Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 10, 2011

Dear Parishioners, Cherry trees, Forsythia, Red Bud trees, and Daffodils are now in full bloom on the spring stage. Tulips are awaiting their cue to open within a few days. Spring has finally arrived. The following, sent to me from my niece, Cheryl, is most appropriate - although the spring flowers have yet to poke through the ground in Rhode Island. The Daffodil Principle is a reminder to all of us that it is the little things in life that really matter most and that every one can make a difference. May it also be a reminder to all not to put off until tomorrow the kindnesses we can do today. Don’t look back at what you should have done, but to the present and the future and what you can do today. The Daffodil Principle Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call. Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house, I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren. "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!" My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother." “Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her. "But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks," Carolyn said "I'll drive. I'm used to this." "Carolyn,” I said sternly, "Please turn around” “It's all right Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience." After about 20 minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, "Daffodil Garden." We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers. "Who did this?" I asked Carolyn. "Just one woman", Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A -frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house. On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers To the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet and one brain”. The third answer was, “Began in 1958.” Formed, that moment was a lifechanging experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than 40 years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lives: One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time often just one baby step at a time- and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we, too, will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 10, 2011

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal 35 or 40 years ago and had worked away at it `one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!" My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow… -Jaroldeen A. Edwards Remember, we can never make a better past, but we all can make a better future. Have a great week!

2011 Bishop's Lenten Appeal (BLA) Update Monday, April 11 Andres Paredes

7:30am

Fr. Martin

Tuesday, April 12 Anthony Borda

7:30am

Fr. Martin

Wednesday, April 13 Col. Drew Bryner

7:30am

Fr. Martin

Thursday, April 14 My Beloved Son, Scott Smart

7:30am

Fr. Korpi

Friday, April 15 Louis Ciotti

7:30am

Fr. Korpi

Saturday, April 16 Edward Mueller Catherine Hay Spanish Mass

9:00am 5:00pm 7:00pm

Fr. Korpi Fr. Martin Fr. Wilson

Nativity continues to advance! Once again your generosity shines as we have received BLA pledges and donations for over $410,000 exceeding our $398,000 goal. Household participation has reached over 20 per cent or more than 1 of 5 registered Nativity families. If you want to contribute, there's still time to join in and support the many programs that serve our parish and the diocese. Thanks to everyone for "placing our gifts at the service of others" during this Lenten season.

Sunday, April 17 Parishioners

7:30am

Fr. Martin

9:00 am 11:00am 12:45pm

Fr. Korpi Fr. Korpi Fr. Wilson

Special Intention for

J. Davis Jackson Juancho Acierto Marie Maler

During the month of March, we joyfully welcomed into the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism: Ethan Michael Brace; Rachael Louise Brace; Sarah Eileen Brace; Alexandra Ashlan Blakely; Veronica Lynn Sachse; Reid Russell Minuto; Salvatore Joseph Vigano’; Jennifer Ramirez-Quintero; Xvavier Swain; Walter David Duran; Geybelin Elizabeth Duran; Emily Sarahy Escobar; Alexander Baires; Aisha Nicole Guierra; Maurizio Molinari; Sarah Elizabeth Flynn and Edward Harley Nelson.

Holy Thursday – The Triduum begins: Mass of the Last Supper --7:30 p.m. Good Friday: Stations of the Cross -- 3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service -- 7:30 p.m. Holy Saturday: Blessing of Food --10:00 a.m. Easter Vigil Mass -- 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday: Regular Sunday Schedule 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Spanish Mass-2:00 p.m. ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm.

SUPERIOR PROJECT, INC.

703-331-0950

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

WON Annual Easter Basket Drive The Women of Nativity will be conducting our annual drive for Easter Baskets for local children in need. We hope that you will help us bring Easter joy by donating Easter candy, small toys, books, personal care items (for the pre-teen set), crayons, markers, activity and coloring books. We cannot accept stuffed animals, baskets, Easter grass or plastic eggs. The drive will be held at all the Masses of April 9th and 10th. This is the only weekend we will be collecting your gifts. Boxes will be located in the vestibule. The Little Angel Gift Shop has an assortment of unique First Communion veils. All are handmade, by Natasha Hines. Only 20 days before First Communion on April 30th. Hurry and get yours while supplies last.

