Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church May 19-20, 2018 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Dear brothers and sisters, good day! Today I want to focus on the action that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in guiding the Church and each one of us to the Truth. Jesus says to his disciples: the Holy Spirit, he will guide you to all truth (Jn 16:13), he himself being the Spirit of truth (cf. Jn 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). We live in an age rather skeptical of truth. Benedict XVI has spoken many times of relativism, that is, the tendency to believe that nothing is definitive, and think that the truth is given by consent or by what we want. The question arises: does the truth really exist? What is the truth? Can we know it? Can we find it? Here I am reminded of the question of the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate when Jesus reveals the profound meaning of his mission: What is truth? (Jn 18:37.38). Pilate does not understand that the Truth is in front of him, he cannot see in Jesus the face of the truth, which is the face of God yet, Jesus is just that: the Truth, which, in the fullness of time, became flesh (Jn 1:1.14), came among us so that we may know it. You cannot grab the truth as if it were an object, you encounter it. It is not a possession, is an encounter with a Person. But who helps us recognize that Jesus is the Word of truth, the only begotten Son of God the Father? St. Paul teaches that no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3). It is the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Risen Christ, that helps us recognize the Truth. Jesus calls him the Paraclete, meaning the one who comes to our aid, who is by our side to support us in this journey of knowledge, and at the Last Supper, Jesus assures his disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them all things, reminding them of his words (cf. Jn 14:26). What is then the action of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the Church to guide us to the truth? First of all, remind and imprint on the hearts of believers the words that Jesus said, and precisely through these words, God s law as the prophets of the Old Testament had announced is inscribed in our hearts and becomes within us a principle of evaluation in our choices and of guidance in our daily actions, it becomes a principle of life. Ezekiel s great prophecy is realized: I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them (36:25-27). Indeed, our actions are born from deep within: it is the heart that needs to be converted to God, and the Holy Spirit transforms it if we open ourselves to Him. The Holy Spirit, then, as Jesus promises, guides us into all truth (Jn 16:13) he leads QUOTE OF THE WEEK Come, Holy Spirit. Spirit of truth, you are the reward of the saints, the comforter of souls, light in the darkness, riches to the poor, treasure to lovers, food for the hungry, comfort to those who are wandering; to sum up, you are the one in whom all treasures are contained. Come! As you descended upon Mary that the Word might become flesh, work in us through grace as you worked in her through nature and grace. Come! Food of every chaste thought, fountain of all mercy, sum of all purity. Come! Consume in us whatever prevents us from being consumed in you. St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor Fr. David Fisher, Weekend Assistant Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistant Mrs. Zeina Topalian, Religious Education Director Address: 1013 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Office: 215-389-2000 Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 Evening Emergency Number: 215-952-0712 or 561-371-5316 Website: www.saintmaron.org Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Instagram Page: @saintmaronphiladelphia Facebook Page: Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia OFFICE HOURS: The Church office will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
