St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church ♦ Martinez . California . January 13 . 2019 .

The Baptism of the Lord

St. Catherine of Siena Parish follows Jesus by welcoming all, sharing our gifts, and giving glory to God.

La parroquia de Santa Catarina de Siena sigue a Jesús dándole la bienvenida a todos, compartiendo nuestros dones y dando gloria a Dios.

Fr. Anthony Huong Le, Parochial Administrator ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deacon Albert Dizon Deacon David Holland dcnadizon@yahoo.com dcndholland@yahoo.com

Jessica Griswold, Principal Mea Auld, Pre-School Director Saint Catherine Elementary School mauld@csdo.org jgriswold@csdo.org scpreschool@comcast.net 925-228-4140 925-229-2255

Pauline Porter Andrea Watkins Rite of Christian Initiation Director Religious Education for Adults (RCIA) Safe Environment Coordinator paulinenporter@gmail.com drestcath@yahoo.com

Paul Holland Jennifer Holland Co-coordinators, Youth Group and Confirmation Program paulh@cfcsoakland.org jenniferdevita@gmail.com

Troy Killorn Karen Glen, ,Bookkeeper

Director of Music Ministry bkprstcath@yahoo.com

Sylvia Lloren Mary Cook Secretary Bulletin stcathmtz@yahoo.com bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street, MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org PARISH EMAIL: stcathmtz@yahoo.com SUBMISSIONS: bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com

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OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-1PM & 2 PM-5 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GRAMMAR SCHOOL: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

PRE SCHOOL: 1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BAPTISMS: Registration is mandatory two months prior to Baptism. Parents & Godparents are required to attend a manda-tory Baptism preparation class before reception of the Sacrament.

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MARRIAGES: Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to be arranged at least eight months prior to the wedding.

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FUNERALS: We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services at 925-932-0900. A representative will contact the parish office to coordinate your arrangements.

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BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS: To place an announcement in the bulletin, email request to: bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com. The deadline for requests is no later than noon on Fridays one week prior to the date of the bulletin in which the announcement is requested to appear.

EARLY DEADLINES: Closely watch early deadlines imposed by the publisher and plan ahead accordingly. Submissions for Jan 20 has passed. Next deadline for bulletin:

All items must be submitted by Fri, Jan 18 by noon for Jan 27.

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF

SATURDAY: 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM

SUNDAY: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM English 12:30 PM Spanish

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WEEKDAYS: 8:00 AM (Thursday is a Communion Service) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

HOLY DAYS: 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM and 7:00 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

ADORATION: Fridays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Altar Servers Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Art and Environment TBD…………………..…………………………925-228-2230 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 Communications Eugene Dizon……………………….………… 925-370-8143 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Viviana & Marty Magee……………… ………... 925-228-6460 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………..Ext 30 925-228-2230 Finance Council Don Brocca...925-229-4158 and Dennis Koller...925-335-9395 Grief Ministry/Card Ministry Mary Cook (in assoc with Legion of Mary)……. 925-229-2665 Guadalupe Society Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Hospital/Sick/Homebound Tom Greerty (in assoc with Legion of Mary)…... 925-228-4387 Hospitality Mary Cook (in assoc with Stewardship)……… 925-229-2665 Ignite Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 Knights of Columbus - K of C Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 La Communidad Latina Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Lectors Carlos Melendez…...……………………….….. 510-385-0506 Legion of Mary Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 Loaves & Fishes Denice Silva…………………………………….. 925-372-0740 Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Mary Help of Christians - MHC Margarita Flores……………………………….. 925-812-1279 Pastoral Advisory Council Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Respect Life Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA Pauline Porter/Karen Glen….……………….… 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP Andrea Watkins………………………..Ext 30 925-228-2230 SECP: No More Secrets - Survivor Outreach Sherrie Hammon………………………………..925-372-6091 San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 Spark (young adult group ages 18 years to 35 years) TBD ….………………………………………… 925-228-2230 Stewardship Karen Glen……………………………………..925-788-7716 Sociedade Portuguesa Rainha Santa Isabel - SPRSI Annette Liberty……………………… ……… 925-228-8428 St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Karen Glen …………………………………….. 925-788-7716 Ushers James McLaughlin………………………………. 925-228-1051 Young Ladies Institute - YLI Peggy Hagerthy …………………………………925-228-2628 Youth Group/Confirmation (High School 9 to 12 Grades) Paul & Jenny Holland…………………………….925-890-6229

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, com

plete the Diocesan required Safe Environm

ent for Children Project T

raining @ w

ww

.virtusonline.org . Thank you.

