Photo: Happy Advent

 

Poem: This Year Will Be Different! by Ann Weems

 Who among us does not have dreams

that this year will be different?
Who among us does not intend to go
peacefully, leisurely, carefully toward Bethlehem,
for who among us likes to cope with the
commercialism of Christmas
which lures us to tinsel not only the tree
but also our hearts?
Who among us intends to get caught up in the tearing around
and wearing down?
Who among us does not long for...
Gifts that give love?
Shopping in serenity?
Cards and presents sent off early?
Long evenings by the fireside with those we love?
(The trimming devoid of any arguing about who's going to hang
what where,
the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the pine
scent of the tree,
and carols gently playing over our idyllic scene)
And the children! The children cheerfully talking about
giving instead of getting?
Who among us does not yearn
for time for our hearts to ponder the Word of God?
moments of kneeling and bursts of song?
the peace of quiet calm for our spirit's journey?

This year we intend to follow the Star instead of the crowd.
But, of course, we always do intend the best.
(And sometimes, best intentions tend to get the best of us!)
This year, when we find ourselves off the path again (and we invariably will!),
Let's not add yet another stress to our Advent days,
that of trying to do Christmas correctly!
Instead, let's approach the birth of our Lord
with joyful abandon!

And this year
let's do what Mary did and rejoice in God.
let's do what Joseph did and listen to our dreams,
let's do what the Wise Men did and go to worship,
let's do what the shepherds did and praise and glorify God
for all we've seen and heard!
As for the Advent frantic pace, we won't have time for that.
We'll be too busy singing!
This year will be different!

Prayer: Teresa of Calcutta

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.

Photo: A forest of lights

 

Spirituality: Parker J. Palmer, "The Poem I Would Have Writ"

There's so much you want to say,
but time keeps taking time and all
your words away. How to say—amid
this flood of gratitude and grief—
"Thank you!", or "How beautiful,
how grand!", or "I don't know how
I survived", or "I miss you so," or
"I was changed forever the day
we two joined hands."

As you reach for your last words,
you realize this is it—this ebbing tide
of language called your life, words
trailing into silence, returning to
the source—this unfinished poem
you would have writ, had you not
been awash in wonder, grateful
to be living it.

Photo: A parade of colors

 

Poem: Thanksgiving, by James Whitcomb Riley

Let us be thankful—not only because
   Since last our universal thanks were told
We have grown greater in the world’s applause,
   And fortune’s newer smiles surpass the old—

But thankful for all things that come as alms
   From out the open hand of Providence:—
The winter clouds and storms—the summer calms—
   The sleepless dread—the drowse of indolence.

Let us be thankful—thankful for the prayers
   Whose gracious answers were long, long delayed,
That they might fall upon us unawares,
   And bless us, as in greater need we prayed.

Let us be thankful for the loyal hand
   That love held out in welcome to our own,
When love and only love could understand
   The need of touches we had never known.

Let us be thankful for the longing eyes
   That gave their secret to us as they wept,
Yet in return found, with a sweet surprise,
   Love’s touch upon their lids, and, smiling, slept.

And let us, too, be thankful that the tears
   Of sorrow have not all been drained away,
That through them still, for all the coming years,

   We may look on the dead face of To-day. 

Wake Up: The First Sunday in Advent 2025

                                                                   Wake Up:

The First Sunday in Advent 2025 

November 30, 2025

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Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44

 

In this First Sunday in Advent, we are asked to wait expectantly and to notice the deeper events that are happening beneath the surface. We are cautioned to read the signs of the times and prepare ourselves for the Lord’s presence. In the Letter to the Romans, we get a more urgent request from Saint Paul when he said, “You know the time: It is the hour for you to awake from sleep.” Paul was immanently expecting the return of Jesus and the arrival of the Day of Salvation. We, however, live in different times because we know already that we are saved. We are no longer children. The urgency to wake up remains. 

 

The Church and our society are changing quickly and we must adapt to the changing times. The person who adjusts well is one who learns how to manage change. Those who resist and try to hold onto what they know of the past struggle mightily. Sometimes people cannot comprehend why certain changes are taking place so they did in and refuse to accept reality, and they want the simpler life of times past. The vigilant person is the one who gets in front of the changes and helps guide others forward.

 

To wake up, we must get more active in our faith life and take responsibility for our own theological education. We can begin by seeking out those who can teach us how to pray, that is, how to develop a relationship with Jesus. The Church tells people they ought to pray and they do not actually teach people how to pray, other than falling back upon devotions. Those are worthy devotionals, but the type of prayer that most people need is conversational prayer with Christ. We want to get to know personally how Christ is relating to us and assuring us he is always present to us. Dialogue is not a one-time exchange of words. Dialogue is sustaining an ongoing maturing conversation about feelings, words, and movements. Dialogue means sharing who one is with Christ, who will also share who he is with us. It is a dynamic give-and-take as we come to understand one another better. Many people yearn for this relationship and are not taught how to engage thoughtfully.  

 

We also must ask the hard questions. It is important for us not to accept pious answers that do not satisfy. Our faith is confusing and we have to understand how to read Scripture, especially when events do not line up well. Even if a priest or a teacher gives a weak answer, know that a better answer exists for your question. We sometimes think that priests have all the answers. Continue to test the strength and accuracy of the assertion. Priests have differing interpretations. Test it against scripture and your maturing prayer. There is much to learn about our faith and it takes time and dedicated study.