us not only to an encounter with Jesus, the fullness of Truth, but guides us into the Truth, that is, he helps us enter into a deeper communion with Jesus himself, gifting us knowledge of the things of God. We cannot achieve this on our own strengths. If God does not enlighten us interiorly, our being Christians will be superficial. The Tradition of the Church affirms that the Spirit of truth acts in our hearts, provoking that sense of faith (sensus fidei), through which, as the Second Vatican Council affirms, the People of God, under the guidance of the Magisterium, adheres unwaveringly to the faith given once and for all to the saints, (113) penetrates it more deeply with right thinking, and applies it more fully in its life (cf. Dogmatic Constitution, Lumen Gentium, 12). Let s ask ourselves: are we open to the Holy Spirit, do I pray to him to enlighten me, to make me more sensitive to the things of God? And this is a prayer we need to pray every day, every day: Holy Spirit may my heart be open to the Word of God, may my heart be open to good, may my heart be open to the beauty of God, every day. But I would like to ask a question to all of you: How many of you pray every day to the Holy Spirit? Eh, a few of you I bet, eh! Well, a few, few, a few, but we realize this wish of Jesus, pray every day for the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus. We think of Mary who kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Lk 2:19.51). The reception of the words and the truths of faith so that they become life, is realized and grows under the action of the Holy Spirit. In this sense, we must learn from Mary, reliving her yes, her total availability to receive the Son of God in her life, and who from that moment was transformed. Through the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son come to dwell in us: do we live in God and of God, is our life really animated by God? How many things do I put before God? Dear brothers and sisters, we need to let ourselves be imbued with the light of the Holy Spirit, so that He introduces us into the Truth of God, who is the only Lord of our lives. In this Year of Faith let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments. But at the same time let us ask ourselves what steps we are taking so that the faith directs our whole existence. Do not be a part-time Christian, at certain moments, in certain circumstances, in certain choices, be Christian at all times! The truth of Christ that the Holy Spirit teaches us and gives us, always and forever involves our daily lives. Let us invoke him more often, to guide us on the path of Christ s disciples. English summary: Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our catechesis on the Creed, we have been considering the person and work of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls the Spirit of Truth (cf. Jn 16:13). In an age skeptical of truth, we believe not only that truth exists, but that it is found through faith in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. The Holy Spirit brings us to Jesus; he guides the whole Church into the fullness of truth. As the Paraclete, the Helper sent by the Risen Lord, he reminds us of Christ s words and convinces us of their saving truth. As the source of our new life in Christ, he awakens in our hearts that supernatural sense of the faith by which we hold fast to God s word, come to a deeper understanding of its meaning, and apply it in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: am I truly open, like the Virgin Mary, to the power of the Holy Spirit? Even now, with the Father and the Son, the Spirit dwells in our hearts. Let us ask him to guide us into all truth and to help us grow in friendship with Christ through daily prayer, reading of the Scriptures and the celebration of the sacraments. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2013 /05/15/pope-francis-reflects-on-the-workand-power-of-the-holy-spirit/ THE SANCTUARY CANDLE BURNS FOR. The sanctuary candle burns for the deceased members of the Esposito family requested by Chucky Simon and family. May their souls rest in peace. PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call to set up an appointment. ONLINE COURSE WITH FR. DAVID FISHER Fr. David will be teaching an online course for the Byzantine Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius from June 4 until July 19, 2018. The course is open to the public and is an introduction to Church History. For more information please email Fr. David at david_andrew@mac.com or you may call him at 614-313-6073. ADULT BIBLE STUDY AND MARONITE CHURCH HISTORY CLASS Fr. David Fisher will have adult bible study and church history class on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 7:00 PM 8:30 PM, at the Church hall. HONORING THE BLESSED MOTHER During the month of May, we will be celebrating Divine Liturgy and rosary on every Wednesday evening beginning at 6:30 with the rosary, and Divine Liturgy immediately following. Please join us as we honor the Mother of God.
LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, May 19, 2018, @ 6:00 pm, liturgy is being offered for the soul of James Eddis requested by the Simon family. May his soul rest in peace. Sunday, May 20, 2018 @ 11:00 am, (Feast of St. Rita of Cascia) liturgy is being offered for the soul of Peter Koway requested by Edmond Tayoun family. May his soul rest in peace. Wednesday, May 23, Rosary at 6:30PM and Divine Liturgy following at 7:00 PM. Saturday, May 26, 2018 @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is offered for the volunteers and sponsors of our summer festival. Sunday, May 27, 2018 @ 11:00 AM, liturgy is being offered for the volunteers and sponsors of our summer festival. UPCOMING EVENTS Saint Maron s Annual Summer Festival, Friday Sunday, June 1-3, 2018. Saint Sharbel Annual Lebanese Festival, Friday Sunday, June 8-10, 2018, located at 526 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ, 08873. Our Lady Star of the East Annual Festival, Friday-Sunday, June 22-24, 2018, located at 25 W Black Horse Pkie, Pleasantville, NJ. National MYO Retreat, June 26-30, 2018, Philadelphia, PA. PRAYER FOR SOLDIERS During these difficult times, we remember those family members and friends in faraway places. Let us lift in prayer the many women and men serving overseas in our armed forces. May they know of our respect and gratitude and be kept safe in the Lord s loving hands. Amen. HONORING JAMES JIMMY TAYOUN On Saturday, May 12, Jimmy s family, friends, and elected city officials gathered at the corner of Broad and Reed Streets to dedicate the naming of Jimmy Tayoun Way in honor of our dear friend Jimmy. This tribute, deserving and appropriate, is in recognition for all Jimmy did for this city and community. He was remembered by his family, pastor, and city officials with memories and stories that that brought tears of joy and smiles of endearment for a man who was loved by all. May his memory be eternal and may his soul rest in peace. MYA BBQ AND GATHERING I will have a BBQ gathering for all MYA members on Saturday, June 16, immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall. We will have food and beverages and will have open discussions on how we can move forward. Fr. David Fisher has also offered to help with the MYA group as well. This is great news as he can offer much insight and knowledge. God bless. SAINT MARON CHURCH HALL For our parishioners who may not be aware of our hall rentals policy, please know that if you would like to rent the hall for a special family function or event, the hall is available at parishioner cost. For a day event the rental is $300.00 and an evening event is $600.00. If you would like to plan an event at the hall please contact the office and Claudine will be happy to assist you. SUGGESTION BOX As was mentioned at the Parish Town Hall Meeting, a suggestion box was installed in the foyer of the Church hall. Forms are in the box for your convenience. Please utilize this for any comments or concerns pertaining to this parish. I will address them either with you personally, if your name is included on the form or in the bulletin so that anyone may remain anonymous. IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Fadi Jaber, Alexis, Carine, Mary Joseph, Salema Dahdah, Albert Anderson, Sr., Michael La Pergola, Paul Daley, Maria Lemons, Vincent Thomas, Joseph Realdine, Rita Impo, Benjamin Uzzo, Emily Stone, Roseann Anthony, Elaine Nader, Sal Pinto, Michael Pascucci, Jenny DiCicco, Nicholas Carine, Amelia Habib, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Joseph Alestra, Chucky Simon, Mary