ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm •

Office is closed on Saturday & Sunday

Office: 972-542-4667 Fax: 972-542-4641 •

411 Paula Rd,McKinney, Texas 75069

Email: freugene@stmichaelmckinney.org •

frjuancarlos@stmichaelmckinney.org • deaconjohn@stmichaelmckinney.org

PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL: Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

San Miguel Arcángel, defiéndenos en la lucha. Sé nuestro amparo contra la perversidad y asechanzas del demonio. Que Dios manifieste sobre él su poder, es nuestra humilde súplica. Y tú, oh Príncipe de la Milicia Celestial, con el poder que Dios te ha conferido, arroja al infierno a Satanás, y a los demás espíritus malignos que vagan por el mundo para la perdición de las almas. Amén.

Priests: Rev. Eugene Azorji • Rev. Juan Carlos Marín CortésDeacons

George Polcer • Andrew Tanner • Juan Jorge Hernandez • Jose Vazquez Patrick Hayes • Sid Little

Coordinator of Ministries: Evodio Vazquez • Business Manager: Joe OlickanDirector of Music: Valerie Stagaman

Faith Formation Director 1-6: Christy ScottYouth Ministry/Confirmation: Deandria Gonzalez

Facilities Manager: Deacon John Rapier • Facilities: Emilio Zavala

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

16/17 FEBRUARY - SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

KYRIE

LITURGY OF THE WORD

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page 112

Psalm 1 RESPONSORIAL

Reproduced under permission of Licensingonline.org

1. Keep me safe O God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord, “You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone; my happiness lies in you alone.”

2. I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

Center of My Life Paul Inwood

3. And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even in safety shall my body rest. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.

4. You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand, at your right hand happiness forever.

Text: based on Ps 34: 1-2, 17-18, 19, 22

Text and Music: © 1978, 1991, John Foley, SJ and OCP Publications. All rights reserved.

John Foley, SJ

Verses text: Psalm 16: 1-2, 7-11, alt. © 1963, The Grail (England) All rights reserved. Used with permission of A. P. Watt, LTD Music and refrain text © 1985 Paul Inwood. Published by OCP. All rights reserved.

The Cry of the Poor

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mass Intentions February 16-23, 2019Saturday, February 16 5:00 pm Carmelo Y Marie CandianoSunday, February 17 8:00 am Santiago Iriarte Bernaola9:30 am Luis Brayan Patiño Alberto Lara Socorro Molina Aguirre Fernando De La Cruz Hernandez 11:30 am Sophie & Hohn Gura2:00 pm For the People6:00 pm Magdalena Ruiz Monday, February 18 8:00 am Bielski familyTuesday, February 19 5:30 pm Melissa Szczsponik (in thanksgiving for answered prayers)Wednesday, February 20 8:00 am William FlesherThursday, February 21 5:30 pm Ron & Terri ThatcherFriday, February 22 8:00 am William FlesherSaturday, February 23 5:00 pm Herbert Carroll

Collection TotalsFebruary 10: $ 15,650.00Debt Reduction: $ 5,834.34Attendance: 3820

Pray about increasing your donation this year and help the parish grow. Prayer of Faithful StewardsAlmighty God, we give you thanks for the inspiration

of your Holy Spirit as we reflect on the gospel call to exercise Christ’s stewardship on our journey of faith.

Normal Weekend Mass ScheduleSaturday: Vigil Mass 5:00 pm English Sunday: 8:00 am & 11:30 am EnglishSunday: 9:30 am & 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm SpanishWeekday Mass Schedule Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 am Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30 pmConfessions: Thursday: 6:00-7:00 pm Saturdays: 3:30 pm-4:30 pmAdoration: Thursday 6:00 pm-7:00 pmAdoration First Friday 8:30 am - 8:00 pmAfter Hours: Sick Call or Funeral Requests: 469-667-7324Funerals: Contact Valerie Stagaman 972-542-4667 ext 114.Weddings: Contact Emy Avendaño 972-542-4667 ext: 102.Six months prior to intended wedding date.

PRIESTS NAMESTo view the list of names generated by the Diocese of Dallas go to: https://www.cathdal.org/response

SECOND COLLECTION UPDATE Every Sunday the second collection is dedicated

to our building and debt fund.We are happy to report that our February 1st

debt payment reduced the principal balance of our church mortgage to less than 1.5 million or $1,498,423.45. This would not have been possible without your contributions.