PRO-LIFE CORNER Human embryos are living individuals of the species Homo sapiens who are in the beginning stages of their natural development. We were all embryos at one time just as all of us have been infants, adolescents and, now, adults. When we see people supporting embryonic stem cell research, let’s call it what it is – embryodestructive stem cell research. And it involves the destruction not of potential human beings, but the destruction of human beings with potential Through Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 - 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil at American Women Services, 8316 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031. Daily 7 AM - 7 PM. Can you pray for 1-2 hours and witness for Life? Details at http://www.40daysforlife.com/fairfax/ The Nativity Parish contact is Josh Reynolds, 703-470-8978, [email protected] A WOMAN’S CHOICE is a pregnancy resource center that provides free pregnancy testing, referrals for medical treatment, housing, social service assistance and tangible support for pregnant women, including clothing and equipment. (703-5384305).

24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP (4357) Project Rachel (healing after abortion): 1-888-456-HOPE (4673) Pregnancy Resource Centers Phone Numbers: Catholic Charities National: 1-800-CARE-002 Catholic Charities Local: 703-425-0100 A Woman's Choice: 703-538-4305 Gabriel Project: 1-866-444-3553

April 10, 2011

All Religious Education Program teachers and assistants are to attend the Spring Workshop and End-of-Year Information Meeting on Sunday, April 10, at 7:30pm in the parish hall. Easter Holiday — all Religious Education classes are cancelled during Holy Week and Easter Week, April 17 through April 26. Classes resume on Sunday, May 1; Monday, May 2; and Tuesday, May 3. Practice for First Communicants in the church, 6:00pm-7:30pm — Group I on Wednesday, April 27; Group II on Thursday, April 28. Mass for First Communicants on Saturday, April 30: Group I at 9:00am; Group II at 11:30am. Religious Education Program Graduation for Seniors on May 1, 6:00pm in the church. Mother’s Day, May 8 — Sunday classes only cancelled; classes will be held on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10. Final Religious Education classes — Sunday, May 15; Monday, May 16; and Tuesday, May 17. Report cards will be distributed. Student Registration for 2011-2012 is now open. Forms are available in the Religious Education Office, on the community board in the church vestibule, and at website: www.edu.nativityburke.org; on the Nativity CCD tab click on Student Registration. May 9, 2011 - Nativity Catholic School's First Annual Golf Tournament & Friend-Raiser! Help support our parish school while enjoying a morning of 18 holes of golf and lunch!! Shotgun start at 9:00am on May 9, 2011, at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, VA, ranked 15th in Golfweek's 2009 list of the nation's 50 best municipal courses. Not a golfer?? Volunteers, advertisers, and donations for the raffle are needed. Registration forms and information are located at https://nativitymn.ejoinme.org/golf . Registration is open until May 2, 2011. If you can help or participate in any way, please contact Jean Lewis at (703) 426-8735 or email at [email protected]

PRAYER SHAWL MEETING….The next

daytime meeting will take place in the APR on Monday, April 18th at 9:30am. The evening meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 13th at 7:00pm in the APR. For more information call Toni Rausch, 703-455-3260; Flo Grike, 703-250-7799 or Joanne Dezzutti, 703-455-5702.

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Do You Have a Healthy Heart? We hear an awful lot about the “healthy heart” these days. In commercials, news articles, food product information, the message is geared to keeping or attaining a “healthy heart”. And so we take the time to look at our hearts, not physically, but spiritually. The Gospel this Sunday tells us the story of Lazarus – his death and his return to life upon the command of Jesus, “unbind him and let him go free!” Let us take time this week to ponder these words of Jesus. What within ourselves binds our hearts? What needs to be loosed so that we might go free? Let us examine our faults to discover what prevents our hearts from experiencing fullness of life, and the ability to be strengthened by all that is life-giving. It is up to us to decide if we want to keep ourselves and others, bound through anger, bitterness and hard-heartedness, or do we want to set ourselves and others free through love, forgiveness, compassion and mercy. The choice is up to us, but Jesus shows us the way and invites us to walk with him. “I came for the cookies, but I found love and Jesus.” Be a part of the flame that draws souls to Christ. Bake cookies for the MEN’S KAIROS prison retreat scheduled for this Fall at Fluvanna Men’s Prison beginning April 27, 2011. This gift of love requires a lot of cookies – about 4,000 dozen for each retreat. Each team member is responsible for bringing 100 dozen home made cookies for the weekend. The types of cookies needed are: Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Sugar, Cinnamon, Ginger, Molasses, Chocolate, and Chocolate Chip. Cookies should be 2 inches in diameter and not more than 1/2 inch thick. No icing, sugar, sprinkles or any other type of coating on the outside. No nuts, raisins, fruits, or M&M’s on the inside. Packing the Cookies Bag thoroughly cooled cookies in a Quart-Sized Zip Lock bag, 12 to a bag. Please use only a quart-Sized Zip Lock Bag. If you fail to cool your cookies before bagging them, they will stick together and crumble and may not be admitted into the prison. Label each bag with the type of cookie. Freeze all cookies if not delivering within 3 days of the start of the retreat. For recipes and information about KAIROS, visit the KAIROS Buckingham web site http://kairos-bkcc.org/sites/default/files/documents/ KairosCookiesBrochure35.pdf or call Diane Bayne 703-763-7230. Please place your cookies in the kitchen opposite the church office or give them to a staff member. Final pickup for the Fluvanna weekend is Tuesday, April 26th.

