Pastor's Corner: September 8, 2019

From the Pastor’s Desk:                                                                                                           September 8, 2019
 
     The message for this Sunday reminds us about the significance of the Cross– the image central in the life of Jesus and in the life of those who follow in His name. Today, Jesus, in no small way, presents a challenge- or rather- a reminder to each one of us whom He created and consecrated in baptism to be united with Him in love and service.
 
     To be Jesus’ disciple, to enter into His Kingdom, requires a critical choice. One has got to be willing to do whatever it takes to follow Him. We have got to be willing even to lose our life, because it is only the one who loses his life that will find it again in God. Let us be honest- many of us today do not recognize the seriousness of the call of Jesus.  We are just not prepared or we are unwilling to embrace the message of the Cross, for suffering, for struggle. Therefore, I invite you to reflect upon your seriousness and do an examination of conscience of your relationship with Jesus and with the Cross. Do I love Jesus more than everyone else? Do I prefer Him to parents, to spouses, to children, to my own live? Do I love Him with “all my mind, heart, soul and strength” or does something else preoccupy my mind, heart, soul and strength? Jesus cannot be merely a part of my life. He cannot be just an important “ingredient” in my life, occupying an important “niche” in our personal portfolio or matter of preference.  He must be the only desire of our lives!
 
     On Wednesday, September 11 ^th, in our nation we will observe Patriot Day! This day invites us to remember the anniversary of the catastrophic terrorist attacks against the United States on the 11 ^th of September 2001. Patriot Day is recognized by US law as the official day of remembrance for these tragic events and has been observed every year since. Each year on this day, American flags are flown at half-staff to honor and commemorate those lives lost. The US President asks fellow Americans to observe a moment of silence at 8.46am (Eastern Daylight Time), the time of the first plane collision into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In observance of the Patriot Day, we prepared a special Prayer Service to be celebrated at the church at 7:00pm. Please come and join us united in prayers. 
 
     This week we will hear and receive the Annual Stewardship Report of our parish. We are so blessed and grateful to God for the many blessings He showers upon us.  Our engagement in the life of Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure is such a powerful witness to the call of discipleship in our lives. You will find in this report information on the pastoral activities and financial status of our parish. Although this past fiscal year left us in a deficit, overall, our parish is financially healthy. In addition, please find in this report information on the pastoral activities and the generous support of the stewardship of Time and Talent.  As you can see, we welcomed many infants and adults into our faith over the past year, nurtured the faith of those already baptized through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, served both children and adults through many different programs, walked with many of our parishioners who were sick or dying, and comforted those who mourned and serve many who are in need. I am very grateful for the many ways you make St. Luke Parish a blessed community. Please join with me in offering thanks to one another and raising praise to God who has invited us to be His good stewards.
 
     This week is also the NFL opening season week. I continue to minister to the Jacksonville Jaguars as a Catholic Chaplain. Please join me to extend your prayerful support for a successful season. Go Jags!!!
 
     As we continue this week on the journey of faith, we are reminded that to be a disciple of Jesus we must put Him first, live sacrificially out of love, and place everything we have at God’s service. This is God’s wisdom that makes us a bit uncomfortable, yet makes our earthly path to be made a little straighter. This is the path toward holiness and heaven. This is the path to receiving the fullness of Jesus’ love. This is the way that leads us to "true freedom".
 
I wish you a blessed week!
 
With prayers, Fr. Andy