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February 27, 2025
“A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45).
The major theme for this Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time draws our attention to our speech, motivations, thoughts, actions and challenges us to use our words carefully as Jesus uses his in his preaching and healing ministry — to heal, restore, protect, strengthen, bring back life, joy and hope of God’s people. The readings also invite us to have a heart and mind of God, and instruct us to share our Christian life, love, and spiritual health by our words and actions to avoid gossiping about anyone and everything, and passing rash, thoughtless and pain-inflicting judgments on others, thus damaging their good reputation and causing them irreparable harm.
Our words have tremendous power because it is by using words that God creates the universe and defeats His enemies, realizing His magnificent power. For example, in the story of creation in the book of Genesis, God said: “Let there be light, and there was light.” In the Passover event, the Lord spoke to Moses: “For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn in the land, human being and beasts alike, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt.” And so, the Lord did as He said. God realizes his magnificent power by using His Word, prompting Moses and all prophets to declare: “Thus says the Lord.” And once proclaimed, God will deliver, just like rain or snow will not return to heaven emptyhanded without producing fruits on earth as Isaiah explains it.
Our speech and words reveal our mind and heart. When our mind and heart are pure and holy, then our word and speech will be pure and holy. Conversely, if our mind and heart are impure and evil, then our speech and word will be full of malice, resulting sin and death. Therefore, Christ teaches us to be mindful of our mind and heart, keeping them clean, pure and holy that will lead us to eternal life and authentic happiness.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to keep our mind .... [click to continue]
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February 20, 2025
“En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: “Amen a sus enemigos, hagan el bien a los que los aborrecen, bendigan a quienes los maldicen y oren por quienes los difaman.” (Lucas 6:27-28).
El tema principal de este 7º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario se centra en el poder del amor cristiano que Jesús nos enseña, pidiéndonos que practiquemos el perdón, la misericordia y la bondad con todos, incluso con nuestros enemigos. Las lecturas también nos instruyen sobre la importancia de las decisiones que tomamos. Las decisiones correctas nos llevan a Dios, pero las malas rompen nuestra relación con Él y con los demás.
El perdón, la misericordia y la bondad son los dones liberadores de Dios para nosotros, pecadores arrepentidos, que nos invitan a restablecer una amistad íntima con Él, a honrarlo y respetarlo, a mejorar, a cambiar nuestra vida, a superar las malas acciones pasadas, a ser una persona mejor y más feliz. La libertad, la misericordia y la bondad benefician al dador de albergar rencores permanentes, ira, resentimiento y deseo de venganza, encadenado por el hecho doloroso pasado sin posibilidad de avanzar hacia un futuro mejor. Por lo tanto, los dones del perdón, la misericordia y la bondad para ser auténticos deben dejar ir, dejar de lado y olvidar la culpa y el evento pasado del pecador.
Esta elección correcta de perdonar a nuestros enemigos, ser misericordiosos y amables con ellos y estar libres de toda amargura, resentimiento, ira, daño, dolor y sufrimiento es posible solo cuando elegimos permitir que Dios sea el centro de nuestras vidas, confiar en Dios, creer en Dios, agradar a Dios y cumplir la voluntad de Dios que resultará en verdadera armonía, gozo y paz. Por el contrario, la elección equivocada del egocentrismo continúa enfocándose en el ego, la demanda y el placer, como el centro del universo de uno perpetuará el dolor y el sufrimiento continuos, la interrupción, del caos, la ruptura de las relaciones, la lucha y la destrucción final de todo.
Dios no quiere .... [Haga clic para continuar]
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February 20, 2025
“Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28).
The major theme for this 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on the power of Christian love that Jesus teaches us, asking us to practice forgiveness, mercy and kindness to all even to our enemies. The readings also instruct us about the importance of the choices we make. The right choices lead us to God, but the wrong ones break our relationship with Him and one another.
Forgiveness, mercy and kindness are God’s freeing gifts to us repentant sinners, inviting us to re-establish an intimate friendship with Him, to honor and respect Him, to do better, to change our life, to rise above past wrong-doing, to become a better and happier person. Freedom, mercy and kindness benefit the giver from harboring ongoing grudges, anger, resentment and the desire for revenge, chained by the past hurtful event without the possibility of moving forward to a better future. Therefore, the gifts of forgiveness, mercy and kindness to be authentic must let go, put aside and forget the sinner’s past guilt and event.