Thought for the Week: “Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”

Japanese Proverb

April 10, 2011

Sunday, April 10 WON Easter Basket Collection (Rm. 6) 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 pm……………………….CCD Classes (S) Monday, April 11 4:00 & 7:00 pm…………………………..……...…..CCD (S) 6:30 to 7:30 pm……………….…...Lenten Soup Supper (PH) 8:00 pm……………………………..........AA Meeting (APR) Tuesday, April 12 9:30 am………………………………......Bible Study (APR) 4:30 & 7:00 pm………………….………..………...CCD (S) 6:00 pm………………….…………….CYO Workcamp (PH) 7:30 pm……….……………......Parish Penance Service (CH) Wednesday, April 13 10:00 am……………………............….....Mom & Me (APR) 7:00 pm…………………...........Hispanic Prayer Group (SC) 7:00 pm…………………………..……….…..ESL (Room 5) 7:00 pm…………………...…………..…....…......RCIA (PH) 7:00 pm……………………....…………....RCIC (Room 4,6) 7:00 pm……………………………………….JustFaith (GR) 7:00 pm……………………….Prayer Shawl Ministry (APR) 7:30 pm……………………..Youth Choir Practice (Room 2) 7:30 pm……………...…...………...Women of Nativity (SL) 7:30 pm………………..…….…..….....Legion of Mary (CL) Thursday, April 14 9:30 am………………………………......Craft Group (APR) 7:00 pm…………………………......Spanish Class (Room 2) 7:00 pm……………………………..………...ESL (Room 5) 7:30 pm……………..Prayer Group (APR, Room 7,8,SL,SC) 7:30 pm………………….…….....Adult Choir Practice (CH) 7:30 pm……………………………….....Baptism Class (SL) Friday, April 15 7:00 pm…………….CYO Living Stations of the Cross (CH) 8:15 pm………………...Hispanic Stations of the Cross (CH) Saturday, April 16 9:30 am……………………………......Pro-Life Rosary (CH) 10:00 am……...……...…................Dog Obedience Class (PL) 10:00 am……………...………...…......ESL (Rooms 5, 6, 7, 8) 1:00 pm……………………………....Hispanic Baptism (SC) 5:00 pm…………………………….Hispanic CYO (Room 4) 5:00 pm………………………….….….….Hispanic CCD (S)

SHARING HOPE, a support group for men and women going through separation and divorce, will meet this Friday, April 15th at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Church Hall, off Rte 123. The topic will be “Controlling the Volcano Within”. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and there is no fee. For further information, directions or encouragement, please call Barbara at 703-425-5467 or Maureen 703-978-6318.

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Annual Multi-Car Raffle Thank you to those who have already returned their sold tickets. There is still plenty of time to enter the raffle, but don't wait to the last minute. Remember each $5.00 ticket is a chance to win all five 2011 vehicles from Koons of Manassas (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord, GMC Sierra Truck, Honda CRV sport utility and Honda Odyssey Van) plus up to $20,000 in cash. Thank you for your continued, generous support. If you have any questions or need more tickets to sell, please contact Sam Morthland at 703-455-2816. Knights of Columbus Frenchy Cyr Memorial Scholarships Last year, Nativity's Knights of Columbus Council 7992 awarded six Cyr Memorial scholarships for Catholic secondary school tuition (grades 9-12), totaling $6000. Scholarships were awarded to Kathleen Caler (Ireton HS), Richard Golinowski and Abigail Prince (Paul VI HS), and Emily Sun, Megan Golinowski and Rachel Hoppe (Nativity School). This year at least five scholarships, each for $1000, will be awarded. One scholarship will be awarded to the eight-grade student scoring the highest; all entrants, including eight-grade students, will compete for the remaining scholarships. Entrants must be registered parishioners at Nativity, or a son or daughter of an active member of Council 7992. Submissions must be post marked no later than midnight, Friday, April 29, 2011. Application forms are available in the Church office, at Nativity School, from guidance counselors at Bishop Ireton, John Paul the Great, and Paul VI high schools, or from Tony Rozga. Questions, call Tony Rozga, 440-8390.

