Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia 26th Sunday of ...Sep 27, 2020 · Download the Box Tops app Share electronically with your friends Scan Box Tops receipts and earn f or your

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time September 27, 2020


HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Fr. Stephen Vaccaro and

Sister Donatella Merulla

September 28th

POLITICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

As the November Elections approach, it is a good time to review our policies regarding political activities on Church property. You can find additional excellent information in the VCC Political Activity Guidelines Booklet, for more information please visit:

https://vacatholic.org/ A few Principals to keep in mind:

• Distribution of partisan campaign literature (i.e. leaflets, bumper stickers, etc. that tend to support or oppose a candidate) on church property is not permitted. The same is true for any voter guides or other election-related materi-als (other than those prepared by Bishop Burbidge, the Virginia Catholic Conference or the USCCB). If you discover someone distributing such materials, politely ask them to stop and escort them off the property. If they will not comply with a polite request, the police (or sheriff) may be called to assist.

• Candidates for political office may not be endorsed or opposed, either at Mass or through any official Church channel.

• If one candidate in a particular race is invited to speak at a parish event, his or her opponent(s) should also be invited.

• Voter guides or election-related materials other than those prepared by Bishop Burbidge, the Virginia Catholic Conference or the USCCB, may not be distributed.

Job Seeker Assistance Program Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington's Education and

Workforce Development program provides resources and connections with job mentoring volunteers to assist individuals in

seeking employment, resources, and improved employment. Assistance with resume and cover letter writing, job searches,

interview practice, and job mentoring is provided. Contact [email protected] or call 571-208-1572 for more

program details.



https://nativityburke.org/knightscouncil7992/ Facebook: Knights of Columbus Father Sikora 7992

Twitter: @kofc7992

Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK Br. Adrian Santillan-Lecaside or GK Barry Basselgia with any questions or if you need a form 100. If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try Online Membership. It only takes 5-10 minutes. Just go to Go to https://www.kofc.org/ and click “Join” and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. We’ll do the rest for you to make you a member of our Order and our Nativity Council! Council Meeting: Our regular business meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Meetings are conducted virtually via GoToMeeting. Name Tag Assistance: If you have not received a name tag, please provide your name so the Worthy Warden Tom Siepmann can place the order at: [email protected]. Handy Knights Ministry: Need a hand with minor home repairs or know someone who needs help? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected]. Food For Others Food Recovery Ministry: Consider joining our ministry to recover food on Tuesdays between 11:00AM and 1:00PM from the Giant location on Burke Center Parkway and delivering it to Food For Others in Fairfax. We average 300-400 lbs of food picked up per week, but have seen loads over 900lbs. If you are interested contact me at [email protected]. Join Nativity’s Usher Ministry: Several weekend Masses at Nativity are in need of additional ushers. The greatest need is at the 9:00am, 12:45pm, and 5:30pm Masses on Sundays. Nativity offers an usher training program sponsored jointly by the Dio-cese and Nativity. If you are interested in joining the Usher Min-istry, please contact Br. Tom Wilder at [email protected]. Prison Ministry: Fr. Vaccaro is asking brother knights help in writing letters to those incarcerated. He has a list of names whose lives might be impacted for the better with your correspondence. Please contact him if interested. Stephen Ministry: Brothers, Father Bob has enlisted the parish council to assess the possibility of establishing a Stephen Minis-try in Nativity. This will be a parish program, and they are look-ing for volunteers from across the parish to join in this ministry. As Knights, our reputation for service precedes us, so Jim has asked that we canvass the council to see who can support as indi-vidual volunteers to serve as leaders and/or ministers. Contact parishioner Jim Crawford at [email protected].

The Rosary Ministry invites you to join them in the recitation of the Holy Rosary via Zoom

on Sunday evenings at 7:30pm. Please email Brenda Zepf, [email protected]

for a Zoom invite. All are welcome!

