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From the Pastor's Desk: March 20, 2022
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As we reflect upon the reading for the Third Sunday of Lent we come to realize that people haven't changed much since ancient times. Currently, the most popular topics of conversation are dramatic news stories of the war in Ukraine that claims the lives of innocent people and leads to destruction of human lives in every respect. We talk about our own boarder crisis, struggles with the pandemic, gas and food prices and raging inflation. It seems it was the same among the contemporaries of Jesus as they talked about their major events: the collapse of the tower at Siloam, and the violent tactics Pilate used to control the Jews.
Christ gives His opinion on these earthly events. But He gives it with as much authority as He had when He spoke about heavenly things. He knows the meaning of everything that happens in history. He is the Lord of history. And so He gives the definitive interpretation of these two tragic events. For Him, they are parables of what will eventually happen to every human being in this fallen world: suffering and death. They are not special manifestations of God's anger; they are typical occurrences in a world wounded by sin. They should not surprise us; rather, they should keep us on our toes.
When Christ decided to establish His Church, He entrusted His authority to His disciples to continue bringing the message of Jesus "the light of the world" to every age and place. Unfortunately, not everyone heeded His voice back then, and not everyone heeds His voice today. The world is always seeking justice, peace, and prosperity. Individuals are always seeking happiness. Without fertilizing our minds and hearts with the truth about who we are and what we were created for, our lives and our societies will be barren of these most valuable fruits - like the fig tree that had no figs.
Imagine, for example, how different the world community would be if everyone followed the Ten Commandments. Our Lord knows the way to fulfillment and fruitfulness. As His disciples and children of the Church, we can know it too, and should strive to make it known to others. And the way to do it is offered directly by the Lord for us today, “I tell you, unless you repent, you will all perish.”
At 5:00 pm- the Vigil Mass- on Saturday, the Third Sunday of Lent, we also begin the process of Scrutinies for the Elect in the RCIA/C process as the final steps in their journey to the Easter sacraments. The Scrutinies invite us to "inspire in the Elect a desire for purification and redemption," and instruct them about the mystery of sin and our salvation in Christ. The Scrutinies focus on self-searching and repentance, to uncover areas of sinfulness and strengthen what is good. We pray for all our Elect, that the final weeks of preparation for the Easter Vigil will be a time filled with God’s grace, peace and support of the entire community of St. Luke Parish.
On Friday, March 25th, the Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Lord. This special Solemnity comes nine months before Christmas. The Annunciation reminds us of the unity of the Paschal Mystery: The Passion, Death and Resurrection we will celebrate at Easter finds its beginning here. It is through Mary’s willingness to do the Will of God, she opened the way to salvation, to resurrection, to salvation. In that context, it only makes sense to honor her today while always staying focused on her beloved Child. In our community, we celebrate this Feast together with Annunciation Catholic School. On Thursday, March 24th, Bishop Estévez will be the main celebrant of the School Mass at 8:30 am. This day we offer our prayers through the intercession of the Mother of God for Mr. Steve Eiswert– the Principal of the School, teachers, students and staff of Annunciation Catholic School, that they will always follow the example of the Virgin Mother of Jesus to fulfill the Will of God in their lives and grow in holiness and love for God and one another in building faithfully the school community.
I pray for a fruitful and blessed week for each one of you!
Our Lady of the Annunciation, pray for us!
With prayers, Fr. Andy