K of C Blood Drive. The next K of C blood drive is scheduled for Sat, Apr 16, 2011, from 7AM to Noon, in St. Raymond's Parish Hall. Donors can make a "life saving appointment" by calling John Landy at 703-250-1492 or sending an email to [email protected] . Appointment can also be taken after each Mass 9/10 April.

Soups on!!! Our Lenten Soup Suppers are every Monday during Lent in the Parish Hall from 6:30pm-7:30pm. The Last Soup Supper will take place on April 18th. The cost is $5 per person and $20 per family. Please help support the teens of Nativity and spread the word!

Parish Prayer List Please remember, in your prayers, the sick of our Parish Community: Joanna Arnista, Sarah Buckley, Fidel de la Cuesta, Infant Theo Moreno Hines, Mary Hoffman, Mary McDonald, Gina Newsom, Barbara Olweiler, Jack Sanders, Barb Shaffer, Daryl Spencer, Pam Wadsworth and John Wolfe. For the deceased: Lorraine Costa, Mother of Kathy Ferraris. Pray for our military men and women and their families. May God keep them safe and out of harms way.

April 10, 2011

RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS FOR SCOUTS All Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts working towards religious emblems this year must have their booklets turned in by April 20th. The completed booklets should be delivered to 5832 Parakeet Drive in Burke, sent via backpack mail (2nd or 5th grade) at Nativity School, or dropped off at the Girl Scout box in the parish office (Attn: Becky Chaves). Please make sure the booklets are labeled with the name of the scout and troop or pack number and a phone number in case there are any questions. Medals will be ordered for the scouts after the parish review is completed. The Scout Recognition Mass will be held on June 12, 2011 at the 9 AM Mass. Please call Becky Chaves at 703-425-4965 if you have any questions.

PRAY THE ROSARY FOR WORLD PEACE

High School and Jr. ViBe: What is ViBe?? If you are new to the Parish or just never really knew what ViBe was, I’m here to help! At first glance all the activities that Nativity has to offer can be overwhelming. If you happen to look over the different groups and see ViBe, you might be thinking what a strange name for a group!! If you are, don’t write it off so quickly. If you are in 7th-12th grade this is the group for you! ViBe is Nativity’s youth group. The name ViBe was chosen with the hope that everyone who enters our doors will feel comfortable enough to be real. We live in a world that tells us we have to be a certain way, and feel certain things. Here at ViBe we encourage all teens to first be real with God, real with themselves, and as a result of those two things, be real with each other. each . Nativity Youth Ministry offers opportunities for spiritual growth, service projects, retreats, summer Workcamp, and fellowship with other teens through meals, games, etc. The main ViBe program is on Sunday nights for both Jr. High and High School students. At Youth Group, every Sunday is different but always includes food, friends, fun activities, teachings, discussions, music, etc. Youth Group is available for all 7th12th graders and all are welcome to bring their friends!! Youth interested in ViBe should contact Meghan O'Connor by phone or e-mail to be notified of activities and times. 703-4552400 or [email protected] The next Vibe/Jr.ViBe meeting will be on April 17th from 6:30-8:30pm in the APR. CHANGE IN WORKCAMP MEETING TIME! The next Workcamp meeting is on April 12th from 6:00 - 7:00pm in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in finding out more information about our summer Workcamp trip please feel free to contact Meghan O’Connor at 703-4552400 or [email protected].

