Father's weekly message
Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2024 – Prayer is an act of Religion
In last week’s reflection, we focused on why prayer is an act of justice. Now, let us consider why prayer is an act of religion. St. Aquinas teaches that prayer is an act of religion. But what is religion? The English word “religion” drives from Latin and French words. Hence, it has different interpretations but conveys the same meaning and purpose. First, Cicero used “relegere” (re + legere = “again + read”) which signifies “to go through again” or “reread”. Another word is, “religiens” which means “careful” opposite of “negligens” to neglect. The 13th century Latin word “religioun” or “religio” signifies "respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods; sense of right, moral obligation; fear of the gods; divine service, religious observance; a religion, a faith, a mode of worship, cult; sanctity, and holiness," The word “religious” refers to “state of life bound by monastic vows” also “action or conduct indicating a belief in a divine power and reverence for god, and a desire to please the divine. An Anglo-French word “religiun” refers to “piety and devotion”. In summary, St. Aquinas states, “to do what pertains to the worship or service of God belongs properly to religion (Q.81.1). Also, man is called to render his devotion (devovere = vows) to God. Hence, devotion is an act of religion (Q.82.2) and devotion must be done “willingly and justly” to God alone. Third, St. Augustine used the word, “religere” which means “to bind together”. So, St. Augustine says, “religion binds us to the Almighty God. Therefore, if a person fails or neglects to seek the divine, to ponder over the things pertain to divine, or constantly fails to bind oneself to the divine, then that person is called “irreligious”. Since God is the source and creator of all things, he deserves a special kind of service or worship called “Latria” (Greek). Therefore, in summary, we must say that prayer is an act of religion by which a human being seeks God, reads again, and ponders over the things pertaining to God, and binds himself with God, renders his highest form of worship and reverence to God. Hence, “devotion is special act of the will” (Q.81.1) Because devotion is apparently nothing else but the will to give oneself readily to things concerning the service of God. (Q.82.1). We, who are created in the image and likeness of God are bound to ponder over in our hearts the things which pertain to God. We ought to seek God again because we have lost him by our sin and neglect. Religion has a community dimension as well. Hence, we are bound to pray, worship, and offer sacrifices to God as community. During this Advent season, let us participate frequently in the Mass and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation and prepare ourselves to celebrate the historical Birthday of Christ, but pray and rejoice now, for, He is with us now! - Fr. Jesu
Announcements for December 8th
This Thursday, December 12th, is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We will have Mananitas at 6:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 8:00 am with Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m. Then on Saturday, December 14th we will have the Rosary at 10 a.m. with Mass at 10:30 a.m. and lunch to follow. Please join the Spanish community in celebrating this beautiful feast.
Este jueves 12 de diciembre es la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Tendremos Mananitas a las 6:00 a. m. seguido de Misa a las 8:00 a. m. con Hora Santa de 7 a 8 p. m. Luego, el sábado 14 de diciembre tendremos el Rosario a las 10 a.m. con Misa a las 10:30 a.m. y almuerzo a continuación. Únase a la comunidad española para celebrar esta hermosa fiesta.
Las Posadas begins on Monday, December 16th and continues through December 24th.
Las Posadas comienza el lunes 16 de diciembre y continúa hasta el 24 de diciembre.
On Thursday, December 19th we will have several priests here for Advent Penance Service (confessions) from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
El jueves 19 de diciembre tendremos varios sacerdotes aquí para el Servicio de Penitencia de Adviento (confesiones) de 6:00 a 7:00 p.m.
Christmas is right around the corner! Kindly stop by the Ladies Guild Gift Shop to browse through all the new items they have available.
¡La Navidad está a la vuelta de la esquina! Pase por la tienda de regalos de Ladies Guild para ver todos los artículos nuevos que tienen disponibles.
Vendors from Bethlehem are here this weekend to sell the olive woodcarving images and rosaries. Please plan to purchase some items to help the Christian families in Bethlehem.
Los vendedores de Belén estarán aquí el próximo fin de semana para vender imágenes talladas en madera de olivo y rosarios. Planee comprar algunos artículos para ayudar a las familias cristianas en Belén.