From the Pastor’s Desk: March 24, 2019

     Lent is the “acceptable time” to faithfully embrace Jesus’ call to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” As we reflect on today’s Gospel, Jesus offers us a sobering reminder, “I tell you, unless you repent, you will all perish.” Today, the Lord invites us to examine our lives honestly, to evaluate the condition of our souls, because God will not wait forever for us, to do what He created and called us to do. Jesus explains His point in a parable as an analogy for human life. “Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none.” So He gave the vine-grower the instruction, “Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” The gardener however makes a plea, “Lord, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and fertilize. Perhaps it will bear fruit next year.” Jesus intercedes to give us another chance. He fertilized the soil of our faith with His own blood to make it possible for us to be fruitful.  He will go the extra mile so that the barren life has every possible chance to bear some fruits.  How do we respond to the Mercy of God in our lives?
     At the 5:00 pm 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. Scrutinies invite 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 Monday, March 25^th, 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. Bishop Estévez will be the main celebrant of the Mass on Monday at 8:30 am. This day we offer our prayers through the intercession of the Mother of God for Ms. Victoria Farrington– 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 will grow in holiness and love for God and one another in building faithfully the school community.
     On Friday and Saturday– March 29-30, you are invited to the 2019 Diocesan Eucharistic Congress to be held at the Prime Osborne Convention Center in Jacksonville.  The theme this year is: "For I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11). Please adjust your calendars to plan to attend and invite your friends and family to join you.
     I strongly encourage everyone to attend the movie UNPLANNED the weekend it is released in theaters – March 29-31, 2019. Please make an effort to attend this movie when it is first shown as theaters make a decision about whether to keep showing a movie based on the first two days it is shown. 
     The movie is the story of Abby Johnson who was a director of a Planned Parenthood clinic who had a change of heart and became a fervent advocate for pro-life issues ever since. The movie is rated “R” which means no one under the age of 17 can attend the film without a parent. The rating is not because of nudity, profane language, or sex. Please do not let that stop you from seeing and supporting this great film. This movie is a true, up-lifting, inspiring story that everyone needs to see. In the society that creates deceitful lies about the positive results of abortion, where in many states a woman under 17 can have an abortion without her parent’s consent or knowledge, every mother should take her teenage daughter by the hand and march to the theater with her to see the truth about abortion for themselves!
     On a personal note, on Tuesday, March 26^th, I have scheduled a surgery to repair my rotator cuff in my left shoulder.  My doctor told me that I may be out of commission for some time. I kindly ask your prayers for a successful surgery and fast recovery.  
I pray for fruitful and blessed week for each one of you!
Mary of the Annunciation – Pray for us!

With prayers,
Fr. Andy