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Upcoming Event
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Thursday, Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Day Service, 10:30 AM Potluck after church Wednesday, Nov 28 Bible Study with Bernard Yung Sunday, Dec 2 Stewardship Sunday. Christmas Pageant, 5:30 PM -- potluck Wednesday, Dec 5 Potluck, 6:30 PM Bible Study with Bernard Yung (last session), 7:30 PM Sunday, Dec. 9 Bishop Johnston's Visitation, 10:30 AM, Potluck Friday, Dec. 14 Girl Scouts' Lock-in, 5 PM Friday to 12 Noon Saturday Sunday, Dec. 16 Annual Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 19 Blue Christmas Service, 7:30 PM Sunday, Dec. 23 Greening the church Monday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services TBA |
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Birthdays
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November
24 Thomas H. Wetrich
25 Kiet Samuel Tran
December
4 Irene Graham
5 Robert Aronstein
5 Jennifer Moya
6 Jean Pierre Chanu
10 Winnie Lebo
11 Graham Parvinkarimi
14 Lois Cascella
15 Laurie Los
15 Moi Phan
16 Jean DuBro
18 Jackson DuBro
25 Amelia Nicholson
28 Paul Los
30 Patricia Phan
31 Trang Diep
31 Chon Kim Huynh
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Our Prayer List
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We remember in our prayer:
Maria Ash, Harry Benson, Kari Boeskov, Mary Anne Bogie, Hoang Thi Ngoc Bich, Thomas Cascella, Marie Cosimano, Tim Clary, Dorothy Connelly, John Davis, Donald DeVaughn, Michael Dickinson, Loretta Dougherty, The Edsall Family, Mary Farmer, Nance Finegan, Luis Garay, Thomas Garner, Anne Goodwin, Jean Graham, Katie Grosse, Nick Giuliani, Katherine Hafele, Anne & Thomas Edsall, Margaret Ellis Harris, Eldon Paul Henry, Betty and Bill Henderson, Alek Hensley, Leslie Hogan, Cindy Hogman, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Michael Horn, Mary Isibel, Lindsay Johns, Gray and Bob Johnson, Jamie Kaplon, Robert Kelley, Quinn Kimball, Jeffry King, Susan Lawrence, Joe Magrogan, Colleen Mavrikas, Kylee Mei and her families, Margaret Mills, Evelyn Morgan, Que Nguyen, Chick Nixon, Olive Oliver, Jim Owens, Gary Owens, Joann Piper, Faith Poole, William Ross, Bill Sitler, Irene Skowron, Josh Smithers, Candi Stewart, Barbara Stefl, Kara Stryker, Walter Sushko, Steven Talbert, George Thomas, Clara Torres, George Torres, Thelma Trout, Nhon Thanh Vo Michael Weekes, Warren Weinstein, The Westfall Family, Paula Wiech, Meredith Wiech, Bernard Williams, Donna Wolfe, Peter Kosutic.
We pray especially for Anita Nicholson, Katie Grosse, Susan Lawrence, Christian Benjamin and Bernard Williams.
We pray also for the orphans and those who care for them at Abba Home in Pakistan, and for all orphans in the world.
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Note: If you have a loved one or friend who needs prayer please call the church and leave a message at 703-532-5656, or write to Tinh+ at
stpats3241@gmail.com or call him at 703-405-9571. Also, should a name need be removed from the list, please let Tinh+ know promptly, and give the reason.
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Saint Patrick's Ministers
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The Ministers of Saint Patrick's Church are the People of this Parish
supported by
The Reverend
Tinh Trang Huynh, Rector
The Reverend
Toua Vang,
Seminarian Deacon
Mr. Bernard Yung
Seminarian Assistant
Ms. Kerry Hual
Director of Youth and Children's Ministry
Ms. Mariko Hiller,
Music Director
Ms. Rachel Burgess,
Nursery Care
We serve our Lord as part of the Diocese of Virginia
led by
our chief pastors
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston, Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff
Bishop Suffragan
and
The Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick,
Assistant Bishop
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The Vision of St. Patrick's
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Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church is a community of care, called to be Christ-centered and multicultural in worship, Christian education and action to proclaim Christ's love to the world.