This right choice to forgive our enemies, be merciful and kind to them and be free from all bitterness, resentment, anger, hurt, pain and suffering is possible only when we choose to allow God to be the center of our lives, to trust in God, to believe in God, to please God and to fulfill God’s will that will result true harmony, joy and peace. Conversely, the wrong choice of self-centeredness continues to focus on one’s ego, demand and pleasure as the center of universe will perpetuate ongoing pain and suffering, disruption into chaos, rupture of relationships, fighting and ultimate destruction of all.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to make the right choice of .... [click to continue]
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February 13, 2025
“Bendito el hombre que confía en el Señor y en él pone su esperanza” (Jeremías 17:7).
El tema principal de este VI Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario se centra en nuestra verdadera felicidad o bienaventuranza yace en la conciencia de que todos somos hijos de un Dios amoroso Padre Celestial y que seremos felices sólo si cumplimos la voluntad de Dios en nuestras vocaciones y compartimos nuestras bendiciones con nuestros hermanos y hermanas en necesidad, cuando trabajamos para elevarlos, declarando así nuestra “opción por los pobres”, como lo hizo Jesús. Contrariamente a la creencia popular y los valores de este mundo pasajero, la riqueza, la salud, el poder y la influencia no son la fuente ni la garantía de la verdadera felicidad. Dios nos invita a buscar a Aquel que es el único verdadero manantial y garantía del auténtico gozo eterno.
La palabra “bienaventuranza” significa “bendición”. Todos queremos ser bendecidos, por ejemplo: bendecidos en las relaciones, los negocios, las familias, las carreras... Queremos ser bendecidos en la vida, la muerte y la eternidad. Lo contrario de ser bendecido es ser maldecido, condenado, truncado, y nadie quiere eso. Sin embargo, ¿cómo es una auténtica vida bendecida?
Nuestro Señor nos enseña que los verdaderos “bienaventurados” deben tener dos componentes: (1) disfrutar del favor de Dios y (2) disfrutar de la felicidad verdadera o suprema con el prójimo. Jesús dice que las mayores bendiciones o felicidad no se encuentran donde normalmente buscamos, sino en lugares que no estamos dispuestos a explorar. El camino de la felicidad de Jesús exige una transformación desde adentro, una conversión del corazón y de la mente que solo puede ocurrir a través del don y la obra del Espíritu Santo, enfocándose y confiando solo en Dios. El orden de la enseñanza de Jesús sobre las bienaventuranzas es, de hecho, nuestra .... [Haga clic para continuar]
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February 13, 2025
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:7).
The major theme for this 6th Sunday in Ordinary time focusing on our true happiness or beatitude lies in the awareness that we are all children of a loving God Heavenly Father. We will be happy only if we fulfill God’s will in our vocations and share our blessings with our brothers and sisters in need, and we work to uplift them, thus declaring our “option for the poor,” as Jesus did. Contrary to popular belief and values of this passing world, wealth, health, power and influence are not the source or guarantee of true happiness. God invites us to seek Him who alone is the true source and guarantee of authentic everlasting joy.
The word “beatitude” means “blessedness.” Everyone wants to be blessed, for example: blessed in relationships, businesses, families, careers, etc. We want to be blessed in life, death and eternity. The opposite of being blessed is being cursed, doomed, cut short—and nobody wants that. However, what does an authentic blessed life look like?
Our Lord teaches us that true “blessed” must have two components: both (1) enjoying God’s favor and (2) enjoying true or supreme happiness with one’s neighbors. Jesus says that the greatest blessings or happiness aren’t found where we normally look, but in places we aren’t inclined to explore. Jesus’ way of happiness demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit, focusing and trusting in God alone. The order of Jesus’ teaching on the beatitudes is in fact our roadmap to sainthood for it shows us how to make progress to achieve true happiness or blessed in our Christian life.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to seek .... [click to continue]
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February 10, 2025
In partnership with the Department of Catholic Schools (DCS), the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) has launched the Wildfire Catholic School Tuition Relief Fund to assist students affected by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. This fund aims to ensure that displaced students can continue their Catholic education despite the hardships caused by these devastating events.
The most impacted schools are St. Elizabeth Parish School in Altadena and Corpus Christi School in Pacific Palisades. They are unable to return to operational status for the remainder of the school year. Students have been enrolling in neighboring and distant Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, depending on where their families are resettling.
"As families focus on rebuilding their lives, they should not have to worry about their children's ability to continue their Catholic education," said CEF Executive Director Doug Cooper.
This week, DCS Superintendent Paul Escala reported that the recent wildfires have impacted 915 Catholic school students. Paul, also a CEF Trustee, added that 76 Catholic schools have students who lost their homes or were displaced.
Your support can make a meaningful difference. Click the link below to contribute to the Wildfire Catholic School Tuition Relief Fund and help these students continue attending Catholic school during this challenging time.
