parishworks! 1Vol. 09 No. 44 March 22, 2014

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March 23, 2014

3rd Sunday of Lent (A)Jn 4:5-15, 19b – 26, 39a, 40-42 (or Jn 4:5-42)

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”—For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.— Jesus answered and said to her,“If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink, ‘you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?”Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.

“I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming,

Sunday Gospel Remembering Josephby Gene Alberto

When people talk of the “Holy Family”, they usually mean Joseph, Mary and Jesus. We know quite a lot about Mary, but what about Joseph?

Poor Joseph! It must have been so confusing for him. He was just about to wed Mary when he discovered she was pregnant, but he knew he wasn’t the father of her baby.

He could have created a huge fuss, but he decided to leave her quietly so that there would be as little gossip as possible. Before he could do this, an angel appeared to him. “Joseph,” said the angel, “don’t be afraid to take Mary for your wife. The son she is going to have has been given to her by the Holy Spirit of God. You will name him Jesus, and He will save people from their sins.”

It was a lot for Joseph to take in. He was just an ordinary carpenter living in the town of Nazareth. What was all this to do with him? But soon he understood what he should do, and he did wed Mary.

When the Romans held a census to work out who had to pay taxes, Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem, which used to be his hometown. It was while they were there that Jesus was in danger from the king, he took the family to

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Teachings of a not so perfect mom... from page 1

safety in Egypt. Some time later, when the King died, he took them to Nazareth.

Joseph was looking after his family and the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon Him. Like any happy child, under the loving care of His mother, Jesus learned to talk, to pray and to do things. Mary was His first teacher. What a joy it was for Joseph to show his little faster – child how to use the hammer, how to hold the saw, and to explain what a nail was for. What happiness and joy the three shared in the holy house of Nazareth. Peace, contentment, love, union with God reigned in that humble house.

When Jesus was twelve years old, the family went to Jerusalem. After that, no more is heard of Joseph. This humble carpenter who was poor and obscure in this world possessions and honors, he was rich in grace and merit and eminent before God in nobility and holiness. Thus, he was divinely appointed by God head of the Holy Family, which was the beginning of the great Family of God, the Church.

This foster-father of Jesus was proclaimed as Patron of the Universal Church. Christians are encouraged to remember him in a very special way. His feast day has been celebrated on March 19 as one of high rank.

Be Still-Rhoni Christel R. Trillana

It was the third week of December. It was the peak of the Holiday rush; people were running and shopping like crazy in different stores of different malls. My family, being a part of that shenanigan, had no idea how excruciating the taxi stand outside the mall was. We fell in line at exactly 8:20 in the evening and finally got our turn at 12:15 midnight. The waiting was terrible. It was very difficult to find the light and meaning when you’re under such difficult and exhausting moment. But then I guess, like with all the circumstances we have in our lives, no matter how big or small the situation is, God has a beautiful plan and purpose on why we were put in that specific spot in this world. In that long and dreadful line, I was able to grasp a piece of how life really is under God’s mercy.

I was about seven meters away from the end of the taxi stand. The Taxis arrive (at most) once in every twenty or thirty minutes. At first, I thought it was easy, I’m not required to do anything there but to stand; to simply wait. But then, hours passed, only few taxis pass by, some of them even ignored the long line of desperate people. This was the ultimate test of patience. But for a reason I have yet to know, I was able to see it in God’s perspective. It symbolized how we wait when we ask God for something; knowing that it would not always come to us in a snap of a finger. God tests our patience. He makes us wait in that agonizing line. There were people who decided to give up and step out, there were people who even tried to cut the line and have their way, and some people would make alibis how they got there first. The world is filled with people and situations that would really push us against the wall. These

circumstances in our lives weren’t placed in such position just to juice out every bit of forbearance we have. They weren’t fated to be a part of our lives without any significance. Like what our Lord tells us in Psalm 46:10 ; “Be still, and know that I am God”, at the deepest depths of our lives, when all things aren’t going the way we want them to, when we lose all hopes that God would grant us our plea, let’s choose to be silent, and remember that He is still the Father in command. Let us stop complaining, grieving and doubting. We have the Greater One above us who knows what is best for us, and knows exactly when to give it. When there are times when we feel like no one listens to us, let’s be still, and simply pray, God would fill our need, sometimes He would bless us with so much more than what we’ve asked for. He listens to every word of our prayer. Simply wait for God’s timing and have faith, before you know it, in this long and unbearable taxi stand we are currently going through in our lives, it might already be our turn. It might take an hour, a day, a year or a decade- the bottom line here is, we will get there.