VIRTUAL DAY OF RECOLLECTION FOR PERSONS

FACING ILLNESS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS https://nativityburke.org/retreat-for-seriously-ill/

"The Lord is with you to guard you on your way"

SPONSORED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2020

FEAST OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS

On Friday, October 2, the Feast of the Guardian Angels, Catholic Charities will host its first ever all virtual retreat for the seriously ill and their caregivers. This conference has taken place in person for decades and Bishop Burbidge has attended for the last several years.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic the retreat will be a Day of Recollection and will be held via YouTube livestream, beginning at 3:00pm.

Fr. Bob, who has been the retreat spiritual director since its earliest days, will open the conference with a welcome and a pastoral talk. Diane Fields, who has struggled with serious illness, will talk about her journey and the source of her strength; A rosary will be prayed and Dr. Michael Horne, Clinical Director at Catholic Charities will speak about the emotional well-being for the ill and their caregivers. Finally, Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass to conclude the day of recollection.

During this time of the pandemic, this virtual day of recollec-tion will allow more people than ever who are seriously ill or caring for those who are to participate in this healing ministry.

Those interested can participate via live stream only visit https://www.ccda.net/events/2020/virtual-day-of-recollection-for-persons-facing-illness-and-their-caregivers/

To RSVP please visit:

[email protected]

NATIVITY FLU CLINIC Saturday, October 3 from 4:00pm-7:00pm

and Sunday, October 4 from 8:00am-1:00pm in the Fr. Martin Center

Walgreens will be providing flu shots for ages 4yr and older in the Fr. Martin Center (gym), free with a valid insurance card. Please visit the link below to print and fill out VAR (starred areas only) and bring a printout with you. Please wear a mask and don’t forget to wear short sleeves or a top with easy access to your upper arm. Rain or shine!

https://nativityburke.org/flu-clinic/

Prime Time Single Catholics (PTSC) is a Washington-area social group serving single Catholics

40 and over. Let us serve you! Visit our website: bit.ly/ptsc; email us at [email protected]; or contact Barbara Myers at [email protected] or (703) 978-9618, or John McBride at

[email protected] or (703) 820-9196.



Post-Abortion Healing Retreats for Women An Entering Canaan Day of Prayer & Healing for women who

have experienced abortion will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 in both English and Spanish. Come begin your healing

journey and experience God's hope and mercy. You are not alone. There is hope. There is healing. For more information and

confidential registration, please contact Project Rachel Ministry at 888-456-HOPE (4673) or [email protected].

ADULTS—YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG PERSON

YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ. College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Retirees ...all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can make a difference.

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

Get the Weekly CYM UPdate! Via FlockNote

High School: nativityburke.org/cym/lifeteen/ Grades 5-8 nativityburke.org/cym/edge/

nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

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Nativity -- cash for gear and equipment students can use at school. Simply scan your store receipt with the Box Tops

mobile app to identify participating products -- products you likely already buy -- and instantly add cash to Nativity’s earnings online. For more information (including special

offers!), visit BTFE.COM. ________________________________________________

To ensure our return to the classroom, Nativity School follows a strict regimen of health and safety guidelines. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to our families -- and to

countless others -- who are helping to make our transition

Serving students in Grades 5 thru 12 in a

variety of teen groupings

For Complete Information Visit the Nativity Website

Starting September 2020 - All gatherings will take place bi-week outside in the fresh air

• All Groups meet from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

• Masks required - Bring a Camp Chair

• Parent involvement is requested to support this ministry during COVID-19

EDGE is middle school ministry Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 LifeTEEN is high school ministry Grades 9-10-11-12

Bi-Weekly Mon EDGE Grades 5 & 6 5:00-6:30pm Tues EDGE Grades 7 & 8 5:00-6:30pm

Wed LifeTEEN Grade 9 5:00-6:30pm Thur LifeTEEN Grades 10-11-12 5:00-6:30pm

YM Meeting Calendar Visit parish the web site - Youth and Family LifeTEEN or EDGE - YM Calendar

No Drop-Ins | SignUp Required Visit Web Site to get on the CYM Flocknote for

Updates, SignUp and Gathering Reminders

Love working with children? Want flexibility? Consider subbing for us ...

