THEY ASKED JOHN HOW TO REPENT

Transcription

1 THEY ASKED JOHN HOW TO REPENT Their hope for a child seemed impossible, Advanced well in age they looked unable. Taunting her, the neighbors called her barren, But their faith in God couldn t be shaken. They both prayed, day and night, in the temple, The older they grew the more they re humble. God blessed them with a son in their old age, For God all things are possible is His message. John was sent by God to preach repentance, To turn away from sin and ignorance. His message bore passion and conviction, Many came back to God through conversion. The crowds wanted to know what they should do, With his preaching many people John drew. He told them to share things with those who have none, With their change of hearts the people felt one. John baptized the tax collectors who came, For their wrongdoings they expressed their shame. Their hearts changed, and they no more would theft exact, With their new life many they would impact. To the soldiers John advised to be just, Blame no one falsely and be at their best. He asked them to be happy with their pay, Reminded them the good role they could play. Questions 1. Which stanza in the poem moves you to repentance? 2. If you were to face John the Baptist now, and he offered to baptize you, how would you amend your life in response? 3. What is God calling you to do that you have not yet done? Reflections John the Baptist, the precursor, was born to his parents in their advanced age, when they had passed far beyond their child-bearing years. For this, Zechariah and Elizabeth were taunted by their neighbors, as being called barren was the worst insult a woman could face. Such belief stemmed from the idea that only women cursed by God could not bear children. Elizabeth endured her pain over this for a very long time. Suddenly everything changed: news broke that she was with child! Many were shocked and amazed, but ultimately it was recognized as a miracle, proving that nothing is impossible with God. Thus, the birth of John the Baptist was regarded as very strange and beyond all human explanation, and because of his lack of faith, his father, Zechariah, lost his power of speech from the moment his wife conceived until John was born. It was only then that he opened his mouth and announced that the new baby would be called John, yet another surprise to all, since there was no one in the family by the that name. His rightful name was expected to have been Zechariah, as the tradition would have been to name the baby after the father. After John s birth, though, very little is known of his childhood, yet his life represents, to this day, a litany of extraordinary facts and events. What was recorded next in history was John s life the desert, preaching repentance to the people. Even his attire was strange: his clothing was made of camel s hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He preached with a sense of urgency and passion, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand! The Jewish community had been looking forward to the coming of the Savior, the Messiah. The words and lifestyle of John the Baptist reminded the people of their longawaited liberator. They initially regarded John as the biblically anticipated one sent by God, which stirred a special interest and enthusiasm among the people. Thousands came from far and wide to the Jordan river listen to him, as well as to be baptized by him. When he realized they had mistaken him for the Messiah, John forcefully denied this claim and clarified his role, saying, I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie (John 1:26-28). A man of God blessed with great humility, John made it clear to the people that he would never accept any form of (Continued on page 2) This week at St. James the Apostle Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA office@sjapostle.net

