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From the Pastor's Desk: September 18, 2022
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From the Pastor’s Desk: September 18, 2022
The Gospel for today presents a “spiritual puzzle” as the parable ends with this phrase, “and the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.” The steward knew that his time of employment was coming to an end and before the final moment, he uses his connections and position to prepare for the future. After all, his decision to write down his notes not only will bring the rich man what was his due in full but will emphasize the right use of money and resources by the steward to gain favor with others. He was prudent and that reflects a good quality to have.
In a way we are all like that steward. We know that our lives will come to an end, sooner or later, but how effectively are we utilizing our resources and opportunities to prepare for what will come next? I think this is the main point of this passage. It seems easier to get caught up with what seems to be obvious – the praise or disapproval of the dishonest steward - than to look deep down within our own hearts to evaluate the “prudence” in our decisions of serving the Lord. Today, we are invited to truly ponder the Word of God with His message. Jesus is incredibly realistic. He knows the human heart entirely because He is fully God and fully man. And so, He knows that “no servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Whom do we serve? Do we serve God, or have we made ourselves slaves to all kinds of human desires?
This Sunday, the Church of the United States celebrates Catechetical Sunday – "This is my body given for 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. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. The word “catechetical” comes from the Greek root word, "catechesis”, meaning "to echo”, or “resound." Catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church's teachings to the world. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church- the ministry of the Word is a fundamental element of evangelization through all its stages, because it involves the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God.
Catechetical Sunday offers opportunities to extend special words of thanks to Fr. Xaviour– Director of the Religious Education Department, Laura Austin– Coordinator of Family Faith Formation, Rhonda Biroschik– Director of Youth Ministry, Alex Kilates– Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, Jon Ayres– Coordinator of RCIA/C, and their assistants, as well as the group of committed volunteers who support these programs.
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 of God, allowing the Gospel to come to life in us in new ways, sharing our faith as catechists, being a vital, vibrant and caring presence to one another and to the parish community and beyond.
On Friday, September 23rd, in a special ceremony, Fr Xaviour will become a naturalized new United States Citizen. As a citizen, Fr. Xaviour will have awesome opportunities to support the universal principles on which our republic is based, but also to safeguard and cherish the particular interests and identity of our country. Congratulations! To celebrate Fr. Xaviour’s citizenship, please join us for lunch on Friday, September 23 at noon at the Parish Hall.
“The fact the enemies of God must face is that modern civilization has conquered the world, but in doing so has lost its soul. And in losing its soul it will lose the very world it gained…. And as religion fades so will freedom, for only where the Spirit of God is, is there liberty.” – The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen
Have a blessed week!
With prayers,
Fr. Andy