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

From the Desk of

the Parochial

Administrator

The Baptism of

Our Lord Jesus

Dear friends in Christ,

A little Anthony was asked in Sunday ­school to explain the meaning of Baptism. He said, "It's when the priest or the deacon holds you under water and you think about Jesus!" The same Anthony was crying and crying on the way back after the baptism of his little brother, Mark. His father asked him three times, “Anthony, what is going on with you?” Wiped his tears, he said, “the priest said that my brother must be brought up in a Christian home, but I want him to live with you guys!” Jesus and a Christian home are two gifts that you and I once received or our parents and Godparents received on our behalf when we were baptized.

Let us “think about Jesus” for a moment. An unavoidable question we must ask: Why was Jesus baptized by John the Baptist? It makes no sense whatsoever, if the baptism of John the Baptist requires repentance and confession of sins and a change in way of living, then Jesus as the Son of God who was sinless, needed not Baptism. John, in fact, in the Gospel of St. Mathew, refused to baptize Jesus because he knows Jesus did not need it. However, Jesus insisted, “For now, it is to fulfill all righteousness.” The truth is that what goes beyond our human expectation of God, He often does to surprise us.

Now, I would like to invite us to think with Jesus, not think about Jesus, but with Him. He was baptized so that to fulfill all righteousness. The key word is “righteousness.” In Jesus’ world, righteousness is an absolute YES to the Law of God, the Torah. It means “an unrestricted YES to God’s will” (Pope Benedict VI, Jesus of Nazareth, p. 17).

Jesus has said YES to the Will of God, the Father in becoming man, born of a woman. Now, He said YES to God by asking to be baptized. If baptism is for sinners, Jesus entry into the water of baptism means He steps into the place, reserved for sinners. In other words, He chooses to be in solidarity with sinners like us whose sins have plagued and placed tremendous burden of guilt on our consciences. He who was sinless has made Himself sin for our sake as St. Paul says. He steps in the place of sinners in order to take on Himself the sins of us all, the guilt in our conscience, and the punishment due to sins committed. I mean all of it. This is the reason why, later in His life, Jesus used the word baptism to refer to his death on the cross.

HOLY MASS with ANOINTING! SAT, JAN 19 @ 10 AM

Fr. Anthony will celebrate a Mass for senior citizens together with a Communal Anoint-ing for those who are ill in mind, body, and spirit.

In our Lord’s mind, baptism equals death. Baptism, therefore, is an act of accepting death in our place. The water is like an ocean of death and He carried that death to Calvary, on the cross. His baptism and death prove His solidarity with us is absolute. He is not a spectator, but a co-sufferer with us so that through His Baptism the gate of hell may be destroyed and the gate of paradise, the heaven, will be torn open for us all once again.

What happened after the baptism of Jesus? “Heaven opened,” and the Father said, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” And, the Holy Spirit of Life once again hovered like a dove over Him. At Jesus’ baptism we encounter all three persons of the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the triune God in Himself. This has become Christ’s final commission to His disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19). Jesus is in fact asking the disciples: to make the world become a Family of God, a Christian home for nations; to make our country a Christian home for all peoples; to make our parish, a Christian home for all families; to make our family, a Christian home for each of us. In that Christian home God and His will is at the center of gravity. A Christian home is what we belong when we were baptized. When we were baptized, our sins are forgiven and we were given an entrance to a family of God. We received the Spirit of adoption so that we can call God “Abba,” Father, with Christ. We became a member of Christ’s body, the Church. We are then brothers and sisters in Christ. We are invited to share the life of God Himself.

