From the Pastor’s Desk: December 2, 2018

     A dear friend of mine gave me a very famous picture that hangs at the foyer of our rectory and welcomes everyone who enters the door. The picture represents Jesus knocking on a door.  When the original picture was first shown to the public, the artist’s attention was drawn to a serious flaw.  There was no handle on the door!  The artist explained that this was very deliberate, because it represented the reality.  The door is the door of the human heart, and there is no handle on the outside.  Jesus cannot enter unless we open the door and invite him in.  Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone opens the door, I will come in and we will share a meal as friends.” (Author unknown)
 
     Today we welcome the holy season of Advent! The liturgical season of Advent marks the fundamental purpose of time of spiritual preparation by the faithful for the coming of the Savior through grace at Christmas and for His second and final coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin “ adventus” for " coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sundays, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (November 30) and continuing until December 24. Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year. It is a time of preparation and reflection, hope and anticipation. It is the time to open the doors of our hearts and welcome the most important guest of our lives – Jesus Christ. The time before Christmas offers the usual commercial messages with all its distractions and interruptions. Therefore, we are called to live Advent as a time of waiting without being distracted by the lights of shops and supermarkets, but to prepare to look with the eyes of the heart to Christ, the true Light. In fact, if we persevere “vigilant in prayer and rejoicing in praise”, our eyes, our hearts, and our entire existence will be able to recognize in Him the true light of the world that comes to enlighten our darkness, to hear His gentle knock at the door of our hearts so to welcome Him into our lives.
 
     “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent (fervent) desire for His second coming. By celebrating John the Baptist’s birth and martyrdom, she unites herself to this desire: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (CCC # 524).
 
     In our own anticipation for the coming of the Emmanuel– God with us, besides regular participation in Sunday and daily Eucharist, I want to invite all of you to set aside time for the St. Luke Advent Parish Retreat– December 9-13, 2018. This year, the Advent Parish Retreat will be presented under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Xaviour, Deacons Bob and Steve, and myself. The theme of the Advent Retreat is “Searching for Advent Hope in everyday lives.” 
 
     It our hope that you will join us as we will present the “search” in the context of every day relationships. What does this mean for me and my family?  How do I live the quests in my life, my faith, and relationship with the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God? It is my prayer that this special time will offer a tremendous opportunity to experience this Advent in eager and active anticipation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
 
     I am most grateful for all your generosity in support of the Church Roof Project. Although we experienced a slight delay in the schedule of work due to some unexpected circumstances, we have collected $71,766.12 as of last week with 13.38% family participation. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support.
 
     As we begin the season of Advent, it is my prayer that we will take seriously this special opportune time to prepare the doors of our hearts and open them wide for Christ.
 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy