St. James the Apostle

Transcription

1 34700 FREMONT BLVD. FREMONT, CA Open Mind Open Heart Open Door Oct. 23, 2016 St. James the Apostle Message from Father Antony TWO PEOPLE WENT TO PRAY The Pharisee walked to the front of the altar, Self-righteous, he saw in him nothing to alter. Blinded by pride he didn t see in him any sin, He looked down on others with a contemptuous grin. He bragged about himself as if God did not know, How he fasted and tithed, narrated in a flow. His prayer was to remind God how he was different, That unlike others he was very important. Except for himself, he found no one else righteous, Unlike others, he admired himself as pious. In his sight others were robbers and dishonest. He thanked his Creator for he is not like the rest. The publican stood at the back of the temple, Under the weight of sins he would almost crumble. He kept striking his breast crying for God s mercy, In front of God all his sins he could clearly see. He felt as if God removed from him a big weight, In God s love, he knew, he had achieved a new height. He entered God s temple an unworthy sinner Went home a saint and had the best family dinner. Lord, the arrogant and the haughty you detest, The humble and the meek you accept as your best. Bless us with a true spirit of humility, And help us to build spiritual stability. Questions: 1. Why do we fall into the trap of judging others? Why is that a trap? 2. By not judging others, what is left to do? 3. Part of loving others is to put ourselves in their shoes. That is known as compassion. How does that relate to judging them? 4. What model does Pope Francis inspire? Reflections: One of the most dangerous attitudes we may have in our spiritual life is to think that we are spiritually good enough to reach Heaven and that we don t need to do anything more. The Pharisees had this problem, and thought that they were better than everybody else in their community. Their self-righteousness blinded them to the point that they could no longer see any of their own imper-fections or shortcomings, and they, incredibly, did not consider themselves sinners. At the same time they saw magnified others imperfections. They could easily see a speck in their brother s or sister s eyes. But they would never see a beam in their own eyes. They will gladly say, Brother, let me cast out the speck form your eye, while you yourself do not see the beam in your own eye? (Luke 6: 42) Don t we all have in us a little of the Pharisee? We actually do. Jesus apparently seemed very harsh in dealing with the Pharisees. He called them names like white-washed sepulchers. He even warned people to follow only what they advised but never to follow what they actually did, as they were hypocrites who lived with a double standard. Every effort by Jesus to transform them failed. They only became more and more hardhearted and stubborn. Their wickedness and malice ultimately led to His crucifixion! The true character of Jesus came out when He came to heal with the sick, the poor and the sinners, and with all of them He was infinitely compassionate and loving. He was very gentle and kind in reaching out to the sick, never sent them away empty handed, and cured them all. He welcomed sinners and embraced them as His best friends. He called Mathew, the tax collector, as His apostle. Mathew had been branded as a public sinner, and was hated and detested by the people. Jesus displayed unprecedented compassion in His approach to the woman caught in adultery, saving her from death by stoning. Jesus identified with the sinners while thwarting the arrogant. Through a parable Jesus shows how a publican, condemned as a sinner, went home justified by God. He came to the temple as a sinner and went home a saint. There is nothing impossible with the grace of God. But you have to be humble and be of contrite heart. The following story is in the Gospel of Luke: Two people, a Pharisee and a Publican, went to the temple to pray one evening. The first walked arrogantly to the front of the altar as if the entire church belonged to him alone. He was full of himself and his heart was almost at the point of (Continued on page 2)