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 10, 2011

OPERATION STARFISH® N EWS www.operation-starfish.org

From the U.S. Navy to the White House – Building Houses Together In the last year, more than 20 houses in our Nativity Village projects in Haiti were sponsored by individuals and organizations outside Nativity parish. We worked with Lemoore Naval Air Station in California, and with the White House Historical Association in D.C., as others have learned about Operation Starfish and joined Nativity parish to make a difference in Haiti. Lemoore’s Guardian Angel Chapel raised funds for a house in Nativity Village at Chastenoye, and the White House Historical Association provided funding for two houses there. Court St. Joseph, a Catholic Daughters group in Sykesville, MD, has built two houses with us and they are working on their third. St. Clement School in Chicago, St. Mark School here in Vienna, VA, and St. Ann School in Quincy, MA have all supported our housebuilding work. St. Mark’s did two houses this year. St. Mary of Sorrows parish is currently working with us to build a house a year through their Social Justice program. Three Fox Vineyards in The Plains, VA completed a house, and Lake Braddock Secondary School’s 8th grade civics curriculum inspired students to do projects on poverty in Haiti, which led to funding for a house, with enough left over to send 20 children to school for a year. A young couple in Richmond, VA, in lieu of favors for guests at their wedding, donated a house in their guests’ honor. Several families, both inside and outside our parish, have sponsored houses to remember loved ones or as alternative Christmas, anniversary or birthday remembrances. As Fr. Martin says, “Starfish is not about the money, it’s about changing hearts, and bringing people and communities closer together in service to the poor.” Nativity’s Operation Starfish has strengthened our parish community and has welcomed others, far and near, into our community of love and service. A Penny A Gallon For Starfish In April, Cardinal Plaza Shell will automatically donate 1 penny to Operation Starfish for EVERY gallon of gas pumped. Pumping gas can build a house for a family in Haiti. CP Shell will also donate 5% of any auto repairs to Operation Starfish throughout 2011. Just tell the service desk you’re with Nativity Church. Cardinal Plaza Shell is located at the corner of Old Keene Mill Rd. and Rolling Rd. in Springfield. Call 703-451-6232. High Tea Anyone? On Sunday, April 17, Global Woman (http://www.myglobalwoman.com/) will host a high tea at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC. Proceeds will go towards construction of houses in Nativity Village at Chastenoye and towards support of the Little Children of Jesus Home, a Food For The Poor facility caring for handicapped orphans. Nativity parishioners visited Little Children of Jesus on our last mission trip to Haiti. For more information, contact Lina Frank at 571-436-3171, or [email protected]. For more information on Nativity’s Operation Starfish®, contact Jim McDaniel at [email protected], or call the Church office. Those Happy Days are here again! Paul VI Catholic High School’s PVI Players is proudly presenting the brand new musical Happy Days based on the old TV show. Return with us to the days of Fonzie, Ritchie, Mr. and Mrs. C., greasers, sock hops, and the fabulous Pinky Tuscadero for a sparkling evening of comedy, music, and old friends. Performances are April 15 and 16 at 7:30, and April 17 at 2:00. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults. For more information email [email protected] or call 703.352.0925 ex 371 for more information. Those Happy Days are yours and mine, and you want to be there when they rock and roll again!

Mark your calendars….Vacation Bible School JUNE 23 TO JULY 1

Palm Sunday Family Event at JP the Great Celebrate Palm Sunday and help area youth attend World Youth Day by joining us for Hosanna Day on Palm Sunday, April 17, from 12pm – 3:00pm. A fun and faith-filled afternoon that includes lunch, games, a dramatic presentation of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, an Easter egg hunt, and more! Tickets are $5/per person or $20/family. Please RSVP: [email protected].

