Download Dear Parishioners, Perhaps all of us from time to time have felt that

Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
Dear Parishioners,
Perhaps all of us from time to time have felt that some of our difficulties seemed
insurmountable—yes, even Pastors have those days! The following was sent to me. For those
who feel that the “going” is rough this might be helpful. For those that it doesn’t apply to now,
you might want to save it for future reference.
Have a nice week!
SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP
A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s
well. The farmer heard the mule “braying”-or- whatever mules do when they fall into wells.
After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that
neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors
together and told them what had happened…and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old
mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued
shoveling and the dirt hit his back …a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every
time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back…HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off
and step up,” he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how
distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought “panic” and just kept right on SHAKING IT
OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY
OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed
him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to
give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity…THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO
BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS
US! Remember that FORGIVENESS, FAITH, PRAYER, PRAISE and HOPE…all are excellent
ways to “SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP” out of the wells in which we find ourselves!
Author Unknown
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
The Beginning of Public Prayer
Private prayer, focusing on the Our Father and meditating on the events that took place in Christ’s life,
were an important part in the life of the early Christian. Then during the early 3rd century, church
leaders began to encourage the people to gather in church-houses in the early morning and early
evening for their prayer services. The morning service consisted of readings from Scripture, hymns,
and a fellowship gesture such as an embrace or kiss. The evening service focused on the blessing of
lamps and the symbolism of light and darkness. This service was sometimes followed by a meal or the breaking
of bread. Once Christianity became legal, during the early 4th century, these weekday group prayer services
moved into churches. There they continued, although their popularity decreased over the years as the languages
of the people moved away from Latin. It was during the 7th and 8th centuries that Lauds (morning prayer), and
Vespers (evening prayer), were gradually replaced with a daily morning Mass for the people.
Mrs. Margaret Grabbe
Monday, July 11
9:00am
Fr. Martin
Ann Morton
Tuesday, July 12
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Michael Hennigan
Wednesday, July 13
7:30am
Fr. Martin
Brigida Ferrer
Thursday, July 14
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Angela Parios
Friday, July 15
7:30am
Fr. Korpi
Paul Dezzutti
Catherine Hay
Spanish Mass
Saturday, July 16
9:00am
5:00pm
7:00pm
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Korpi
Fr. Wilson
7:30am
9:00am
11:00am
12:45pm
Students enrolled by August 26, begin classes on
September 18, 19, and 20.
Students enrolled after August 26, begin classes on
September 25, 26, and 27.
Sunday, July 17
Parishioners
Edward Zigo, Jr.
Peter Cush
Ryan Lopynski
“We know that all things work for good for those who love
God, who are called according to his purpose.”
(Romans 8:28)
Teachers, assistant teachers, substitutes, and babysitters are
needed for the 2011-2012 religious education school year.
The Volunteer Application form is available in the
Religious Education Office, at website:
www.edu.nativityburke.org; on the Nativity CCD tab
click on Volunteer, or call the Religious Education Office
at 703-455-0372.
Fr. Martin
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Wilson
Fr. Martin
Thank you for signing up for flowers. We do have four spaces
left:
July 31st; October 30th; December 4th and 11th.
If you are interested in donating altar flowers, please call the
parish office at 703-455-2400.
The Altar Flowers this week are
In Loving Memory of
Mary and George Yarros
From The Brandt Family
And
In Celebration of
Our First Wedding Anniversary
Janet and Barry Basselgia
Class placement is based on first come, first served. Don’t
delay! Some classes are already closed due to enrollment
numbers. Submit a Student Registration form to the
Religious Education Office along with the student’s
baptismal certificate (unless it has been previously
submitted) and payment. Forms are available in the
Religious Education Office, on the community board in the
church vestibule, or at www.edu.nativityburke.org; on the
Nativity CCD tab click on Student Registration.
To find the nearest Catholic church anywhere in the United
States go to: www.masstimes.org or
www.parishesonline.com
Thought for the Week:
“I keep my friends as misers do their treasures, because, of all
things granted us by wisdom, none is greater than friendship.”
Pietro Aretino
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Parish Prayer List
Please remember, in your prayers, the sick of our
Parish Community:
Ginger Connelly, Bea Korfonta, Renata Merulla, Vivian
Riggs, John & Barbara Wurm
For the deceased:
Tony Arambulo, Father of Loreto Hermosilla
Robert Buchanan, Father of Matthew Buchanan
Eugene Leiderman, Uncle of Fr. Jaffe
Allan Taylor
Pray for our military men and women and their
families. May God keep them safe and out of harm’s
way.