 

Finally, lay out a plan of action for your life with God. Consider how you want to develop your moral and religious life and figure out how you will form your conscience better. Write down your list of questions that you want answered. Put down on paper the books on Scripture you want to understand better or part of church history that you want to understand. Let us know what you need to understand better. Write down how you want your prayer to develop and work out a plan with your spiritual director for your own growth. We are to wake up and be responsible for our own development.

 

We are at the beginning of a new Church year and we have a new opportunity to rise up and use all our resources to enhance our relationship with God. As we take these few steps forward, we find that we are helping others move closer to God. Our salvation is assured. Now, we must help others who seek God and let them know they have a home.

 

Scripture for Daily Mass

Monday: (Isaiah 4) On that day, the branch of the Lord will be luster and glory, and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor for the survivors of Israel.

 

Tuesday: (Isaiah 11) On that day, a shoot shall sprout from Jesse’s stump, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.

 

Wednesday: (Romans 9) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

Thursday: (Isaiah 26) On that day, they will sing this song: A strong city we have to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith.   

 

Friday (Isaiah 29) Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard into a forest. Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The deaf shall hear.  

  

Saturday (Isaiah 30) O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep.

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (Matthew 8) When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and said, “My servant is lying at home, paralyzed, suffering dreadfully. Come and cure him.”

 

Tuesday: (Luke 10) I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you had hidden these things from the learned and the wise, you have revealed them to the childlike.

 

Wednesday (Matthew 4) Jesus saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew, casting a net into the Sea of Galilee. He said to them, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”

 

Thursday (Matthew 7) Jesus said to his disciples: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.

 

Friday (Luke 21) Consider the fig tree. When their buds burst open, you see summer is near. Learn to read the signs of the times. All these things will pass away, but my words remain.

 

Saturday (Matthew 9) Jesus taught in all the towns and villages proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.

 

Saints of the Week

 

November 30: Andrew, apostle (first century) was a disciple of John the Baptist and the brother of Simon Peter. Both were fishermen from Bethsaida. He became one of the first disciples of Jesus. Little is known of Andrew's preaching after the resurrection. Tradition places him in Greece while Scotland has incredible devotion to the apostle.  

 

December 1: Edmund Campion, S.J., (1540- 1581), Robert Southwell, S.J., (1561-1595) martyrs, were English natives and Jesuit priests at a time when Catholics were persecuted in the country. Both men acknowledge Queen Elizabeth as monarch, but they refused to renounce their Catholic faith. They are among the 40 martyrs of England and Wales. Campion was killed in 1581 and Southwell’s death was 1595.

 

December 3: Francis Xavier, S.J., priest (1506-1552) was a founding members of the Jesuit order who was sent to the East Indies and Japan as a missionary. His preaching converted hundreds of thousands of converts to the faith. He died before reaching China. Xavier was a classmate of Peter Faber and Ignatius of Loyola at the University of Paris.

 

December 6: Nicholas, bishop (d. 350), lived in southwest Turkey and was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution. He attended the Council of Nicaea in 324. Since there are many stories of his good deeds, generous charity, and remarkable pastoral care, his character became the foundation for the image of Santa Claus.

 

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• November 30, 1642: The birth of Br Andrea Pozzo at Trent, who was called to Rome in 1681 to paint the flat ceiling of the church of San Ignacio so that it would look as though there were a dome above. There had been a plan for a dome but there was not money to build it. His work is still on view. 
• December 1, 1581: At Tyburn in London, Edmund Campion and Alexander Briant were martyred. 
• December 2, 1552: On the island of Sancian off the coast of China, Francis Xavier died. 
• December 3, 1563: At the Council of Trent, the Institute of the Society was approved. 
• December 4, 1870: The Roman College, appropriated by the Piedmontese government, was reopened as a Lyceum. The monogram of the Society over the main entrance was effaced. 
• December 5, 1584: By his bull Omnipotentis Dei, Pope Gregory XIII gave the title of Primaria to Our Lady's Sodality established in the Roman College in 1564, and empowered it to aggregate other similar sodalities. 
• December 6, 1618: In Naples, the Jesuits were blamed for proposing to the Viceroy that a solemn feast should be held in honor of the Immaculate Conception and that priests should make a public pledge defend the doctrine. This was regarded as a novelty not to be encouraged.

Despertar: El primer domingo de Adviento de 2025

                                                                    Despertar:

El primer domingo de Adviento de 2025

30 de noviembre de 2025

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predmoresj@yahoo.com | 617.510.9673

Isaías 2:1-5; Salmo 122; Romanos 13:11-14; Mateo 24:37-44

 

En este Primer Domingo de Adviento, se nos pide esperar con expectación y observar los acontecimientos más profundos que ocurren bajo la superficie. Se nos advierte que interpretemos los signos de los tiempos y nos preparemos para la presencia del Señor. En la Carta a los Romanos, san Pablo nos hace una petición más urgente cuando dice: «Ya saben el tiempo: es hora de despertar del sueño». Pablo esperaba con ansias el regreso de Jesús y la llegada del Día de la Salvación. Sin embargo, nosotros vivimos en tiempos diferentes porque ya sabemos que estamos salvados. Ya no somos niños. La urgencia de despertar persiste.