Our monthly mortgage payment is $21,253 and anything in excess of this amount is allocated to the building fund which will be used to construct the Ministry/Faith Formation Center for our parish family. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and critical to this much needed expansion of our facilities.

Todos los domingos la segunda colección está dedicada a nuestro fondo de construcción y deuda.

Nos complace informar que el pago de nuestra deuda del 1 de febrero redujo el saldo de capital de nuestra hipoteca de la iglesia a menos de 1.5 millones o $ 1,498,423.45. Esto no hubiera sido posible sin sus contribuciones.

Nuestro pago mensual es de $ 21,253 y cualquier cantidad en exceso de esta cantidad se asignara al edificio que se usará para construir el Ministerio / Centro de Formación de Fe para nuestra familia parroquial. Su apoyo continuo es muy apreciado y crítico para esta expansión tan necesaria de nuestras instalaciones.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

17 DE FEBRERO— SEXTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

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Reproduced under permission of OneLicense.net #621390

Felices LITURGIA DE LA PALABRA

Letra Basada en Mateo 5, 3—12, música, Santiago Fernández. © 1997 Santiago Fernández. Obra publicada por OCP. Derechos reservados.

Santiago Fernández

Lourdes C. Montgomery

1. Bienaventurados, pobres de la tierra, porque de ustedes es el reino de Dios. Bienaventurados los que pasan hambre, los que lloran sangre por amor a Dios.

2. Bienaventurados los desesperados, serán conolados por Jesús, el Rey. SiIeres buen amigo, siIeres buen vecino, estará contigo nuestroIhermano, ús.

3. Bienaventurados los sacrificados; los desamparados serán grandes ante Dios. Tiende más tu mano, haz a todos hermanos con tu cristianismo y amor a Dios. estribillo

Letra: De Mateo 5, 3-12 Letra y música © 1999 Lourdes C. Montgomery

Obra publicada por OCP Publications. Derechos reservados.

Estribillo: Alégrense y llénense de gozo, porque les esperan maravillas en el cielo. Alégrense y llénense de gozo, bienventurados serán.

Bienaventurados

Baptisms / BautismosRegistrations for Baptism and Baptism Class are

on Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Call the Church office for more information:

972-542-4667Registraciones para Bautismos y Pláticas

Bautismales están Martes: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Miércoles: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Por favor llama la oficina para mas información:

972-542-4667

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Parish Calendar for the week of February 18th 2019.

Monday, February 18th 8:00 am - Mass - Chapel 10:00 am - Prayers & Squares - Holy Family Hall 7:00 pm - CRHP Women - CL 3 7:00 pm - CRSP Mujeres - S. Drake 7:00 pm - CRSP Seguimiento Mujeres - St. Michael Hall 7:00 pm - Grupo Emmanuel - Práctica Coro - CL 5 7:00 pm - Jóvenes Adultos para Cristo - St. Rose Hall 7:00 pm - Legión de María - N. DrakeTuesday, February 19th 9:00 am - Talleres de Oración y Vida - CL 5 2:00 pm - SVDP (food distribution) - Holy Family Hall 5:30 pm - Mass - Chapel 6:30 pm - Talleres de Oración y Vida - CL 5 7:00 pm - Grupo Emmanuel - Iglesia 7:00 pm - Certificado en Ministerio Pastoral - Holy Family & St. Rose Halls 7:00 pm - KofC Officers Monthly Meeting - N. Drake 7:00 pm - SVDP Monthly Meeting - St. Michael HallWednesday, February 20th 8:00 am - Mass - Chapel 10:00 am - Women Bible Study - CL 3 4:30 pm - Children’s & Teen Choirs Rehearsal - Holy Family, St. Rose Hall & Church 5:00 pm - Youth Confirmation Classes - All Rooms 7:00 pm - 11:30 am Adult English Choir Rehearsal - Church LoftThursday, February 21st 2:00 pm - SVDP (food distribution) - Holy Family Hall 5:30 pm - Mass - Church 6:00 pm - Adoration and Confessions - Church 7:00 pm - CRSP Hombres - St. Rose Hall 7:00 pm - RCIA - St. Michael Hall 7:00 pm - RICA - N. Drake Friday, February 22nd 8:00 am - Mass - Chapel 6:00 pm - Squires & Rose Squires Monthly Meeting - St. Rose Hall & CL 5 7:00 pm - 9:30 am Misa - Ensayo Coro - Holy Family Hall 7:00 pm - Catequist Formation - St. MichaelSaturday, February 23rd 9:00 am - FF 1st Communion Classes - All Rooms 9:00 am - Baptism Class - Church 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Confessions - Church 5:00 pm - Mass - Church 5:00 pm - Ave Maria Homeschoolers - Holy Family & St. RoseSunday, February 24th 8:00 am - Mass - Church 9:30 am - Misa - Iglesia 11:30 am - Mass - Church 1:00 pm - 2pm Misa Ensayo Coro - Bride’s Room 2:00 pm - Misa - Iglesia 3:00 pm - Pastoral Juvenil Hispana - ST. Michael Hall 4:30 pm - 6pm Misa Ensayo Coro - Bride’s Room 5:00 pm - Youth Min Confirmation - All Rooms 6:00 pm - Misa - Iglesia 7:00 pm - Grupo Emmanuel - N.Drake