PRO-LIFE CORNER
If the 87% of the population who claim to be
people of faith, and a majority of the
population who claim to be Pro-Life would put their faith
into action, then abortion would become a thing of the past.
We can stop this atrocity. We are God’s instruments placed
here on Earth at this moment in time to speak out for His
children who cannot speak for nor defend themselves.
Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray
Always. We Must Do No Less.
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. (703-538-4305).
Pro-Life Rosary and Witness - Nativity Parishioners are
invited to pray for both an end to abortion and healing for
those suffering from abortion at NOVA “Healthcare”, 10400
Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA 22030, from 7:30 - 8:30 am on
Saturday mornings. This is the busiest hour of an active
abortion clinic; it is not uncommon for over 10 women/
couples to arrive during this time. Peacefully pray for Our
Lady's intercessions and lovingly encourage calls to the
numbers below. For more info, please contact Josh Reynolds,
703-470-8978, [email protected]
24-Hour Crisis Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP
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
July 10, 2011
During the month of April, we joyfully welcomed into the
Church through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Edith Marie Corker, Anna Elizabeth Flood,
Zoe Bleu Tower, Juliana Bea Hargrove, Kyle
Monroe Hammerdinger, Christopher Wayne
Roach, Isabel Natalia Flores, Alida Alejandra
Bonilla, Luis Angel Castillo, Matthew Lionel Nicastle,
Cameron Shimshock Werner, Ella Marie Fthenos,
Madelaina Ann Ford, Marco Rowan Bondoc Montejo,
Jacob Christopher Fry, Phialabiana Laia ThatcherPatnode,
Porter James Livingston, and Marco Tale Vita
Nativity Catholic School is still accepting
registrations for the 2011-2012 school
year. Please contact Amor Paulson,
Director of Admissions either by email at
[email protected] or by
calling the school at (703) 455-2300.
You can also visit our website and find
registration information at
http://www.nativityburke.org/school/admissions.php
During the month of July, the Mom and Me Group
will meet every Wednesday at 10:00am at South Run
Playground. For more information contact
smith [email protected].
Identifying Your Risk = Disease Prevention
Church of the Nativity will host a preventive health
screening event on Thursday, August 18, 2011 for residents
in and around your community.
Life Line Screening will perform screenings for:
1) carotid artery blockage (stroke)
2) arterial fibrillation
3) abdominal aortic aneurysm
4) peripheral arterial disease
5) osteoporosis (bone loss)
These screenings are recommended for anyone 50 and older,
or 40 and over with cardiovascular risk factors. They are
non-invasive, painless, and take 60-90 minutes to
complete. The results, which are mailed directly to you, will
help you and your doctor protect your health. Stroke,
Vascular and Heart Rhythm Package range from $129.00 to
$159.00. Call 1-888-653-6441 or visit
www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to schedule
your appointment. Early registration ( $10.00 discount) lists
are on the Church Bulletin Board.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REMINDER: IN JUST
TWO SHORT WEEKS
Nativity’s Annual Yard Sale
for Charity
Saturday, July 23, 2011,
9 AM – 3 PM
Please donate all those “treasures”
that need a new home. Collections
of donations start Thursday, July
14th.
FOR INFORMATION CALL 703-919-6549 OR 703-4513802
FURNITURE PICK-UP ONLY: 703-866-5217
Need info flyer on what is acceptable/unacceptable?
email [email protected] and place “KOC Flyer Request” in subject line
ViBe/Jr.ViBe
On July 12th at 6pm we will have our 2nd Messy
Olympics/Water Wars outside the PH. Come ready to get
messy and have a great time with friends. Please bring a
change of clothes and a towel! Dinner will be provided.
Please keep the teens in your prayers who will be traveling
to Steubenville, Ohio for the Franciscan University youth
conference from July 15th-17th. We will be praying for you
and your families.
*Drivers Needed*
The CYO is looking for volunteers to be drivers/chaperones
for some of our summer events. If you can help please
contact Meghan O'Connor at 703-455-2400 or
[email protected] for more details and dates! Thank
you.
