Iglesia Catolica San Lorenzo

09/22/2024

Todos están invitados a la misa en memoria de la hermana Petra el miércoles 25 de septiembre a las 6pm. Después de la misa habrá una cena compartida. Si puedes, trae algo de comer o beber. lamentamos mucho que la misa no se pueda celebrar el jueves 26 de septiembre (Iglesia Sagrado Corazón, Verona) porque la mayoría de los miembros del comité hispano no podrán asistir a la ceremonia.

09/03/2024

Rosary service for Sara Schad at St. Lawrence Church tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4, at 6:15 PM. Let us come together to help support Sara and her loved ones during this time. 📿

03/15/2023

Wednesday 15 March 2023; Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent; 1st Reading (Deut 4:1.5-9): Responsorial Psalm: 147: R/. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Versicle before the Gospel (Jn 6:64.69): Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. Gospel text (Mt 5:17-19): Today Jesus says to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Jesus summarized his relationship to the Old Testament with this surprising statement in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17). If we understand what Jesus means here, it will shine clarifying light on other important questions: What do the Old Testament commands have to do with New Testament Christians? Should Christians seek to obey the Old Testament just like the Israelites? Can we “unhitch” ourselves from it altogether? We can rule out one interpretation right away: Jesus is not abolishing the Law and the Prophets—he says as much explicitly. But, on the other hand, he apparently didn’t come to simply keep, restate, or reestablish them either. The word he used signals something more radical and profound: He came to “fulfill” them. Here’s one of the key questions we can ask of Jesus’s statement: What, specifically, did he come to fulfill? We may at first assume he’s only referring to ethical commands. But he actually refers to something much broader—he has in view the entire Old Testament, which he summarized here and elsewhere with the phrase “the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 5:17; see Matt. 7:12; Matt. 11:13; Matt. 22:40). This includes the whole Old Testament, with all of its commands and covenants and poems and prophecies. Jesus also used this same phrase in Matthew 11:13 to say that all the scriptures were prophetic: “all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” This means it’s not just the prophets like Isaiah and Malachi, but also the Law of Moses that prophesied. In other words, the whole of the Old Testament is a unity that prophetically anticipated Jesus and his kingdom. The scriptures tilted forward toward the arrival of Jesus. They “prophesied until John,” who came as the last of the Old Testament-era prophets to point to him. Folks, Jesus came to fulfill the Law by being the culmination of all that was said about him or typified him. He also was the ultimate expression of the ceremonial law, such that we no longer must keep it. Rather, we must repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ who has dies for us, and whoever believes will be saved (Jn 3:16).

12/12/2022

09/27/2022

Tuesday 27 September 2022; Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest; Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time: 1st Reading (Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23): Responsorial Psalm: 87: R/. Let my prayer come before you, Lord! Gospel text (Lk 9:51-56): Today the Gospel offers us two main points for personal reflection. In the first place, it tells us that "when the days in which He was to be taken to heaven were completed, Jesus made the decision to go to Jerusalem" (Lk 9:51). The verb that Saint Luke uses means "to complete", "to consummate"; Jesus brings to fullness the time marked by the Father to complete His salvific mission through crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Then He is going to be glorified, "taken to heaven." Faced with this perspective, Jesus Christ "made the decision to go up to Jerusalem," that is, the firm decision to love the Father by carrying out His redemptive will. Jesus dies on the cross saying: "It is finished" (Jn 19:30). The Lord has lived to fulfill the will of the Father, and He has maintained that attitude of faithfulness until death. This is how we too must live even if we experience opposition or rejection, contempt or marginalization on the road to God because we are faithful to the Lord. Pope Francis says: "True progress in spiritual life does not consist in multiplying ecstasies, but in being able to persevere in difficult times. Walk, walk, walk on and if you are tired, stop a little and then start walking again; but with perseverance." Secondly, in the face of the Samaritans' rejection, James and John want to call down fire from heaven (cf. Lk 9:54). The Lord rebukes them for their indiscreet zeal. We must remember God's patience with us and be patient with our brothers on their way to God, even if they do not respond immediately to His grace. God wants all men to be saved and has given His only Son on the cross for all. God exhausts every possibility of approaching every man and waits with divine patience for the moment when every heart opens itself to His Mercy.