We pray for those who need the healing touch of Christ. Oramos por aquellos que necesitan el toque

sanador de Cristo.Paul Brands, Nelma Hyde, Alex Cole, Alicia Solomon, Kerman Iriarte, Jay Semon, Patricia Carroll, Andrea

Hernandez, Sandra Cole, Olivia Villarreal, Dee Labrie, Frances Pearson, Sherry Owens, Rachael Owens, An-

dres Gonzalez, Rosa Maria Campos, Magdalena Ruiz, Lori Ellison, Madison, Tim Polanek, Beth Edwards,

Renato Avila, Maria Concepcion Lacson, Chris Luck, Cheryl Pushnack, Lloyd Bryant.

Please inform us of your loved one needing to be added to the prayer list, please call the parish office @ 972-542-4667.

Names will remain on the list for 1 month at which time you can re-submit their names for prayers.

Para agregar o quitar a alguin de la lista de oraciones, por favor Liama a la oficina.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT There will be a training session in English on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 6:15 p.m. in St. Michael Hall. The new video by Bishop Burns will be presented. Contact Wendy Long at 972-542- 4667 ext. 103 for further information. No children allowed.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Heavenly Father, give us the courage to find wisdom in our sacrifices, joy in our generosity and hope in the compassion we show, especially to those most in

need of your comfort and care.Lord, create in us a more open heart and a

greater awareness of our need to grow, to change, to be transformed, so that we may be better stewards of your gifts for the good of all. AMEN.

Oración de Corresponsabilidad para los Fieles Padre celestial, danos el ánimo para encontrar

sabiduría en nuestros sacrificios, alegría en nuestra generosidad y esperanza en la compasión que mostramos, especialmente por aquellos que necesitan más cuidado y ser más confortados.

Señor, crea en nosotros un corazón más abierto y una mayor conciencia de nuestra necesidad de crecer, de cambiar, de ser transformados, para que podamos ser mejores administradores de tus dones para el bien de todos. AMÉN.

REPORTING ABUSE:First, notify local law enforcement. Second notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through the Texas Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400 or www.texasabusehotline.org) Finally, if the allegation involves a member of the clergy or an employee of a parish or the Diocese, please notify the Diocese of Dallas Victims Assistance Coordinator, Barbara Landregan, at 214-379-2812.REPORTANDO ABUSO: Primeramente, notifica a las autoridades locales. Segundo notifica al departamento de servicios para la protección de la familia del estado de Texas, llamando a la línea directa para el abuso en Texas ( 1-800 252-5400 o ingrese a la página www.texasabusehotline.org)Finalmente, si en la denuncia se encuentra involucrado algún miembro del clérigo o algún empleado de las parroquias de la Diócesis, por favor notificar a la agencia de asistencia para las víctimas de la Diócesis de Dallas llamando directamente a la coordinadora Barbara Landregan al 214 – 379-2812

SANTA CLAUS GODI strongly believe that good theology has two important

tasks: to keep all people free for God and to keep God free for all people. In my opinion, most churches do not allow God much freedom. God is always so much bigger than the theological and churchy boxes we build for "him." Without recognizing it, many people have an operative image of God as Santa Claus. He's "making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice." He rewards the good kids with toys (heaven) and punishes the bad kids with lumps of coal (hell). If you don't have a mature spirituality or an honest inner prayer life, you'll end up with a Santa Claus god, and the Gospel becomes a cheap novel of reward and punishment. That's not the great Good News! An infinitely loving God is capable of so much more than such a simplistic trade off or buy out.