July 10, 2011
Monday, July 11
8:00 pm………………………..…....AA Meeting (APR)
Tuesday, July 12
9:30 am………………………………Bible Study (APR)
Wednesday, July 13
7:00 pm……………………...Knights of Columbus (PH)
7:00 pm…………………..…Hispanic Prayer Group (SC)
7:30 pm…………………….….….Legion of Mary (APR)
Thursday, July 14
9:30 am………………………….…...Craft Group (APR)
5:30 pm…………………….....Yard Sale Collection (PH)
7:15 pm……………………………..Prayer Group (APR)
Saturday, July 16
9:30 am…………………………....Pro-Life Rosary (CH)
10:00 am……………………………..Dog Obedience (PL)
1:00 pm…………………………..Hispanic Baptism (SC)
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm………...….Yard Sale Collection (PH)
Suffering in Silence? Feeling haunted by a past abortion?
Are you experiencing spiritual alienation, depression,
nightmares, loneliness, physical challenges, grief or
suicidal thoughts? Experience God’s mercy through
reconciliation and forgiveness. Contact Project Rachel for
confidential assistance 888-456-HOPE or
[email protected].
PRAYER SHAWL MEETING
The next daytime meeting will take place
in the APR on Monday, July 18th at
9:30am. The evening meeting will take
place on Wednesday, July 20 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.
PRAY THE ROSARY FOR WORLD
ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
703-425-9702
Fairfax Memorial Park
703-323-5202
High School Young Men (including rising ninth graders) are
invited to Quo Vadis Days 2011, a vocation discernment camp,
to be held at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg,
Maryland from Sunday, July 14 to Thursday, July 28. To
register, please go to www.arlingtonvocations.org or call the
Office of Vocations at (703) 841-2514 for more details.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Are You 50 or Better? Please join us at the next Lunch N’ Life
sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke on
Thursday, July 21, 2011, (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Burke Presbyterian
Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke. Author and historian
Don Hakenson will speak on Little Known Civil War Fights in
Fairfax County. For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry, (703)
620-0161, by July 14. The cost is $8.00; checks payable to
SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703)
323-4788. See www.fairfax-burkesc.org.
Memorial Mass for Fr. Joe Peplansky CMF
Fr. Joe passed away in Chicago March 13, 2011. For all
who remember him, please come to a Memorial Mass and
Reception on Friday, July 22, 6:30pm at St. Mary of
Sorrows Parish Center, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax VA
22032. Fr. Tom Moran will be the celebrant. Bring any
photos and/or stories of Fr. Joe to share. RSVP for planning
Betsy Pugin 703-569-1651 [email protected] or Shari
Zamarra 703-323-9367 [email protected]
Workshops on the New Translation of the
Roman Missal
On November 27, Catholics throughout the United States and in
other English-speaking countries will begin praying the Mass
with a revised translation of the Roman Missal. To aid the
faithful in preparing for this revised translation, parishioners are
invited to workshops on the New Missal to be held in various
deaneries throughout 2011.
Fr. Paul deLadurantaye, director of the Office of Sacred
Liturgy and the Office of Catechetics of the Diocese of
Arlington, will be the presenter. The next series of
workshops will take place at the following locations, dates and
times:
Saturday, Aug. 13, at Saint John, Warrenton – 10 a.m.
to 12 noon
Saturday, Sept. 24, at Saint Mary of the Immaculate
Conception, Fredericksburg – 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Saint Catherine of Siena, Great
Falls 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 20, at Saint Veronica, Chantilly – 7:30
to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Saint Louis, Alexandria – 7:30
to 9 p.m.
Another Marriage Saving Weekend is coming soon July 15-17
Retrouvaille of Northern Virginia has helped tens of thousands of
couples at all stages of disillusionment or unhappiness in their
marriages. This program can help you too. For confidential information or to register please call (703) 351-7211 or visit us at
www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
Catholic Charities Looking for Volunteer Daytime
Receptionists
With so many looking to the Church for assistance during
this difficult time, our phone lines at Catholic Charities of
the Diocese of Arlington are busier than ever. Do you have
a few daytime hours to spare during the week to help us
get vital information to the people who need it most? Consider volunteering as a receptionist at our 200 N. Glebe
Road, Arlington, Virginia offices. For more information
contact Beth Fitzpatrick at (703) 841-3835 or email her at
[email protected].