 

La Iglesia y nuestra sociedad están cambiando rápidamente y debemos adaptarnos a los nuevos tiempos. Quien se adapta bien aprende a gestionar el cambio. Quienes se resisten e intentan aferrarse a lo que saben del pasado luchan con uñas y dientes. A veces, las personas no comprenden por qué se producen ciertos cambios, por lo que se niegan a aceptar la realidad y anhelan la vida más sencilla de tiempos pasados. La persona vigilante es quien se anticipa a los cambios y ayuda a otros a avanzar.

 

Para despertar, debemos ser más activos en nuestra vida de fe y responsabilizarnos de nuestra propia educación teológica. Podemos empezar por buscar a quienes nos enseñen a orar, es decir, a cultivar una relación con Jesús. La Iglesia les dice a las personas que deben orar, pero en realidad no les enseña a hacerlo, salvo recurrir a las devociones. Estas son devociones valiosas, pero el tipo de oración que la mayoría de la gente necesita es la oración conversacional con Cristo. Queremos conocer personalmente cómo Cristo se relaciona con nosotros y asegurarnos de que siempre está presente. El diálogo no es un intercambio puntual de palabras. El diálogo es sostener una conversación continua y madura sobre sentimientos, palabras y acciones. Dialogar significa compartir quiénes somos con Cristo, quien también compartirá quiénes somos con nosotros. Es un intercambio dinámico a medida que nos comprendemos mejor. Muchas personas anhelan esta relación y no se les enseña a interactuar con atención.

 

También debemos hacernos las preguntas difíciles. Es importante que no aceptemos respuestas piadosas que no nos satisfacen. Nuestra fe es confusa y debemos entender cómo leer las Escrituras, especialmente cuando los acontecimientos no se alinean bien. Incluso si un sacerdote o un maestro da una respuesta débil, recuerda que existe una mejor para tu pregunta. A veces pensamos que los sacerdotes tienen todas las respuestas. Sigue comprobando la solidez y la precisión de la afirmación. Los sacerdotes tienen diferentes interpretaciones. Compruébala con las Escrituras y con tu oración de maduración. Hay mucho que aprender sobre nuestra fe y requiere tiempo y estudio dedicado.

 

Finalmente, traza un plan de acción para tu vida con Dios. Considera cómo quieres desarrollar tu vida moral y religiosa y determina cómo formarás mejor tu conciencia. Escribe una lista de preguntas que quieres responder. Anota los libros de las Escrituras que quieres comprender mejor o la parte de la historia de la iglesia que quieres entender. Cuéntanos qué necesitas comprender mejor. Escribe cómo quieres que se desarrolle tu oración y elabora un plan con tu director espiritual para tu propio crecimiento. Debemos despertar y ser responsables de nuestro propio desarrollo.

 

Estamos al comienzo de un nuevo año eclesiástico y tenemos una nueva oportunidad de levantarnos y usar todos nuestros recursos para fortalecer nuestra relación con Dios. Al dar estos pasos, descubrimos que estamos ayudando a otros a acercarse a Dios. Nuestra salvación está asegurada. Ahora, debemos ayudar a quienes buscan a Dios y hacerles saber que tienen un hogar.

 

Escritura para la misa diaria

Lunes: (Isaías 4) En aquel día, el renuevo del Señor será resplandor y gloria, y el fruto de la tierra será honra y esplendor para los sobrevivientes de Israel.

 

Martes: (Isaías 11) En ese día, un retoño brotará del tronco de Jesé, y de sus raíces florecerá un retoño. El Espíritu del Señor reposará sobre él.

 

Miércoles: (Romanos 9) Si confiesas con tu boca que Jesús es el Señor y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo levantó de los muertos, serás salvo.

 

Jueves: (Isaías 26) Ese día, cantarán esta canción: Tenemos una ciudad fuerte que nos proteja. Abran las puertas para que entre una nación justa, una nación que mantiene la fe.

 

Viernes (Isaías 29) El Líbano se convertirá en un huerto, y el huerto en un bosque. De la oscuridad y la penumbra, los ojos de los ciegos verán. Los sordos oirán.

  

Sábado (Isaías 30) Oh pueblo de Sión, que habitas en Jerusalén, nunca más llorarás.

 

Evangelio: 

Lunes: (Mateo 8) Cuando Jesús entró en Capernaúm, un centurión se le acercó y le dijo: «Mi criado está postrado en casa, paralítico, sufriendo terriblemente. Ven a curarlo».

 

Martes: (Lucas 10) Te alabo, Padre, Señor del cielo y de la tierra, porque aunque habías ocultado estas cosas a los entendidos y sabios, las has revelado a los pequeños.

 

Miércoles (Mateo 4) Jesús vio a dos hermanos, Pedro y Andrés, echando la red en el mar de Galilea. Les dijo: «Síganme y los haré pescadores de hombres».

 

Jueves (Mateo 7) Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: No todo el que me dice: Señor, Señor, entrará en el Reino de los Cielos, sino el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre.