--Courtesy L.A. Archdiocese
CLICK HERE
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February 6, 2025
“Escuché entonces la voz del Señor que decía: “¿A quién enviaré? ¿Quién irá de parte mía?” Yo le respondí: “Aquí estoy, Señor, envíame.” (Isaías 6:8).
El tema principal de este quinto domingo de tiempo ordinario se centra en nuestra propia historia de vocación, ya que acabamos de escuchar las 3 lecturas relacionadas con las historias de vocación de 3 personas prominentes en la Biblia, las historias vocacionales del profeta Isaías, del apóstol San Pablo y del apóstol San Pedro.
Una vocación es una llamada, una convocatoria o una ocupación a la que él o ella está especialmente atraído por o adecuado, capacitado o calificado para servir en esa capacidad. En el mundo secular, la vocación significa una profesión, una ocupación, una carrera en la vida. En el sentido religioso, significa la "llamada" por Dios a la salvación a través del sacerdocio o a la vida religiosa, o al matrimonio o a una vida soltera de servicio a Dios y al pueblo de Dios. Por lo tanto, todo lo que hacemos debe ordenarse hacia el discernimiento y respondiendo a la voluntad de Dios, lo optimo en un mundo imperfecto. Ordenar nuestras vidas hacia el deseo de Dios es la forma en que llegamos al cielo y obtenemos la vida eterna de la verdadera alegría y la felicidad.
Aunque las circunstancias de cada historia de vocación o llamadas a la conversión y el discipulado en las lecturas de hoy son únicas, comparten tres componentes básicos o características discernibles en su evento que cambia la vida. Estas características son: (1) comprensión, (2) arrepentimiento, y (3) disposición. Cada persona llamada por Dios se da cuenta de su propia indignidad y la realidad de su vida. Cada persona le arrepienta de sus pecados o hechos incorrectos. Cada persona recibe una nueva oportunidad, una segunda oportunidad de hacer enmendar, para convertirse en una mejor versión de sí mismo y para prepararse para las tareas que Dios le está llamando para cumplir con la voluntad de Dios en su vida, sirviendo a Dios y al pueblo de Dios, para el optimo bien de todos. Por lo tanto, hoy estamos invitados a examinar sus experiencias vocacionales y meditar y compararlas con nuestra propia vocación personal o llamada a la conversión y el discipulado al Señor.
Dios no quiere que tengamos con él una relación de transacción sino de transformación. Por lo tanto, los discípulos cristianos dinámicos son aquellos que (1) Creen, (2) Crecen, (3) Sirven, (4) Aman y (5) Guian a otros a Jesús. Los temas de hoy invitan a reexaminar nuestra propia vocación para
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February 6, 2025
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
The major theme for this 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on our own vocation story as we just heard the 3 readings relating to the vocation stories of three prominent people in the Bible, the vocation stories of the prophet Isaiah, the apostle St. Paul and the apostle St. Peter.
A vocation is a call, a summon or an occupation to which he or she is especially drawn to or suited, trained, or qualified to serve in that capacity. In the secular world, vocation means a profession, an occupation, a career in life. In the religious sense, it means the "call" by God to salvation by way of the priesthood or to the religious life, or to marriage or to a single life of service to God and to God’s people. Therefore, everything we do should be ordered toward discerning and responding to the will of God, the ultimate good in an imperfect world. Ordering our lives toward God’s desire is the way in which we get to heaven and obtain the eternal life of true joy and happiness.
Although the circumstances of each vocation story or call to conversion and discipleship in today’s readings are unique, they do share three basic components or discernable characteristics in their life-changing event. These characteristics are known as the “Three Rs”: (1) Realization, (2) Repentance, and (3) Readiness. Each person called by God realizes his own unworthiness and the reality of his life. Each person repents his sins or wrong doings. Each person is given a new opportunity, a second chance to make amends, to become a better version of himself and to get prepared and ready for the tasks God is calling him to do to fulfill God’s will in his life, serving God and God’s people for the greater good of all. Hence, today we are invited to examine their vocational experiences and to meditate and compare them with our own personal vocation or call to conversion and discipleship to the Lord.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to re-examine our own .... [click to continue]
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January 30, 2025
“Cuando se cumplieron los días de la purificación de ellos, según la ley de Moisés, llevaron a Jesús a Jerusalén para presentarlo al Señor” (Lucas 2:22).
El tema principal de la fiesta de la Presentación del Señor se centra en la presentación de Jesús a Dios, y nuestra presentación al Señor, para volvernos más amorosos, humildes, compasivos y misericordiosos, para glorificar a Dios.
