From the Pastor’s Desk
The Fourth Sunday of Lent
While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
-Luke 15:20
March 23, 2025
Brothers and Sisters,
Sound the trumpets! Let us declare this a year favorable to the Lord. As a child, I “played” the trumpet in grade school, and my grandmother gifted me a Norman Rockwell art print of a child lounging in a chair while practicing the trumpet. In that image, the boy relaxes with one leg draped over the armrest, cheeks puffed up as he plays his notes. However, this nostalgic scene doesn’t evoke inspiration in me; I wasn’t particularly good at playing the trumpet. While I might not have been gifted like Louis Armstrong, the truth is clear: I simply didn’t practice enough.
One of the authentic trumpeters of our Church is Bishop Bruce Lewandowski. As a passionate preacher, he strives to connect each homily to our heads, hearts, and hands. He imparts knowledge, delivers a message of conversion that strikes at the core of our identity, and sets us on a path to contribute to the mission. We’ve been truly blessed by his presence this year, especially during our Festival of Praise in Advent, Mass with our school for Catholic Schools Week, and the recent Confirmation Mass for our confirmandi and their families.
In discussing the Jubilee Year, Bishop Lewandowski highlighted the etymology of Jubilee, tracing it back to the Hebrew word “Johbel,” meaning trumpet or horn. We are all called to be trumpeters, proclaiming hope that flows from the mercy and grace of God. In the Parable of the Merciful Father, we are reminded to embody the extravagant mercy of God. The Father goes to great lengths to restore his son. This reconciliation is anything but quiet; it’s a joyous celebration where he declares to everyone, “My son is alive!”
The elder son’s refusal to accept his brother’s restoration leaves him outside the Father’s house. His stubbornness, though seemingly less scandalous than his brother’s defiance, mirrors a similar impact on the Father’s longing for a united family. Sounding the trumpet is a call to reveal the face of mercy to the world. Many people are ensnared by societal and personal sins, and we are called to engage with the disenfranchised and disheartened. We must bring God’s mercy to the poor, the hungry, the imprisoned, and the sick, eagerly welcoming our neighbors into our communities.
Next weekend, Pope Francis will focus on the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers. Let us unite in prayer for a renewal of hope, as the Lord’s grace is actively at work in the lives of the sick, those who accompany them, and the dedicated medical community. On Wednesday, April 9 at 7 PM, we are excited to welcome Sr. Donata, who will help deepen our love and understanding of Divine Mercy. Jesus asks us to implore His mercy, and we are reminded through Mary’s continuous appearances that we must rely on her Son.
May the Lord transform our world into His Kingdom as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter together!