Bringing social acceptability to Christianity has not helped in this regard. After Constantine made Christianity the established religion of the Roman Empire in 313, the great biblical concepts of grace and forgiveness gradually were controlled by formulas and technique. Empires cannot afford too much mercy or forgiveness. Soon the Church created equations: this much sin results in this many years in purgatory or hell; this much penance results in this much time released from purgatory. Grace and forgiveness became juridical and distant concepts instead of deep spiritual realizations. Disobedience or disloyalty were seen as much more sinful than any failure to love or serve or show mercy.

The work of the priesthood became sin management much more than the marvelous work of transformation and inner realization that we see in Jesus' ministry. Church largely became a "worthiness attainment system" managed from without, instead of a transformational system awakening us from within.

When forgiveness becomes a weighing and judging process, then we who are in charge can measure it, define who is in and who is out, find ways to earn it, and exclude the unworthy. We have then destroyed the likelihood that people will ever experience the pure gift of God's grace and forgiveness.

When you fall into the ocean of mercy, you stop all counting and measuring. In fact, counting and weighing no longer make sense; they run counter to the experience of grace. As long as you keep counting, you will not realize that everyone is saved by mercy anyway.

I recently visited the 9/11 Memorial at the site of the Twin Towers in New York City. A huge waterfall drops down into the darkness of a lower pool whose bottom you cannot see. It struck me deeply as a metaphor for God: mercy eternally pouring into darkness, always filling an empty space. Grace fills all the gaps of the universe. Counting and measuring can only increase the space between things. Even better, water always falls and pools up in the very lowest and darkest places, just like mercy does. And mercy is just grace in action.

Fr Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCHWhen we think of the word “Beatitude” we think of

today’s discourse from Luke’s Gospel, or the more familiar one from Matthew (which begins “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . ”). Actually, beatitudes occur throughout the prophets and Gospels. Today in Jeremiah (with an echo in the psalm) we hear, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7). Following his resurrection in John’s Gospel, Christ proclaims, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). The evangelists placed these sayings throughout the Gospels as short reminders about the characteristics that one will find in a follower of Christ, characteristics that will help spread the Good News in this life and lead to eternal blessings in the next. In Latin, the saints are called the Beati, the “Blessed,” for they are the ones who lived the “blessed” life as described by Jesus throughout the Gospels. How blest are we, when we also strive to make our own days a living beatitude!

TODAY’S READINGSFirst Reading — The one who trusts in the LORD is like a tree planted beside the waters (Jeremiah 17:5-8).Psalm — Blessed are they who hope in the Lord (Psalm 1).Second Reading — Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20).Gospel — Blessed are you who are poor, hungry, weeping. Woe to you who are rich, filled, laughing (Luke 6:17, 20-26).

READINGS FOR THE WEEKMonday: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Ps 50:1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-26; Mk 8:11-13Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Ps 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10; Mk 8:14-21Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Ps 116:12-15, 18-19; Mk 8:22-26Thursday: Gn 9:1-13; Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22-23; Mk 8:27-33Friday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19Saturday: Heb 11:1-7; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11; Mk 9:2-13Sunday: 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38 SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCESSunday: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeMonday: Presidents’ DayThursday: St. Peter DamianFriday: Chair of St. Peter the Apostle; Washington’s BirthdaySaturday: St. Polycarp

BIENAVENTURADOS O DICHOSOSCuando pensamos en la palabra “bienaventuranza”

pensamos en el discurso de hoy del Evangelio según Lucas, o en el más familiar según Mateo (que comienza “Dichosos lo que tienen espíritu de pobre . . .”). En realidad, las bienaventuranzas ocurren en los profetas y evangelios. Hoy, en Jeremías (con un eco en el salmo) oímos: “Bendito el hombre que confía en el Señor” (Jeremías 17:7). Luego de su resurrección en el Evangelio de san Juan, Cristo proclama: “¡Dichosos los que creen sin haber visto!” (Juan 20:29). Los evangelistas colocaron estos dichos por todos los evangelios como cortos recordatorios sobre las caracteríscas de quien sigue a Cristo, características que ayudarán a diseminar la Buena Nueva en esta vida y llevarnos a la dicha eterna en la próxima. En latín, los santos son llamados Beati o “Beatos” porque son aquellos que viven la vida “feliz” descrita por Jesús en los evangelios. ¡Qué dichosos somos cuando nos esforzamos por hacer de nuestros días bienaventuranzas vivas!