La “Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor” conmemora un episodio temprano en la vida de Jesús, cuando José y María presentaron al niño Jesús a Dios en el Templo de Jerusalén. También conmemora la práctica judía de la purificación de la madre 40 días después del parto (de ahí, 40 días después de Navidad para la Virgen María, el 2 de febrero, también conocida como la “Purificación de la Virgen María”). Esta fiesta también es conocida como la “Fiesta del Encuentro” (que literalmente significa “Reunión” en griego) porque el Nuevo Testamento, representado por José y María, se encuentra con el Antiguo Testamento, representado por Simeón y Ana en la persona del niño Jesús, el Hijo unigénito de Dios, que es presentado y ofrecido a Dios, el Padre Celestial y el Espíritu Santo en el Templo.
También es conocida como la “Fiesta de la Misa de las Velas” porque se refiere a Cristo como la “luz de las naciones” y la “gloria de Israel”, y a la práctica de que un sacerdote en este día bendiga algunas velas que se utilizarán durante todo el año para alejar las tormentas. Esta fiesta se menciona en el cuarto Misterio Gozoso del Rosario y es una de las fiestas más antiguas de la Iglesia en honor a la Santísima Virgen María. El Papa San Juan Pablo II conecta esta fiesta con la renovación de los votos religiosos.
Los discípulos cristianos dinámicos son aquellos que (1) CREEN, (2) CRECEN, (3) SIRVEN, (4) AMAN y (5) LLEVAN a otros a Jesús. El tema de hoy nos invita a presentar a Jesús y a nosotros mismos a Dios, a seguir a Jesús más de cerca, a arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados, a ejercer nuestra mayordomía cristiana, a usar nuestro tiempo, tesoros y talentos, a amar a Dios sobre todas las cosas y a amar a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos, participando en las obras de misericordia, para cumplir la voluntad de Dios en nuestras vidas para glorificar a Dios.
¿Cómo podemos ayudarnos unos a otros a presentarnos más ....
.... [haga clic para continuar]
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January 30, 2025
“When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:22)
The major theme for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord focuses on the presentation of Jesus to God, and our presentation to the Lord, to become more loving, humble, compassionate and merciful, to glorify God.
The “Feast of the Presentation of the Lord” commemorates an early episode in the life of Jesus in which Joseph and Mary presented the infant Jesus to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. It also commemorates the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother 40 days after childbirth (hence, 40 days after Christmas for the Virgin Mary on Feb. 2 is also known as the “Purification of the Virgin Mary”). This feast is also known as the “Feast of Encounter” (which literally means 'Meeting' in Greek), because the New Testament, represented by Joseph and Mary, encounters the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna in the person of the baby Jesus, the begotten Son of God, who is presented and offered to God the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit in the Temple.
It is also known as the “Feast of the Candle Mass” because it refers to Christ as the “light to the nations” and the “glory of Israel,” and the practice that a priest on this day blesses some candles to be used throughout the year to ward off storms. This feast is mentioned on the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and is among the most ancient feasts of the Church in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope St. John Paul II connects this feast with the renewal of religious vows.
Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to present Jesus and ourselves to God, to follow Jesus more closely, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God.
How can we help each other present ourselves as .... [click to continue]
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January 24, 2025
Our Friday food sales during lent will follow the 9 a.m. Stations of the Cross and precederá la misa en español a las 7 p.m. Fr. Joseph reminds everyone that Fridays during lent are days of abstinence (no meat). Watch for the Food Sale/Venta de Comida flyer on this homepage. ....
1 - On Saturday, March 29, St. Monica's hosts a retreat, "Coming Home to Grace: A Retreat on Forgiveness
A Journey Through Luke, Rembrandt, Nouwen, and the Self." Hours are 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at St. Monica Spirituality Center. Cost: $70 at the door.
2 - Valerie Peterson invites everyone to free singing lessons to celebrate Easter each Monday through April 14, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the parish office. ....
3 - Registration is open for the free weekly Scripture Series at St. Clement, “Behold the Lamb: Encountering Christ in the Eucharist,” in English. Join us on Mondays March 24 to May 12, 2025, in person at St. Clement. For more about the seven-week journey into the mystery of the Eucharist, see the News & Events tab on the homepage menu! ....
4 - In addition to the Friday meals during Lent, don't miss the delicious hot food prepared each Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. by our volunteers. Share the meal with our families and friends in the parish hall, to help form and strengthen our community of faith here at St. Clement Church. Watch for Friday and Sunday menus on this homepage. ....
5 - Each year, the Holy Father asks all Catholic parishes to take up the Good Friday Collection to keep a Christian presence in the Holy Land. This collection on April 18, 2025, supports the Franciscan ministry work and provides for the formation and education in communities and schools, and supports the basic needs of our sisters and brothers during their current hardships. ....