2 Message from Father Antony (Continued from page 1 power or position. Rather, speaking of Jesus he would say, He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30). One day a large crowd had gathered to listen to John, who openly invited people to repentance. Among them were tax collectors and soldiers who were keenly attentive to John; their hearts were dramatically moved to conversion as his words penetrated deeply into their souls. One by one they asked him what they should do in order to express their repentance and how to begin a new life. John told them to be generous in sharing with others from what they have. He offered examples, saying that if they had two coats, they should give to him who has none, and to share their food with others who were hungry. John s preaching was like a prelude to what Jesus would say after He begins His public ministry. Like Jesus, John would show his special love for the poor and the hungry. Thus, John made it abundantly clear both then and now that feeding the poor and sharing with the needy is fundamental to Christianity. Combined with what Jesus taught, we now understand that the transmission of God s mercy by those who have received it is the key to entering God s love, joy and eternal life. If we experience joy and happiness in giving, then there is hope we have begun to understood the joy of the Gospel. The tax collectors who came to John also expressed their desire to be baptized, wanting to bring about a renewal in their lives. The prophet gave them practical advice, saying they should not treat people unfairly and demand more than was due from their tax obligations. Tax collectors were considered traitors and were among the most hated people in Jewish society, because they were appointed by the Roman authority, to whom giving taxes was regarded by the Jews as unacceptable and a form of extortion. To make matters even worse, these appointed men would charge the ordinary people more than what the Roman authority required and kept the extra money for themselves. Because of this the tax collectors were considered as public sinners and were despised by all in society. However, after listening to the preaching of John the Baptist, many demonstrated their sincerity by abandoning their sinful ways and beginning new lives. Another group who came to listen to John were the soldiers, who were known for their cruelty and arrogance against ordinary people. John was able to break the stony hearts of these men, who also desired repentance. They humbly asked John for his advice as to what they should do. The prophet told them to respect everyone without being bullies. He warned them not to accuse anyone falsely and to treat all with fairness and justice. He warned them against greed and to be satisfied with their salary, telling them not to make money by unfair means like cheating or bribery. Nearly everyone harbors a desire for conversion in their heart, but such good intentions are not sufficient. Thousands of people who listened to Jesus wanted to become His followers, but only a few actually became his disciples. Jesus had many admirers but very few followers who walked the path of renunciation and self-denial. This is true even today: millions of people express their admiration for Jesus yet continue in their march toward spiritual death. In fact, when you sit in the pews at Sunday mass you will see some of them sitting next to you! The three groups of people who listened to John, described in the New Testament, were able to go beyond mere desire. Are you one of them? If so, turn to those in the pews whose hearts are made of stone and let them see God s love and mercy in your loving eyes. Perhaps their memory of that look will one day inspire their conversion. All good intentions must be accompanied by discipline and determination, and a humility in recognition of the precious life that God has given to us all. In closing I would like to share an incident that happened to me some years ago. After one Sunday Mass as I was meeting and greeting people, one middle -aged woman approached and asked if I would be preaching during the next Mass. When I asked why she wanted to know, she told me that her husband should come and listen, as she felt my message would penetrate his heart. This is how we normally are. We know what is good for others whom we love: husbands, wives, sons and daughters. However, we can only invite them to ask the question: real conversion comes only when each is willing to ask, from the depth of their hearts, what they should do. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the vestments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen, used at most two days a year. Today, Gaudete Sunday, is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice! This year s Gospel certainly reflects that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary s visit to her aged cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two kinswomen who are bearing children into the world share their joy. Some churches retain the custom of having the priest wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose candle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different hues for each season, trying to keep them distinct. In medieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used unornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expensive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mollusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the desired violet. Thus, the color of Advent in the British Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people of Mary s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery. That theology is largely unplanned: it s all because of the clams! James Field, J. S. Paluch Co. REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called Gaudete Sunday. The Latin tag is derived from Paul s appeal in the second reading to The King Israel, the Lord, is in your midst,