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Muerte y vida

April 10, 2011

Domingo 5 de Cuaresma Jn 11,1-45

Las lecturas de este domingo nos invitan a mirar la muerte cara a cara. Pienso que todos hemos tenido que llorar la muerte de un pariente o amigo. Probablemente habrá pocos entre nosotros que no hayan visto a un muerto, que no hayan rezado al lecho de un difunto. Al morir alguna persona amada, quizás sentimos la tentación de pedirle a Dios que le devuelva la vida. Pero si seguimos pensando en esto, nos daremos cuenta de que esta petición es hecha un poco a ciegas. No se trata de hacer que nuestros muertos vuelvan a esta vida terrenal. La resurrección de Lázaro no es la resurrección que se nos ha prometido a todos. No es una resurrección satisfactoria, ya que no es definitiva y en nada cambia la condición humana. Lázaro salió vivo de su sepulcro, pero tuvo que volver a él tarde o temprano. El milagro es un signo. Cristo no ha hecho este milagro para trastornar las leyes naturales y suprimir en este mundo la muerte. El milagro es un signo, una manera de enseñar, la revelación de una verdad duradera con ocasión de un hecho pasajero. El que se aferra a un prodigio como tal, cierra los ojos ante su significado. El que quiere forzar un milagro, se interesa en sí mismo, pero no en Dios. ¿Cuál es, entonces, el mensaje de este milagro? Por medio de la resurrección de Lázaro, Cristo quiere enseñarnos que Él es el Señor, el Dueño de la vida, y que cuantos se ponen en sus manos, vivirán. Marta cree en la resurrección universal, pero ignora que la Resurrección está a su lado. Ésta es la gran revelación cristiana: “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida: el que cree en mi, aunque haya muerto, vivirá”. De este modo, Jesús enseña la existencia de otra vida, de la que Él mismo es el origen y la clave. Nos dice que Él mismo tiene poder sobre la vida y la muerte, y que para los que creen en Él la muerte es como un sueño - despertar es resucitar para la verdadera vida. En la primera lectura, Ezequiel habla del poder del Espíritu Santo para devolver la vida a lo que estaba muerto. Y el mismo Espíritu vivificante es el que resucita a Jesús de entre los muertos. Y con Cristo resucita a todos lo que creen en Él. El cristiano es un hombre que ha recibido el Espíritu y con Él la vida, enseña San Pablo en la segunda lectura. Este Espíritu de Dios dará la nueva vida también a nuestros cuerpos y hará desaparecer nuestro natural temor a la muerte. La muerte del hombre es un nacimiento. Existe una ley natural: el hombre debe morir. Pero hay también una ley sobrenatural que no contradice a la natural, sino que la complementa: la muerte del hombre es un nacimiento. “Si el grano de trigo que cae en la tierra, no muere, queda solo, pero si muere produce mucho fruto” (Jn 12,24). Por eso, pensando en nuestros muertos, todos sabemos que no están muertos de verdad: sabemos que sus almas viven, piensan, aman y nos ven; sabemos, además, que sus cuerpos volverán a vivir, transformados, algún día. Pero, sobre todo, sabemos que existe un Dios que resucita a los muertos, un Dios que ha vencido a la muerte. Es un Dios que, en cada misa, en cada una de nuestras comuniones, introduce en nuestros cuerpos una levadura de inmortalidad. Queridos hermanos, la resurrección de Lázaro es como un anticipo de la Resurrección de Jesucristo en Pascua. Ojalá sea también anticipo de nuestra propia resurrección, al final de nuestra vida: la culminación de una vida auténticamente cristiana, una vida que nos ha preparado y madurado para ese momento tan decisivo… Que la Virgen María, nos acompañe y fortalezca en nuestro caminar hacia la victoria final. ¡Qué así sea! En el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén. Padre Nicolás Schwizer Instituto de los Padres de Schoenstatt

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 10, 2011

TAMBIÉN YO, SEÑOR, QUIERO SALIR Cuando me digas “sal de ahí” quiero dejar la fría losa que me inmoviliza que me detiene en la oscuridad y me recuerda que Tú ya no existes que pregona que, la nada o el absurdo, serán mis acompañantes para siempre. TAMBIÉN YO, SEÑOR, QUIERO SALIR Y, al verte conmovido porque ya no estaré muerto sino vivo darte las gracias porque, ante todo, me darás la vida Señor Porque, tus promesas, son más fuertes que la misma muerte porque tu fama, Señor, desde siempre me ha impresionado. TAMBIÉN YO, SEÑOR, QUIERO SALIR Abandonando las vendas de la tiniebla y del llanto para, después de resucitar, cantar eternamente tu gloria y con el resto de los que creen y esperan como yo enterrar las dudas y las desesperanzas sabiendo que Tú, Señor, tienes palabras de vida eterna TAMBIEN YO, SEÑOR, QUIERO SALIR Pero, mientras no llegue ese momento, guárdame en tu corazón, amigo y Señor, no olvides que, mientras estuve y caminé en la tierra, pensé en Ti, di gracias por haberte conocido cerré los ojos al mundo con el sueño de poder escuchar un día: ¡AMIGO, SAL DE AHÍ! Haz, Señor, que mientras asoma ese instante de partir cuando algunos lloren y otros recen por mi te siga amando con todo mi corazón, fuerza y afecto Amén. Javier Leoz LA LUZ ESTA ENCENDIDA PARA TI !! CELEBRA EL SACRAMENTO DE LA RECONCILIACION

Es una iniciativa diocesana dirigida a todas los catolicos para poner a su disposicion el Sacramento de Reconciliacion. La Confesion es una maravillosa oportunidad para poner a un lado el camino pecaminoso y poder acercarnos a nuestro Senor. Las Confesiones se haran cada miercoles durante la Cuaresma, de 6:30-8:00pm en todas las iglesias Catolicas de la Arlington y la Arquidiocesis de Washington. (Adicionalmente a la horario normal de confesion ante la Misa, los sabados, 6:15-6:55pm EL DIACONO JOSE PARDO OFRECERE' SERVICIOS PASTORALES EN: CONSEJERIA PERSONAL CONSEJERIA MATRIMONIAL ANULACION DE MATRIMONIO DIAS: LUNES Y JUEVES DE 1 A 4 PM 703.455.2400 703.998.5161