We are in need of substitute teachers with the following minimum qualifications:

2-plus years of college

Ability to follow a lesson plan and give effective instructions in the absence of the teacher

Proficiency in maintaining effective classroom management skills

Successful completion of Virtus training

Successful background check

Adherence to COVID-19 Safety Protocols

To apply, email Rich Godwin at [email protected], or call him at (703) 455-2300, ext.146. Thank you!

http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/


“We are created to walk with and support one another; we don't need to fear reaching out in love. Help your friend experience the strength of God's message that resounds throughout time: “Do not fear: I am with

you” (Isaiah 41:10). USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “What to Do When a Friend Is Considering Abortion.”

ALEXANDRIA LIFE CHAIN, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 2:30 - 3:30 PM, FRANCONIA ROAD EAST OF SPRINGFIELD

TOWN CENTER - LIFE CHAIN is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of Pro-Life individuals standing for 60 minutes praying for

our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children

and that the Church recognizes and supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Please wear

masks and social distance. Signs can be picked up in Hammond Hall, adjacent to the parking lot of Saint Lawrence Church, 6222 Franconia Road, Alexandria, from 1:45 PM prior to the start of

Life Chain. For more info please contact Bruce Borzino, 703-971-4378, or e-mail "[email protected]". www.lifechain.net

MASS INTENTIONS

"We are God's People" 1 Peter 2:10

Monday, September 28 7:30am † Sean Creedon

Tuesday, September 29 7:30am † Bobby Towery 12:00pm † Allen Fischer

Wednesday, September 30 7:30am † Maurice Lopez Darnaby

Thursday, October 1 7:30am † Cathleen Conway Del Polito 12:00pm Thanksgiving

Friday, October 2 7:30am † Louellen Murphy (School) 9:00am † Liz Wills

Saturday, October 3 9:00am † Kim - Xuyen Nguyen 5:00pm † Daniel Hunter 7:30pm † Felicita Tavara

Sunday, October 4 7:00am † Michael C. Barlick † Kathleen Davis 11:00am † Scott Lynch † Louis Oliva 5:30pm Special Intention for Anne Pomilla

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage:

https://nativityburke.org/calendar/ In prayer, let us remember

the sick and deceased of the parish.

The Falls Church 40 Days for Life campaign The Falls Church 40 Days for Life campaign continues through Sunday, November 1, 2020. Nativity Parishioners of Faith and Conscience are encouraged to unite in prayer and witness for the end of abortion at the Falls Church abortuary on Mondays

from 9:00-10:00am. Details at https://40daysforlife.com/fallschurch. Become a "Prayer Warrior" and Stand Up For

Life! For more info, please contact Rick Loffredo at 703-249-9492 or [email protected].

A message from The Nativity Creation Care Ministry

Laudato Si’ reminds us that “the ecological crisis is . . . a summons to profound interior conversion . . . which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, faults and failures, and leads to heartfelt repentance and desire to change.” (217- 218) At the recent Synod on the Amazon, ecological sin was defined “as an action or omission against God, against one's neighbor, the community and the environment.” The seven deadly sins (pride, greed, lust, wrath, gluttony, envy, sloth) can be a way to examine where we have turned away from our Creator and creation. In these weeks of the Season of Creation, we have been examining each sin through the lens of creation and pairing it with an ecolog-ical virtue that can help us to restore our relationships and to live in sublime communion. (89) This is our last of the seven deadly sins. Ecological Sin: SLOTH There is a risk of getting swept into the busyness of our lives that leaves us too tired or unmotivated to engage in solidarity. Pope Francis warns of this “globalization of indifference” and encourages us to live our lives responding to “both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (LS 49). Ecological Virtue: DILIGENCE This virtue encourages us to be faithful in our daily efforts to care for our sisters and brothers and common home. We must confront the lethargy that can tempt us with inaction remembering that “living our vocation to be protec-tors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue” (LS 217). Healing Action: COMMIT FOR THE LONG RUN Ask for the grace to continue this journey of ecological conversion beyond the Season of Creation. Identify one virtuous action to continue to live out your commitment to care for our common home. (excerpted/adapted from The Global Catholic Climate Covenant)