Let’s be honest, the world is not yet a perfect Christian home because there is too much killing. Our country is not yet a perfect Christian home because there is too much division. Our community is not yet a perfect Christian home because there is too much indifference. Our family is not yet a perfect Christian home since there is too much anger, too much selfishness, too much misunderstanding. Despite our imperfections, we still have hope because we have Christ. And, we still have Christians in this imperfect home. As baptized Christians, we are invited to think with Jesus, to identify with Him in words and deeds that is to partici-pate in Jesus’ struggle for humanity’s eternal life by carrying with Him, through Him, and in Him the burden of sin and its consequences. And, by renewing ourselves regularly through the sacrament of reconciliation. Reconciliation is like our sec-ond baptism because it is Christ, through the hands and words of the priest, pours out His blood over us to wash away our sins, thus, making us anew repeatedly every time we come to Him. Our world, our country, our community, and our family will be more like a Christian home every time we do that.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Anthony Le, Parochial Administrator

I G N I T E W E E KL Y R E A DI NG REF L E C T I O N W I T H C L E R G Y M O N D AY S 6 : 3 0 — 7 : 4 5 P M P a r i sh C e n t e r ~ S t . G a b r i e l R o o m

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism Q. #6. Why did God make you? Answer: God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world; and, to be happy with Him forever in heaven.

Week-at-a-glance dates, times, and locations are taken from the web site calendar: www.stcmtz.org. If further clarification is needed, please

contact the parish office at 925.228-2230 extension 0. Sunday, 1/13 The Baptism of the Lord 8:00 AM PH Hospitality—HOST NEEDED 3:45 PM PCL Confirmation Preparation Class 6:00 PM PCL Youth Group Meeting

Monday, 1/14 St. Felix, pray for us. 11:00 AM PCL Office Closed—Staff meeting 5:00 PM PCL St. Vincent de Paul meeting 6:00 PM CH Mass: Valencia

6:30 PM PC IGNITE Reading Reflection with Clergy Tuesday, 1/15 St. Nina, pray for us. 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM PH YLI Meeting 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, 1/16 St. Fursey, pray for us. 5:00 PM PH Children’s Choir Rehearsal 6:00 PM CH/SC Faith Formation PreK-8th Grades 6:15 PM PC 206 RCIA Meeting 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary Meeting Thursday, 1/17 St. Anthony, pray for us. 6:00 PM CH Vigil: Sasek 6:30 PM PCL ICF Meeting 6:30 PM PH Cub Scouts #184 Meeting 7:00 PM CH Lectors Meeting Friday, 1/18 St. Volusian, pray for us. 10:00 AM CH Funeral: Sasek 12:00 PM CH Adoration 5:00 PM CH Benediction 6:00 PM CH Mass: Valencia Saturday, 1/19 St. Fillan, pray for us. 9:30 AM PCL SVdP Food Distribution 10:00 AM CH Senior citizen Mass with Anointing 11:00 AM PH Reception for Mass with Anointing 1:30 PM PH Private Event 3:00 PM CH Reconciliation Sunday, 1/20 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 PM PH Breakfast—Religious Ed serves CH = Church RC = Rectory SC = School PH = Parish Hall YD = School Yard YS: YouthShack PC = Parish Center PCL: Parish Center Library

WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE DECEMBER 30, 2018 CONTRIBUTIONS Sunday Collection $4,213.00 SCS Education Fund $ 50.00 Religious Retirement $ 50.00 St. Vincent de Paul $2,665.00

JANUARY 6, 2019 CONTRIBUTIONS Sunday Collection $6,844.00 Christmas $1,375.00 Fulfilling the Promise $1,033.32 SCS Education Fund $ 10.00 Maintenance $ 85.00 Religious Retirement $ 100.00 Solemnity of Mary $5,797.00 St. Vincent de Paul $ 142.00

Thank you for your continued generosity!

REMEMBER ST. CATHERINE PARISH IN YOUR WILL & LIVING TRUST

PARISH STEWARDSHIP

SAT 1/12 4:30 Kerry Marie Nakasone † SUN 1/13 7:00 Int. St. Catherine of Siena Parish 8:30 Thomas& Eva Hernandez & family † 10:30 Henry Lejano † 12:30 Cardenas & Polina families † MON 1/14 8:00 Toby Trujillo † TUE 1/15 8:00 Petrus & Hendrika DeGraef † WED 1/16 8:00 † FRI 1/18 8:00 Rose Battaglia Tavormina † SAT 1/19 8:00 Manuel Ner † 4:30 Peggy Clemens † SUN 1/20 7:00 Rodney Bruce † 8:30 Int. Italian Catholic Federation Br#13 10:30 Jenni Samuels † 12:30 Int. St. Catherine of Siena Parish Wash your hands and say your prayers

because Jesus and germs are everywhere. Call the Parish Office for Mass intentions.