6 - The schedule for the Holy Week has been posted. Please invite your family and friends to participate with us in the celebration of our savior's resurrection. ....
7 - Fr. Joseph encourages everyone to attend the meeting in Spanish on Mental Health issues promoted by the LA County Department of Mental Health. Our next meetings are Wednesdays, April 2, and April 16, and the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. ....
8 - On Saturday, April 5, join the 7-mile Pilgrimage of Hope through the streets of Los Angeles, ending at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The walk begins at 8:00 a.m. from All Souls Church in Alhambra, with stops at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Rose Hill and Our Lady Help of Christians. Upon arrival at the cathedral, Archbishop Gomez will celebrate Mass; bus transportation from the cathedral to All Souls will be available at 1 p.m.. The relics of several saints, including the soon to be canonized Bl. Carlo Acutis, will accompany on us on our journey. To register: https://hope.lacatholics.org/pilgrimage ....
9 - The golf fundraiser returns on May 2, 2025, to Wilson Golf Course in Griffith Park. Details and sign up are under the News & Events tab on this homepage. ....
10 - The 2025 Together in Mission campaign theme is "Gifts of the Heart" and our parish goal is $19,236. Please use the respective 2025 TIM envelopes ....
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January 24, 2025
La Misiva Semanal del p. José para el 3ro Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario Año C
“Entonces comenzó a hablar, diciendo: “Hoy mismo se ha cumplido este pasaje de la Escritura que acaban de oír.” (Lucas 1:21).
El tema principal de este tercer domingo del Tiempo Ordinario se centra en nuestro deber cristiano de cumplir las palabras y la voluntad de Dios en nuestros oídos y en nuestras vidas, tal como lo proclama Jesucristo en la lectura del Evangelio de hoy.
Dios nos habla constantemente de muchas y diferentes maneras. El universo entero, el cielo, el océano, la montaña, el desierto, la pradera, la selva… todo proclama la magnifica gloria y el poder de Dios en Su creación. Las cuatro estaciones (Primavera, Verano, Otoño, Invierno) anuncian la presencia de Dios y la divina providencia. La Biblia, la Iglesia, la vida de los santos… afirman, testifican y comunican la santidad, la compasión, la misericordia y la justicia de Dios. Nuestros padres, almas gemelas, buenos amigos, sabios mentores, niños inocentes… nos transmiten el amor y el apoyo íntimo y confiado de Dios. Incluso nuestra conciencia cuando está limpia nos aconseja caminar hacia Dios, estar con Dios, hacer lo mejor, comportarnos civilizada, cordial y respetuosamente por el bien de todos, por el mismo bien, y por el bien de Cristo. Por lo tanto, el mensaje de Dios está en todas partes como la luz, el aire, las ondas de radio, la energía magnética que impregna todo el mundo. La voz de Dios nos habla constantemente. La invitación y el llamado de Dios solicitan persistentemente nuestra respuesta en nuestro corazón. Sólo los bienaventurados, los que tienen oídos humildes en el corazón, pueden oírlo.
Dios no quiere que tengamos una relación de Transacción sino de Transformación. Por lo tanto, los discípulos cristianos dinámicos son aquellos que (1) CREEN, (2) CRECEN, (3) SERVEN, (4) AMAN y (5) GUIAN a otros a Jesús. Los temas de hoy nos invitan a cumplir la Palabra de Dios en nuestro oído.
¿Cómo hemos estado escuchando la Palabra de Dios y poniéndola en práctica, cumpliendo nuestra ....
.... [haga clic para continuar]
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January 24, 2025
“He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 1:21).
The major theme for this 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on our Christian duty to fulfill God’s words and will in our hearing and in our lives as Jesus Christ proclaims it in today’s Gospel reading.
God is constantly speaking to us in so many and different ways. The whole universe, the sky, the ocean, the mountain, the desert, the prairie, the jungle, etc., all proclaims the magnificent glory and the power of God in His creation.
The four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) announce God’s presence and divine providence. The Bible, the Church, the life of saints affirm, testify and communicate God’s sanctity, holiness, compassion, mercy and justice. Our parents, soul mates, good friends, wise mentors, innocent children convey to us God’s intimate and trusting love and support. Even our conscience, when it is clean, advises us to walk toward God, to be with God, to do better, to behave civilly, cordially and respectfully for everybody’s sake, for goodness sake, for Christ sake.
Hence, God’s message is everywhere like the light, the air, the radio waves, the magnetic energy that permeate through and through the entire world. God’s voice is constantly speaking to us. God’s invitation and calling persistently solicit our response in our heart. Only the blessed ones, those who have humble ears in the heart can hear it.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to fulfill God’s Word in our hearing.
