Slovenska župnija sv. Gregorija Velikega | St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Church 44/48 Številka - Number / Leto - Year 18. 11. 2012 33. NEDELJA MED LETOM 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Fr. Drago Gačnik sdb župnik - pastor Naslov - Address 125 Centennial Pkwy N Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8 Telefon - Telephone 905-561-5971 Fax 905-561-5109 E-mail gregory_sdb@cogeco.ca Web page www.carantha.net Hall rentals 905-518-6159 Podobe o koncu Podobe o tem, kakšen bo konec sveta, navadno niso vesele. S tako imenovano apokaliptiko povezujemo tesnobna občutja ali celo grozo. Takšne podobe najdemo tudi v evangelijih. V njih pride do izra-a človeška izkušnja, da živimo na krhkih tleh; da se zemlja po kateri hodimo, lahko nenadoma zamaje; da nas med plovbo po morju prekrijejo visoki valovi. V takšnih primerih bi lahko govorili o zatemnitvi sonca in lune ter padanju zvezd z neba. Predstave o razsežnostih katastrofalnih dogodkov nam niso tuje. Na takšno apokaliptično ozadje postavlja evangelij sporočilo o drugem prihodu Sina človekovega, ko bo prišel z veliko močjo in sijajem. Kaj nam govori ta podoba o zadnjem Kristusovem prihodu? Najbrž jo velja postaviti v kontrast s tisto zadnjo podobo zemeljskega Jezusa na križu, v vsej nemoči in bedi. Križani nam govori o božji ljubezni, ki nas išče v naši revščini. Evangeljsko poročilo pa govori o prihodu Sina človekovega v moči in slavi; s tem je izražena obljuba o prihodu Jezusa, na katerem bo končno pred vsemi očmi blestela božja ljubezen. Ob koncu časov bo postalo za vse jasno, da je Bog z Jezusovo daritvijo spravil vse ljudi s seboj. Do takrat bodo lahko zasenčeni tudi tisti, ki so živeli svetle čase sožitja ljubezni z Bogom in ljudmi. Prišel pa bo čas, da bodo tudi ti časi osvetljeni. V času in teku zgodovine je Bog lahko zakrit. Zadihalo bo, končno, novo življenje. Podobe o koncu sveta ne govore o uničenju, marveč o nastajajočem novem, v Bogu preustvarjenem svetu, ki ne pozna več smrti in žalosti. Nagovarja nas tudi podoba smokvinega drevesa, katerega veje so žive in že naznanjajo bližajoče se poletje. V tej luči apokaliptične podobe niso grozeče, marveč vzbujajo zaupanje in navdušenje, saj govore o polnosti tistega odrešenja, katerega delce okušamo že sedaj. Jezusov eshatološki govor nas bolj usmerja na to, kako naj sedaj živimo, kot na prihodnje reči, ki jih težko dojemamo. Tudi letos nismo pozabili na Martinovanje. Zbrali smo se kar v velikem številu v soboto, 10. novembra 2012 v naši dvorani. Prišlo je tudi 12 steklenic vina na ocenjevanje. Za glasbo je skrbel ansambel BRAJDA. Za lačne so poskrbele kuharice v kuhinji, za žejne pa pri baru in za tiste, ki se radi zavrtijo na plesišču je bilo dovolj prilike. Martinova goska je »našla« srečnega dobitnika... Vse se je odvijalo v prijetnem domačem vzdušju. Ekipa sodnikov pa je preudarno presodila katero je najboljše vino. Srečna nagrajenka je postala Sidonia Drvarič, ki je dobila prvo mesto za rdeče vino in tretje mesto za belo vino. Drugo mesto je pripadlo Stanetu Petku. Čestitke vsem dobitnikom. Obenem pa hvala članom župnijskega pastoralnega sveta za organizacijo prireditve in vsem, ki ste se odločili in prišli, da smo skupaj preživeli prijeten večer. Ob koncu, ko smo potegnili črto pod računi pa je ostalo še $890.60 dobička. Še enkrat hvala vsem. V nedeljo, 11.11. 2012 smo se v naši dvorani predstavniki vseh društev iz naše koordinacije srečali na jesenskem sestanku. Pregledali smo potek Slovenskega dneva, izvolitev predstavnika za Slovenijo, dodali pripombe in predloge, uskladili prireditve za leto 2013 in se pogovorili še o drugih tekočih zadevah kot je npr. internetna stran za koordinacijo... Sunday's Readings 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Response: Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. First Reading Daniel 12:1-3 The hope of eternal life is promised to the virtuous. Second Reading Hebrews 10:11-14. 18 The sacrifice of Christ on the cross has taken away our sins; by God's grace we come to perfection. Gospel Mark 13:24-32 At the end of time, the Lord will gather his chosen from the four ends of the earth. "He will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven." Illustration Catholic faith has inspired many great artistic works down through the ages. More contemporary works can also help present the faith powerfully in an age that is saturated with images. A very dramatic painting of the resurrection of the dead is to be found in the Tate Gallery in London. Sir Stanley Spencer's painting known as The Cookham Resurrection depicts the dead rising from their graves in the English village of Cookham. The fac-348 | VESTNIK 2012 es are recognisable to the villagers. The local churchyard becomes the setting for the resurrection of the dead. Christ is enthroned in the church porch, cradling three babies, with God the Father standing behind. Spencer himself appears near the centre, naked, leaning against a gravestone; his fiancée Hilda lies sleeping in a bed of ivy. Risen souls are transported to heaven. Some may find the painting rather uncomfortable in that it reminds us of the fragility of life, the shortness of some lives and closeness of death. On the other hand it makes very real the hope of the resurrection of the dead and that we will be reunited with all those who have died, in some