the religious life should contact one of our parish priests or the Diocesan Vocations Director at 345-3338.
HOMEBOUND & HOSPITAL MINISTRY - Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring Holy Communion to the sick AT HOME or in TOWN ’N COUNTRY HOSPITAL. Please call the Parish Office at 885-7861 to make arrangements.
TREE OF LIFE - MEMORIALS In memory of a loved one that has passed away you may want to consider the Tree of Life Memorial at the church’s entrance. You may also want to remember a special Anniversary or a family member with a Leaf on the Tree. For information call Connie Hennessey at 884-8326. Page 6
LITURGY GROUPS ALTAR SERVERS DAVID SMITH……………………….885-7861 KAITLIN JOHNSON………………………….885-7861 Or via e-mail iccaltarservers@gmail.com EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS DEACON JOE KRZANOWSKI…….. 885-7861 READERS WILL BERAN ………………………. 882-0178 MUSIC DIRECTOR DONAL NOONAN………….…..……885-7861 ENVIRONMENT/ART LINDA GRIFFITH……………884-1217 CONNIE HENNESSEY ………………...884-8326 USHERS RAY POMPONIO…………………...884-1366 VISITORS OF THE SICK FR. PHILIP CLEMENT...…………. 885-7861
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS BIBLE STUDY CARMEN CAYON…….………….... 885-7861 CARNIVAL PAUL/NORMA HUNTER …………...854-1171 COFFEE & DONUTS CONNIE HENNESSEY ………………...884-8326 COLUMBIETTES DALE ZGURZYNSKI…......................885-5228 FINANCE COUNCIL DEACON FRANK JULIAN ………………….... 885-7861 HELPING HAND PARISH OFFICE…..……………..…..885-7861 INC. COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN ALMA SHAMBLIN…………………………... INC. HOME & SCHOOL KIM FIELD….. …….884-4502 ( School Office) JOB SEARCH SUPPORT HILDA LYONS……icjobsupport@hotmail.com KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FELIX CAYON………………….. … 884-4052 MEMORIALS-TREE OF LIFE CONNIE HENNESSEY….. ……….. 884-8326 OFFICE VOLUNTEERS IRENE MARTINEZ………………….885-7861 PRAYER GROUP ANA MARSICANO…………………..886-0091 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY SILVIA RIVERA ...…………………..885-7861 RELIGIOUS ARTICLES STORE CONNIE HENNESSEY……………... 884-8326 RESPECT LIFE THERESA KNECHT………………....290-0064 SCRIP SANDY REY…...…………………….884-4502 SPECIAL EDUCATION ISABEL MORAES……………...…….852-1501 MARY THOMSON………………….. 884-8040 STEWARDSHIP PAUL HUNTER…….………………...854-1171 VOCATIONS COMMITTEE MICHELE & ROGER CARUSO……..962-4556 WELCOMING COMMITTEE EVELYN ROBERTS…………………886-6436 & DORIS WHITTLE………………...920-1089
RECEIVING SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS CARMEN CAYON ……………….885-7861 RCIA CARMEN CAYON……….……….885-7861 FIRST EUCHARIST PHILOMENA JOHNSON……….885-7861 CONFIRMATION PHILOMENA JOHNSON…….…885-7861 MARRIAGE PREPARATION FR. MICHAEL SUSZYNSKI….…………...885-7861
To receive Sacraments you must be registered in the parish. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Table in St. Michael’s Hall on Sunday mornings or at the Parish Office during the Week.
on the web @ www.icctampa.org
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 10, 2011
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 10, 2011 You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest. — Psalm 65:12
OUTSIDE SHRINE Statue of the Holy Family including the base to be placed in our school courtyard This is a $10,500 project. We will gladly accept donations to make this a reality. Memorialize your deceased loved one or someone living who has played an important role in your life! For information about this unique opportunity call Mr. Paul Hunter at 813-885-7861.