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About St. Patrick's Church
| Saint Patrick's was founded in 1953 as a mission church from the Falls Church. The congregation met for the first time on January 3, 1954 in the cafeteria of the Graham Road School. The building was completed in 1956. Members of St. Pat's have been known for their involvement in outreach ministries since the very early days of the parish. In 1995, Saint Patrick's became an Anglo-Vietnamese church, a mission of the Diocese of Virginia, and has become more and more multicultural. In January of 2012, Saint Patrick's full parish status was restored and recognized at the 217th Annual Council meeting of the Diocese. Some of us say that St. Pat's is like a window through which we can see God's love. Other parishioners suggest St. Pat's is a "safe haven" for all who seek peace, a quiet place for those who want to find rest. Many in the congregation mention caring is what makes St. Patrick's special to them. Our vision statement reflects what we are in our hearts: St. Patrick's Episcopal Church is a community of care called to be Christ-centered and multicultural in worship, Christian education and action to proclaim Christ's love to the world."
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Saint Patrick's
Website
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You are invited to visit our website. Please click here .
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| Previous Issues of the Epistle | Please click here if you wish to see the previous issues of The Epistle
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St. Patrick's Organized for Missions and Ministry
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Vestry Committee: Senior Warden: Tom Auld; Junior Warden: Vivian Benjamin; Registrar: Winnie Lebo; Treasurer: Kathy Oliver; Other members of the Vestry: Victoria Kennedy, Jocelyne Miller, Pierre Chanu, Chris Nicholson.
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
Altar Guild: Lois Cascella; Bell Choir: Mariko Hiller; Church Office: Lois Cascella; Offering Counters: Bob Cascella; Youth Ministry: Maggie Spinelli; Region VIII Representative: Felix Spinelli; Diocesan Council Delegate: Amelia Nicholson; St. Margaret's Circle: Ann Nelson; Telephone Chain: Alice King; Feed the Homeless: Amelia Nicholson; Odeon Chamber Music Series: Mariko Hiller; Westlawn Elementary School: Winnie Lebo; Falls Church Community Services: Catherine Dubas; Hypothermia Shelter Program: Felix Spinelli; Church Women United: Amelia Nicholson. The Epistle Newsletter Editors: Winnie Lebo and Cindy Rhoad; Flea Market: Chris Nicholson
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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 Art by Patricia Phan, Thanksgiving 2011
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Youth Corner
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We had a great time ice skating at the Reston Pavilion this past Sunday. Thank you to Claire, Lois, Gladys and Tom for volunteering their time as chaperones and drivers for the outing. We had 14 people attend the event. It was wonderful getting to know the young people of St. Pats in such a fun setting, and to watch the way they all worked together to ensure everyone had a good time. We had a diverse group age wise, and it was a true blessing to witness how our youth reached out to make the younger children a true part of the outing. Stay tuned for more event info to come. Happy Thanksgiving!! Kerry    |
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Prayer Request
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Your prayers are requested for our Mary Isibel, who is seriously ill and has been hospitalized since a week ago. Mary is at Fairfax Hospital.
"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Mary the help of your power, that her sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
(Book of Common Prayer, Page 458)
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Condolences
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Our condolences to Cheryl and Milton Thomas on the death of Cheryl's aunt, Ms. Mary Carper, 75, who passed away this week in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
May her soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
(Book of Common Prayer, Page 486)
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Stewardship Days 2012
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One of our four Stewardship Days 2012 speakers is Frankie Haan. Here is what she said on Sunday:  When Father Tinh asked me to speak today, I thought, "Oh no!"