09/26/2022

Monday 26 September 2022: Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time; 1st Reading (Job 1:6-22): Responsorial Psalm: 16: R/. Incline your ear to me and hear my word. Gospel text (Lk 9:46-50): It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.(Saint Augustine) Folks, There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance. Pride can make one thinks that he, she is the greatest. With that being said, Today, on their way to Jerusalem heading towards the Passion, “an argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest” (Lk 9:46). Every day the media, and even our conversations, are full of comments regarding the importance of some people: whether others or ourselves. This kind of logic, which is strictly human, quite often results in an unreasonable yearning for success, recognition, admiration, gratitude, or in a lack of peace if these expected rewards fail to reach us. Jesus' reaction to the thoughts of His disciples —and, perhaps, their remarks, too— reminds us of the old prophets' style. Before words come gestures. Jesus “took a child and placed it by his side” (Lk 9:47). Afterwards, comes the teaching: “the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (Lk 9:48). —O Jesus, why is it so difficult for us to accept this is not a utopia for those who are not involved in the hustle and bustle in overwhelming activity, fighting one another for success, whereas, thanks to your grace, it could, instead, be enjoyed by all of us? If we could accept it, we would deep down have much more peace and would be able to do our job with more serenity and joy. This attitude is also the source where joy comes from, when seeing that others work well for God, with a different style from ours, but always in Jesus' name. The disciples wanted to prevent it. The Master, instead, protects those other persons. Once again, the fact of feeling as God's small children makes it easy for us to open our hearts to everybody while growing in joy, peace and thankfulness. This doctrine is what earned St. Therese of Lisieux the title of “Doctor of the Church”: in her book Story of a Soul, she admires the Church as a beautiful garden of flowers, where she is happy to consider herself just a little flower. By the side of the great saints —roses and white lilies— there are the little ones —daisies and violets— intended to give pleasure to God's eyes, when He gazes at the Earth.

09/24/2022

Sunday 25 September 2022: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C);1st Reading (Amos 6:1a.4-7):Responsorial Psalm: 145: R/. Praise the Lord, my soul! 2nd Reading (1Tim 6:11-16): Gospel text (Lk 16:19-31): About poverty, a wise man says that A poor man is not the one who lacks money, but the one who sold his conscience for money. Folks, It's better to be a poor and kind human than a rich and selfish person. Poor people can have rich lives. Money can't buy what makes you truly rich - love, friends, family and memories. More money just means more wealth. With that being said, What most absorbs your time, your attention, and your heart? In the parable of the rich man who refused to help the beggar named Lazarus Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts - riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune. Lazarus was not only poor and a beggar, he was also sick and unable to fend for himself. He was "laid" at the gates of the rich man's house. The dogs which licked his sores probably also stole the little bread he got for himself. Dogs in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these savage dogs only added to the poor man's miseries and sufferings. The rich man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his fortunes reversed at the end of his life! In God's economy, those who hold on possessively to what they have, lose it all in the end, while those who share generously receive back many times more than they gave away. The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however, could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not only had every thing he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on himself. He was too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put their hope and security in the kingdom of heaven will not be disappointed (see Hebrews 6:19).

09/24/2022

Saturday 24 September 2022: Our Lady of Mercy; Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time; 1st Reading (Eccl 11:9—12:8): Responsorial Psalm: 89: R/. In every age, o Lord, you have been our refuge. Gospel text (Lk 9:43b-45): Today, that the Creator of all Life announces His own delivery into the hands of those whom He has come to save in exchange for His own life, is quite a provocation. It can be said that it was not necessary, that it was an exaggeration. But we keep forgetting the heavy load overwhelming Christ's heart, our sin, the most radical evil, cause and effect of our placing ourselves in the place of God. Even more so, of our not letting God love us, while insisting on remaining within the limits of our own shortcomings and most immediate present life. It is as necessary for us to assume we are sinners as it is for us to recognize that God loves us in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. For, after all, we are like His disciples, “But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying” (Lk 9:45). To put it in images: in Heaven we shall find all sins and all vices, except arrogance, as those who are arrogant never admit their own sins and do not let God forgive them, a God that loves us so much to the point of dying for us. And, in Hell, we shall be able to find all virtues, except humility, as the humble one knows himself quite well and fully realizes that without God's grace, he cannot stop offending Him nor can he reciprocate God's Goodness. One of the keys of Christian wisdom is the acknowledgment of the greatness and immensity of God's Love, while we also acknowledge our smallness and the vileness of our sin. How slow we can be to grasp it! When the day will come we shall discover we have at our disposal God's Love, and we shall say along with St. Augustine, with tears of Love: “It took me so long to love you, O God!” And that day can be today. It certainly can!

09/23/2022

Friday 23 September 2022: Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest; Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time; 1st Reading (Eccl 3:1-11): Responsorial Psalm: 143:R/. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! Gospel text (Lk 9:18-22): Today, in the Gospel we find two questions that our Master is asking all of us. The first one requires an approximate statistical reply: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Lk 9:18). This forces us to look around and see how others answer this question: our neighbors, our work mates, our friends, our closest relatives... We look about ourselves and we feel more or less responsible or close —depending upon the case— for some of the replies given by those who have some connection with our environment, and us “the people”... And, their answers say a lot, inform us, position us and make us realize what those who live next to us are looking for, what they need, what they desire. It helps us to tune in, to discover a meeting point with the other party, to grow closer... But, there is a second question for us: “Who do you say that I am?” (Lk 9:20). This becomes a fundamental question knocking at our door; a question demanding from each one of us: adhesion or denial; veneration or aloofness; to walk along with Him and in Him or just end up in a relationship of simple sympathy... This is a delicate and determining question, because it affects us. What do our lips and attitude say? Do we want to be faithful to Him who is and gives a meaning to our life? Is there to be found a sincere disposition in us to follow Him in our journey through life? Are we ready to go with Him to the Jerusalem of the Cross and the Glory? “It is a path of Cross and Resurrection (...). The Cross is the Exaltation of Christ. He said it too: ‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to Me’. It is evident, therefore, that the Cross is the Glory and exaltation of Christ” (St. Andrew of Crete). Are we then ready to move on to Jerusalem? Only with Him and in Him, is this not so?