MOTHER OF LIGHT CENTER of ALEXANDRIA is in need of volunteers and a van

The Mother of Light Center (MOLC) is a catholic organization which helps the poor throughout Northern Virginia. Specifically,

MOLC delivers food to those in need. MOLC needs volunteer drivers to deliver food Mon-Sat from 11:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm

-3:00pm. Additionally, MOLC desperately needs a van as it regularly transports up to 60 bags of food at a time for deliveries.

Please contact the MOLC for more information at: [email protected].

Prospective Teacher Information Sessions Calling all Prospective Teachers: The Office of Catholic

Schools is holding information programs for prospective teach-ers on Monday, November 16, Wednesday, November 18,

and Thursday, November 19. Please email [email protected] for more information.


The 2020 Altar Flower Book still has dates available. This is a thoughtful way to honor a loved one, living or deceased. Openings are available for October. If you are interested, please call 703-455-2400 or stop by the parish office to sign up.

Donate Your Car to Catholic Charities! If you are thinking of replacing your car with something new, please consider donating your old car to Catholic Charities.

Proceeds from the sale of working and non-working cars provide critical funds for our volunteer programs. It's easy--we handle all

the paperwork and you receive an IRS donation receipt. To donate, email [email protected] or call (703) 841-3898.

NATIVITY PARISH YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY NEWS

You and a friend are invited to an in-person thing!

All young adults are welcome to attend the second of the Diocese's new Fall Series! Be inspired through a testimony. Feel the emotion of music and art. Experience the satisfaction of real community. TBG is hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington Young Adult Ministry. We welcome everyone to this event, especially those who are searching for meaning. Bring a friend! Join us on October 19th at 6:30 pm at Caboose Commons in Merrifield. The event is outdoor with an indoor rain option. Due to COVID, please seat yourselves and observe social distancing. Masks are required when less than 6 feet apart from people not in your household.

TONIGHT is centered on HOPE. We are proud to feature: • Live music by Marie Miller • Art display by Marianne Hussle • Testimony by Robert Bartlett – a US soldier whose life changed forever when he was hit by an Iranian bomb in 2005

As an expression of Goodness, we are partnering with The Gabriel Project/Project Rachel to collect NEW baby items for expectant mothers in need and/or spiritual bouquets written as a letter of encouragement in English or Spanish for the women attending the Day of Prayer and Healing after abortion on October 17th. Items may be brought to the event, and spiritual bouquets can be submit-ted by email to [email protected] before October 15th.

Want more information? Contact… Alison Fram,

Director of Young Adult and Family Ministries [email protected] or (703) 577-5329

JOHN PAUL THE GREAT HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Virtual Open House, live from October 25 - November 7

Get to know Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School! JP's annual Fall Open House has gone virtual and will be jam-packed with great information for all families with elementary and middle school children! John Paul's Virtual Open House will be live from October 25 - November 7. Reserve your spot online at jpthegreat.org today!

Bioethics Seminar at JP

Join Sister Terese Auer, O.P., author of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School's Bioethics Curriculum, for a six week study of the foundational course: "The Human Person: A Philosophical Perspective." Attend all or some sessions, in-person or online, each held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30pm. For details and to RSVP, please visit the following link: https://forms.gle/zGEbg4gNtNcd3iAq8

Youth Soccer Challenge Nativity Knights of Columbus Council, teaming up with

Holy Spirit Knights, will hold this year's Soccer Challenge Competition as a combined Council/District event, on Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

at Holy Spirit (on the Field behind the school). If you are a youth aged 9-14 who is interested in

competing or require additional information, contact Br. Dave Zivich at [email protected], 703-440-8437.