How have we been hearing God’s Word and putting .... [click to continue]
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January 16, 2025
“Como un joven se desposa con una doncella, se desposará contigo tu hacedor; como el esposo se alegra con la esposa, así se alegrará tu Dios contigo.” (Isaías 62:5).
El tema principal de este segundo domingo del tiempo ordinario se centra en uno de los sacramentos del servicio, que es el sacramento del santo matrimonio, al comenzar nuestros ministerios diarios en el tiempo ordinario. Por incomprensión e ignorancia, el matrimonio ha pasado de ser un sacramento bendecido y querido por Dios a un mero contrato civil, a una convención social, a una conveniencia personal. Como resultado, la tasa de divorcio es alta en la sociedad actual.
Muchas personas no logran comprender la esencia y la razón del matrimonio. La Iglesia enseña que la esencia de un verdadero matrimonio se basa en el amor, un amor verdadero que refleja el amor derramado de Dios, pero nunca en nuestra lujuria egoísta.
La Biblia nos dice que Dios es amor. Todos estamos hechos “a imagen y semejanza” de Dios, y de ese amor divino. Una de las expresiones de nuestro amor es el matrimonio. En Génesis, Adán le dice a Eva: “Ésta, al fin, es hueso de mis huesos y carne de mi carne; ésta será llamada 'mujer', porque del hombre ésta ha sido tomada.” Jesús también lo repite y dice: “Por tanto, dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, y se unirá a su mujer, y los dos serán una sola carne. Ya no son dos, sino una sola carne. Por tanto, lo que Dios ha unido, ningún ser humano debe separarlo”. Por lo tanto, el matrimonio es una institución divina y antigua, santificada por Cristo y es uno de los 7 sacramentos de la Iglesia.
La Biblia comienza con una boda, la de Adán y Eva en el Jardín, y termina con otra boda, las bodas del Cordero. Y a lo largo de la Biblia, el matrimonio es el símbolo de la relación de alianza entre Dios y Su pueblo escogido. La Biblia describe a Dios como el novio fiel y al pueblo escogido de Dios, la Iglesia, como Su novia amada. Su verdadero amor
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January 16, 2025
“For as a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” (Isaiah 62:5).
The major theme for this 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on one of the sacraments of service, which is the sacrament of the holy matrimony, as we start our daily ministries in ordinary time. Because of misunderstanding and ignorance, marriage has devolved from being a sacrament, which is blessed and willed by God, to a mere civil contract, to a social convention, to a personal convenience. As a result, the divorce rate is high in today’s society.
Many people fail to understand the essence and reason of marriage. The Church teaches that the essence of a true marriage is based on love, a true love that images God’s outpouring love, but never on our selfish lust.
The Bible tells us that God is love. We all are made “in the image and likeness” of God, and of that divine love. One of the expressions of our love is marriage. In Genesis, Adam says to Eve: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man this one has been taken.” Jesus also repeats it and says: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Therefore, marriage is a divine and ancient institution, sanctified by Christ and is one of the 7 sacraments of the Church.
The Bible starts with one wedding, that of Adam and Eve in the Garden, and ends with another wedding, the marriage of the Lamb. And throughout the Bible, marriage is the symbol of the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. The Bible depicts God as the faithful groom and God’s chosen people, the Church, as His beloved bride. Their true love should .... [click to continue]
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January 9, 2025
“Sucedió que entre la gente que se bautizaba, también Jesús fue bautizado. Mientras éste oraba, se abrió el cielo y el Espíritu Santo bajó sobre él en forma sensible, como de una paloma, y del cielo llegó una voz que decía: “Tú eres mi Hijo, el predilecto; en ti me complazco” (Lucas 3:21-22).
El tema principal de este bautismo del Señor se centra en la aceptación de Cristo de su verdadera vocación y destino que comienza su ministerio y servicio público para cumplir con la voluntad de Dios para la salvación del mundo. Esta celebración para conmemorar el "bautismo del Señor" comenzó en la Iglesia Oriental (ortodoxa) cuando las personas celebraron la fiesta de la "Epifanía del Señor", que surgió en el siglo II.
Como hemos mencionado en el último domingo, la palabra "Epifanía" proviene del griego, lo que significa "apariencia" o "manifestación" del Señor. Las personas en el este conmemoran la "epifanía del Señor" con el "bautismo del Señor" en el que el Padre y el Espíritu Santo testifican, identifican y revelan la verdadera identidad de Jesús como el Hijo unigénito de Dios. En la iglesia occidental (católicos romanos), las personas celebran ambas fiestas por separado, primero la "epifanía del Señor", luego el "bautismo del Señor", porque las personas reconocen que ambos eventos contienen diferentes enfoque e importancia en la Iglesia.