09/22/2022

Thursday 22 September 2022: Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: 1st Reading (Eccl 1:2-11): Responsorial Psalm: 89: R/. In every age, o Lord, you have been our refuge. Gospel text (Lk 9: 8-9): A college kid told me a few years ago: “Growing up I never had a hero. I always thought it was a bogus idea to look up to someone when they haven’t done anything to actually gain your respect. I always thought that there was no one who I would admire in my life. The reasons being because everywhere you look people are shallow, they never think of others. But in recent years I’ve actually found a hero, someone who I can admire with my heart and be proud to say he’s who I admire. That person is my brother.” With that being said, Don Schwager asks: Who do you most admire and want to be like? People with power, influence, fame, or wealth? Scripture warns us of such danger (Proverbs 23:1-2). King Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and servant of God. John, however did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous affair with his brother's wife. Herod, however, was more of a people pleaser than a pleaser of God. Herod not only imprisoned John to silence him, but he also beheaded him simply to please his family and friends. Now when reports of Jesus' miracles and teaching reach Herod's court, Herod became very troubled in conscience. He thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead! Herod sought to meet Jesus more out of curiosity and fear than out of a sincere desire to know God's will. He wanted to meet Jesus - not to follow him but to prevent him from troubling his conscience any further. We can try to rid ourselves of guilt and sin by suppressing the truth or by ridding ourselves of anyone or anything that points us to the truth. No power on earth, however, can remove a guilty conscience or free us from slavery to sin - only God can set us free through the atoning sacrifice which his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ made for us on the cross. How can we find true peace with ourselves and with God? The Lord Jesus shows us the way. Jesus explained to his followers, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31-32). Only Jesus can set us free. If we listen to his voice and obey his word, we will find true peace, joy, and freedom to live as sons and daughters of God. Does God's word take priority in your daily life? Or do you allow other voices and messages to distract you or lead you astray. Folks, There's something incredibly comforting in the fact that God is with us. Throughout Scripture, he has reassured us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. The Lord Jesus promises to be with us and to guide us continually; to feel his presence among us, we are simply asked to listen to his voice and obey his word.

09/21/2022

Wednesday 21 September 2022: September 21st: Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist; 1st Reading (Eph 4:1-7.11-13): Responsorial Psalm: 18: R/. Their message goes out through all the earth. Gospel text (Mt 9:9-13): The Movie “Father Stu”, What's the story about? Based on a true story, Father Stu is an unflinchingly honest, funny and ultimately uplifting drama about a lost soul who finds his purpose in a most unexpected place. When an injury ends his amateur boxing career, Stuart Long moves to L.A. dreaming of stardom. While scraping by as a supermarket clerk, he meets Carmen, a Catholic Sunday school teacher who seems immune to his bad-boy charm. Determined to win her over, the longtime agnostic starts going to church to impress her. But surviving a terrible motorcycle accident leaves him wondering if he can use his second chance to help others find their way, leading to the surprising realization that he is meant to be a Catholic priest. Stu pursues his vocation with courage and compassion, inspiring not only those closest to him but countless others along the way. One of my favorite parts in that movie was When Stu went to see the Bishop to protest his rejection to the seminary mainly because he was a convict. He Reminded the Bishop of some of Jesus’ disciples who were not All without faults, sins. He named Matthew who was a very corrupted tax collector. In spite of having been a sinner, Jesus called him anyway to follow him and became One of his disciples. With that being said, Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, the Apostle and evangelist. He himself relates his conversion. He was sitting in the custom-house and Jesus invited him to follow Him. Matthew —continues in his Gospel— “got up and followed him” (Mt 9:9). With Matthew the group of the Twelve welcomes a different man altogether, both for his upbringing and for his social position and wealth. His father made him study economics so he would be able to fix the price of wheat and wine; of the fish Peter, Andrew and the Zebedee’s' sons would bring him, and of the precious pearls the Gospel speaks about. His profession, as a tax collector, was frowned upon. Those practicing this profession were considered the same as publicans and sinners. He was at the service of King Herod, lord of Galilee, a king hated by the people and one who is depicted in the New Testament as adulterous, John the Baptist's murderer and who, on Good Friday, mocks Jesus. What would Matthew think when he was due to render accounts to King Herod? Matthew's conversion must have meant a true release for him, as proved by the banquet he organizes inviting publicans and sinners. It was his own way of showing his gratitude to the Master for being able to get rid himself of a most miserable position and find true happiness. Saint Bede the Venerable, while commenting on Matthew's conversion, writes: “This conversion of one tax collector gave many men, those from his own profession and other sinners, an example of repentance and pardon… No sooner was he converted than Matthew drew after him a whole crowd of sinners along the same road to salvation.” In his conversion we can see God's mercy, as shown by Jesus' answer to the Pharisees' criticism: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt 9:13).