DRIVE THRU



Exposition and Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Tuesdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Nativity

Benediction at 5:00pm, Reposition at 7:50pm

Eucharistic Adoration is an invitation by Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to spend time in prayer and presence with Him; to praise Him, to adore Him, to make reparation to

His Sacred Heart and to petition Him for our needs.

Eucharistic Adoration is a time when one can come face-to face with Jesus, the Lord of all creation. Jesus looks at us and we look at Him fully present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Eucharistic Adoration is an opportunity for us to take time out of our busy lives to come and rest in the Lord!

Adorers can sign up through the Nativity website (https://nativityburke.org/prayer-adoration/)

or on the Sign-up Sheet outside the Chapel. Drop-ins always welcome, even for a brief visit. Quiet please, no talking or visiting. Face masks required. Please keep social distancing

guidelines and sit in marked pews inside the Main Church.

Come, spend time in prayer with our Eucharistic Lord


Vigesimosexto Domingo en el Tiempo

Ordinario (27 de Sept. de 2020)

En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús nos dice que si creemos en EL, y vivimos Sus enseñanzas, podremos entrar en el reino de Dios. Al respecto, Francisco de Sales nos dice lo sigui-ente: Jesús ha venido para enseñarnos lo que debemos hacer para amar de forma divina. Su mensaje confunde a esa cultura que nos incita a perseguir logros falsos, una cultura que constantemente nos vende ideas como “¡Qué felices que son las personas acaudaladas!” A los ojos de Jesús, los bienaventurados son aquellos que viven la vida con plena confianza en Dios. Ellos obtendrán la paz y la tranquilidad perpetua. Ellos escuchan la palabra de Dios, la reciben, y se benefician de ella. Existen dos razones por las cuales las personas no se bene-fician de la palabra de Dios. En primera instancia, puede que verdaderamente la escuchen y que ésta remueva algo en su interior, sin embargo deciden no hacer nada al respec-to hasta el día siguiente. Nuestra vida es el hoy que estamos viviendo. ¿Quién puede prometerse a sí mismo un mañana? Nuestra existencia consiste en el momento presente que vivimos ahora. Sólo contamos con la certeza de este in-stante que estamos disfrutando, sin importar cuán breve sea. Segundo, hay personas que poseen una gran cantidad de conocimientos, que se dedican a acumular todo tipo de con-sejos espirituales y de información, pero jamás los ponen en práctica. La única forma en que realmente aprendemos algo de las enseñanzas impartidas por Jesús, es cuando las hacemos parte de nuestra vida diaria. Para vivir a Jesús debemos darnos la oportunidad de deshacernos de nuestras emociones, hábitos, y afectos desordenados. Debemos transformar nuestras emociones y afectos para que nos ayuden a convertirnos en personas que aman de manera divina. Esto sólo podremos hacerlo, una vez que desechemos todo aquello que haya en nosotros que no provenga de Dios. Para poder dejar nuestros vicios debe-mos poner en práctica las virtudes que nos ayudan a con-trarrestar los vicios de los que queremos librarnos. Por ejemplo, si nuestra ira está fuera de control debemos poner en práctica la gentileza y la paciencia. No se pre-ocupen por nada que no sea seguir las enseñanzas de Jesús. Confíen en la bondad de Dios; EL sin duda alguna les otor-gará todo lo que necesitarán para poder entrar en Su reino.

