July 16, 2023
Today we celebrate the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. This weekend’s readings are all about the ‘Word.’ The prophet tells us of the Lord’s word that comes down from Heaven and does not return to God void but achieves the end for which He sends it. God’s word, spoken by the prophets is to remind the people of Israel of the covenant relationship God has established with them to be their God and they His chosen people. How often did Israel forget this and needed to be called back to the Lord. In our Gospel this week, Jesus uses His famous teaching method of telling a parable, a story that would be easily understood. Today He tells of a farmer sowing seed on various kinds of ground. Some fall onto a well worn path and is quickly eaten by birds; some fall onto rocky ground with little soil. It springs up at once, but is scorched by the sun; some fall among thorns and is choked off; finally some fall on rich soil and produces fruit. The disciples ask Him the meaning of the parable. (Sometimes even His closest didn’t quite get what He was trying to say.) He goes on to explain it in the longer version ending saying, “The seed sown on rich soil is the person who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or thirty or sixty fold.” But it’s the end of the shorter version I like as Jesus says, “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” Unless we’re hearing impaired, each of us have two good ears to hear God’s word. The question is, “Are we listening?”
So, we’re now 16 days away from the implementation of All Things New. Fr. Bene’ has visited and chosen the items he would like to bring over to St. Luke’s to O.L. of Lourdes. He has indicated he would like to take the Dining Room set from the Rectory, Msgr. McMahon’s chalice, all the matching altar candlesticks, the vases, and several other items that belong to the parish. He indicated he would check again at O.L. of Lourdes to see if there were other items we have that could be used at our new parish. All Sacred items that are not taken to O.L. of Lourdes will be sent to the Archdiocesan Reclamations Warehouse for use by other parishes. I will be taken the vestments and St. Luke Kneelers with me to Union. Other items I believe we could use will be negotiated with Fr. Bene.
There has been a bit of confusion as to the Final Mass of St. Luke Parish. A former “Luker” has been suggesting a celebration of former parishioners and alumni gathering at McMahon Field on the 22nd. The parish is not involved in that. On July 22nd I have invited David Byrne and his choir, who were a part of the community for many, many years, to come back for one last time to sing and celebrate our past. They will be singing at 4:00pm Mass next weekend. The final, official, Mass of our Parish will be on Sunday, July 30th at 10:00am. It will be the final Mass I will be celebrating for the parish. We are trying to put together a Parish Celebration on Saturday, September 16th with food, fun, and celebrating our over 100 year heritage. This will NOT be in Church, but on McMahon Field and parking lot. Plans are still being formulated. I hope this clarifies the confusion.
God Bless! Have a blessed week!
Please continue praying 3 Hail Marys.
Fr. Pete