* 5:30 PM Snack Bar Opens * 6:30 PM Early Bird Bingo * 7:00 PM Regular Games * in the SCS Parish Hall

Join us at St. Catherine BINGO Feb 16 . Mar 9 . Apr 13 . May 11

A GIFT FOR YOU! As a token of our love and appreciation for your support and love, we are offering you a subscription of FORMED valued at $1,800.00 as a Christmas and New Year gift. FORMED is a bilingual (English and Spanish) revolutionary

digital platform that offers a wealth of information and enter-taining Catholic audio talks, eBooks, feature films, documen-taries, and video-based study programs from trusted providers like Catholic Answers, Sophia Press, Knights of Columbus, Igna-tius Press, St. Paul Center, and more.

There are two ways you can use FORMED. 1. Go to https://formed.org Enter Access Code: XPTJK8 (case sensitive). Enter your email and create a password (you’ll need

this to login later.)

2. Download the FORMED App to your smartphone and login with Access Code: XPTJK8 May God bless you all and those you love.

Happy New Year!

What: Signups for the 2019 CYO Track & Field Season When: MON, 1-14 and THU 1-24 from 6 PM to 8 PM Where: CTK School - 6th Grade Classroom, Room 222 What to Bring: Three required forms & two checks. Forms are available at http://www.ctktrack.org/.

PLEASE NOTE: This year we will not be accepting registration forms on the first day of practice. We will also not be accepting any late registration forms. We need all completed registration forms and payment on 01/14 or 01/24.

MARTINEZ MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE NEWEST EXHIBIT: “AMEN!”

Sun. Jan. 13 from 1pm to 4 pm Display of some of the Martinez churches

including St. Catherine. Displayed for 3 mos. More info: www.martinezhistory.org

St. Catherine Parish offers deepest sympathy and prayers for the family; and, the repose of the soul of

Katherine A. Sasek

who entered eternal life.

INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

For Catholics, the Mass is entirely familiar, but often not well understood. Scripture scholar and well known author Dr. Ed-ward Sri takes listeners on a journey through the sacred liturgy that is sure to help Catholics experience the Mass more fully as the most powerful and important prayer of the Church. Dr. Sri examines the historical and biblical roots of the words, prayers, actions, and gestures contained within the Mass in order to ar-rive at a deeper understanding of their significance.

This feature can be enjoyed through the SCS Access: Go to internet explorer and click http://formed.org. enter code: XPTJK8 (case sensitive)

WO

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Enjoy Catholic Schools Week! St. Catherine of Siena Elementary School & Pre-School Open Houses

Sunday, January 27 @ 10 AM

15th ANNUAL WALK FOR LIFE !

SAT, JAN. 26, 2019

St. Catherine of Siena Respect Life Ministry has reserved a 47-seat chartered bus for transportation to San Francis-co. Please meet the bus in front of the church @ 7:45 AM for 8:00 AM departure and return back to St. Catherine @ approximately 4:30 PM.

To reserve a seat on the bus, please call Debbie @ 370-3874 or email debpelizzari@comcast.net

Please Leave a phone number. Your reservation will be confirmed.

SUGGESTED FREE WILL DONATION OF $10

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 9:30am Mass with Bishop Barber

@ St. Mary’s Cathedral 11:00am-12:30pm Civic Center Plaza

Information Faire 12:30pm-1:30pm Civic Ctr Plaza Walk for Life Main Event Rally

1:30pm Walk begins to Justin Herman Plaza

More info available at www.WalkforLifeWC.com

The Baptism of Our Lord - Lk 3:15-16

IGNITE FORMED MINI-SERIES Presence—The Mystery of the Eucharist

Movie Study Three Part Series Sat., Feb 9, Mar 9, @ 5:30 to 8:00 PM

Parish Center Library. Pizza provided. Donations accepted. Explore the truth & beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist from its origins.

SAVE THESE DATES for future Formed events: SAT. APR 13 and SAT. MAY 11.