3 WORSHIP SCHEDULE Monday-Saturday Mass: Rosary 8:10am, Mass 8:30am Saturday Mass: 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 8:30am, 10:00am, 12:00noon Holy Days of Obligation: Masses 8:30am & 7:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:00pm or by appt. Every Friday Adoration: 9:00-10:00am First Fridays: Adoration 9:00 am-6:30pm Sacred Heart Novena 6:30pm Benediction 7:15pm Healing Mass 7:30pm Our Mother of Mass & Novena, Perpetual Help: Wednesdays, 7:30pm DEVOTIONS Weekly: Bible Study Divine Mercy Chaplet: In the Small Chapel: Legion of Mary Eternal Life Bible Study Charismatic Prayer Meeting Wed. 9:30 am (Kitchen) Thurs, after morning Mass Tues 9:30am Thurs. 7:30pm 2nd & 3rd Fridays 7:00pm Monthly: Divine Mercy Cenacle 7:00pm, 2nd and 4th Prayer Meeting Mondays (Small Chapel) Our Lady of Vailankanni First Saturday 7:00pm Respect for Life Rosary Second Sunday 11:00am Grotto Sacred Heart 6:30pm 1st Friday Enthronement (formal ceremony to make the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the King of the house), please contact: Cora Surla (510) ; or Tessie Ricafort (510) FLOWER DONATIONS Thank you St. James Parishioners for your generous donations for the flowers for the altar throughout the year. We are now planning for the Holidays and all donations are gratefully accepted. Leave a donation or a message for Brenda Bagis in the Parish office. (Continued from page 2) rejoice always in the Lord, and the Latin Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see the progress of God s work. Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is interesting, then, that the first reading is from the prophet Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with gloomy visions of Judgment Day. Today the Church selects the only optimistic text in Zephaniah, in which the prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy. This, we are assured on all sides, is the season of joy. Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect it to those who are joyless. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. St. James Bulletin and Website since 2007 Submission deadline is two weeks before publication date. articles to: bulletin@sjapostle.net. Send information for the webpage to: webmaster@sjapostle.net Carolyn Fiori... Editor Facebook: Search St. James the Apostle Church, Like the page. IF posting pictures, you must get consent from the people in the photo (per Oakland diocese Safe Environment). Please, NO tagging pictures. PARISH CALENDAR Dec Simbang Gabi Dec 17 KofC Business Meeting 7:30pm Dec 25 Pastoral Council (to be cancelled or rescheduled) Parish Office Closed Dec 27 Bishop Begin Assembly 3546 Bus. Mtg 7:30pm Dec 31 New Year s Eve Dinner Dance Jan 1 World Day of Prayer for Peace Parish Office Closed Jan 6 Santo Niño Fiesta Jan 7 KofC Officer s Meeting Jan 13 KofC Novena Prayer for the Unborn after 10am Mass Jan 14 St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00pm Jan 21 KofC Business Meeting 7:30pm Jan 22 First St. James BINGO 1:00-2:30 - vestibule COLLECTIONS DECEMBER 8/9 $ IMMACULATE CONCEPTION $ RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT $ CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT $ Please remember those in the Armed Services: Spec. Tara Mueller, Spec. Christopher Mueller, Brian Christopher Carreiro, Sgt. Kristan Jofel T. Carado, Greg Savella, Major Jenny Ryan, Captain David Evans And Parishioners and friends who need our prayers or who are ill John DiPaola, Evelyn Reyes, Frank Smith, Concha Garcia, Todd Wetherwax, Deacon Ernie Dandan, Joel Rivera, Melanie O Connor, Katherine Gomes, Lydia DeGraf, Judy McKenney, Tomás Sandoval Klassen, Laura Skaff, Alice Ferreira, Agnes Harris, Ray Ballin, Bob Nehls, Dawn Barker, Martha Torres, Tammy Bumgarner, Margarete Matulich, Carl Dubose It s time once again to update our Prayer List for Please take a moment to send an to bulletin@sjapostle.net to update this list. You can also leave a message in the Bulletin box in the parish office or call KNIGHT S CORNER Would you like to join the Men in Blue Blazers? The Knights of Columbus of St. James the Apostle Council No is accepting applicants. A prospective candidate must be a practicing Catholic and at least 18 years of age. This is a great opportunity for single and married men to serve God and the parish s community activities, set an example for its youth and make families closer to God. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Willie Lagos, jwblagos@yahoo.com, Or ask a Knight! Thank you. you have no fu her misfo une to fear. Zephaniah 3:15b

4 ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH OFFICE HOURS M-F 9:00AM TO NOON REGISTRATION IN THE PARISH Warmest welcome to all who worship in our Community. If you are not registered in the Parish, please complete a registration form available at church entrance or at the Parish Office or drop the form below in the collection basket. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the Parish Office when a parishioner is home-bound or hospitalized to arrange for Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick. MARRIAGES AND BAPTISMS Please contact the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance for weddings and 3 months in advance for Baptisms. BAPTISMS To have your child baptized, please make an appointment with Father Antony. Come to the St. James Parish office or call the Parish Office at For more details, please go to the Church website (Parish Info) or contact Marcial Vasco Baptism Preparation/Training class: First Saturday of the month from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in the Small Chapel. Baptism Celebration: Last Saturday of the month 11:30am-12:30pm in the church FUNERALS We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services / Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Holy Angels Funeral and Cremation Services. You may contact Shirley X 133. MOTHER TERESA CENTER RESERVATIONS. Contact our Facility Manager & Event Coordinator Larry Bellamy ( , MTC@sjapostle.net) or leave a message at the Parish Office. (No prices or quotes are given over the phone or in an .) Fr. Antony Vazhappilly, Pastor Ernie Dandan, Deacon Welcome, New Members! We encourage you to register in the parish so that you can receive communication via or regular mail. Registration information is essential for the office to respond to requests, send important parish and diocesan information and verify donations for tax purposes. If you need a letter of good standing to be a sponsor or Godparent for a baptism or marriage, registration is very important. Please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket and we will mail you a Parish Registration form. You can also find a registration form on the website (sjapostle.net) - Parish Info - Parish Membership. Name Address Phone

5 Simbang Gabi Masses began this Sunday morning at 5:30am and continues through December 24. Please join us for this special Novena before we celebrate the birth of our Lord on December 25. MOMs Bake Sale