LECTURAS DE HOYPrimera lectura — Bienaventurado es el que confía en el Señor (Jeremías 17:5-8).Salmo — Dichoso el hombre que confía en el Señor (Salmo 1).Segunda lectura — Cristo fue resucitado de entre los muertos, como primer fruto de los que duermen (1 Corintios 15:12, 16-20).Evangelio — Jesús predica: Felices cuando sufren a causa del Hijo del Hombre. Les espera una recompensa grande (Lucas 6:17, 20-26).

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANALunes: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Sal 50 (49):1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-26; Mc 8:11-13Martes: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Sal 29 (28):1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9c-10; Mc 8:14-21Miércoles: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Sal 116 (115):12-15, 18-19; Mc 8:22-26Jueves: Gn 9:1-13; Sal 102 (101):16-21, 29, 22-23; Mc 8:27-33Viernes: 1 Pe 5:1-4; Sal 23 (22):1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19Sábado: Heb 11:1-7; Sal 145 (144):2-5, 10-11; Mc 9:2-13Domingo: 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Sal 103 (102):1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lc 6:27-38 LOS SANTOS Y OTRAS CELEBRACIONESDomingo: Sexto Domingo del Tiempo OrdinarioLunes: Día de los PresidentesJueves: San Pedro DamianoViernes: La Cátedra de san Pedro; Nacimiento de WashingtonSábado: San Policarpo

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FEEn muchos santuarios de Latinoamérica y Europa

se pueden encontrar diversas ofrendas que han dejado los fieles a través de los siglos. Entre estas ofrendas es de particular relieve el exvoto. Exvoto (una frase en latín que se traduce “del voto”) es el regalo que se le presenta al santo o a la santa en reconocimiento del favor recibido. Esto también se llama “manda”.

Los exvotos o mandas toman varias formas desde pequeñas medallas en forma de la parte del cuerpo que fue sanado hasta pinturas del milagro concedido. El exvoto más antiguo en América es de una pintura mandada a hacer por Hernán Cortés en honor de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Extremadura (España). Esta imagen reconocía el hecho de ser salvado del piquete de un alacrán mientras estaba en México. Lamentablemente esta pintura se extravió en el siglo XIX.

En realidad el santo o la santa no necesita el exvoto pero los creyentes sí. Estas mandas nos recuerdan el poder de la intercesión divina en la vida humana. También nos invitan al agradecimiento de los favores que Dios nos hace.

Congratulations to Deacon John on his 6th year of Ordination on Saturday February 9.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITIONIn recent years, there has been remarkable progress

in drawing persons with disabilities into full celebration. Now it is generally accepted that worship places need accommodations such as ramps or elevators, large-print materials for those who are sight-impaired, and perhaps even an assisted hearing system or signing in American Sign Language. American Sign Language is not merely English translated into movement, but a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax (word order), and vocabulary. For this reason, the American Catholic bishops have approved American Sign Language (ASL) as an official language of the liturgy.

Celebrating liturgy in our own language (the vernacular) means that liturgy must be accessible to all languages and cultures. The fact that Mass is celebrated this weekend in some places in total silence, but with the full participation of deaf people praising God in the movements of their hands, and sometimes even with a priest who is deaf, is nothing less than the Church being faithful to the image of Jesus, who made the deaf hear and the mute speak. Remember too that deafness is an invisible disability, and that there may well be people in your parish who are quietly yearning for Mass to be signed for them in ASL.

Viernes,1rodemarzo2019 Hora:6:00pm–9:00pm Lugar:St.MichaelHall

DJ Cena Pinturadecaritas CabinadeFotos

¡Por favor acompáñenos a una nochemágica!

CualquierpersonaimportanteymiembrosdelafamiliasonBienvenidosaescoltarasuhijaaesteevento.

Padre/Hija:$25o$40/Familia

$40Perfamily

Friday, March 1st, 2019

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: St. Michael Hall

Please join us for a magical evening!!

DJ Food&Refreshments PhotoBooth FacePainting

Bring Dad or a Special Someone. Family members are welcome to escort your daughter to this event.