‘Christians are Networking’ Program Seeking
Volunteers
Christians are Networking (CAN) supports people in career transition and we need several volunteers to help with
Thursday evening meetings. Volunteer support is needed
to open the facility, greet/register job seekers, to coordinate speakers and speakers’ calendar and to maintain supplies and inventory, etc. CAN provides a venue where job
seekers can prayerfully receive free professional career
counseling and take advantage of networking opportunities
with other professionals. Workshops are held Thursday
evenings from 7–9 p.m. at St. Martin de Porres Senior
Center, 4650 Taney Ave. in Alexandria. Please contact Elizabeth Lucas for more information
[email protected]
EXCELLENCE
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an
act, but a habit.”
Bulletin, St. Clement Church, Rockaway, NJ
Virginia Catholic Conference on Upcoming Statewide
Primaries, Elections
Did you know that this Election Day, Nov. 8, 2011, voters
will determine all 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly? Before that, voters will narrow the field in primary elections to be held Aug. 23. Well-informed Catholic
voters can make a difference in the outcome by understanding the issues in light of Church teaching before casting their ballots.
The Virginia Catholic Conference, which represents the
public policy interests of Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde
and Richmond Bishop Francis DiLorenzo and their two
dioceses, invites parishioners to learn more about important issues and join others in advocating for the common
good. See www.vacatholic.org or call (804) 225-8565.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
¿Al borde o dentro del camino?
Domingo XV (T.0.) (Ciclo A)
Javier Leoz
Entrañable parábola la de este domingo del tiempo ordinario para curar nuestra sordera espiritual. Una
buena forma, esta dinámica de Jesús, para hacernos comprender y entender su mensaje, su Palabra, sus
sentimientos y su misma misión.
Hoy nos podríamos preguntar ¿Dónde estamos situados? ¿Al borde del camino de la Palabra o dentro de
ella? ¿En la superficialidad o en la profundidad de las cosas? ¿Abrumados por las dificultades de las zarzas de
nuestra vida o liberados de aquellas que nos impiden abrirnos al Misterio de Dios?
1.Un paciente había concertado una visita con su médico personal. Le afligía una dolencia de garganta y,
cuando quería digerir algunos alimentos, le resultaba prácticamente imposible debido a un obstáculo interno. El
médico, después de examinarle, certificó: “tiene un hueso incrustado fruto de una mala digestión; habrá que
operar”.
Con la Palabra del Señor, ocurre tres cuartos de lo mismo. Si no llega hasta lo más profundo de nuestros
corazones es porque andamos “indigestados” con otros alimentos que perecen, que nos dan una satisfacción
puntual pero no duradera. Preferimos los caminos entre zarzas y rocas para buscar aventuras y, luego, de ellos
salimos lastimados, heridos y vacíos. Nos gusta optar por los parámetros de una sociedad que nos empuja al puro
y duro relativismo es fácil y luego las consecuencias son trágicas: si ponemos en el centro de todo, el fruto
efímero, lo que se ve y se palpa, cerramos a nuestro interior otra dimensión que nos ofrece una felicidad definitiva
y verdadera: el encuentro personal con Dios.
2.¿Tenemos bienes espirituales? ¿Cultivamos la verdad y la vida, la alegría y la fe, la esperanza y la
caridad, la ilusión y la confianza? ¿Trabajamos por la reconciliación y la paz, el bienestar general y la justicia? Si
todo esto (frutos evangélicos) madura en nuestra vida…¡mucho más se nos ha de dar en la eternidad! Por el
contrario, si nos dejamos sembrar por el maligno con semillas envenenadas esparcidas en dudas y desesperanzas,
injusticias y egoísmos, odios y muertes, desconfianzas y tristezas….también se nos negará un día, cuando
estemos frente al Padre, todo eso que El nos puede garantizar eternamente en el cielo.
¿Ricos espiritualmente en la tierra? Seremos grandes acaudalados de dicha en el cielo
¿Pobres espiritualmente mientras vivimos y nos encontramos en el mundo? Ruina segura cuando nos
vayamos de él.
¿Enzarzados por la maraña de la seducción y ahogados por la inmediatez? Asombrados nos quedaremos
cuando, al despertar ante el semblante de Dios Padre, comprendamos lo que hemos dejado de lado y el tiempo
perdido mientras estuvimos vivos.
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 10, 2011
¡SIEMBRA EN MI, OH
SEÑOR!