But as you all know, you can't say no to Father Tinh, so I knew I would have to come up with something. So why was I reluctant to talk about this? I'll be honest, this is actually a bit of an issue in our house. My kids do not like going to Sunday School, and they routinely beg to get out of it. Yet I make them go. And I took advantage of this request to speak to really examine why I do that. Which made me go even further back to remember why we started going to church in the first place. I was raised very strictly Catholic. And I mean really strict, we never missed a Sunday. I was a Girl Scout, but I was never allowed to go on (church sponsored!) camping trips because I would miss Sunday services, even when the parish priest came to our house to tell my parents it would be OK and to ask them to let me go. To be honest, I grew to hate church. I had very little respect for a church that restricted women so much, that had such strict views on birth control, that scared little children into thinking they would go to hell if they didn't behave just so. So the minute I left for college, I stopped going to church. And then, I found out not long afterward, that my dad is actually Jewish, doesn't believe the Catholic teachings, and had agreed that we would be raised Catholic in order to get my grandfather's permission to marry my mother. Well, then I was absolutely furious! I felt that I had been duped, and I was vehemently against organized religion for most of my young adult life. And then I had my own children. And I really had to think it through again. I believe in God, and I wanted to share that with them, but I never wanted to force them into a certain rigid belief system in the way that I was raised. I wanted them to make up their own minds about religion. But I realized that they couldn't do that if I didn't expose them to religion at all. To not take them to any church at all is to make up their minds for them in the other direction. But I wanted it to be a softer, gentler exposure than the one I had had. And when we found St. Patrick's it really felt like the perfect fit. They are learning about religion, but in a much more informal way than I did. More important than the lessons in Sunday school, they are seeing examples of wonderful people who embrace them into their community, who they can look up to, whose examples they can follow in leading a good life, no matter what religion they choose or don't choose later. I look forward to the time that they are old enough to go on a mission trip, so that they can learn the importance of helping others. I hope that there will be more opportunities to do things even now like helping in a homeless shelter. Honestly, to me, this community, and the things it teaches by example, are more important to me than actual Sunday School. So, again, why do I make them go? Because it is a community, a small one, and we each do our part. For the children, that is learning together. When you are part of a community, you accept your responsibilities. And I did want them to learn about religion so that they can make up their own minds. I am hopeful that now that Kerry is here, we can work together to make Sunday School something that each age group can enjoy and get something valuable from. |
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Westlawn Ministry -- Gift Cards To Help Needy Families
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- Last week Saint Patrick's sent to Westlawn Elementary School $500 in gift cards, to assist the needy families in the community. The guidance department of Westlawn is also working on getting candidates for our annual Angel Tree.
Westlawn Elementary is in the neighborhood of Saint Patrick's, and our church has been a partner with the school for four years in assisting the needy families. You are invited to see pictures of the school's activities at http://www.fcps.edu/WestlawnES/ |
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A Thank You Note From Fairfax County Public Schools
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 With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we're taking a moment to thank you for giving. Fairfax County Public Schools is grateful for our partners in education and those who engage other ways: mentoring children, donating backpacks, serving on a council, raising funds for special programs or special needs, or supporting teachers by serving them lunch. The list of ways that you support us is too large to list, but we need you to know how thankful we all are for being generous with your time, efforts, smarts, and resources. We don't say it enough, and need to say it more -- "THANK YOU" for all that you've done for our schools. We hope that this holiday finds you happy and safe with loved ones. We look forward to many more years collaborating with you.
On behalf of us all and sincerely,
Jay Garant
Coordinator, Business and Community Partnerships
Fairfax County Public Schools
and
Annie Blewett
Administrative Technician, Business and Community
Partnerships
Fairfax County Public Schools
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Parish Note
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 - Bobby Dubas is selling citrus as part of a fundraiser for his Music Department Spring Trip in March. If you would like to buy any citrus, please speak with Bobby when you see him at church, or email him at littledubas@gmail.com
- Please join the Altar Guild on Saturday, December 1st, at 9 AM, as they meet to prepare the Altar items and the church for Advent. The ladies need assistance with dusting, washing the silver, polishing the brass, etc. Coffee and donuts will be available.
 - Our Annual Angel Tree -- The guidance counselors at Westlawn Elementary School are busy gathering the families that will be participating in our annual Angel Tree. Hopefully, the names of our participants will be available by November 30. Upon receipt, each name will be displayed on a tree that will be set up in the narthex. Please choose as many names as you wish. We request, as in the past, that you purchase only one gift per name. If you don't have time to shop and wrap for our families, you may make a monetary donation and we will do the shopping for you. Checks should be made payable to St. Patrick's with "Westlawn Angel Tree" in the memo line. If you choose to donate cash, please place it in an envelope with "Westlawn Angel Tree" on the front. These can either be placed in the collection plates or given to Kathy Oliver or Winnie Lebo.