PETER PEACE JOHN

DOING GOOD ANSWERED

HEAVEN DOVE

NATION JUDEA

ANOINTED DEVIL

SANDALS DESCENDED

BELOVED FEARS

GALILEE POWER PEOPLE

FIRE BODILY PLEASED

A SCRIPTURAL WALK THROUGH THE MASS

Our place in the cosmic scheme of things is always a large ques-tion mark at the back of our minds. As poet William Stafford suggests in “A Story That Could Be True,” we journey through the world like homeless souls, wondering if maybe there’s a greater home where we might truly belong and be at peace. “Who are you really, wanderer?” Stafford asks. This question has many answers. John the Baptist accepts that he’s not the Christ; he’s just the messenger. Jesus embraces His identity as the beloved Son. Consider what could be true—of you. Today's readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 (21) "All were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.”

This month the liturgy uses extensively the Letter to the Hebrews, which has been called the “most elegant and sophisti-cated, and perhaps the most enigmatic, text of first-century Christianity.” In early centuries it was usually attributed to Saint Paul, but the language and theology are very unlike Paul’s letters. The truth is, no one knows for certain who authored it. After discussing the possibilities, Origen (185-254), the first great biblical scholar, remarked: “But who wrote the epistle, in truth, God knows.” Regardless of authorship, Hebrews is famous for its image of the “high priesthood” of Christ. That “priesthood of all believers” belongs to all of us as followers of Christ—are you in for the journey? Today's readings: Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20 (305). “Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ ”

Jesus astounded the people who met him along the way not only by the great deeds and signs that he performed and by what he taught—to love one’s enemies or forgive countless times. The amazement of the crowds was also due to the au-thority with which he spoke, not citing other rabbis or scholars but teaching from his own soul. In the church we often identify “authority” only with the teaching office, the Catechism, the decrees of popes, or the sense of the faithful. But the authority with which each baptized person testifies to Christ is also the authority, the authenticity, of his or her own life of faith, justice, and mercy. Today's readings: Hebrews 2:5-12; Mark 1:21-28 (306).“The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.”

Woody Allen is quoted as saying, “90 percent of life is showing up.” What, though, do we do with the other 10 percent? The story of God calling the prophet Samuel attests that just show-ing up won’t take you the whole way. The first two times Samu-el heard a voice calling him in the night, he responded only, “Here I am!” The priest Eli, knowing something of God’s ways, informs the young man that merely presenting himself in the holy place is insufficient. Samuel must also declare himself the servant of the Lord. Likewise, we should not rely on just show-ing up for the Lord. The final 10 percent is the part that makes the difference. Today's readings: Hebrews 2:14-18; Mark 1:29-39 (307).“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.”

When people think of a hermit, someone like Saint Anthony the Great usually comes to mind. He was one of the first in the Christian tradition to give away his worldly wealth and go off to live alone in the desert. But consider this: There might be Cath-olic hermits in your very neighborhood! It’s not common, but this vocation involves living a life of prayer and contemplation in solitude—in any diocese where a person might be, with the acceptance and under the direction of their bishop. Pray for those holy hermits who could be in your midst. Today's readings: Hebrews 3:7-14; Mark 1:40-45 (308). “He remained outside in deserted places.

Today begins the Octave (“eight days”) of Prayer for Christian Unity, a week of special prayer for the unity of all Christians with Jesus the Lord—who prayed at the Last Supper for his followers “that they all may be one.” Many things keep Chris-tians in their separate churches and communities. But in the end they share a common faith in Jesus who shows us who God is and calls us to love one another as God loves us. Pray to-day—and this week, and beyond this week—that Christians will find more to unite them than divide them. Today's readings: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Mark 2:1-12 (309). “So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them . . . and Jesus was speaking the word to them.”

Not sure what you can do to promote Christian unity besides avoiding calling other Christians non-Catholics? Here is some simple advice found in Vatican II’s Decree on Ecumenism: “All the faithful should remember that the more effort they make to live holier lives according to the gospel, the better will they further Christian unity and put it into practice. For the closer their union with the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, the more deeply and easily will they be able to grow in mutual brotherly love. This change of heart and holiness of life, along with public and private prayer for the unity of Christians, should be regard-ed as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement, and merits the name ‘spiritual ecumenism.’ ” Today's readings: Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 2:13-17 (310). “Many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus—for there were many who followed him.” Service mottos abound, ranging from “The customer is always

right” to “Ours is not to question why, ours is but to do or die.” At a particular nuptial celebration in Cana, servants in the middle of a supply crisis were told to follow the instructions of a young man who made puzzling demands of them. As a result of their obedience, ordinary water became fine wine. The crisis turned into a triumph. When we listen to Jesus and act on what we hear—the very definition of “obedience”—marvels ensue. Gospel always starts out sounding incredible, until it’s reality. Today's readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11 (66).“His mother said to the servers, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ ”