Grupo Chal de Oración Este grupo esta abierto a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, su propósito es proveer a los gravemente enfermos una señal tangible de nuestras oraciones y nuestra preocupación. Los miembros cariñosamente tejen (o ganchillo) los chales, que después serán bendecidos por nuestro pastor, Padre Martin y enviados a las personas que los necesitan. El lunes por la mañana del 18 de avril la reunión a las 9:30am. El miércoles por la noche del 13 de avril la reunión a las 7:00pm. Las dos reuniones se llevarán a cabo en la Sala de Usos Múltiples(All Purpose Room). Venga y traiga su proyecto para tejer o para aprender a tejer en chal para los gravemente enfermos de nuestra parroquia. Para mas información, llamar a la oficina de la parroquia: 703-455-2400.

Website: www.nativityburke.org

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 10, 2011

Mensaje del Santo Padre para la Cuaresma 2011 Con Cristo sois sepultados en el Bautismo, con él también habéis resucitado (cf. Col 2,12) A continuación de la semana pasada…. La petición de Jesús a la samaritana: «Dame de beber» (Jn 4, 7), que se lee en la liturgia del tercer domingo, expresa la pasión de Dios por todo hombre y quiere suscitar en nuestro corazón el deseo del don del «agua que brota para vida eterna» (v. 14): es el don del Espíritu Santo, que hace de los cristianos «adoradores verdaderos» capaces de orar al Padre «en espíritu y en verdad» (v. 23). ¡Sólo esta agua puede apagar nuestra sed de bien, de verdad y de belleza! Sólo esta agua, que nos da el Hijo, irriga los desiertos del alma inquieta e insatisfecha, «hasta que descanse en Dios», según las célebres palabras de san Agustín. El domingo del ciego de nacimiento presenta a Cristo como luz del mundo. El Evangelio nos interpela a cada uno de nosotros: «¿Tú crees en el Hijo del hombre?». «Creo, Señor» (Jn 9, 35.38), afirma con alegría el ciego de nacimiento, dando voz a todo creyente. El milagro de la curación es el signo de que Cristo, junto con la vista, quiere abrir nuestra mirada interior, para que nuestra fe sea cada vez más profunda y podamos reconocer en él a nuestro único Salvador. Él ilumina todas las oscuridades de la vida y lleva al hombre a vivir como «hijo de la luz». Cuando, en el quinto domingo, se proclama la resurrección de Lázaro, nos encontramos frente al misterio último de nuestra existencia: «Yo soy la resurrección y la vida... ¿Crees esto?» (Jn 11, 25-26). Para la comunidad cristiana es el momento de volver a poner con sinceridad, junto con Marta, toda la esperanza en Jesús de Nazaret: «Sí, Señor, yo creo que tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que iba a venir al mundo» (v. 27). La comunión con Cristo en esta vida nos prepara a cruzar la frontera de la muerte, para vivir sin fin en él. La fe en la resurrección de los muertos y la esperanza en la vida eterna abren nuestra mirada al sentido último de nuestra existencia: Dios ha creado al hombre para la resurrección y para la vida, y esta verdad da la dimensión auténtica y definitiva a la historia de los hombres, a su existencia personal y a su vida social, a la cultura, a la política, a la economía. Privado de la luz de la fe todo el universo acaba encerrado dentro de un sepulcro sin futuro, sin esperanza. El recorrido cuaresmal encuentra su cumplimiento en el Triduo Pascual, en particular en la Gran Vigilia de la Noche Santa: al renovar las promesas bautismales, reafirmamos que Cristo es el Señor de nuestra vida, la vida que Dios nos comunicó cuando renacimos «del agua y del Espíritu Santo», y confirmamos de nuevo nuestro firme compromiso de corresponder a la acción de la Gracia para ser sus discípulos. 