(Adaptación de los Sermones de San Francisco de Sales,

XXVI DOMINGO ORDINARIO – A Evangelio: Mat 21,28-32 - Trabajar en l

a viña del Señor

Con un ejemplo muy gráfico, Jesús, una vez mas, nos instruye –y advierte- sobre las verdaderas coordenadas por las que ha de discurrir nuestra respuesta a su llama-da o vocación cristiana. No es suficiente hablar y prome-ter, alardear de bondades y proyectos, creerse ya bue-nos porque en efecto ya cumplimos “lo suficiente”, o porque realmente hacemos las cosas mejor que otros. Lo verdaderamente importante es cumplir el deber de cada momento con humildad y generosidad, sin perder de vista el amor de Dios, y por tanto, muchas veces, sin olvidarnos del arrepentimiento humilde y esperanzado. _____________________________________________ Gracias, Señor, por esta crítica que nos haces a tantos cris-tianos, que nos creemos mejores, porque ya rezamos algunas veces, participamos en la Eucaristía dominical, damos alguna limosna y nunca robamos ni molestamos gravemente al prójimo. Pero, Tú, Señor, quieres otras “bondades” más exigentes y comprometidas, y por supuesto más valiosas y gratificantes. ¡Es tan fácil ensimismarse con las propias cualidades y vir-tudes! ¡Somos tan propensos a autojustificarnos y sobrevalorarnos en exceso! ¡Es tan fácil ver la paja en el ojo ajeno, que, aún sin darnos cuenta, impedimos ver los defectos, pecados y limitaciones, tan grandes como vigas, en nuestra cara! Pero, Tu, Señor, nos abres un camino llano y carretero, repleto de posibilidades y ayudas, para que todos podamos caminar por él, disfrutar del trayecto, y llegar felices y satis-fechos a la meta. Que la verdadera fe me ayude a conocerme como soy y cómo debo caminar por la senda de la santidad y del aposto-lado. Que la humildad y la sinceridad me ayuden a reconocer mis defectos y fallos, y a pedirte perdón cuando lo necesite. Que la valentía y la generosidad me estimulen a caminar sin parar haciendo el bien. Que nunca me crea suficientemente bueno y santo, ni me detenga, o me enfríe, en la lucha por la santidad. Que mi oración de cada día me haga ver claro el camino de la vida. Que la Eucaristía frecuente me estimule a no cejar en el em-peño por vivir la caridad con el prójimo. Que nadie me gane en amarte y en servir a los demás por amor a Ti.

Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez

Retiro de Sanación Posterior al aborto para mujeres: Entrando en Canaan un Día de Oración y Sanación para mujeres que han experimentado aborto provocado; se llevará a cabo el sábado 17 de octubre del 2020-9 am to 5pm. Venga a comenzar su viaje de curación y experimente la esperanza y la misericordia de Dios. No está sola. Hay esperanza. Hay curación. Para obtener más

información y registro confidencial, comuníquese con el Ministerio de Proyecto Raquel al 888-456-HOPE (4673) o

[email protected].


Sylvester Stallone: «Ser católico me pone donde debo estar» Rocky, Rambo y Stallone son duros, pero Dios siempre está ahí Por: Fernando de Navascués | Fuente: Religión en Libertad Siendo de origen italiano, no es muy difícil concluir que nació en el seno de una familia católica. Cierto. Y tan cierto como que metido en el mundo de los artistas, del cine, de la televisión… su fe quedó aparcada en algún momento y en algún lugar de su vida.

Efectivamente, Rambo, Rocky o simplemente Sylvester Stallone fue así. Pero también Dios ha tenido una llamada especial para que volviese a la fe: la enfermedad de su hija Sophia.

Porno en 1970 Sylvester Stallone nació en Nueva York, en 1946, en el seno de una familia de inmigrantes católicos. Su madre era profesora de danza y su padre, peluquero. Sylvester pronto reclamó para sí un lugar sobresaliente en el mundo de la escena.

Al principio tuvo algunos papeles secundarios para Woody Allen e, incluso, en la famosísima serie de Kojak, pero los estudios eran ca-ros y el trabajo no abundaba. Así que lamentablemente se abría una de las páginas más oscuras de su carrera cinematográfica partici-pando en 1970 en una película pornográfica.