Fetterman, Aminee Skaf, Carmen Marrone, Rose Kouri, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick, Francis Joseph Kerns, Samer Chokeir, Kathy Newman, Rita Arrigale, Helen Freedenberg, Maryann Bratton, Renee Sahar, Sister Nahida Al Sawa, Rose De Jesse, James Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Eddie Gussin, Angel Salerno, Dennis McGiney, Emilia and Alan Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Betty Antrilli, and Bonnie Sabatini. We ask Almighty God to bless them with good health so that they may join us in the Church and give glory and thanksgiving to God. Please notify the Church office of any family member who is ill so that we may remember them in our daily prayers and on our altar of intentions. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR May 12-13, 2018 Collection $ 1,388.00 Coffee Hour $ 14.00 Total: $ 1,402.00
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church First Reading Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21 May 19-20, 2018 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs in our own languages we hear them speaking about God s deeds of power. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? But others sneered and said, They are filled with new wine. But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: "In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Praise be to God always. فصل من سفر أعمال الرسل ٱلي و م الخ م س ين ك ان الر س ل م ع ا في م ك ان و اح د. ف ح د ث ب غ ت ة د و ي م ن ٱلس م اء ك أ ن ه د و ي ر يح يا إ خ و تي :في ت م ام وٱس ت ق ر ع لى ك ل و اح د م ن ه م ع اص ف ة وم أل ك ل ٱلب ي ت ح يث كان وا ج ال سين. وظ ه ر ت ل ه م أ ل س ن ة م ن ق س م ة ك أ ن ه ا م ن ن ار ل س ان. وٱم ت أل وا ك ل ه م م ن ٱلر وح ٱلق د س وب د أ وا ي ت ك ل م ون ب أ ل س ن ة أ خ ر ى ك م ا ك ان ٱلر وح ي ؤ ت يه م أ ن ي ن ط ق وا. وك ان ي قيم في أ ور ش ل يم ي ه ود ر ج ال أ ت ق ي اء م ن ك ل أ م ة ت ح ت ٱلس م اء. ف ل م ا ح د ث ذل ك ٱلص وت ٱح ت ش د ٱلج م ع وأ خ ذ ت ه م ٱلح ي ر ة أل ن ك ل
و اح د م ن ه م ك ان ي س م ع ه م ي ت ك ل م ون بل غ ت ه. ف د ه ش وا وت ع ج ب وا وق ال وا: "أ ل ي س هؤ الء ٱلم ت ك ل م ون ج م يع ه م ج ل يل ي ين ي س م ع ه م ف ك ي ف ك ل و اح د م ن ا ب ٱلل غ ة ٱل ت ي و ل د ف يه ا ون ح ن ف ر ت ي ون وم اد ي ون وع ي الم ي ون وس ك ان م ا ب ين ٱلن ه ر ي ن وٱلي ه ود ي ة وك ب د وك ي ة وم صر ون و اح ي ل يبي ة ٱلق ريب ة م ن ق ي ر و ان ور وم ان ي ون ن ز الء ي ه ود وم ه ت د ون وب ن ط س وآس ي ا وف ر ي ج ي ة وب م ف يل ي ة ن س م ع ه م ي ت ك ل م ون ب أ ل س ن ت ن ا ع ن أ ع م ال ٱهلل ٱلع ظ يم ة ". وك ان وا ك ل ه م م د ه وش ين ح ائ رين ي ق ول ب ع ض ه م وك ر يت ي ون وع ر ب ل ب ع ض: "م ا م ع ن ى هذ ا ". لك ن آخ ر ين ك ان وا ي ق ول ون س اخ رين: "إ ن ه م ق د ٱم ت أل وا س الف ة!". ف و ق ف ب ط ر س م ع ٱأل ح د ع ش ر وأ ص غ وا إ لى و ت ه وخ اط ب ه م ق ائ ال : "أ ي ه ا ٱلر ج ال ٱلي ه ود وي ا ج م يع ٱلم ق يم ين في أ ور ش ل يم ل ي ك ن هذ ا م ع ل وم ا ع ن د ك م ور ف ع ص ك الم ي. ٱلت اس ع ة ص ب اح ا. ب ل هذ ا ه و م ا ق يل ب ي وئ يل ٱلن ب ي: وي ك ون ال ل ي س هؤ الء ب س ك ار ى ك م ا ت ظ ن ون. ف ٱلس اع ة ه ي وي ح ل م ى ش ب ان ك م ر ؤ ى في ٱأل ي ام ٱأل خ ير ة ي ق ول ٱهلل أ ن ي أ ف يض م ن ر وح ي ع لى ك ل ب ش ر ف ي ت ن ب أ ب ن وك م وب ن ات ك م وي ر ش ي وخ ك م أ ح الم ا. وع لى ع ب يدي وإ م ائ ي أ ي ض ا أ ف يض م ن ر وح ي في ت ل ك ٱأل ي ام في ت نب أ ون. وأ ع م ل ع ج ائ ب في ٱلس م اء م ن م ي و ف وق وآي ات ع لى ٱأل ر ض م ن أ س ف ل د م ا ون ار ا وأ ع م د ة م ن د خ ان. وت ن ق ل ب ٱلش م س ظ الم ا وٱلق م ر د م ا ق ب ل أ ن ي أ ت ي ٱلع ظ يم ٱلم ج يد. ف ي ب ٱس م ٱلر ب ي خ ل ص. ك ون أ ن ك ل م ن ي د ع و ٱلي و م ٱلر ب والتسبيح هلل دائما. Gospel Reading Saint John 14:15-20 The Apostle Writes: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. This is the truth. Peace be with you. م ن إ ن ج يل الق د يس يوحن ا أ س أ ل اآلب ف ي ع ط يك م ب ر قل يط ا آخ ر م ؤ ي د ا ص اي اي. وأ ن ا و قال الرب ي سوع ل ت الميذ ه : " إ ن ت ح ب ون ي ت ح ف ظ وا ي ك ون م ع ك م إ لى األ ب د. ه و ر وح ٱلح ق ال ذي ال ي ق د ر الع ال م أ ن ي ق ب ل ه أل ن ه ال ي ر اه وال ي ع ر ف ه. أ م ا أ ن ت م ف ت ع ر ف ون ه أل ن ه م قيم ع ن د ك م وه و ف يك م. أ ن ت م ف ت ر ون ن ي أل ن ي أ ن ا ح ي وأ ن ت م س ت ح ي ون. حق ا واألمان لجميعكم. ل ن أ ت ر ك ك م ي ت ام ى. إ ن ي آت ي إ ل ي ك م. ع م ا ق ل يل ل ن ي ارن ي الع ال م أ م ا في ذل ك الي وم ت ع ر ف ون أ ن ي أ ن ا في أ ب ي وأ ن ت م ف ي وأ ن ا فيك م.