Tu PALABRA en el fondo de mi corazón
para que, nunca los pájaros de palabras vacías,
corrompan y rompan lo que Tú tienes pensado para
mí
Tu PALABRA en mis labios
y que, por donde yo avance,
sea pregonero de tu Reino y de tu justicia
de tu bondad, de tu gracia y de tu poder.
¡SIEMBRA EN MI, OH SEÑOR!
Tu PALABRA en mi mente
para que, cuando el maligno me tiente,
sepa responder con claridad y fortaleza
a todo lo que pretende alejarme de Ti
A todo aquello que me confunde y me mata
a todo aquello que, presentándose como noble,
no es sino confusión, abrojo, espina y zancadilla
¡SIEMBRA EN MI, OH SEÑOR!
Tu PALABRA en mis pies
Donde yo vaya, deje huella de tu presencia
Donde yo caiga, tu mano siempre me alcance
Donde yo ascienda, sepa encontrarte
Donde yo descienda, sepa que Tú me esperas
¡SIEMBRA EN MI, OH SEÑOR!
Profundidad frente a la superficialidad
Frutos de eternidad frente a lo efímero
Confianza, frente a la desesperanza
Animo frente al pesimismo
Sí, ¡oh Señor!
Siembra en mí, aunque yo me resista,
aunque me vaya por terrenos pedregosos
aunque, muchas veces, me venza el maligno
aunque, otras tantas, prefiera ser contaminado
por el mal sembrador que todo lo arruina
¡SIEMBRA EN MI, OH SEÑOR!
Javier Leoz
‘Haciendo un inventario’
Otros granos, finalmente, cayeron en buena tierra y
produjeron cosecha, unos el ciento, otros el sesenta y
otros el treinta por uno. Mateo 13:8
CARA VEZ QUE doy una clase o coordino un retiro, me
sorprende el entusiasmo con que los participantes
responden cuestionarios sobre temas personales. Saltean
las páginas del libro solo para realizar el examen diagnóstico en el apéndice; así, encuentran términos que
describen sus experiencias, incluso antes de comprender lo
que esos términos significan.
Cuando reflexionamos sobre la parábola del
sembrador de Jesús, puede que nos preguntemos si nuestro
“grano” fue comido por las aves, se secó por falta de
raíces, cayó en medio de cardos o en buena tierra. Después
de
examiner el estado de nuestra “tierra”, sería bueno intentar
averiguar cómo podemos hacernos más fértiles. ¿Nos falta
compromiso? ¿Aceptamos y alimentamos el grano? Si el
grano es la Palabra de Dios y la tierra es nuestra respuesta,
¿cómo podemos garantizar que germine, eche raíces
fuertes y florezca? ¿Nos conformaremos con que la
Palabra quede en la superficie o la aceptaremos en lo más
profundo de nuestro ser?
Elizabeth-Anne Stewart
Website: www.nativityburke.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Con María, en busca del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
July 10, 2011
- Voy entendiendo…poco a poco, voy entendiendo.
Autor: María Susana Ratero
María Santísima, el proximo viernes
celebramos la fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de
Jesús, quisiera prepararme bien para ella…
pero… ¿Cómo prepararme para aquello que
aún no comprendo bien?. Sí, asistiré a misa,
dejaré mis peticiones y agradecimientos en el
Corazón de tu Hijo. ¿Puedes ayudarme a
comprender lo que realmente significa amar el
Corazón de Jesús?.
Puedo sentir que me miras desde tu imagen,
puedo y quiero leer en tus ojos la respuesta….
- ¿Por qué no se lo preguntas a Jesús mismo?... vamos, atrévete…
Él está muy ansioso por hacerte comprender.
- Señora mía... es que… no me atrevo, soy tan pecadora, tengo
tanto de que arrepentirme.
- ¿Recuerdas cuando un leproso se le acercó?, suplicándole de
rodillas: “Si quieres puedes curarme… a Él se le conmovió el
Corazón” (Mc. 1,41). Así pasa contigo. Pero analiza bien este
hecho, el leproso “se le acercó” o sea, caminó hacia Jesús,
recorrió la distancia que lo separaba de Él, con todo lo que
significaba esa decisión. Luego le dijo “si quieres…puedes...” o
sea, reconoció que Cristo podía hacer lo que Él le pedía, mas
nada le exigía, sólo aceptaba su voluntad. Es entonces cuando a
Jesús “se le conmovió el Corazón”. ¿Comprendes, hija?.