 

Viernes (Lucas 21) Piensa en la higuera. Cuando sus capullos se abren, ves que el verano está cerca. Aprende a interpretar las señales de los tiempos. Todo esto pasará, pero mis palabras permanecen.

 

Sábado (Mateo 9) Jesús enseñó en todos los pueblos y aldeas proclamando el Evangelio del Reino. La mies es abundante, pero los obreros son pocos.

 

Santos de la semana

 

30 de noviembre: Andrés, apóstol (siglo I), fue discípulo de Juan el Bautista y hermano de Simón Pedro. Ambos eran pescadores de Betsaida. Se convirtió en uno de los primeros discípulos de Jesús. Se sabe poco de la predicación de Andrés después de la resurrección. La tradición lo sitúa en Grecia, mientras que Escocia tiene una devoción increíble por el apóstol.

 

1 de diciembre: Edmund Campion, SJ, (1540-1581) y Robert Southwell, SJ, (1561-1595), mártires, eran nativos de Inglaterra y sacerdotes jesuitas en una época de persecución católica en el país. Ambos reconocieron a la reina Isabel como monarca, pero se negaron a renunciar a su fe católica. Se encuentran entre los 40 mártires de Inglaterra y Gales. Campion fue asesinado en 1581 y Southwell en 1595.

 

3 de diciembre: Francisco Javier, SJ, sacerdote (1506-1552), miembro fundador de la orden jesuita, fue enviado a las Indias Orientales y Japón como misionero. Su predicación convirtió a cientos de miles de personas a la fe. Murió antes de llegar a China. Javier fue compañero de clase de Pedro Fabro e Ignacio de Loyola en la Universidad de París.

 

6 de diciembre: Nicolás, obispo (m. 350), vivió en el suroeste de Turquía y fue encarcelado durante la persecución de Diocleciano. Asistió al Concilio de Nicea en 324. Dado que existen numerosas historias sobre sus buenas obras, su generosa caridad y su notable cuidado pastoral, su carácter se convirtió en la base de la imagen de Papá Noel.

 

Esta semana en la historia jesuita

 

• 30 de noviembre de 1642: Nace en Trento el hermano Andrea Pozzo, quien fue llamado a Roma en 1681 para pintar el techo plano de la iglesia de San Ignacio, dándole la apariencia de una cúpula. Había un plan para una cúpula, pero no había fondos para construirla. Su obra aún se exhibe.
• de diciembre de 1581: En Tyburn, Londres, Edmund Campion y Alexander Briant fueron martirizados.
• 2 de diciembre de 1552: En la isla de Sancian , frente a la costa de China, murió Francisco Javier.
• 3 de diciembre de 1563: En el Concilio de Trento se aprueba el Instituto de la Compañía.
• 4 de diciembre de 1870: El Colegio Romano, expropiado por el gobierno piamontés, fue reabierto como Liceo. El monograma de la Compañía sobre la entrada principal fue borrado.
• 5 de diciembre de 1584: Mediante su bula Omnipotentis Dei , el Papa Gregorio XIII dio el título de Primaria a la Congregación de Nuestra Señora establecida en el Colegio Romano en 1564, y la autorizó a agregar otras cofradías similares.
• 6 de diciembre de 1618: En Nápoles, se culpó a los jesuitas por proponer al virrey la celebración de una fiesta solemne en honor a la Inmaculada Concepción y que los sacerdotes se comprometieran públicamente a defender la doctrina. Esto se consideró una novedad que no debía fomentarse.

Photo: The Lighted Way

 

Spirituality: Wendell Berry, "How to be a Poet"

Make a place to sit down.
Sit down. Be quiet.

Breathe with unconditional breath the unconditioned air.
Shun electric wire.
Communicate slowly.
Live a three-dimensional life;
stay away from screens.

Stay away from anything that obscures the place it is in.
There are no unsacred places;
there are only sacred places and desecrated places.

Accept what comes from silence.
Make the best you can of it.
Of the little words that come out of the silence,
like prayers prayed back to the one who prays,
make a poem that does not disturb
the silence from which it came.

Photo: The Season of Lights

 

Poem: What I Have Learned so Far, by Mary Oliver

Meditation is old and honorable, so why should I
not sit, every morning of my life, on the hillside,
looking into the shining world? Because, properly
attended to, delight, as well as havoc, is suggestion.
Can one be passionate about the just, the
ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit
to no labor in its cause? I don't think so.

All summations have a beginning, all effect has a
story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.
Thought buds toward radiance. The gospel of
light is the crossroads of -- indolence, or action.


Be ignited, or be gone.

Photo: Christ the King

 

Prayer: Union with God at Death

Many people have had an experience of suddenly standing in the presence of God and being unable to escape; a feeling one’s heart on fire; of a joy so deep joys fade; of inner peace and ultimate certainty. These experiences can be very different. They can overpower a person, or they can arise so gently in one's heart that one almost misses them. Anyone can have them in one form or another. They happen when one wills only to do God's will and nothing more. 

Those who have had such experiences will be able to believe that at some point there will come an hour for which everything passed will have been only a prelude and anticipation call them the hour of ultimate and open encounter with God - the hour in which we finally know and are fully known. There we shall rest and see, see and love, love and praise. 

