July 23, 2023
Today we celebrate the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. As I like to say, during these summer months we are journeying with Jesus, learning and relearning the path of discipleship. Jesus teaches us, invites us, and corrects us as He lovingly yearns for us to be His followers. This weekend we begin with a passage from the Book of Wisdom which extols God’s qualities of love and compassion. Note the phrase, “And You taught Your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind…” God taught His sons and daughters with a Father’s love, never leaving them in despair even when they sinned. In the brief lesson from St. Paul to the Romans, we hear that the Spirit comes to our aid and intercedes for (us), the holy ones. This is God’s will. In our Gospel Jesus continues to teach using another parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. Today he tells of the farmer who plants good seed and the enemy who sowed weeds. Both grow together. Jesus tells us to be careful of uprooting the wheats as they might harm the harvest of good wheat. Later, the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable. His words explain that the Son of Man sows good seed, (grace), in our world, revealed in the children of God’s Kingdom. The weeds are the children corrupted by the devil. But, remembering our God is a God who is good and forgiving, as His sons and daughters, we are called to leave the ultimate responsibility of judging to God. He is always ready to forgive all who with hearty repentance and true faith turn back to Him. In the end good will triumph and evil will be dealt with.
So, we’re now 9 days away from the implementation of All Things New when St. Luke Parish will cease, and our beautiful Church will become the home of the Oratory of St. Gregory and St. Augustine. I am happy that many have indicated they will be moving together over to Our Lady of Lourdes. They are ready to welcome us all. Masses at O. L. of Lourdes are as follows: Saturday evening 5:00pm, Sunday morning, (7:30, 9:00 and 11:00am). While we had hoped that we might continue to be able to have the 4pm here at St. Luke, perhaps it is a better plan to make the move final and have all our masses at one site. Deacon Dave will be transferring to O.L. of Lourdes, our St. Vincent de Paul Conference will be moving and joining with O.L. of Lourdes. Parishioners of St. Luke will need to register at O.L. of Lourdes and I strongly encourage all to do so. As of July 31st, all On-Line contributors will need to Sign-up for that program at Lourdes. Fr. Bene’ will be officially installed as pastor of O.L. of Lourdes on September 23rd and has invited the Parish Council of St. Luke to be a part of the installation. While some may still be on the fence about where they will continue to attend Mass, I believe moving over to Lourdes is the best way for our community to stay together.
Finally this week, a special Thank You to David Byrne and choir for returning to St. Luke this weekend for one last time helping us to celebrate one of the blessed legacies of our parish.
God Bless! Have a blessed week!
Please continue praying 3 Hail Marys.
Fr. Pete