2 (Continued from page 1) breaking from arrogance and self-conceit. He had a selfinflated ego which made him utterly spiritually blind. He would magnify the shortcomings and defects of others while singing his own praises. His prayer was subverted by being about himself rather than God-centric. His main thought was that he was not like others who were robbers, dishonest, and adulterers. He even condemned the publican, glorying himself in comparison. Probably he even implied that how daring the publican was to come to the temple to pray since he was such a terrible sinner and did not belong there. After that he began to brag about all the great good he had done. He raised his voice as if God could not hear him. He reminded God how he fasted twice a week. He said he diligently paid ten percent of his total possessions. He rambled on at length to make sure God had not missed any of his good deeds. Far away, at the back of the temple, stood the publican trembling and convulsing in tears. His sobs and cries could be heard from a distance. He was oblivious to people coming and going out of the temple as he was focused totally on his sinful state of mind and heart. He remembered all the wrong deeds he had committed and the good works he had omitted. He recognized his unworthiness and how ungratefully he had dealt with his Creator. He made no excuses. In all honesty he owned up to his mistakes and shortcomings. His heart was filled with contrition. He was ready to start all over again. He begged God for one more chance. He promised God that he would never bargain again. He promised God that he would begin a new life. His garment was drenched in tears as he wept bitterly. But soon his bitter tears turned into tears of joy as he experienced a new peace and joy that he had not experienced for a long time. He felt he was relieved of a huge burden that had kept almost crumbled him. He realized that in pursuit of prosperity and happiness he had gone after the wrong things and people. He knew God was not in his life any more as money had become the highest priority in life. Standing fully exposed to God he knew what he should do to bring about a transformation in his life. He clearly saw areas in his life where he needed special care to serve the people. He slowly got up from his knees, wiped his face of the tears that had rained for such a long time and went home. He could imagine Jesus smiling on him as he left the temple. Nothing and nobody would ever efface that gentle smile of Jesus from his mind. He could not hide the transformation that had taken place in his life from his wife or children. There was such a special glow on his face that his wife asked him about it. He told her everything that happened to him in the temple that evening. They cried together for a moment thanking God. Jesus concludes the story by saying, I tell you, this man went back to his home justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall he exalted. Before we dismiss or condemn the Pharisee we should honestly examine our conscience to see if we act like the Pharisee. We cannot rule out this possibility because this is a great and common temptation into which all of us can easily fall. Very often we are blind to our own shortcomings. We are too busy correcting, changing and forming others that we fail to see who we truly are. Above all, we have no business to judge others. I truly believe that we will have surprises. The ones we thought were the worst could find themselves first in the sight of God. Let us recognize our own struggles in life to be holy. We fall into sin so many times. Who are we to judge or condemn others? As Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, If you judge people you have no time to love them. THANK YOU TO ALL PARISHIONERS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PROGRAMS. FLU SHOT CLINIC Right: Tootsie Roll Drive for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Don t worry, Mylene. It won t hurt! Volunteers (nurses from various hospitals and students) headed by KofC State Program Director Noel Panlilio and Council Members of St. James the Apostle Council CHICKEN BBQ

3 Treasures From Our Traditions Imagine the frustration of bishops who work strenuously over their ad limina reports, directing study committees, assembling data, honing the texts, traveling to Rome to the threshold, only to have it all collapse into a fifteen-minute group meeting with the pope. More than a few have grumbled at the weight of this treasure from our tradition, yet from the pope s vantage point, they are essential to his ministry. Pope John Paul II recalled his own experience as the Bishop of Kraków, visiting with Pope Paul VI in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The memory of those individual visits caused him to strengthen the format, assuring each of the world s 2,744 bishops a privileged fifteen private minutes with the pope every five years. If you wonder what the pope does all day, the thought of dealing with five hundred bishops a year and reading their detailed reports on diocesan life should help fill up the calendar. Pope John Paul II used to say that he approached each individual meeting with the personal goal of learning something new about the Church, and his lively interest made the visits immensely worthwhile. The content of the private meetings remains under a privilege of secrecy, or as Cardinal Theodore McCarrick once said, You re only supposed to quote the pope if he tells a joke. Rev. James Field, J. S. Paluch Co. NO COMPARISONS How many times have we read or heard about someone who s gotten into trouble maybe even fired from a job because of a brush with the law? While our Christian minds tell us to be sorry and even pray for the person, a little voice inside our heads may also be saying, I m glad I would never do anything like that. And perhaps we wouldn t. But are there some things we do that are still not pleasing in God s eyes? Today s readings caution us not to look so intently at someone else s wrongdoing that we overlook our own weaknesses and shortcomings. When we measure ourselves against the worst people we can think of, we come out looking pretty good. There is a danger, however, in using someone else s behavior as a way of reflecting our own goodness. J. S. Paluch Co. 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 interested and would like more information, please contact Vincent Pediapco, (408) , vincent_pediapco@perkinselmer.com. Also, ask a Knight! Thank you. We are men of faith & men of action. From Outside Our Parish Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Fremont is looking for a part-time, Extended Care Assistant. Candidates must be passionate about children and have some experience working with children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The position involves working with other Extended Care personnel as you interact with and supervise children in the playground, with activities and during snack time. Call OLG School at THE LISTENING TREE CORNER by Penelope NINE LEPERS Remember the Sunday's homily about the nine lepers? I was one of them. I have been praying so hard for nine months and now it was answered. I was ecstatic. I'm at peace. I gave thanks and praises! But I also said, Now, it's my turn for vengeance. Am I different than the nine lepers? Aren't we all the same? Same in our own different ways. We are one of the nine lepers. Remember, when we bargain with GOD to answer our prayers? When we were sick, in pain, depressed, having family dispute, having anger towards our friends, neighbors. When we were asking for forgiveness for our wrong doings. When we needed money, promotion, and everything else. We bargain almost everything we have just to get it. And then what do we do.? Yes, a thank you is not forgotten. But does our action speak the same? We are given a second chance but why are we having a hard time to give it to others? We are no different with the nine lepers. But you'll say, this is not the same. Isn't it?