El boxeador Rocky, su gran éxito La sequía continuó hasta que en 1975 escribió el guión de Rocky y al año siguiente se estrenaba la película convirtiéndose en un éxito internacional, y haciendo del boxeador un icono del mundo del cine que habría que pasar de generación en generación, y en donde la presencia de la fe cristiana no anda muy lejos.

Una enfermedad, la puerta hacia la fe Los tiempos cambian, dejó de ir a la iglesia y prefirió buscar fama y fortuna, pero Dios llamó de nuevo a su puerta y le encaminó de nuevo hacia la fe de su infancia. Para ello el Señor se valió de su hija Sophia.

Sophia nació con una enfermedad del corazón. En noviembre de 1996, con tan sólo dos meses de edad, tuvo que someterse a una operación a corazón abierto. Afortunadamente la operación salió bien, se encuentra en perfecto estado e, incluso, hace vida normal.

Parece que todo quedó arreglado. Sin embargo en una entrevista concedida a los medios, Stallone trata de encontrar las palabras para describir lo que provocó el abandono de su fe y el revulsivo que supuso la enfermedad de su hija. Algo muy clásico y que sucede a tantas personas: “No lo sé. Es la vida. Tu carrera profesional te está llevando por un lado, y dejas de estar en comunicación con tu fami-lia”.

Para los actores, el peso de la fama es “muy fuerte”, y agregó: “Yo no tenía ninguna base sólida detrás de mí o gente que me ayu-dase a mantener los pies en el suelo. Me sedujo extremadamente la nueva libertad que había alcanzado”.

Al tercer matrimonio En cuanto a su vida afectiva, en 1974 se casó con la actriz Sasha Czack, de la que se divorció en 1985. En este mismo año se casó Brigitte Nielsen, cuyo matrimonio se rompió dos años después.

Sin embargo, todo empezó a cambiar a partir de la boda con su tercera y actual esposa, Jennifer Flavin, la madre de Sophia. “Cuando me casé, todo cambió”, dijo, sobre todo “cuando mi hija nació enferma y me di cuenta de que realmente se necesita un poco de ayu-da aquí. Comencé a poner todo en las manos de Dios, su omnipotencia, su perdón”. Stallone explica que ser católico “me pone donde debo estar. Estaba solo en el mundo. Pensé que iba a tener que manejar las co-sas a mi manera.”

Entonces “pensé que si me pongo en las manos de Jesús y pido comprensión y orientación, básicamente me estoy quitando el yugo de encima y usando Su inteligencia y sabiduría para tomar las decisiones correctas”. El mensaje cristiano en sus películas Se trata de un proceso que no sólo afecta a su vida personal, sino también a su profesión: “Realmente siento que cuando escribí el primer guión de ‘Rocky’, alguien dirigía mi mano”. Algo muy similar sucede con la última película de la saga, “Rocky Balboa”, donde el actor finaliza la película “señalando con su dedo hacia arriba y muestra respeto a Jesús”.

En ella se busca que el espectador, cuando vea la película, trate “de ser capaz de escuchar a su corazón y no tanto su mente, siguiendo la orientación de alguien mucho más poderoso que tú: Jesús”, explica Stallone. En Rocky I: antes que nadie, Jesucristo “En ‘Rocky I’, la primera persona que vimos fue a Jesús”, explicó en referencia a una escena de apertura del club de boxeo donde hay un gran mural de Jesucristo en una pared del fondo.

Y si un sexto “Rocky” no es suficiente, hay “Rambo IV” donde el mensaje es más claro: “Rambo es un ateo que no cree en nada. Su trabajo consiste en llevar a un grupo de misioneros católicos río arriba en un territorio muy hostil, y Rambo está allí para llevar la Pala-bra de Dios y la medicina a los nativos”.

Parece ser que el héroe de la pantalla grande, de cuerpo descomunal, experimentado luchador, para quien la vida y a la muerte no va-len nada, mientras se dedica a salvar al mundo también está necesitado de Dios.




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