From the Pastor's Desk:
September 20, 2020

After weeks of learning the meaning of discipleship that calls us to pick up our daily cross and faithfully follow Jesus, to call one another to order, and to forgive one another from “our heart”, today we learn another challenging teaching about the reality of the Kingdom of God.  The essence of this teaching is captured in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways.”

As we listen to the parable about the vineyard and the workers, we compare the men who worked twelve hours and those who worked for one; we think that the latter group had it better, especially since they all received the same pay. For that reason, how often do we act like the workers hired early in the day, “That’s not fair!” Indeed life and its situations often times may seem unfair. We see good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. We see some people labor for hours to put “bread” on their table, and others make hundreds of thousands of dollars with a simple phone call. We see some who are physically fit and look after themselves who die suddenly, and others who abuse themselves and yet live to a ripe old age. Today’s Gospel presents a challenge that seems as though life is “unjust” and God is “not fair”- who equally rewards latecomers and newcomers. We are tempted to ask the questions: "Is it fair that we, the hard-working Christians, are going to be treated like these non-church going “workers”?  Is the person who lives a life of sin but who converts on the deathbed going to get the same reward that we receive?  Surely we must warrant at least a higher ranking place in heaven on a cloud with the Apostle Paul or Moses or one of the saints!”  But the parable tells us that our heavenly reward is not something we earn, but it is a generous gift freely given to God’s beloved children. God has made His rewards available to all through faith in Christ Jesus.  Is it fair that God gives His grace to all?  Fair is the wrong word. God does not deal with us “fairly” and it is a good thing!  If we are truly honest with ourselves, we should be thankful God does not give us what we deserve! 
    
But instead our God is a ‘just’ God, who invites us to a personal relationship with Him always. To experience His unconditional and undeserved love that God has shown us through the Death and Resurrection of His only Son Jesus Christ and to grow in His grace.  We, as His disciples, fully discover or re-discover God’s everlasting grace and love and personally experience how beautiful and fulfilling life is when we are willing to find ourselves “hired” to work in God’s vineyard.
    
This weekend we celebrate Catechetical Sunday as designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  The theme for Catechetical Sunday 2020 is "I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you." Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. At this time, I would like to offer special thanks to Fr. Xaviour – Director of the Religious Education Department, Deacon Steve Arnold, Laura Austin – Coordinator of Family Faith Formation Process, and her assistant Jackie Arsenault. Cassidy Rydell –  coordinator of Youth and Young Adults Ministry, Alex Kilates – Coordinator of the  Adult Faith Formation Programs, Jon Ayres coordinator of RCIA/C process, and his assistant Kathy Quigley. Team Leaders of PAT Religious Education and Evangelization Teams, and all of our faithful and devoted catechists and parents who work hard all year long to proclaim and to teach the Word of God and to bear witness to the gift of our faith.
    
Catechetical Sunday is also a wonderful opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. Together, catechists and parishioners of St. Luke enable our parish to depend on each other and work as a unified team in bringing the message of the Gospel to all. By our words and actions we take an active role in living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let us continue to pray that we will open ourselves to the Spirit, allowing the Gospel to come to life in us in new ways, sharing our faith as catechists, being a vital, caring presence to one another and to the world beyond.
    
May we be especially blessed as together we grow in our understanding to minister in the vineyard of the Catholic faith, develop a deeper relationship personally and communally with Christ, and live as joyful witnesses to the message of the Gospel.
    
I wish you a blessed and safe week!
    With prayers,
    Fr. Andy