On a bright Spring morning, a passerby once saw St. Francis of Assisi hoeing a row of beans and asked him, “What would you be doing right now if you knew this was the last day of your earthly life?” The Saint responded, “I’d keep hoeing this row of beans.” Preparing for this world to end — whether by our death or by Jesus’ glorious coming — invites us to live not in the past or the present, but deeply in the present moment.
This same point is on display in the simple advice given by the wild and eccentric John the Baptist. He speaks of the one who is to come who will baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Despite the bizarre awesomeness of this announcement, he tells his listeners to engage in the present moment with simple acts of justice and love as their preparation for Jesus’ coming, sharing their clothes and food, eliminating greedy and underhanded practices, being content with their wages. It’s so undramatic. But how many actually did it? We don’t know. How many of us will commit ourselves to these types of humble and demanding practices in our lives? That’s what we should be doing now in our present moment, not worrying about the future.
Advent challenge: Name one way you are doing the bare minimum towards others in your daily life. Or name something you are doing because you are not content with your financial situation. Pray: “Jesus, if it is your will, help me to stop doing these things this week. Help me prepare for your coming.” Then make the appropriate changes. — Father John Muir ©LPi
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this Third Sunday of Advent.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Mass Intentions
Saturday, December 14
5:00 PM
David Duren • †
Yerko Cofre • †
Nestor Cofre • †
Chuyita Cardoza • †
Ramon Cardoza • †
Emilio Cardoza • †
Concepcion L. Torres • †
Kenneth Valadez • †
Rosa Buendia Castro • †
Tony Ramos • †
Wayne Lawless • Prayer
Sergio Maldonado • Prayer
Ruben Delgadillo • Health
Wilbert Arias • Health
Sunday, December 15
6:00 AM
Pilar Maldonado • †
10:45 PM
Lisa Steinberg •†
Faye Zuluaga • †
Philomena Enwerem • †
Artemio Evangelista • †
Judith & Teddy Evangelista • †
Reynaldo Galutera • †
Uzoma Alaka • †
Igwebuike Family • Thanksgiving
12:30 PM
Concepcion L. Torres • †
Alma Camelia • Health
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may heed the words of John the Baptist: speaking truthfully, acting virtuously, and sharing with those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For peace in the Holy Land, that Jerusalem may be glad and exult with all its heart, and that all peoples of the region may live free from violence, from fear, and from injustice, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For those living in poverty who often cannot afford clothing, food, or shelter, that they may be assisted by those who can, without judgment and without condescension, let us pray to the Lord.
D. For each of us, that we may realize the joy of giving, both to our loved ones and to those in need, let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Thanks to you, we have exceeded our Called to Renew goal and currently have $362,000 in donations. We received 11,000 dollars in donations during the month of November. Half of all donations are sent to the Archdiocese where they will invest in lower income Parishes. We are thankful for your generosity.
2. Our Filipino community invites you to assist our Festivity of Simbang Gabi on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00pm. There will be a small fellowship after Mass.
3. The Parish is selling calendars for next year. These calendars are custom made and include Mass schedule times and major event schedule. You can purchase your calendar in the Parish center for $5, there is a limited quantity.
4. We invite all those who feel the calling to be a Eucharistic Minister to attend our Archdiocese Eucharistic Minister training that will take place on Tuesdays January 7, 14, and 21, at 7:00pm in the St. Joseph Hall. There is a $15 donation for the course. This training is mandatory for all current Eucharistic Ministers.
5. We thank the Law offices of Miguel Manzo for sponsoring our bulletin; their information can be found on the last page of our bulletin. If you have a business and would like to sponsor our weekly bulletin, you can call the phone number at the bottom of the last page.