GOD’S WORDS Each day we are bombarded with thousands of words. From the moment our clock radios click on in the morning, until the last moment of the day when the television is turned off or someone bids us “good-night,” our life is filled with words. Some words that we hear bring news that leaves us feeling low. Some words lift our spirits. Many of the words we hear are trying to get us to buy something. Some words are hurtful. Today the Church focuses our attention on hearing the word of God. Are God’s words just more of the same—part of the endless stream of words that flow into our ears each day? The challenge today is to allow God’s word to inspire us in new ways so that our outlook and attitudes align themselves more closely with the heart and mind of Christ Jesus. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Ex 1:8-14, 22; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Tuesday: Ex 2:1-15a; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Ex 3:13-20; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Ex 12:37-42; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30] FEAST OF FAITH Invitation to the Eucharistic Prayer After the presider washes his hands, he turns to the people and says, “Pray that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the almighty Father.” We have brought forward bread and wine, and now we are asked to see in these simple gifts upon the altar a sacrifice offered to God. Our response is rich in theological meaning. “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands.” The words point to the unique role of the priest, whose hands, at his ordination, were anointed for just this purpose: that he might “sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God” (Rite of Ordination). We ask God to accept our sacrifice not because it is worthy of God, but simply “for the praise and glory of his name.” God does not need our offering, but allows us to give it so that we might grow in holiness. And God, never to be outdone in generosity, gives all that we have given back to us, “for our good and the good of all his Church.” This Mass benefits not just those who have gathered, but, in the mysterious economy of grace, the whole Church. In the words of Saint Paul, when one part rejoices, the whole body “share[s] its joy” (1 Corinthians 12:26). —Corinna Laughlin, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
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Church of the Incarnation, Tampa, FL
Phone: (813) 885-7861
WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADULT ALTAR SERVERS TO ASSIST WITH
7:30
AM SUNDAY MASS All adult Catholics who have received the sacrament of Confirmation are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful opportunity to get closer to Christ and more deeply participate in the Sacred Eucharist, please contact David Smith at iccaltarservers@gmail.com or through the Parish Office.
Summer vacation time is upon us! When traveling this summer be sure to locate a Catholic Church and Mass times at your destination by visiting www.masstimes.org.
God is with us always so we must keep Him with us always whether at home or away!
Religious Articles Store
Christmas in July SALE JULY 17th NEXT SUNDAY! Get a head start on your holiday shopping! Stop by after Mass on July 17th. We’ll be under the portico in front of the church. THERE WILL BE MANY ITEMS: New Stock , Select Christmas Items Clearance Items too! Page 8
on the web @ www.icctampa.org
Decimoquinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario 10 de julio de 2011 Tú coronas el año con tus bienes, tus senderos derraman abundancia. — Salmo 65(64):12 LOS SANTOS Y OTRAS OBSERVANCIAS Domingo: Santa Amelia Lunes: San Benito Martes: Santa Filomena; San Juan Guadalberto Miércoles: San Enrique; Santa Teresa de los Andes Jueves: Beata Kateri Tekakwitha; San Camilo de Lelis Viernes: San Buenaventura Nuestra Señora Del Carmen 16 de julio Nuestra Señora de Monte Carmelo, referida comúnmente como Virgen del Carmen, es una de la diversas advocaciones de la Virgen María. Su denominación precede del llamado Monte Carmelo, en Israel. La devoción mariana hacia la Virgen del Carmen se extendió a muchos países de Europa y América, destacando entre ellos España, Panamá, Perú, Colombia, Chile y Argentina.
CURSO FELIPE 23 y 24 de julio, 2011 Un encuentro con Jesús, a través de la Efusión del Espíritu Santo Lugar: Iglesia St. Lawrence Costo: $35 Para más información comuníquese con Ma. Teresa Aguilar al 813-315-0925 o Reina Borjas al 813-770-5983. Cupo Limitado
Tienda de Artículos Religiosos de Incarnation La tienda de artículos religiosos tendrá una venta bajo la carpa el domingo 17 de julio después de todas las misas. Vengan y Vean. ¡Los esperamos!
Un pensamiento: "Si no te entregas a Dios, nunca tendrás firmeza." (Is 7, 9).
Nuestra Cultura
P
ara nosotros la palabra—dada o recibida—es muy importante. Por ser de culturas predominantemente orales, lo que se dice y lo que se escucha tiene una enorme fuerza, incluso a veces más que la firma en un papel.