3. Nuestro sumergirnos en la muerte y resurrección de Cristo mediante el sacramento del Bautismo, nos impulsa cada día a liberar nuestro corazón del peso de las cosas materiales, de un vínculo egoísta con la «tierra», que nos empobrece y nos impide estar disponibles y abiertos a Dios y al prójimo. En Cristo, Dios se ha revelado como Amor (cf. 1 Jn 4, 7-10). La Cruz de Cristo, la «palabra de la Cruz» manifiesta el poder salvífico de Dios (cf. 1 Co 1, 18), que se da para levantar al hombre y traerle la salvación: amor en su forma más radical (cf. Enc. Deus caritas est, 12). Mediante las prácticas tradicionales del ayuno, la limosna y la oración, expresiones del compromiso de conversión, la Cuaresma educa a vivir de modo cada vez más radical el amor de Cristo. El ayuno, que puede tener distintas motivaciones, adquiere para el cristiano un significado profundamente religioso: haciendo más pobre nuestra mesa aprendemos a superar el egoísmo para vivir en la lógica del don y del amor; soportando la privación de alguna cosa -y no sólo de lo superfluo- aprendemos a apartar la mirada de nuestro «yo», para descubrir a Alguien a nuestro lado y reconocer a Dios en los rostros de tantos de nuestros hermanos. Para el cristiano el ayuno no tiene nada de intimista, sino que abre mayormente a Dios y a las necesidades de los hombres, y hace que el amor a Dios sea también amor al prójimo (cf. Mc 12, 31). En nuestro camino también nos encontramos ante la tentación del tener, de la avidez de dinero, que insidia el primado de Dios en nuestra vida. El afán de poseer provoca violencia, prevaricación y muerte; por esto la Iglesia, especialmente en el tiempo cuaresmal, recuerda la práctica de la limosna, es decir, la capacidad de compartir. La idolatría de los bienes, en cambio, no sólo aleja del otro, sino que despoja al hombre, lo hace infeliz, lo engaña, lo defrauda sin realizar lo que promete, porque sitúa las cosas materiales en el lugar de Dios, única fuente de la vida. ¿Cómo comprender la bondad paterna de Dios si el corazón está lleno de uno mismo y de los propios proyectos, con los cuales nos hacemos ilusiones de que podemos asegurar el futuro? La tentación es pensar, como el rico de la parábola: «Alma, tienes muchos bienes en reserva para muchos años... Pero Dios le dijo: “¡Necio! Esta misma noche te reclamarán el alma”» (Lc 12, 19-20). La práctica de la limosna nos recuerda el primado de Dios y la atención hacia los demás, para redescubrir a nuestro Padre bueno y recibir su misericordia. En todo el período cuaresmal, la Iglesia nos ofrece con particular abundancia la Palabra de Dios. Meditándola e interiorizándola para vivirla diariamente, aprendemos una forma preciosa e insustituible de oración, porque la escucha atenta de Dios, que sigue hablando a nuestro corazón, alimenta el camino de fe que iniciamos en el día del Bautismo. La oración nos permite también adquirir una nueva concepción del tiempo: de hecho, sin la perspectiva de la eternidad y de la trascendencia, simplemente marca nuestros pasos hacia un horizonte que no tiene futuro. En la oración encontramos, en cambio, tiempo para Dios, para conocer que «sus palabras no pasarán» (cf. Mc 13, 31), para entrar en la íntima comunión con él que «nadie podrá quitarnos» (cf. Jn 16, 22) y que nos abre a la esperanza que no falla, a la vida eterna. En síntesis, el itinerario cuaresmal, en el cual se nos invita a contemplar el Misterio de la cruz, es «hacerme semejante a él en su muerte» (Flp 3, 10), para llevar a cabo una conversión profunda de nuestra vida: dejarnos transformar por la acción del Espíritu Santo, como san Pablo en el camino de Damasco; orientar con decisión nuestra existencia según la voluntad de Dios; liberarnos de nuestro egoísmo, superando el instinto de dominio sobre los demás y abriéndonos a la caridad de Cristo. El período cuaresmal es el momento favorable para reconocer nuestra debilidad, acoger, con una sincera revisión de vida, la Gracia renovadora del Sacramento de la Penitencia y caminar con decisión hacia Cristo. Queridos hermanos y hermanas, mediante el encuentro personal con nuestro Redentor y mediante el ayuno, la limosna y la oración, el camino de conversión hacia la Pascua nos lleva a redescubrir nuestro Bautismo. Renovemos en esta Cuaresma la acogida de la Gracia que Dios nos dio en ese momento, para que ilumine y guíe todas nuestras acciones. Lo que el Sacramento significa y realiza estamos llamados a vivirlo cada día siguiendo a Cristo de modo cada vez más generoso y auténtico. Encomendamos nuestro itinerario a la Virgen María, que engendró al Verbo de Dios en la fe y en la carne, para sumergirnos como ella en la muerte y resurrección de su Hijo Jesús y obtener la vida eterna.

Vaticano, 4 de noviembre de 2010 BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Continua en la proxima edicion