- St. Pat's Face Book Page. Several people have let us know that they are having trouble finding St.Patrick's Face Book page. Please use the link below to find our page. Don't forget to "Like" us!! If there are any further problems finding the page, please let Jocelyne Miller or Kerry Hual know. Please try http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Patricks-Episcopal-Church/496902677004642?ref=hl
- Parish Pictorial Directory. Bernard Yung and Lois Cascella are working on a pictorial directory for the church. They will be asking you to let them take your picture during coffee hour on Sunday.
- Please note that the greening of the church will take place on Sunday, December 23.
 - The baptismal font of St. Patrick's has been moved to the nave. It used to be behind the banner at the back wall. The font is now standing near the pulpit and the grand piano, to be visible at all times and remind us of our baptismal vows. On the Sundays we have baptisms, the font is moved to the middle of the sanctuary, so that everyone in the church can see what is happening. Like in many other churches, our baptismal font is eight-sided: seven sides of it signify the seven days of creation; and the eighth side signifies the everlasting day of heaven, the beginning of a new world, which is opened by Jesus' resurrection.
 - Stewardship Month at Saint Patrick's
Speaker for this Sunday, November 25th will be Kerry Hual, and Stewardship Sunday will be December 2nd. The Stewardship Letter and pledge card were mailed out last week. Please consider prayerfully your offerings to God in 2013 and promptly return your pledge card, so that the Vestry can establish St. Pat's budget for next year.
Saint Patrick's Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 2nd, 5:30 PM Followed by a Potluck Dinner
- Costume fittings:
* Thursday, November 29th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
* Friday, November 30th, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Dress rehearsal:
* Saturday, December 1st, 9:00 AM.
For more information, please contact Kerry Hual at kerryhual@gmail.com, or 850-910-1776
 - The Right Reverend Shannon Sherwood Johnston, Bishop of Virginia, will visit Saint Patrick's on Sunday, December 9th. His visitation will be an opportunity for Confirmation, Baptism and Re-affirmation of Faith. Your prayer is requested for Patricia Pizzola, PaYing Vang and GaoHmong Vang, who will be confirmed at the visitation of the Bishop. If you wish to be confirmed, baptized or to re-affirm your faith in our Lord, please speak with Tinh+
- Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 16th, and there will be an election of new vestry members. To serve on the vestry, one must be a confirmed Episcopalian and a communicant in good standing, and known to the Treasurer. The term is three years. If you feel called to serve on the Vestry, please speak with Tinh+.
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A Thank You Note from Kelly and John Trout
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Last Sunday's Sermon
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Proper 28, Year B -- November 18, 2012.
Text: Mark 13:1-8
Preacher: Tinh Huynh+
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 Jesus said, "This is but the beginning of the birth pangs."
In the Name of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Birth pangs? Did Jesus really know of what he was talking about? Only women with children know about birth pangs. Yet what Jesus really means to say is about the great pain that those who follow him are about to experience.
The birth-pang statement is a warning.
Mark 13 is a chapter of warnings.
They are warnings about changes.
Changes are imminent, and changes are painful.
Mark 13 is the heart of the gospel: Jesus, Son of God is the Messiah, the Savior who is not frightened by changes.
Jesus was fearless. He was determined to go to Jerusalem, even he knew that he would be persecuted in that city. As he arrived in Jerusalem, he rode on the back of a colt and was greeted by the people as a king. He went to the Temple, and he chased out the merchants who did business on sacred grounds. He taught his disciples to have faith in God, and to forgive unconditionally. He said, "Give to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar, and give to God whatever belongs to God... Beware of the hypocrites." When he saw a widow putting two coins into the offering box, he said that she was the greatest giver, for she gave to God all that she had. Mark 13 begins with the scene where Jesus' disciples point out to him how magnificent the temple is.