Reflexiones para la homilía A palabras necias, oídos sordos, dice el refrán español. Es decir, hay palabras que optamos por no escuchar, por ignorar. A veces podemos optar por no escuchar, pero así y todo, las palabras tienen su efecto: pueden herir, pueden curar, pueden deshacer una relación o reconstruirla. La palabra es muy poderosa. Pero hay algo más que escuchar para que la palabra tenga efecto. Hace falta una tierra que la reciba. No se puede negar que tenemos buena voluntad. Amamos a Dios y quisiéramos hacer las cosas bien, según su agrado. Pero muchas veces hay demasiado ruido a su alrededor: queremos tener cosas, y las cosas, además de ocupar espacio, nos hacen ruido en la cabeza y en el corazón: cómo vamos hacer para comprar lo que queremos, qué marca será mejor, o cual es la que tienen los vecinos, cómo lo vamos a pagar, qué alegría le vamos a dar a nuestros hijos, o qué envidia les vamos a dar a otros...Esos ruidos nos impiden escuchar la palabra de Dios que se dirige a nosotros cada día. Otras veces escuchamos y parece que vamos a hacer algo con lo que escuchamos. Pero quizás andemos en relaciones enredadas, o en adiciones a juego, a sustancias, o incluso al trabajo. Y entonces, no nos queda el tiempo que sería necesario para llevar a cabo eso que vimos tan claro que tendríamos que hacer, y que podría ser tan sencillo como procurar ir a Misa todos los domingos. O implicarse en una acción por la justicia. O ir a visitar a una persona anciana o sola. Lo que es verdad es que la Palabra no se regresa vacía. O da frutos en nosotros, o regresa a Dios con la sordera o la negativa. Si queremos presentarle a Dios oídos sordos, según el refrán estaríamos diciendo que la Palabra es necia. Eso es muy duro. La Palabra de Dios es el propio Jesús y sólo habla de Dios Padre. Sólo habla de Dios y Dios es amor. Optar por no escuchar es una necedad por nuestra parte. Las cosas que hacen ruido simplemente hacen eso: ruido. Pero no nos cambian la vida, no nos cambian nuestras capacidades o cualidades; no nos ayudan en nuestras relaciones, porque se acaban luego. La Palabra que cae en la buena tierra de nuestro corazón, sin embargo, nos transforma en fruto del propio Cristo. ¿Cómo luciría eso? Un fruto de Cristo es una persona paciente, amable, entregada y generosa que piensa en el otro antes de sí misma. Un fruto de Cristo es la persona que ofrece a los demás un espacio de paz, de serenidad y de amor. Un fruto de Cristo es la persona que se entrega al servicio de otros, que cumple en su vida las obras de misericordia corporales o espirituales por las que reconoce la presencia de Cristo en este mundo.
Para la reflexión ¿Qué tipo de tierra soy? ¿Cuándo he escuchado la Palabra muy en el hondo de mi corazón, ¿como he reaccionado? ¿Cuáles han sido los frutos que he podido dar? Page 9
10 de julio de 2011 ¡RESERVA LA FECHA! ¡Todos están bienvenidos e invitados! “Unidad en la Diversidad: Todos los Santos” Homilía Reverendísimo Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B. Obispo de las Cruces, Nuevo México Día, Lugar y Hora 29 de octubre, 2011 - 9:30 AM a 2:30 PM Esta celebración se llevara acabo en Nativity Catholic Church 705 E Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 Preguntas? Comuníquese con Angie Karpinski al 727-3441611, ext. 329 o vía correo electrónico—ak@dosp.org
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Ex 1:8-14, 22; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Martes: Ex 2:1-15a; Mt 11:20-24 Miércoles: Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Mt 11:25-27 Jueves: Ex 3:13-20; Mt 11:28-30 Viernes: Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Mt 12:1-8 Sábado: Ex 12:37-42; Mt 12:14-21 Domingo: Sab 12:13, 16-19; Sal 86 (85); Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]
ESCUCHA Escucha y pon atención con el oído de tu corazón.—San Benito
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LAS PALABRAS DE DIOS Cada día somos bombardeados por miles de palabras. Desde el momento en que suena el despertador en la mañana, hasta el último momento del día cuando apagamos el televisor o alguien nos dice “buenas noches”, tenemos la vida llena de palabras. Algunas palabras nos traen noticias que nos deprimen. Algunas palabras nos levantan el espíritu. Muchas de las palabras que escuchamos tratan de hacernos comprar algo. Algunas palabras son hirientes. Hoy la Iglesia nos hace prestar atención a la Palabras de Dios. ¿Son las Palabras de Dios igual que las demás –parte de una corriente sin fin de palabras que fluyen por nuestro oídos todos los días? El reto hoy es permitir que las Palabras de Dios nos inspiren renovando nuestra perspectiva y actitudes para que estén en mayor consonancia con el corazón y la mente de Cristo Jesús. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
13 de julio ♦ Santa Teresa de los Andes Es la primera santa chilena. Nacida en 1900, muy pronto sintió la llamada a la vida religiosa. Entró en el Carmelo, donde murió cuando sólo tenia 20 años. Era una joven alegre, deportista y divertida y, según ella misma, había sido terca, orgullosa y egoísta. Pero la amistad con Dios la convirtió en una nueva persona. ¿Qué tendrías que cambiar tú si quisieras mantener y hacer crecer una gran amistad de Dios?