Gerhard Lohfink, Is This All There is? P. 142-143

Poem: “Leaves” by Hilda Conkling (American, 1910-1986)

 In my apple orchard

In the oldest tree

Fall has hidden gold leaves.

I looked into the hollow

And saw no apples,

Only leaves with frost on them

Like marble tilings,

Like jeweled tables …

Yet there was no gold … no marble ….

Only leaves covered with frost

That sparkled the way my thoughts told me.

Photo: The Estrangement

 

Poem: Primary Wonder, by Denise Levertov

Days pass when I forget the mystery. Problems insoluble and problems offering their own ignored solutions jostle for my attention, they crowd its antechamber along with a host of diversions, my courtiers, wearing their colored clothes; cap and bells.

And then once more the quiet mystery is present to me, the throng's clamor recedes: the mystery that there is anything, anything at all, let alone cosmos, joy, memory, everything, rather than void: and that, O Lord, Creator, Hallowed One, You still, hour by hour sustain it.

Photo: Robed in White

 

Poem: Mindful, by Mary Oliver

Every day I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight, that leaves me like a needle in the haystack of light. 

It is what I was born for— to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world— to instruct myself over and over in joy, and acclamation. 

Nor am I talking about the exceptional, the fearful, the dreadful, the very extravagant— but of the ordinary, the common, the very drab, the daily presentations. 

Oh, good scholar, I say to myself, how can you help but grow wise with such teachings as these— the untrimmable light, of the world, the ocean's shine, the prayers that are made out of grass?

Will you Remember Me?: Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

                                                   Will you Remember Me?:

Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025 

November 23, 2025

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predmoresj@yahoo.com | 617.510.9673

2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43

 

The Church year comes to an end today with Jesus calling all people to himself and welcoming them into his kingdom. David appears as the first king before whom all the tribes of Israel assemble, and he tells them that he will be their shepherd and will care for them. Jesus is the heir of King David who likewise models himself as a shepherd first. I’m the Gospel, we hear the story of the repentant thief who acknowledges his wrongdoing and proclaims the innocence of Jesus, and Jesus, as someone whose care is radical, includes him as one who is fit for the kingdom. I think so many of us call out to Jesus as that crucified man did: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

 

Let us remember one thing: at the Crucifixion, Jesus forgave all sins, and that means that his kingdom is built on mercy. What does this mean for us? Jesus forgave all sins – yours, the sins of your past, the person who sinned against you, the ones you will do today, the ones you will do in the future. He asks you to know and to live in his mercy. Fr. Michael Himes, a Boston College professor wrote: “We have the temptation to refuse to accept our own innate goodness and the goodness of others. We disbelieve the good news that we made in the image and likeness of God and that creation is good – very good.” What can we say to make you know and believe that you are good and whole and beautiful and redeemed? What do I have to say to convince you?

 

The name of God is mercy. It seems that our prayer ought to be to ask for a sincere gratitude of God’s mercy. If I fully accept that God loves me radically and sincerely, then my participation in the kingdom is to love one another the same way. A Christian’s vision sees no barriers to full, flourishing human relationships. It is a worldview that welcomes in those who are estranged and distant. It unites those who squabble and gossip, and it reconciles enemies. It builds bridges and recognizes that the kingdom of God is a big tent, and that God invites many different people into it. 

 

Regrettably, we’ve all met people who profess to be Christians who have hardened hearts. Their judgments are absolute and their righteous belief in their correctness cannot be penetrated. They speak as if they own the truth. They want a small, closed tent and they believe they are inside the tent and others should not be permitted. They allow no room for mercy. The person who holds onto ideologies and makes sweeping judgments about types of people needs one’s attitudes and convictions challenged. This type of person somehow needs one’s heart to be softened.

 

We are in the tent because we have received the mercy of God, who, in the Christ event, revealed that God knows human suffering. We are in the tent because we are welcoming, non-judging, and merciful to others. The kingdom is built on hearts softened and enlarged by mercy. We are in the tent because we know or want God to love us sincerely.

 

How can I tell you that you are lovable just as you are made. You cannot earn God’s love; you cannot lose it. There is nothing about you that can separate you from God. Nothing at all. No sin. No decision you made, nothing you said. No physical feature or mental or emotional make-up. Nothing. God only sees your goodness and cherishes you just as you are. What do I need to say to you to help you believe that? God wants you to love and see yourself the way that God loves and sees you – with honor, with pride, and great satisfaction. God’s love reaches deep into your most hidden crevices and finds you to be remarkable. This love works miracles and knows no limits, and it can make the impossible happen.

 

This is the kingdom we are in. Christ is the shepherd of our souls, and his kingdom is built on this reconciling love where you know you are redeemed, forgiven, welcomed. You belong now and forever. Nothing can separate you from this reality. This is the kingdom to which we must let others know they belong. Others are asking the question, “Jesus, will you remember me?” This is the king who will come down from the cross, to embrace you in his arms, and say, “You have always been part of it. Yes, I want you. Yes, you belong. Come. You will be with me to the end of the ages.”

 

Scripture for Daily Mass

Monday: (Daniel 1) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem. The Lord handed over to him Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of the temple of God.

 

Tuesday: (Daniel 2) Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar: "In your vision, O king, you saw a statue, very large and exceedingly bright, terrifying in appearance as it stood before you.
The head of the statue was pure gold.