4 W S 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 D Weekly: Bible Study Wed. 9:30 am (Kitchen) Divine Mercy Chaplet: Thurs, after morning Mass In the Small Chapel: Legion of Mary Tues 9:30am Eternal Life Bible Study Thurs. 7:30pm Hour of Great Mercy Every Friday 3:00pm Charismatic Prayer Meeting 2nd & 3rd Fridays 7:00pm Monthly: Divine Mercy Cenacle Prayer Meeting Our Lady of Vailankanni Respect for Life Rosary Sacred Heart 7:00pm, 2nd and 4th Mondays (Small Chapel) First Saturday 7:00pm Second Sunday 9:30am Grotto 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) Fr. Antony Vazhappilly, Pastor Ernie Dandan, Deacon BAPTISMS To have your child baptized, please make an appointment with Father Antony. Come to the St. James Parish office or call the church office at For more details, please go to St. James The Apostle Parish Church website - Parish Info. Baptism Preparation/Training class: First Saturday of the month from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in the Cry Room. Baptism Celebration: Last Saturday of the month from 11:30am - 12:30pm in the church. PLEASE REMEMBER THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN THE ARMED SERVICES ESPECIALLY: Pvt. Christopher Mueller, Dorian Fierro, Brian Christopher Carreiro, Sgt. Kristan Jofel T. Carado, Nicolas Ecija, Greg Savella, Major Jenny Ryan, Captain David Evans, Jacob Diaz Jordan Matulich, John Barr, Tomás Sandoval Klassen, Alice Ferreira, Martha Torres, Agnes Harris, Janis Bumgarner, Fey Elena Del Rosario, Esther Briones, Vilma Sarino, Judy McKenney, Bob Nehls, Ray Ballin, Jeff Cantu, Juanito Francisco, Mama Moose, Amelia Ruiz, Diane Vegas, Conrado Villanueva, Juanita Estrellas, Iluminada B. Lagos, Camila Aloysia, Deacon Ernie Dandan, Dawn Barker, Tammy Bumgarner, JR Bumgarner To add names to this list, please contact the parish office at or bulletin@sjapostle.net.

5 COLLECTIONS OCT 8/9 $ CATHOLIC VOICE $ (Our assessment is over $6500 which means the church will pay the remainder from its regular funds.) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT $ OCT 15/16 $ WORLD MISSION $ ALL SOULS ENVELOPES All Souls envelopes are available in your box of donation envelopes and on the table at the rear of the church. Donation Envelope users should us their numbered envelope to receive proper cedit. They may be placed in any collection from Oct. 30 through the end of November. These souls will be remembered at all the Mass during the month of November. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY We help people and families in need. Our ministry serves those in North Fremont area. We provide temporary assistance with food, utilities, and living expenses. If you are in need of assistance, or someone you know, please consider calling our message center at Next Bake Sale November 5-6 MOMs BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Our Deanery support group continues to meet in the Fireside Lounge at Holy Spirit Church, Fremont Blvd. You are invited to attend all or part of the sessions. 10/23 Maturing Grief, 10/30 Sharing Memories, 11/6 Grieving During the Holidays, 11/1 Ritual and Healing, 11/20 Memorial Service PARISH CALENDAR Oct 22/23 KofC Wheelchair Mission (All Masses) Oct 24 Bishop Begin Assembly 3546 Bus. Mtg 7:30pm Oct 28 St. Jude Feast Day Oct 31 Pastoral Council 7:00pm Nov 2 All Souls Day Nov 5/6 MOMs Bake Sale Nov 7 Knights of Columbus Officer s Mtg 7:30pm Nov 14 St. Vincent de Paul Mtg 7:00pm Nov 21 Knights of Columbus Business Mtg 7:30pm Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day Nov 28 Bishop Begin Assembly 3546 Bus. Mtg 7:30pm Nov 28 Pastoral Council 7:00pm Devotions Schedule on the bulletin flap. Deadline for submissions to the bulletin: Two weeks before publication date. E mail articles to: bulletin@sjapostle.net. Send information for the webpage to: webmaster@sjapostle.net. Carolyn Fiori... Editor Jenna Dancel... Webmaster 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.