Look at the walls of the temple! Look at the large stones! Marvel at the gold! Gold is everywhere in the house of prayer. Gold never get rusty, and stones are solid. Generations will come and go, but the temple will last for ever.
Humanity builds great monuments and statues, huge cathedrals and churches. Large cities have skyscrapers and towers. They are symbols of our power and prosperity. They serve as our dwelling places, and they serve as antidotes to the pain of uncertainty and the fear of mortality. They speak to human pride.
Look! Look at what we can do!
Look at the rockets and satellites!
Humanity marvel at the things they make, take shelter in their achievements, and worship their own successes.
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But Jesus says No!
No!
"Soon not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." Nothing is permanent in this world. Those monuments are illusory. They will all collapse. Don't let them distract you from the real thing.
What is the "real" thing?
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The first century's Christians, who read the gospel of Mark, must have felt the rumbles of the earth under their feet sometimes? Yes. Earthquakes have happened since no one knows when.
Did they hear of war and rumors of wars?
Yes. War happens all the times. There were revolts against the Romans prior to AD 70. There were the nationalists who called people to rally to the defense of their city and temple. The insurrection and the war that followed culminated in the massacre of the Jews and the destruction of the temple. Apocalyptists and alarmists of those days predicted the end of the world. Jesus said do not listen to them: Be still, and listen to the Spirit. Focus on the mission! Focus on the kingdom of God! Just as the pregnant woman who must go through birth pangs to have the great joy of having her child, you have to embrace your sufferings, for resurrection is beyond the cross.
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Think that what said in the passage are irrelevant? You may say, "I do not have to worry about the temple or the monuments." Or you may say, "I don't need to think about pain."
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Yet we all are mindful about monuments. We all have the look-at-us mentality.
And what about pain?
No matter how much we try to deny it, the pain of loneliness is universal. Married couples know well of this gnawing pain, especially when the person who eats at the same table and sleeps in the same bed with you makes you realize that you are the loneliest person in the world.
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Yet absolutely excruciating is the pain of love. Such pain is what the Messiah, the Son of God, endured. Jesus carried the cross because of God's love for humanity: Love even the enemies, and pray even for those who persecute you (1). That is what the birth pangs is about. Can we follow Christ in loving the neighbor?
Love is the main thing.
Love endures for ever.
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The birth-pang statement of Jesus also implies that we humans can endure. Yes, we can go through it, if we are determined to follow the One who once suffered for us (2). Everything in this world will pass away, but those who are faithful to the high calling shall last for ever. Moreover, we also have the ability to stand up again. In our lives we may stumble many times, and we may repeatedly fail to love the neighbor, but God can raise us up and make us walk again and again. God can restore us.
In Christ, we are restored.
Through Christ, we endure.
Today we are not walking alone.
Christ is walking with us.
Whenever we are distracted, He reminds us to trust in Him alone, and to be brave. Amen.
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(1) See the story of Rimsha Masih, 14-year old Christian girl in Pakistan.
(2) Thomas D. Peterson, The Needle's Eye -- Sermons for Sundays After Pentecost II, Cycle B Gospel Texts, CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio, 1990. Pp. 83-89.
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Letter from the Diocese on Situation in Congo
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November 21, 2012
 The news that Goma, a sprawling city in the war-ravaged eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fell to rebel forces this week has a special resonance for the Diocese of Virginia.
In May, three members of the Diocese traveled to Goma and, as Carey Chirico of St. George's, Fredericksburg puts it, "fell in love" with the people of the Congo. Those they met included Father Desire of the Anglican Church headquarters in Goma, his wife Claudalene, and their son Jethro. All three, along with thousands of others, now face a perilous future, as the former Congolese army forces known as M23 rebels advance across the city. They have announced that Bukavu, the see city of the Anglican diocese, will be their next destination. For the beleaguered Congolese who just six months ago greeted with joy the Virginia delegation, which included Buck Blanchard of the diocesan staff and Ed Jones of St. George's, this week's hostilities mark a continuation of the warfare that has destabilized this border region of the DRC for almost two decades. It's a part of the world that Westerners rarely visit, that has been called the most dangerous place on Earth for women because of an epidemic of rape. Yet it also is where a growing and vibrant Anglican Church is working to make a difference. Church members take in stray children from the street, and offer new opportunities for education and health care. On this Thanksgiving Eve, we offer this prayer for all those imperiled in the Congo: Dear Lord, we pray for peace in the Congo, where there has been so much conflict. We pray for healing, where there has been so much brokenness. Protect, O Lord, your faithful servants Desire, Claudaline and Jethro, and all those in Goma and the rest of the Diocese of Bukavu who strive to offer love and solace in a land that has known so much misery. As we prepare to offer thanks for our plenty, we pray for the strength and determination to work with our sisters and brothers in the Congo for a better future for that beautiful but troubled land. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. ____________ Note: We pray also for all who suffer in the Israel-Palestinians conflict in Gaza, especially for the Palestinian Christians.