 

Wednesday: (Daniel 5) Suddenly, opposite the lampstand, the fingers of a human hand appeared, writing on the plaster of the wall in the king's palace. When the king saw the wrist and hand that wrote, his face blanched.

 

Thursday: (Sirach 50) And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.

 

Friday (Daniel 7) In a vision I, Daniel, saw during the night, the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from the others. The first was like a lion, but with eagle's wings.

 

Saturday (Daniel 7) "These four great beasts stand for four kingdoms which shall arise on the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingship, to possess it forever and ever."

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (Luke 21) When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.
He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest.

 

Tuesday: (Luke 21) And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!

 

Wednesday (Luke 21) They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.

 

Thursday (Luke 17) As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

 

Friday (Luke 21) Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

 

Saturday (Luke 21) Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.

 

Saints of the Week

 

November 23: Columban, abbot (d. 615) was an Irish monk who left Ireland for France with 12 companions to found a monastery as a base for preaching. They established 3 monasteries within 10 years. Columban opposed the king's polygamy and was expelled. He set up monasteries in Switzerland and Italy before he died. Though he was expelled, the monasteries were permitted to remain open.

 

November 23: Miguel Pro, S.J., martyr (1891-1927) lived in Guadalupe, Mexico before entering the Jesuits. Public worship was forbidden in Mexico so Miguel became an undercover priest often wearing disguises. He was arrested and ordered to be shot in front of a firing squad without benefit of a trial. Before he died she shouted out, "Long live Christ the King."

 

November 24: Andrew Dung-Lac and companion martyrs (1785-1839) were missionaries to Vietnam during the 17th through 19th centuries. Over 130,000 Christians were killed, including priests, sisters, brothers, and lay people. Many of these were Vietnamese citizens. 

 

 

November 25: Catherine of Alexandria, martyr, (d. 310) is said to have been born in Egypt to a noble family. She was educated and converted to Christianity because of a vision. She refused to marry a man arranged to be her husband by the emperor, and she denounced him for persecuting Christians. She was arrested, tortured, and killed.

 

November 26: John Berchmans, S.J., religious (1599-1621), was a Jesuit scholastic who is the patron saint of altar servers. He was known for his pious adherence to the rules and for his obedience. He did well in studies but was seized with a fever during his third year of philosophy and died at the age of 22. 

 

Fourth Thursday: Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. is derived from a mix of European and Native American traditions. Joyous festivals were held in Europe to give thanks for a good harvest and to rejoice with others for their hard work. It is a day to give thanks for the many blessings we have received through God's generosity throughout the year. 

 

 

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• November 23, 1545: Jeronimo de Nadal, whom Ignatius had known as a student at Paris, entered the Society. Later Nadal was instrumental in getting Ignatius to narrate his autobiography. 
• In 1927: the execution of Fr. Michael Augustine Pro, SJ, by leaders of the persecution of the Church in Mexico. 
• November 24, 1963: The death of John LaFarge, pioneer advocate of racial justice in the United States. 
• November 25, 1584: The Church of the Gesu, built in Rome for the Society by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, was solemnly consecrated. 
• November 26, 1678: In London the arrest and imprisonment of St Claude la Colombiere. He was released after five weeks and banished. 
• November 27, 1680: In Rome the death of Fr. Athanasius Kircher, considered a universal genius, but especially knowledgeable in science and archeology. 
• November 28, 1759: Twenty Fathers and 192 Scholastics set sail from the Tagus for exile. Two were to die on the voyage to Genoa and Civita Vecchia. 
• November 29, 1773: The Jesuits of White Russia requested the Empress Catherine to allow the Letter of Suppression to be published, as it had been all over Europe. "She bade them lay aside their scruples, promising to obtain the Papal sanction for their remaining in status quo.

¿Te acordarás de mí?: Trigésimo cuarto domingo del tiempo ordinario de 2025

                                                    ¿Te acordarás de mí?:

Trigésimo cuarto domingo del tiempo ordinario de 2025

23 de noviembre de 2025

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2 Samuel 5:1-3; Salmo 122; Colosenses 1:12-20; Lucas 23:35-43

 

Hoy concluye el año litúrgico con Jesús llamando a todas las personas a sí mismo y dándoles la bienvenida a su reino. David aparece como el primer rey ante quien se reúnen todas las tribus de Israel, y les dice que será su pastor y cuidará de ellos. Jesús es el heredero del rey David, quien, de igual manera, se presenta ante todo como pastor. En el Evangelio, escuchamos la historia del ladrón arrepentido que reconoce su pecado y proclama la inocencia de Jesús, y Jesús, con un cuidado radical, lo incluye como digno del reino. Creo que muchos de nosotros clamamos a Jesús como lo hizo aquel hombre crucificado: «Jesús, acuérdate de mí cuando vengas en tu reino».