This Lenten season, whatever it is you’re going through, just choose to be with God. Renew your relationship with Him. The world will always be the most chaotic and busiest place to live in, but pause for a while, take a step back and offer your time to Him. With the taxi stands we are currently enduring, it may be impossible to have the peace we desire, but just have faith- no one said it’s going to be easy, but it is going to be worth it. God will give it to you. At the perfect place and time, be still, be patient and believe, He will, without a doubt, answer your prayer. But before having your prayers answered, offer everything to Him first, offer your battles, and offer your tormenting wait at your taxi stand, He will definitely lift you up and lovingly take you to your desired destination under His grace and Holy will.

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Faith MattersBy: Gene C.Alberto

Why do Catholic churches, schools and homes display religious statues and other images? Aren’t statues a form of idolatry?

No Catholics who know anything about the Catholic faith has ever worshiped a religious image. Even when we kneel to pray before a statue, or burn candles or place flowers before it, we aren’t worshiping the image. We are simply expressing love and honor for the person represented by the statue.

Let’s consider this: If you cherish the memory of statesmen, war heroes and renowned celebrities by making a statue for them, then what can be our objection to honoring the heroes of the faith? What does the Church teach about work on Sunday?

Scripture suggest that on the seventh day (Saturday) is a day of rest. God himself rested on that day after creating the world. Just as importantly, the Lord insists that we should give the same privilege of rest to family members, employees, guests, and even laboring animals.

Today, the Church continues to call us to a weekly Sabbath. But in honor of Jesus’ resurrection on a Sunday, this first day of the week is now our time for rest and worship. It is the Lord ’s Day.What should we avoid doing on Sunday?

On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the Catechism teaches “the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship and owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day”Isn’t work on Sunday sometimes unavoidable?

Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday’s rest. But we should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life and health.Why does the Church have so many rules?

Certainly Catholic Faith is much more than a collection of “rules and regulations.” An intimate and personal relationship with our Lord is essential. But the relationship doesn’t despise with rules. Rather, the rules help to define the relationship, and our obedience to them is the clearest indicator of our love for God.References: Eph 2:10, Sir 44:1-13, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2, Ex 10:14, Sir, 31:12-

31, Lk 6:17-1, Jn 14:15; ccc 2129-2132, 577-582, 1949-1986, 2614

Announcements

The Evangelization Ministry is inviting househelps, caregivers, drivers, gardeners and maintenance staff of SAAP to join the “MUNTING KATESISMO AT BIBLIARASAL”. Sessions will start on March 21 at 2:00 pm at the Parish Center.

Kindly register at the Parish Office.

The Ministry of the Greeters and Collectors (MCGC) is in need of volunteers, ages 15 yrs and above, to join as greeters and collectors and are willing to serve on regular day masses especially noon time. Please contact Claire Padilla 0916-5524145 or Aya Munoz 0912-2544581

The Apostleship of Prayer Choir or the AP Choir, singing every 6:30am Sunday mass, is now recruiting members ages 13 years old and above. If you’re interested to join, please contact Vince Reyes - 09156691268, 949-3033

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Coordinator Matthew Lizares Parish Works Staff Managing Editor: Susan Amoroso Web Editor: Emilio Medina Photographers: Ann Lopez, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Rio Angeles Graphic Artist: Jessica Samantha Lim Bulletin Board Editor Harley Dave Punzalan Powerpoint Coordinators Mria Rhea Pia Libao, Ging Santos, Ellie Medina, Vince Eduard Reyes, SAAP Facebook Admin Karen Ann Phoa

Contributors:Gene Alberto, Rhoni Christel Trillana

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish.