Father/Daughter:$25or$40/family

$40Perfamily

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCHSIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Congratulations! Welcome to the Kingdom! Rejoice and leap for joy! Sounds a little like Easter, doesn’t it? Well, in a very real way, it is. This Sunday, the scriptures remind us that we are blessed and beloved, especially when we have difficulties and don’t feel especially blessed. Jesus reminds us that God blesses us in our trials, so we should trust in the saving power of God. We are “raised from the dead,” as it were, each time we arise from our hardships. The ultimate proof of all of this is our new life in Christ, who died so that we could be free of sin, and was raised from the dead so that we might all have new life. Wouldn’t that be something? A new life, in which poverty is riches and sadness is transformed into lightness of spirit? It’s a topsy-turvy world, isn’t it? Do you feel blessed today?

CONGRATULATIONS!Today’s Gospel from Luke is the

Sermon on the Plain with the Beatitudes, what we usually think of as the Sermon on the Mount. It seems as though Jesus is congratulating those who would have been considered unfortunate, doesn’t it? The Beatitude statements overturn the concept of “fortunate” in Jesus’ time, naming those who are poor, hungry, mourning, or marginalized as those who should rejoice.

Jesus continues with prophetic and startling “Woe to you!” statements, directed to those usually thought of as blessed. Heavenly reward is not a privilege of the rich and comfortable but a blessing for all who trust in God, whose reward will be great in heaven.

WHOM DO YOU TRUST?The first reading and the psalm take a somewhat different

focus: trust in God, not people or things of this world. One who trusts in God is fortunate, like a plant that produces good fruit, sustained by living waters and currents of grace. “Not so the wicked,” who wither and vanish, blowing away like the illusions of their self-absorption.

Paul, in the second reading, confronts members of the early Christian community of Corinth who were doubting, or devaluing, belief in Jesus’ resurrection and the general resurrection of the dead. Depending on the material world in their spiritual pride, they believed that their righteousness was something they had achieved on their own. They felt self-sufficient, “rich,” not in need of the ongoing saving power of Christ’s resurrection that completes the sacrifice of Good Friday through Easter, which is our true blessing. So, congratulations! Acknowledging our need for God, we are rich in the Kingdom love of our Father. Our

hunger is satisfied by the sustaining nourishment of the Spirit. Our weeping is “turned into dancing” knowing that Jesus is with us in our sorrows, in fact knew them when he walked upon earth. Reasons enough for us to rejoice, always, even when people treat us badly. God’s reward to us is the Kingdom, now and always.

¡FELICIDADES! El Evangelio de Lucas para hoy es el sermón en el llano

donde predicó las Bienaventuranzas, lo que comúnmente pensamos como el Sermón de la Montaña. Parece como si Jesús estuviera felicitando a quienes se les ha considerado los menos afortunados, ¿cierto? Las afirmaciones de las Bienaventuranzas anulan el concepto de “afortunado” en el tiempo de Jesús, nombrando a quienes son pobres, sufren hambruna, lloran o están marginados como aquellos que deben alegrarse. Jesús continua con una afirmación sorprendente y profética “¡Ay de ustedes!”, dirigidas a aquellos que por lo general pensamos están bendecidos.

La recompensa celestial no es un privilegio de los ricos y acomodados sino una bendición para todos los que confían en Dios, cuya recompensa será grande en el cielo.

¿EN QUIÉN CONFÍAS? La primera lectura y el salmo toman un enfoque algo

diferente: confiar en Dios, no a las personas o cosas de este mundo. Quien confía en Dios es afortunado, como una planta que produce buen fruto, sustentado por aguas vivas y caudales de gracia. “En cambio los malvados”, quienes se marchitan y desaparecen volando como las ilusiones de su ensimismamiento.

Pablo, en la segunda lectura, consuela a los miembros de la primera comunidad cristiana de Corinto que estaban dudosos o desvalorizando, la resurrección de Jesús y la resurrección de los muertos. Dependiendo en el mundo material y de su orgullo espiritual, ellos creían que su justicia era algo que habían logrado por sí mismos. Se sentían autosuficientes, “ricos”, sin necesidad de persistir en el poder salvador de la resurrección de Cristo que completa el sacrificio del Viernes Santo hasta la Pascua, lo cual es nuestra verdadera bendición.