 

Recordemos algo fundamental: en la Crucifixión, Jesús perdonó todos los pecados, lo que significa que su reino está edificado sobre la misericordia. ¿Qué significa esto para nosotros? Jesús perdonó todos los pecados: los tuyos, los del pasado, los de quien pecó contra ti, los que cometerás hoy y los que cometerás en el futuro. Te pide que conozcas y vivas en su misericordia. El padre Michael Himes, profesor del Boston College, escribió: «Tenemos la tentación de negar nuestra propia bondad innata y la de los demás. Descreemos de la buena noticia de que fuimos creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios y de que la creación es buena, muy buena». ¿Qué podemos decirte para que sepas y creas que eres bueno, íntegro, hermoso y redimido? ¿Qué tengo que decirte para convencerte?

 

El nombre de Dios es misericordia. Parece que nuestra oración debería ser pedir una sincera gratitud por la misericordia de Dios. Si acepto plenamente que Dios me ama radical y sinceramente, entonces mi participación en el reino consiste en amarnos los unos a los otros de la misma manera. La visión cristiana no ve barreras para las relaciones humanas plenas y florecientes. Es una cosmovisión que acoge a los marginados y distantes. Une a los que riñen y murmuran, y reconcilia a los enemigos. Construye puentes y reconoce que el reino de Dios es inclusivo y que Dios invita a muchas personas diferentes a formar parte de él.

 

Lamentablemente, todos hemos conocido personas que se dicen cristianas pero tienen el corazón endurecido. Sus juicios son absolutos y su creencia en su propia verdad es inquebrantable. Hablan como si la verdad les perteneciera. Quieren un círculo cerrado y creen que solo ellos tienen acceso a él, y que nadie más debería entrar. No dejan lugar para la misericordia. Quien se aferra a ideologías y generaliza sobre ciertos tipos de personas necesita que se cuestionen sus actitudes y convicciones. Este tipo de persona necesita, de alguna manera, que se ablande su corazón.

 

Estamos en la tienda porque hemos recibido la misericordia de Dios, quien, en la encarnación de Cristo, reveló que Dios conoce el sufrimiento humano. Estamos en la tienda porque somos acogedores, no juzgamos y somos misericordiosos con los demás. El reino se edifica sobre corazones ablandados y engrandecidos por la misericordia. Estamos en la tienda porque sabemos o deseamos que Dios nos ame sinceramente.

 

¿Cómo puedo decirte que eres digno de amor tal como eres? No puedes ganarte el amor de Dios; no puedes perderlo. No hay nada en ti que pueda separarte de Dios. Absolutamente nada. Ningún pecado. Ninguna decisión que hayas tomado, nada que hayas dicho. Ninguna característica física, mental o emocional. Nada. Dios solo ve tu bondad y te ama tal como eres. ¿Qué necesito decirte para ayudarte a creerlo? Dios quiere que te ames y te veas como Él te ama y te ve: con honor, con orgullo y con gran satisfacción. El amor de Dios llega hasta lo más profundo de tu ser y te encuentra extraordinario. Este amor obra milagros, no conoce límites y puede hacer posible lo imposible.

 

Este es el reino en el que estamos. Cristo es el pastor de nuestras almas, y su reino se basa en este amor reconciliador donde sabes que eres redimido, perdonado y bienvenido. Perteneces a él ahora y para siempre. Nada puede separarte de esta realidad. Este es el reino al que debemos dar a conocer a otros su pertenencia. Otros preguntan: «Jesús, ¿te acordarás de mí?». Este es el Rey que bajará de la cruz para abrazarte y decirte: «Siempre has sido parte de él. Sí, te quiero. Sí, perteneces. Ven. Estarás conmigo hasta el fin de los tiempos».

 

Lectura bíblica para la misa diaria

Lunes: (Daniel 1) En el tercer año del reinado de Joacim, rey de Judá, Nabucodonosor, rey de Babilonia, vino y sitió Jerusalén. El Señor le entregó a Joacim, rey de Judá, y algunos de los utensilios del templo de Dios.

 

Martes: (Daniel 2) Daniel le dijo a Nabucodonosor: «En tu visión, oh rey, viste una estatua, muy grande y sumamente brillante, de aspecto aterrador mientras estaba de pie ante ti. 
La cabeza de la estatua era de oro puro.

 

Miércoles: (Daniel 5) De repente, frente al candelabro, aparecieron los dedos de una mano humana que escribían en el yeso de la pared del palacio del rey. Al ver la muñeca y la mano que escribían, el rey palideció.

 

Jueves: (Eclesiástico 50) Y ahora, bendecid al Dios de todos, que ha hecho maravillas en la tierra; que os conceda alegría en el corazón y que la paz permanezca entre vosotros; que su bondad para con nosotros perdure en Israel para librarnos en nuestros días.

 

Viernes (Daniel 7) En una visión que tuve de noche, yo, Daniel, vi que los cuatro vientos del cielo agitaban el gran mar, del cual surgieron cuatro bestias inmensas, cada una diferente de las demás. La primera era semejante a un león, pero con alas de águila.

 

Sábado (Daniel 7) "Estas cuatro grandes bestias representan cuatro reinos que se levantarán en la tierra. Pero los santos del Altísimo recibirán la realeza, para poseerla por los siglos de los siglos."

 

Evangelio:

Lunes: (Lucas 21) Cuando Jesús alzó la vista, vio a algunos ricos que echaban sus ofrendas en el arca de las ofrendas, y se fijó en una viuda pobre que echaba dos moneditas. 
Y dijo: «Les aseguro que esta viuda pobre echó más que todos los demás ».