Hoy, celebramos el "bautismo del Señor", que es el último día de la temporada navideña con color litúrgico blanco. Mañana comenzamos el tiempo ordinario con color litúrgico verde hasta que llegamos a la ceniza el miércoles con color litúrgico púrpura. Acompañemos a nuestro Señor, ya que acepta su vocación vocacional y comienza a su ministerio público para cumplir con la voluntad del Padre celestial y facultado por el Espíritu Santo, y que debemos hacer lo mismo, aceptar nuestras vocaciones para cumplir con la voluntad de Dios en nuestras vidas.
Dios no nos quiere que tengamos una relación de transacción sino de transformación. Por lo tanto, los discípulos cristianos dinámicos son aquellos que (1) creen, (2) crecen, (3) sirven, (4) aman y (5) dirijan a otros a Jesús. Los temas de hoy invitan a recordar nuestro bautismo, aceptar .... [haga clic para continuar]
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January 9, 2025
“After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened, and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22).
The major theme for this Baptism of the Lord focuses on Christ’s acceptance of his true vocation and destiny that He begins his public ministry and service to fulfill God’s will for the salvation of the world. This celebration to commemorate the “Baptism of the Lord” started in the Eastern Church (Orthodox) when people celebrated the Feast of the “Epiphany of the Lord,” which emerged in the 2nd Century.
As we have mentioned last Sunday, the word “Epiphany” comes from Greek, which means “appearance” or “manifestation” of the Lord. People in the East commemorate the “Epiphany of the Lord” with the “Baptism of the Lord” in which the Father and the Holy Spirit testify, identify, and reveal Jesus’ true identity as the only begotten Son of God. In the Western Church (Roman Catholics), people celebrate both feasts separately, first the “Epiphany of the Lord,” then the “Baptism of the Lord,” because people recognize both events contain different focus and importance in the Church.
Today, we celebrate the “Baptism of the Lord,” which is the last day of the Christmas season with white liturgical colour. Tomorrow (Jan. 13) we start the ordinary time with green liturgical colour, until we arrive to Ash Wednesday with purple liturgical colour. Let us accompany our Lord as He accepts his vocational calling and starts his public ministry to fulfill the will of the Heavenly Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and that we should do the same, accepting our vocations to fulfill God’s will in our lives.
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to remember .... [click to continue]
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January 9, 2025
The Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund was established by the Archdiocese to provide financial assistance to help victims of the Los Angeles County fires. Allocated through the Cardinal McIntyre Fund, each recipient is eligible for a one-time immediate support payment of $1,000, regardless of religious affiliation. To access these funds, individuals can visit any open parish office.
Funds Collected
Online Donations:
As of Jan. 23, online contributions to the Wildfire Relief Fund page total an impressive $508,375.02. In a generous move, the payment processor has waived all transaction fees for January, maximizing the impact of every donation. ....
Second Collection Contributions: Parishes across the region held a second collections to support the fund. While processing continues, five parishes have finalized their submissions, contributing $24,000, along with a few additional individual donations. ....
To date, a total of $395,000 has been distributed to individuals and families affected by the wildfires. These grants were provided through the following parishes:
Holy Angels, Arcadia: $214,000 ....
Sacred Heart, Altadena: $98,000 ....
Other parishes and entities that facilitated multiple distributions include:
St. Andrew, Pasadena;
St. John Vianney;
St. Elizabeth of Hungary;
Robert Bellarmine;
ACC;
St. Bede;
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
....
"Be Prepared Yourself" - One of the most important reminders during this challenging time is to be prepared. Before actively volunteering, make sure you have an evacuation plan and emergency kit. ....
You can get helpful information here: Make a Plan Form | Ready.gov. ....
Video and File - Video or take multiple pictures of your site, home, and contents in case you lose or have damage to your home and/or parish. This will help in recovery efforts and for insurance claims. Be sure to include art. Store videos and pictures in the CLOUD. ....
LA Hotels Association List of Discounted Hotels for Victims; Statement on Los Angeles Fires
California Apartment Association - Resources for Southern California Wildfire Victims • California Apartment Association
City of Los Angeles Temporary Housing Assistance - Need Temporary Housing Due to the Los Angeles Wildfires? | City of Los Angeles
Airbnb – Emergency Housing Portal: Airbnb.org offers temporary housing to people impacted by Los Angeles wildfires
City of Torrance Outreach- Emergency Housing
Other Services-
Storage - U-Haul has made company facilities in Southern California available to offer its 30-day free self-storage and U-Box container disaster relief program to help evacuees and affected families.