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Đại Ý Kinh Văn Chúa Nhật Vừa Qua
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Chúa Nhật, 18 tháng 11, 2012
Kinh Văn: Mác 13:1-8
Mục Sư Tỉnh
Hôm nay chúng ta đọc hai truyện tích, một truyện trong sách của Cựu Ước là Samuên thứ nhất, và truyện kia trong Phúc Âm Mác. Hai truyện hoàn toàn khác nhau, nhưng cuối cùng lại quy về một điều làm chúng ta suy nghĩ.
Trong sách Samuên, An-ne là một phụ nữ son sẻ. Thời đó đa thê là chuyện được chấp nhận bình thường trong xã hội Do Thái, và phụ nữ, nhất là những người không con, bị sắp hạng thấp hơn cả: người đàn bà phải lệ thuộc chồng hoặc con trai mình, y như chế độ "tam tòng" ở Trung Hoa hay Việt Nam. Các xứ Hồi Giáo ngày nay vẫn còn giữ phong tục nầy. Nó bảo đảm cho người đàn bà, song lại giới hạn kìm hãm phụ nữ và có khi xâm phạm nhân phẩm của họ. An-ne rất tủi thân, vì bị người vợ kia, là người sinh con đẻ cái, châm chọc. Bà vào trong đền thờ lâm râm cầu nguyện và khấn hứa, hứa rằng nếu Chúa cho mình được một đứa con trai thì bà sẽ dâng nó biệt riêng làm người của Đức Chúa Trời. Chúa đã nhậm lời, An-ne thọ thai và sinh một đứa con trai, đặt tên là Samuên. Bà mừng rỡ quá bội. Bà đã có đứa con trai. Bà đã được giải phóng. Khi Samuên được khoảng sáu tuổi, An-ne dẫn Samuên đến xin cho ở trong đền thờ. An-ne đúng hẹn, rồi mỗi năm đi thăm con một lần -- một sự chịu đựng thật can đảm, thật là cương quyết, để giữ lời hứa cho trọn với Chúa. Quà Chúa cho thuộc về Chúa. An-ne nhìn thấy điều đó và nhất định không để Samuên thành một "hình tượng" cho mình. Samuên, dầu dễ thương đến đâu, cu~ng không phải là đối tượng cho An-ne thờ. Samuên không chiếm được trung tâm của cuộc đời hay trái tim của bà. Samuên phải là của Chúa. Về sau Samuên trở thành vị tiên tri Do Thái, xức dầu cho Đa Vít làm vị vua công minh cho dân Chúa.
Mác 13:1-8 tả Đức Giêsu cùng các môn đệ đi trong thành Giêrusalem, và khi đi ngang qua đền thờ, các môn đệ trầm trồ về những tảng đá lớn và tòa nhà vĩ đại. Đền của người Do Thái thờ Chúa Trời được xây lần đầu tiên trong thời vua Salômôn, con vua Đavít, tức là thời vàng son huy hoàng; song về sau quân Babylôn xâm lăng Do Thái, tàn phá đền thờ và bắt người Do Thái dẫn đi làm phu tù ở xứ họ -- tức là xứ Iraq ngày nay. Đền thờ của thời Đức Giêsu là do vua Hêrốt xây. Những bức tường được xây bằng những tảng đá lớn bằng chiếc xe truck. Nhiều chỗ trong đền thờ được làm bằng vàng. Người Do Thái rất hãnh diện về nó.