 

Martes: (Lucas 21) "¿Y qué señal habrá cuando todo esto esté a punto de suceder?" Él respondió: "Tengan cuidado de que nadie los engañe, porque muchos vendrán en mi nombre, diciendo: 'Yo soy el Cristo', y 'El tiempo ha llegado'. ¡No los sigan!

 

Miércoles (Lucas 21) Os prenderán y os perseguirán, os entregarán a las sinagogas y a las cárceles, y os llevarán ante reyes y gobernadores por causa de mi nombre. Esto os obligará a dar testimonio.

 

Jueves (Lucas 17) Al entrar en una aldea, le salieron al encuentro diez leprosos. Se detuvieron a cierta distancia y alzaron la voz, diciendo: «¡Jesús, Maestro! ¡Ten piedad de nosotros!»

 

Viernes (Lucas 21) Fíjense en la higuera y en todos los demás árboles. Cuando brotan sus capullos, ustedes mismos lo ven y saben que el verano está cerca. De la misma manera, cuando vean que suceden estas cosas, sepan que el reino de Dios está cerca.

 

Sábado (Lucas 21) Cuídense de que sus corazones no se adormezcan por la glotonería, la embriaguez y las preocupaciones de la vida diaria, y que ese día no los sorprenda como una trampa. 
Porque ese día asaltará a todos los que habitan sobre la faz de la tierra.

 

Santos de la semana

 

23 de noviembre: Columbano, abad (f. 615), fue un monje irlandés que partió de Irlanda hacia Francia con doce compañeros para fundar un monasterio como base para la predicación. Establecieron tres monasterios en diez años. Columbano se opuso a la poligamia del rey y fue expulsado. Fundó monasterios en Suiza e Italia antes de morir. A pesar de su expulsión, se permitió que los monasterios permanecieran abiertos.

 

23 de noviembre: Miguel Pro, SJ, mártir (1891-1927), vivió en Guadalupe, México, antes de ingresar a la Compañía de Jesús. El culto público estaba prohibido en México, por lo que Miguel se convirtió en sacerdote clandestino, a menudo disfrazado. Fue arrestado y condenado a ser fusilado sin juicio previo. Antes de morir, exclamó: «¡Viva Cristo Rey!».

 

24 de noviembre: Andrew Dung-Lac y sus compañeros mártires (1785-1839) fueron misioneros en Vietnam entre los siglos XVII y XIX. Más de 130.000 cristianos fueron asesinados, entre ellos sacerdotes, religiosas, religiosos y laicos. Muchos de ellos eran ciudadanos vietnamitas.

 

 

25 de noviembre: Catalina de Alejandría, mártir (f. 310), nació en Egipto en el seno de una familia noble. Recibió una buena educación y se convirtió al cristianismo tras una visión. Se negó a casarse con el hombre que el emperador le había propuesto y lo denunció por perseguir a los cristianos. Fue arrestada, torturada y asesinada.

 

26 de noviembre: Juan Berchmans, SJ, religioso (1599-1621), fue un jesuita escolástico, patrono de los monaguillos. Se le conocía por su piadosa observancia de las reglas y por su obediencia. Destacó en sus estudios, pero en su tercer año de filosofía enfermó de fiebre y falleció a los 22 años.

 

Cuarto jueves: El Día de Acción de Gracias en Estados Unidos tiene su origen en una mezcla de tradiciones europeas y nativas americanas. En Europa se celebraban alegres fiestas para dar gracias por la buena cosecha y celebrar con los demás el fruto de su trabajo. Es un día para agradecer las muchas bendiciones que hemos recibido gracias a la generosidad de Dios a lo largo del año.

 

 

Esta semana en la historia jesuita

 

• 23 de noviembre de 1545: Jerónimo de Nadal, a quien Ignacio había conocido como estudiante en París, ingresó en la Sociedad. Posteriormente, Nadal desempeñó un papel fundamental para que Ignacio narrara su autobiografía.
• En 1927: la ejecución del P. Michael Augustine Pro, SJ, por líderes de la persecución de la Iglesia en México.
• 24 de noviembre de 1963: Fallece John LaFarge, pionero defensor de la justicia racial en Estados Unidos.
• 25 de noviembre de 1584: La iglesia del Gesù, construida en Roma para la Compañía por el cardenal Alessandro Farnese, fue solemnemente consagrada.
• 26 de noviembre de 1678: En Londres, St Claude la Colombiere fue arrestado y encarcelado. Fue liberado después de cinco semanas y desterrado.
• 27 de noviembre de 1680: En Roma, la muerte del P. Athanasius Kircher, considerado un genio universal, pero especialmente versado en ciencia y arqueología.
• de noviembre de 1759: Veinte Padres y 192 Escolásticos zarparon del Tajo rumbo al exilio. Dos morirían durante el viaje a Génova y Civita Vecchia .
• 29 de noviembre de 1773: Los jesuitas de la Rusia Blanca solicitaron a la emperatriz Catalina que permitiera la publicación de la Carta de Supresión, como ya se había hecho en toda Europa. "Ella les pidió que dejaran de lado sus escrúpulos, prometiendo obtener la sanción papal para que mantuvieran el statu quo.