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Matthew LizaresParish Works StaffSusan Amoroso, Emilio Medina, Russel Matthew Patolot, Karen Ann Phoa, Irene Gonzales, Noemi Sta Anna, Angelina Poe, Magda GanaBulletin Board EditorHarley Dave PunzalanPowerpoint CoordinatorsEllie Medina, Ging Santos, Leomar Alvarez SAAP Facebook AdminRochelle Pineda

ContributorsWina de Vera

Spiritual AdvisorRev. Msgr. Dennis Odiver

PublisherSt. Andrew the Apostle ParishN. Garcia St. cor. Kalayaan Ave.Bel-Air II, Makati CityPhones: (632) 890-1796 / 890-1743 media@saaparish.com

Parish Works is the official weekly newsletter of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish.

Media and Communications Ministry Coordinator

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English

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Announcements

Answer key: 1) Winged; 2) Courageous; 3) Yields, Grain; 4) Mustard; 5) Parables

Puzzle CornerJune 17, 2012 - Readings: Ezekiel

17:22-24 / Psalm 92 / 2 Corinthians

5:6-10 / Mark 4:26-34By: Karen Ann Phoa

1. “Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every _ _ _ _ _ _ D E W G I N thing in the shade of its boughs.”

2. “We are always _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S A G E C O U O U R, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

3. “Of its own accord the land _ _ _ _ _ _ S L I D E Y fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full _ _ _ _ _ N A G R I in the ear.”

4. “It is like a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ D R U M A S T seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.”

5. “Without _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B A R A P L E S he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.”

• June 22-24 PARISH RENEWAL EXPERIENCE (PREX)

• June 29 (Fri) KUMPISALANG BAYAN

many others back to religious observances.

Though Father Regis longed to work as a missionary among the North American Indians in Canada, he was to live out his days working for the Lord in the wildest and most desolate part of his native France. There he encountered rigorous winters, snowdrifts and other deprivations. Meanwhile, he continued preaching missions and earned a reputation as a saint. One man, entering the town of Saint-Andé, came upon a large crowd in front of a church and was told that people were waiting for “the saint” who was coming to preach a mission.

The last four years of his life were spent preaching and in organizing social services, especially for prisoners, the sick and the poor. In the autumn of 1640, Father Regis sensed that his days were coming to a conclusion. He settled some of his affairs and prepared for the end by continuing to do what he did so well: speaking to the people about the God who loved them. On December 31, he spent most of the day with his eyes on the crucifix. That evening, he died. His final words were: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

He was canonized in 1737.

St. John Francis Regis ... from page 3

Puzzle Corner

1. “Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the _ _ _ _ _ _ S E L D E R of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you _ _ _ _ _ _ C U K R T S the river.”

2. “Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find _ _ _ _ _ _ _ G E O C U R A to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still _ _ _ _ _ _ _ N I N E R S S Christ died for us.”

3. “Everyone who drinks this water will be _ _ _ _ _ _ _ S T Y H I R T again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a _ _ _ _ _ _ G I N R P S of water welling up to eternal life.”

4. “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ P I S H R O W the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.”

5. “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to _ _ _ _ _ _ H I N S I F his work. Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be here’? I tell you, look up and see the fields _ _ _ _ P I E R for the harvest.”

March 23, 2014 - 3rd Sunday of Lent;

Readings: Exodus 17:3-7/ Psalm 95 /

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 / John 4:5-42

Sunday Gospel... from page 1

Answer key: 1) Elders, Struck; 2) Courage, Sinners; 3) Thirsty, Spring; 4)

Worship; 5) Finish, Ripe

and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking with you.”

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him. When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days.Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

Reflection:Sometimes, God pretends to have a need of us in

order to befriend us, just as Jesus relied on the Samaritan woman for His drink to quench His thirst. He could very well have gotten it himself but He chose

to appear to need her help to facilitate a connection that otherwise would have been difficult considering their difference in status. It was at first awkward though civil. The woman displayed proper courtesy albeit with a bit of apprehension. But the conversation with Jesus caught her unawares for it was actually she who was in need of quenching her deeper thirst, the thirst of the soul which was way beyond Jesus’ physical thirst. And she believed. From a potential giver of plain water to a happy recipient of the “water of life,” she shared her newfound wealth and remained one of the best of friends of Him who was formerly a stranger but now her Lord and Master.

Sunday Mass Schedule 6:30am - Filipino

8:00am - English 9:30am - English 11:00am - English 12:15n.n - English

3:30pm - Filipino 5:00pm - English 6:30pm - English 8:00pm - English