mysterious way, in the communion of saints. Such a scene gives a great hope that those who have lived and placed their trust in God will be saved and receive the gift of eternal life. They will shine out brightly like stars in the night sky. Gospel Teaching In the Creed, we pray, "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end." Later we pray, "I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life _of the world to come." It is these beliefs that we profess in today's readings. We tend to pray these words rather easily but they are full of mystery. This mystery has fascinated people over the ages, especially at times of disaster or on significant dates like the year 2000 - perhaps it will be the same in the year 2222. We believe that Christ will come in glory and that the dead will be raised. We also believe that at our death we will be judged according to how we have lived and so we are called to be vigilant in our actions. We trust in a loving and compassionate God, and believe that through our good actions and faith we will be prepared to meet God at death. Perhaps the music of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius, based upon the words of Blessed John Henry Newman, captures the mystery of this encounter better than many images. In today's Gospel we are told that the angels will be sent to gather together the people so that the Lord may judge and welcome home those who have chosen to follow him. As we face the inevitable questions about the mystery of death we can hope in Christ's reconciling sacrifice offered on the cross. By this one single offering he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying and therefore reconciled the world to himself. We are indeed the friends of God who wait in hope expectantly for Christ's second coming. We are also reassured that the promises of Jesus will endure for ever. The coming of spring and the budding of the fig tree remind us of new life breaking into the old, of life coming from what seems like death. In a similar way the paschal mystery reminds us that Christ breaks into death by his resurrection. While the image of Michael the archangel sending those who have been unfaithful to destruction is very frightening, we can be assured of the Lord's mercy for those who call upon his name, repent and believe in him. Application Today's readings remind us of the last judgement, the second coming and the promise of heaven or hell. During the month of November we have prayed for the dead, and today's liturgy helps us to renew our hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. We are invited to get our act together so that we can more deeply welcome Christ into our lives, in our prayer, in listening to God's word, in the sacraments and by sharing our love with others, by actions such as visiting those who are sick, bereaved or lonely. Jesus shows us the way of life. How, this week, can we follow his way more closely? Coping with the Holidays. .. when you have lost a loved one. Join us for an afternoon of reflection and strategies for coping at Christmas, facilitated by Christina Walton, Grief Counsellor. Where? Chancery Office, 700 King St. W, Hamilton When? Sunday, December 2nd Time? 2:00 - 3:30 pm The event is FREE of charge. Please call to reserve a seat 905-528-7988 ext. 2249. PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH_ Tip #45 -Time together is the greatest protector for loving relationships, but often hard to realize because of busy lives. Experts believe that couples need to spend at least 15 hours per week together to truly realize the bonding and support intended by God from their marriages. When you said, "I do," it included wanting to spend time with the one you love. Time together can be varied: exercise, take up a hobby, cook, attend Mass as a couple. Plan time together - you will feel happier, more relaxed and more in love! (From: Teresa Hartnett, Family Ministry Office, 905-528-7988 ext. 2250) Obvestila - Announcements PEVSKI ZBOR_ V četrtek, so zopet redne pevske C^ ^ ^ vaje za mešani zbor. Naslednjič zbor ÖTl^^ poje 25. novembra, na praznik Jjp Sv'J/äk Kristusa Kralja Vesoljstva. 4 CWL - KŽZ_ Our annual Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, November 28 at 7 p:m. This is a very important mass where our members, our deceased members families and our parish family are encouraged to attend and join us as we honour and remember our deceased. SLOMŠKOVO OLTARNO DRUŠTVO_ Spominska maša za pokojne članice Slomškovega oltarnega društva bo v petek, 23. novembra zvečer. Vabljeni FOLKLORNA SKUPINA VENEC Folklorna skupina VENEC represents individuals from throughout southern Ontario and unites its members with the motto of folklore, fun and friends. The next VENEC practice is Sunday, November 18th at St. Gregory the Great Hall. Practices will be twice a month (the 1st Friday and 3rd Sunday of each month). This will allow everyone to be able to attend at least 1 practice a month. For more information, contact Dave Antolin: 905.664.5980 or visit the group's Facebook page: FS VENEC for the entire schedule of practices. SLOVENKA ŠOLA - Donuts and Coffee Danes po mašah Slovenska šola rj^^7" vabi na krofe in kavo-"Donuts in j | Coffe". Pridite in se osvežite. on b°sc° (person counselling) with your priest - please call during business hours for an appointment. Tel: 905-561 -5971.