WED, JAN 16, 2019: Just showing up is not enough

SUN, JAN 13, 2019: FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Stories that could be true

MON, JAN 14, 2019 An unsigned letter from an inspired author

TUE, JAN 15, 2019: Ask an authority on the subject

SAT, JAN 19, 2019: Get into the ecumenical spirit

FRI, JAN 18, 2019: One in Jesus

SUN, JAN 20, 2019: SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Service with a smile

READINGS & REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK THU, JAN 17, 2019: MEMORIAL OF ANTHONY, ABBOT The hermit next door

Nuestro lugar en el esquema cósmico de las cosas es siempre un gran interrogante en el fondo de nuestras mentes. Como el poeta Williams Stanford sugiere "Una historia que podría ser verdad", viajamos por el mundo como almas sin hogar, pregun-tándonos si tal vez haya un hogar más grande al que podamos pertenecer verdaderamente y estar en paz. "¿Quién eres real-mente, vagabundo?" Stafford pregunta. Esta pregunta tiene muchas respuestas. Juan el Bautista acepta que él no es el Cris-to; Él es sólo el mensajero. Jesús abraza su identidad como el hijo amado. Considera lo que podría ser verdad de ti. Lecturas de hoy: Isaías 40: 1-5, 9-11; Tito 2: 11-14; 3: 4-7; Lucas 3: 15-16, 21-22 (21). "Todos preguntaban en sus corazones si Juan podría ser el Cristo."

Este mes, la liturgia usa ampliamente la Carta a los hebreos, que ha sido llamada el "texto más elegante y sofisticado, y quizás el más enigmático, del cristianismo del primer siglo". En los pri-meros siglos, generalmente se atribuía a San Pablo, pero El len-guaje y la teología son muy diferentes a las cartas de Pablo. La verdad es que nadie sabe con certeza quién fue el autor. Después de hablar de la posivilidad, origen (185-254), el primer gran erudito bíblico, comentó: "Pero quién escribió la epístola, en verdad, Dios sabe". Independientemente de la autoría, He-breos es famoso por su imagen del "alto sacerdocio" de Cristo. Ese "sacerdocio de todos los creyentes" nos pertenece a todos nosotros como seguidores de Cristo. ¿Estás en el camino? Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 1: 1-6; Marcos 1: 14-20 (305). "Jesús les dijo: 'Sígueme y te haré pescar por hombres'".

Jesús asombró a la gente que lo conoció en el camino, no solo por las grandes hazañas y señales que realizó y por lo que ense-ñó: amar una vez a los enemigos o perdonar innumerables veces. La multitud de personas también se debió a la autoridad con la que habló, no citando a otros rabinos o eruditos, sino enseñando desde su propia alma. En la iglesia a menudo identifi-camos la "autoridad" solo con la oficina de la enseñanza, el Catecismo, los decretos de los papas o el sentido de los fieles. Pero la autoridad con que cada persona bautizada testifica de Cristo es también la autoridad, la autenticidad de su vida de fe, justicia y misericordia. Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 2: 5-12; Marcos 1: 21-28 (306). "La gente se asombró de su enseñanza, porque él los enseñó como alguien que tiene autoridad y no como los escribas".

Se dice que Woody Allen dijo: "El 90 por ciento de la vida está apareciendo". Sin embargo, ¿qué hacemos con el otro 10 por ciento? La historia de Dios llamando al profeta Samuel atestigua que el solo hecho de aparecer no te llevará por el camino. Las dos primeras veces que Samuel escuchó una voz que lo llamaba en la noche, solo respondió: "¡Aquí estoy!" El sacerdote Eli, sabiendo algo de los caminos de Dios, informa al joven que sim-plemente presentarse en el lugar santo es insuficiente. Samuel debe también declararse ser el servidor del Señor. Del mismo modo, no debemos confiar en que solo nos presentemos ante el Señor. El 10 por ciento final es la parte que hace la diferencia. Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 2:14-18; Marcos 1: 29-39 (307). "A medida que Samuel creció, el Señor estaba con él y no dejó que ninguna de sus palabras cayera al suelo".