Các môn đệ trầm trồ về đền thờ vĩ đại, song Chúa bảo chẳng bao lâu nữa tất cả các tảng đá kia sẽ đổ xuống. Quả thế, vào năm 70 quân La Mã tàn phá đền thờ và đánh đổ các bức tường vĩ đại của Giêrusalem. Trước 9/11, hai tòa nhà ở Nữu Ước là niềm hãnh diện của bao người, đâu ai nghĩ có ngày chúng sẽ chỉ là một khoảng trống hõm xuống và đầy các cần trục, và là nơi đau thương cho bao người. Đức Giêsu dạy các môn đệ rằng chớ đặt niềm tin mình vào những công trình do tay người tạo nên - toàn là những điều hư không, một sớm một chiều sẽ tan biến.
Tính cách tạm thời của mọi sự trên đời, mặc dù rất đáng nêu lên, không phải là điểm chính của Mác 13:1-8. Điểm chính của đoạn nầy là nỗi đau.
Sau khi phán bảo về việc đề cao cảnh giác đối với những người tiên đoán tận thế và mạo danh Chúa gạt thiên hạ, Chúa bảo tất cả những chuyện thiên tai động đất chiến tranh chỉ là khởi đầu của cơn đau chuyển bụng của người đàn bà sắp sanh.
Chúng ta có thể thờ ơ với những chuyện đề ra trong đoạn kinh văn nói trên: Đâu phải mất thì giờ bàn về mấy cái building hay đài tưởng niệm? Đâu cần nghe chi về nỗi đau?
Thật ra ai cu~ng muốn xây dựng những cái tháp cho mình. Người ta làm nên biết bao hình tượng để cúi lạy chúng - hình tượng có thể là thành công, của cải, tiếng vỗ tay của người khác, hay là một người mình tôn quý.
Còn nỗi đau?
Cho dù chúng ta chối đến mấy, nỗi đau gặm nhấm trong người vẫn là nỗi đau cô đơn. Người có thể làm cho mình thấy nỗi cô đơn của mình không phải là người ngoài đường, mà thường là chính người thân hoặc phối ngẫu.
Tuy nhiên, khủng khiếp nhất là nỗi đau của tình thương. Chúa Cứu Thế đã chịu đựng nỗi đau nầy. Đức Giêsu vác thập tự vì Thiên Chúa yêu nhân loại. Chúa dạy yêu cả kẻ thù, và cầu nguyện cho người bắt bớ mình. Người tín hữu của thế kỷ thứ nhất học rằng trước sự bắt bớ phải đáp lại bằng tình thương, phải chịu đựng nỗi đau kinh khủng ấy.
Ẩn bên trong lời dạy của Mác 13:1-8 là ý chính về tình thương.
Mọi sự trên đời sẽ qua đi, song tình thương còn lại mãi mãi.
Câu nói của Đức Giêsu về cơn đau chuyển bụng có ẩn ý rằng con người chúng ta có thể chịu đựng. Người đàn bà phải trải qua cơn đau rồi mới được niềm vui bồng ẵm con mình. Không vác thập tự thì không có phục sinh. Chúng ta có thể chịu đựng, nếu chúng ta quyết chí theo gót Đấng đã từng chịu đau khổ vì chúng ta. Mọi sự trên đời sẽ qua đi, song ai trung kiên theo tiếng gọi từ trên sẽ còn lại mãi.
Hơn nữa, mỗi lần vấp ngã chúng ta cu~ng có thể đứng lên tiếp tục cuộc hành trình. Chúng ta có thể thất bại trong việc thương yêu người lân cận, song Chúa có thể đỡ chúng ta lên để cố bước. Thiên Chúa có thể tái tạo chúng ta. Trong Đức Kitô chúng ta được làm mới trở lại, nhờ Đức Kitô chúng ta có thể chịu đựng đau thương. Chúng ta không lần bước một mình, vì có Đức Kitô ở bên cạnh. Ngài nhắc chúng ta đặt niềm tin nơi Ngài, và nên can đảm. Amen.
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Tin Tức Sinh Hoạt
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