From the Pastor’s Desk: January 27, 2019

     The Gospel passage today begins with an address to "Theophilus," the "friend of God" that introduces the first event in Jesus' public ministry. Jesus proclaims a passage from Isaiah filled with images of the Messiah with an astonishing announcement: "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." In our response to what is revealed to us through the Word, we put the Word into practice that the good works may abound in us. In a sense, we are asking God to make us good students of Jesus' “good works”.
     The school of Jesus begins with the Word of God that comes to us from the Holy Spirit. Today we are reminded very clearly that the Holy Spirit is the inspiration of the Gospel: “So that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received,” or to “know the truth” about the things we have been given. The whole purpose of the Gospel is to pass on to us, with certainty, the Truth- the truth about God, the truth about who we are, the truth about right and wrong, the truth about heaven and hell, the truth about real love, the truth, simply, about the most important things of all- and help us to live that truth- to make us the best that God created us to be in the school of Jesus Christ.
     This truth is an incredible gift, but many times we can take it for granted. Sometimes it is only when we lose the ability to live according to the truth that we recognize what a great gift it is. Rather than looking at the commandments as perfect, trustworthy, right and true, we can view them as arbitrary commands of a divine dictator. Rather than recognizing how God’s law refreshes the soul, helps our hearts rejoice, makes us wise, and enlightens our minds, we can see them as a burden, something that limits our freedom rather than makes true freedom possible. Jesus said once in the Gospel, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The only truth of living God’s Word will make us truly free.
     This week we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week- January 27 to February 2, 2019. This celebration week was established in 1974 to recognize Catholic education as a great gift to the Church and the nation. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed”. It focuses on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education firmly rooted in the Truth of the Gospel.  
     For us at St. Luke Parish, we are proud and extremely blessed to support Catholic Education through the mission of the St. Luke Child Care Center and Annunciation Catholic School. It is with greatest joy that together with Fr. Xaviour and the entire community of St. Luke Parish, I extend words of prayer, support encouragement and gratitude to Mrs. Amy Roberts- the Director of the Child Care Center, and Ms. Victoria Farrington- the Principal of ACS for their exemplary leadership, dedication and support. My words of gratitude go to teachers for their love, passion and commitment in which they inspire and teach students, as well as the support staff who often unnoticed make their mission and success possible. I want to thank students for being part in building such an integral part of “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed”. I thank parents for choosing to educate your children in the values of Catholic Education. Please know how grateful I am for your decision and that parishioners of St. Luke Parish offer their sacrifices and commitment to continual success of Catholic Education. You are a blessing to us and we are blessed to have Catholic Schools in our parish!
     I am glad to offer an update of the Stained Glass Window Project. On Monday, January 28^th, the artist Carl Fougerousse will install the first group of seven windows, titled Modern Day Saints. These are St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Faustina, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Damien of Molokai, St. Theresa Benedicta, St. Catherine Drexel, and St. Paul VI. In addition to the window already in place of Bl. Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, we will have eight windows installed. I am most grateful for your support and generosity to beautify our sacred worship space and please pray for safe installation and successful next steps of the project.
     Please take advantage to participate in the Open House at Annunciation Catholic School on Sunday, January 27^th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, to consider the gift of Catholic Education as an option for your child. 
I wish you a blessed week! 
With prayers,
Fr. Andy