Posted on November 22, 2024 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday, we celebrate the profound Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This great solemnity marks the culmination of our liturgical year and the beginning of a new one. As we prepare to embark on the Season of Advent next weekend, we prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christmas. With Advent, we usher in a fresh liturgical year of hope and anticipation.
The liturgical cycle of this year 2025 is Cycle C, and it corresponds to reading the most significant passages of the Gospel of Saint Luke, except in the essential times when Saint John is read. Saint Luke was of Greek origin, perhaps of Macedonian origin. The date of birth of Saint Luke is uncertain, but it is believed that he was born in Antioch. His name means “bearer of light,” and he converted to faith in Jesus Christ around the year 40. He did not know the Lord personally, but he did know Saint Paul, of whom he was a disciple. Luke was an educated man, unlike most of the apostles, and of broad culture. It is said that he was a doctor, but he also knew literature, his language was Greek, and some arts such as painting. He is the only author of the New Testament who was not of Jewish origin and whose writings were intended to bring the Good News to the Gentile peoples. Luke wrote in “koine” Greek, the most widely spoken language of antiquity, along with Latin. In his Gospel, Saint Luke highlights those who suffer in body or soul. In his Gospel, he shows excellent esteem for women. All the women who appear there are kind, and Jesus always shows great appreciation and proper understanding.
Among the four Gospels, Luke’s Gospel stands out as the most accessible and inviting. With its 1,200 lines of beautifully crafted prose, it is a literary masterpiece. Often referred to as ‘The Gospel of the Poor,’ it portrays Jesus as a compassionate figure who always gravitates towards the marginalized, the sick, the poor, and repentant sinners. It is a Gospel that inspires us to reach out to those in need and emulate Jesus’ love and compassion. According to tradition, Luke would have preached in Macedonia, Achaia, Galatia, and Boeotia.
On another topic, the parish office will be closed from Wednesday, December 27th, at noon and reopen Monday, December 2nd. I hope our staff can share with their families and take a few days off.
Next Thursday, November 28th, is Thanksgiving Day, a family celebration to thank God for all we have received; many of your relatives will return to share and enjoy. I thank God for being in this parish and allowing me to share with you as a great family of faith. I feel at home and supported by your displays of affection. It is genuinely not challenging to be a pastor with people like you. Share food with your family, and do not forget to thank God for life and the great miracles received this year. May this day not be just a day of simple celebration and tradition but rather of prayer and thanksgiving. Please do not forget to attend the Solemn Thanksgiving Eucharist at 10:00 am; this year, our Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde will preside over the Mass. On behalf of Father Ramon, our Deacon Kapral, and the entire staff who work tirelessly, and on my behalf as your pastor, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
As we approach this Thanksgiving, let us thank God and pray for one another to show our gratitude and strengthen our community. Remember, your prayers and support are what make our parish a strong and loving community. I have you in my prayers. Happy Thanksgiving!
Fr. Alex