Así que ¡felicidades! Reconociendo nuestra necesidad de Dios, somos ricos en el Reino de amor de nuestro Padre. Nuestra hambre se satisface al ser sostenida con alimento del Espíritu. Nuestro llanto se convertirá en saltos de “gozo”, siempre, incluso cuando las personas nos traten mal. La recompensa de Dios para nosotros es el Reino, ahora y siempre.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Vincent de PaulDistribuciòn de

ComestiblesMartes y Jueves de las 2PM a 4PM

2ndo Sàbado del mes de las 8:30AM a 9:45AM

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONTuesday and Thursday • 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

2nd Saturday of the month8:30 am -9:30 am

Helpline: 214-314-5698 • Thrift Store Pick up: 214-373-7837

MARRIAGEENCOUNTERFebruary 16-17, 2019 -

Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope

is the LORD. Trust the Lord to strengthen and enrich

your marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is April 12-14, 2019. Dates

fill fast. To apply, visit our website at: http://www.dfwme.org/apply . For more information e-mail apply@dfwme.org or call 469-444-0904. Para

mas informacion de Encuentro Matrimonial en Espanol, escriba a emmdfw@gmail.com o visite

http://www.emmseccion21.org/

Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Chairman Urges Senate Vote and Passage of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors

Protection Act WASHINGTON– The Senate failed to adopt by

unanimous consent the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act—legislation that would ensure that a child born alive following an abortion would receive the same degree of care to preserve her life and health as would be given to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement in response:

“Last night, the United States Senate had an opportunity to unanimously declare to the nation that infanticide is objectively wrong. That they failed to do so is unconscionable. No newborn should be left to suffer or die without medical care. It is barbaric and merciless to leave these vulnerable infants without any care or rights. Congress must take up and pass this bill and ensure that the legacy of Roe v. Wade does not extend itself from killing unborn children to killing newborn babies.”

The Archbishop also sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging the body to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the floor for a vote and to pass it this week. In his letter, Archbishop Naumann asked the Senate to support the “common-sense legislation” that would protect infants who survived abortion attempts.

Presidente del Comité Pro-Vida exhorta al Senado a llevar a votación y pasar la Ley de Protección a los

Sobrevivientes del Aborto Nacidos VivosWASHINGTON– El Senado no aprobó por

unanimidad la Ley de Protección a los Sobrevivientes del Aborto Nacidos Vivos — ley que garantizaría que un niño que nace vivo tras un aborto reciba el mismo grado de cuidado para preservar su vida y salud que cualquier otro niño nacido vivo a la misma edad gestacional.

El Arzobispo Joseph F. Naumann, Presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB), emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta:

"Anoche, el Senado de Estados Unidos tuvo la oportunidad de declarar unánimemente a la nación que el infanticidio es objetivamente inmoral. Es inconcebible que no lo hayan hecho. No debería dejarse que ningún recién nacido sufra o muera sin atención médica. Es cruel y despiadado dejar a estos infantes vulnerables sin cuidado ni derechos. El congreso debe tomar y aprobar este proyecto de ley y garantizar que el legado Roe v. Wade no pase de matar niños no nacidos a matar bebés recién nacidos".

Asimismo, el arzobispo envió una carta al Senado de los Estados Unidos exhortándolos a llevar a votación y pasar la Ley de Protección a los Sobrevivientes del Aborto Nacidos Vivos esta semana. En su carta, el Arzobispo Naumann pidió al Senado apoyar la "legislación de sentido común" que protegería a los niños que sobrevivieron a intentos de aborto.

IGLESIA CATÓLICA SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL

YOUNG ADULTSWE INVITE ALL SINGLE ADULTS BETWEEN

THE AGES OF 18-35 TO GROW IN FAITH

Grupo Juvenil San MiguelEl ministerio de Jóvenes Adultos de San Miguel, invita a todos los jóvenes que tengan entre 18 y 35 años edad, sean solteros y sin hijos a conocer

más sobre este ministerio en el Salón San Miguel, los domingos de 3:00 a 5:30 PM

Contact info:Roger Mesta; jmestamendo@leomail.tamuc.edu

Gretta Mesta; grettamest@gmail.com

ADULT SOCIALPOT LUCK DINNER

Come on by and meet some new friends

and enjoy a pot luck meal

6:30 pm to 8:00 pmSt Michael’s Hall