U-Haul Co. of Los Angeles West (13 stores), 310-532-9503
U-Haul Co. of San Fernando Valley (11 stores), 661-298-8222
U-Haul Co. of Van Nuys/San Luis Obispo (14 stores), 818-988-7008 ....
To donate to those impacted by the fires, or for information on closures, special Masses, etc., click the link. .... The following LA Archdiocese link includes other fire-related resources: https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/
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January 3, 2025
“Unos magos de oriente llegaron entonces a Jerusalén y preguntaron: “¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos que acaba de nacer? Porque vimos surgir su estrella y hemos venido a adorarlo.” (Mateo 2:1-2).
El tema principal para esta Solemnidad de la Epifanía del Señor se enfoca en el Padre Celestial da el mejor don de Dios, su único Hijo unigénito, Jesucristo, al mundo pecaminoso, por nuestra salvación. Por este regalo, Dios ha revelado (Epifanía) y demostró concretamente su misericordia y compasión a toda la humanidad y su creación de que pretende rescatarnos del pecado y la muerte, para restaurar todo de regreso a la belleza, la bondad y la paz original.
La epifanía del Señor es una antigua fiesta emergió en el siglo II en el este. La palabra "Epifanía" proviene del griego, lo que significa "apariencia" o "manifestación" del Señor. En la iglesia occidental (católicos romanos), las personas celebran la primera aparición de Jesús a los gentiles representados por los magos. En la Iglesia Oriental (ortodoxa), la gente conmemora el bautismo del Señor, en el que el Padre y el Espíritu Santo testifican, identifican y revelan la verdadera identidad de Jesús como el Hijo unigénito de Dios. Aunque ambos lados celebran de manera diferente a esta fiesta, todos reconocen la importancia de esta fiesta como la atención constante de Dios hacia su pueblo. De hecho, a través de muchas maneras, Dios continúa "revelando", "manifiesto", "aparece", "muestra" y "demuestra" su amor divino, misericordia, compasión y presencia entre nosotros en la Biblia y en nuestras vidas. Por ejemplo: en la Biblia, los ángeles revelan a Jesús a los pastores; San Juan Bautista revela a Jesús en su bautismo; La Virgen María revela a Jesús en la boda en la cana ... etc. Dios en nuestras vidas revela a Jesús en la proclamación de su Palabra, en el sacrificio de la Santa Misa, en la comunidad oral de fe reunida en el nombre de Jesucristo, en el persona del ministro, en todos los sacramentos de la Iglesia, en los pobres, los enfermos y los encarcelados, pero más especialmente en las especies consagradas de la Eucaristía (CCC # 1373).
Dios no quiere tenernos en una relación de transacción sino transformación. Por lo tanto, los discípulos cristianos dinámicos son aquellos que (1) creen, (2) crecen, (3) sirven, (4) aman y (5) llevan a otros a Jesús. Los temas de hoy invitan a apreciar el mejor regalo de
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January 3, 2025
“…behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:1-2).
The major theme for this feast of the Epiphany of the Lord focuses on the Heavenly Father giving the best gift of God, His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, to the sinful world for our salvation. By this gift, God has revealed (Epiphany) and demonstrated concretely His mercy and compassion to all humanity and His creation that He intends to rescue us from sin and death, to restore all back to the original beauty, goodness and peace.
The Epiphany of the Lord is an ancient feast emerged in the 2nd century in the East. The word “Epiphany” comes from Greek, which means “appearance” or “manifestation” of the Lord. In the Western Church (Roman Catholics) people celebrate the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles represented by the Magi. In the Eastern Church (Orthodox) people commemorate the Baptism of the Lord, at which the Father and the Holy Spirit testify, identify, and reveal Jesus’ true identity as the only begotten Son of God. Although both sides celebrate differently this feast, they all recognize the importance, the significance of this feast as God’s constant care toward His people. Indeed, through many ways God continues to “reveal,” “manifest,” “appear,” “show,” and “demonstrate” His divine love, mercy, compassion and presence among us in the Bible and in our lives. For example: in the Bible, angels reveal Jesus to the shepherds; St. John the Baptist reveals Jesus at his baptism; the Virgin Mary reveals Jesus in the wedding at Cana, etc. God in our lives reveals Jesus in the proclamation of His Word, in the sacrifice of the Holy Mass, in the praying community of faith gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, in the person of the minister, in all the sacraments of the Church, in the poor, the sick and the imprisoned, but most especially in the consecrated Eucharist Species (CCC #1373).
God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topics invite us to appreciate God’s best gift,
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