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From the Pastor's Desk: July 23, 2023
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From the Pastor’s Desk: July 23, 2023
Today we continue to reflect upon farming and harvest imagery. The central meaning of the parable is that the Kingdom of God takes root in imperfect communities of “wheat and weed” and in both an imperfect church and world. The threats of farming to go bad are real and yet it is the abundant life that is the expected outcome, just as weeds that threaten to choke out the long-anticipated good harvest. That image is an accurate reflection of our own lives. God has taken a risk on us, on creating humanity and bestowing us with free will. When young people learn about the Fall, they often ask why God gave us free will at all and why God didn't create the world in such a way that evil would not really be an option. We might not fully understand this mystery, but apparently, God thought it was worth the risk. Like farmers who every year take on unpredictable weather and swarming pests and a myriad of different diseases, God hopes in us and believes that the fruit we can bear is worth all that can go wrong.
This Sunday brings us to a joyous celebration of the conclusion of the 40th anniversary of our parish. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed in any way, for the many initiatives we were able to experience during this year. To Fr. Jaison, Dn. Steve, and the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family, I want to thank you for your sacramental, pastoral, and spiritual support. The Parish Staff, Pastor’s Advisory Board, and Ministry Heads for your dedication and commitment to giving your energy to the parish community to keep the parish going – thank you! I am thankful for the prayers and support of many of our homebound faithful who also want this community of faith to not only survive but thrive.
To all and everyone who in any way contributed to the success of this 40th Anniversary Year, I am most humbled and grateful. You know this parish stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, shoulders that go back 40 years. And it is now our responsibility to build for the future of this great community, to sustain its vibrant energy that comes from our loving relationship with the Lord, so others will stand on the foundation of faith that we are building up today. So, as we celebrate this significant mark as a parish, let us seek the intercession of St. Luke – our patron – to continue to guide us in the wisdom of his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, so open to grace and filled with God’s blessing we may continue to grow as a dynamic faith community, one holy moment at a time.
This time also offers us an opportunity to express our gratitude for the St. Luke Child Care Center as it celebrates its own 10th Anniversary. To Amy Roberts – the Director, and the team of “best” teachers and staff ever who with unwavering dedication and commitment serve the children in our care, I am most grateful. Your service and care over the years have made a difference in the lives of so many children and families, bringing to them the love of Jesus, one beautiful child at a time. Thank you!
Under the title: “Marriage: one flesh, given and received. Supporting God's gift of love and life in marriage", the Church celebrates the NFP (Natural Family Planning) Awareness Week- July 23-29, 2023. The dates highlight the anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood. The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week is a national educational campaign to bring greater awareness for the scientific, natural and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancies. Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for married love! NFP directly reflects and support the teaching of the Church in regards to the Sacrament of Marriage that symbolizes Christ's relationship with His Church. For more information, please contact the Diocesan Office of Family Life at https://family.dosafl.com.
The parking project moves forward with a new design and outlook. The idea was to create a safer, open, and welcoming campus. I believe that at the completion of the project we have accomplished all and beyond. I am grateful for your generous support as the funds to cover the entire cost were part of the St. Luke Catholic Community Growth Fund.
I wish you a blessed and relaxing week! Let us contribute to building the Kingdom of God this upcoming week, one holy moment at a time.
With prayers, Fr. Andy