Conmover el corazón de Cristo no es difícil sólo debes: acercarte
a Él, pedirle, confiar y por último, aceptar su voluntad.
- Señora mía, me hablas con tu corazón, le hablas al mío. ¿Quién
soy yo para que te dignes explicarme tanto?.
- Eres mi hija ¿Lo has olvidado? Una y mil veces te hablaría
hasta que encontraras el camino y la paz.
- Vengan a mí todos los que estén cansados, que yo los aliviaré…
- “Si alguno tiene sed, venga a mí y beba, si cree en mí. Pues
como dice la Escritura: brotarán de su Corazón ríos de agua
viva” (Jn. 7,37-39).
Y las palabras de tu Hijo resuenan en mi corazón.
- ¿Escucha tu alma las promesas de mi Hijo?.
- ¿Has comprendido, hija mía? Jesús te espera desde siempre, no
debes rendir examen para acercarte a Él, solo ámale, camina hacia
Él con toda tu carga y deposítala a sus pies. Él hará el resto.
Claro que mi alma las escucha. Poco a poco voy comprendiendo
que no existe mejor lugar para el alma, que el Corazón de Cristo.
Es un sitio lleno de amor, de paz, de profunda serenidad, tiene la
calma de todos los atardeceres, el perfume de todas las flores, el
canto de todos los pájaros, y el amor más grande, más profundo,
más exquisito que hubiera existido jamás.
Siento que somos tres conversando, que Jesús me vuele a
repetir…
- “...Aprende de mí, que soy paciente y humilde de
corazón...” (Mt. 11,29).
- ¿Ves hija, cómo te va mostrando el camino? Amar el Corazón de
Cristo es tratar de imitarle, en todo, en cada momento, tratar de
comprender, dentro de lo que puedas, cuánto, cuánto, cuánto te
ama.
- Señora…imitarle… sí, pero es que, no sé como se hace eso en
mi día a día…
- Pues… paso a paso, en cada decisión que tomes piensa: “¿Le
será agradable a Jesús?”. Cuando hables con las personas piensa:
“¿Si fuese Jesús quien está escondido tras ese rostro?”. Sobre todo
cuando te enojes con alguien o cuando tu orgullo herido reclame a
gritos una reparación, piensa: “¿Jesús verá con buenos ojos mi
reacción?” Si ya hablaste por tu vanidad herida, medita: “¿Me
alcanzarán estos argumentos ante Cristo?”. Hija querida, no hacen
falta, para imitar a Cristo, grandes y titánicas obras. No pretendas
abrir tú sola las aguas del mar… no, pequeña, sólo trata de actuar
en cada momento como Él espera que lo hagas. No por presión,
no como un amo severo que se la pasa controlándote para , al
menor descuido, volcar su ira sobre ti. Nada más lejos de eso.
Míralo como un compañero de viaje que te indica la ruta más
segura. Como un maestro que te enseña el camino. Como un
padre que no quiere que te lastimes. Cada palabra, cada consejo,
nacido del profundo amor de su Sagrado Corazón, es para que tú
- Los apóstoles ya habían descubierto el inmenso tesoro del
Corazón del Mesías. San Agustín lo notó, por eso dijo: “San
Juan, en la Cena, se reclinó en el pecho del Señor para significar
así que bebía de su Corazón los más profundos secretos...” Para
que entiendas más aún, te contaré lo que es para mí ese Corazón
amado… cuyos primeros latidos imaginaba al colocar mi mano
temblorosa sobre mi vientre, en aquellos días de Nazaret…,
después, en Belén, cuando José puso su pequeño cuerpecito
entre mis brazos, sentí ese suave y acompasado latido. A medida
que iba creciendo, fui aprendiendo el lenguaje de ese corazón, en
cada palabra, en cada gesto, en cada mirada, ERA Y ES un
corazón rebosante de amor y misericordia… El día que lo
comprendas desde el fondo de tu alma, ya nunca estarás sola.
Me besas la frente y te vas. Lentamente, te mezclas entre la
gente… tus palabras quedan en mi alma… esperando…
esperando…esperando… sigo orando para que yo sepa ver, poco
a poco, cuán bello es el sitio que me tienes reservado en tu
SAGRADO CORAZÓN.