Cuando la gente piensa en ermitaño, alguien como San Antonio el Grande usualmente viene a la mente. Fue uno de los primer-os en el cristianismo en entregar su riqueza mundana e ir a vivir solo en el desierto. Pero considera esto: ¡Podría haber ermita-ños católicos en tu mismo vecindario! No es común, pero esta vocación implica vivir una vida de oración y contemplación en soledad, en cualquier diócesis donde pueda haber una persona, con aceptación y bajo la dirección de su obispo. Ora por esos santos ermitaños que podrían estar en medio de ti. Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 3: 7-14; Marca: 1: 40-45 (308). "Se quedó afuera en lugares abandonados".

Hoy comienza la Octava ("ocho días") de Oración por la Uni-dad de los Cristianos, una semana de oración especial de todos los cristianos con Jesús el Señor, quienes oraron en la Última Cena para que sus seguidores "puedan ser uno". Muchas cosas Mantienen a los cristianos en sus iglesias y comunidades separa-das. Pero al final comparten una fe común en Jesús que nos muestra quién es Dios y nos llama a amarnos unos a otros co-mo Dios nos ama. Oren hoy, y durante esta semana, y más allá de esta semana, para que los cristianos encuentren más para unirlos que dividirlos. Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 4: 1-5,11; Marcos 2: 1-12 (309). "Tantos se reunieron alrededor que ya no había lugar para ellos ... y Jesús les estaba diciendo la palabra".

¿No está seguro de lo que puede hacer para promover la uni-dad cristiana además de evitar llamar a otros cristianos no católicos? Aquí hay algunos consejos simples que se encuentran en el Decreto del Vaticano sobre el ecumenismo: “Todos los fieles deben recordar que cuanto más se esfuerzan por vivir vidas más santas según el evangelio, mejor promoverán la uni-dad cristiana y la pondrán en práctica. Mientras más se acer-quen a la unión con el Padre, la palabra y el espíritu, más pro-funda y fácilmente podrán crecer en el amor fraternal mutuo. Este cambio de corazón y santidad de vida, junto con la oración pública y privada por la unidad de los cristianos, debe consider-arse como el alma de todo el movimiento ecuménico, y merece el nombre de "ecumenismo espiritual". Lecturas de hoy: Hebreos 4: 12 dieciséis; Marcos 2: 13-17 (310)."Muchos recaudadores de impuestos y pecadores también estaban sentados con Jesús, porque había muchos que lo seguían".

Abundan los lemas de servicio, que van desde "El cliente siem-pre tiene la razón" a "Lo nuestro no es cuestionar por qué, lo nuestro es hacerlo por nuestro propio morir". En un lugar en Cana celebrando una fiesta nupcial, los sirvientes en una crisis, siguen las instrucciones de un joven que les hizo demandas desconcertantes. Como resultado de su obediencia, el agua ordinaria se convirtió en buen vino. La crisis se convierte en un triunfo. Cuando escuchamos a Jesús y actuamos de acuerdo con lo que escuchamos, la definición misma de "obediencia", se pro-ducen los márgenes. El evangelio siempre empieza a sonar in-creíble, hasta que es realidad. Lecturas de hoy: Isaías 62: 1-5; Corintios 12: 4-11; Juan: 1-11 (66). "Su madre le dijo a los servidores, 'haz lo que les diga'".

16ENE2019 Solo aparecer no es suficiente.

13 ENE FIESTA DEL BAUTISMO DEL SEÑOR Historias que podrían ser ciertas.

14ENE2019. Una carta sin firmar de un autor inspirado.

15ENE2019. Pregunte a la autoridad sobre el tema.

19ENE2019 Sumérgete en el espíritu ecuménico.

18ENE2019. UNO EN JESÚS

20ENE2019 SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE TIEMPO ORDINARIO Servicio con una sonrisa.

Lecturas y Reflexiones de la Semana 17ENE2019 MEMORIAL DE ANTHONY, ABBOT El ermitaño de al lado.

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