St. Luke's Blogs

It has been hot outside. You didn’t need me to tell you that, did you? When the dog days of summer are upon us, there are only a few ways to escape the heat. You can close the blinds, turn on the fans and AC and hunker down inside, or you can jump in the nearest body of water to cool off. Both options are acceptable. If you live near the beach, a big swim in in the ocean is ideal.

That is why so many people hit the beach this past week in Florida. However, the cool, refreshing water of the ocean also presents dangers. At Flagler Beach, a local person decided to go out on their boogie board. It was just what they needed on a hot day. It was not long until the danger of a rip current swept him out away from shore…

The Christian faith takes great courage. Much of what we do comes naturally. Yet, Jesus challenges us to move beyond what comes naturally, or what we normally do.  Jesus challenged the people he encountered to move beyond what was simple and easy. He invited them to follow Him into a deeper and more challenging faith.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is questioned by a man who wanted to know, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life? (Matthew 19:16) Jesus returned his question with a question of His own, “Why do you ask me about what is good? (Matthew 19:17)  The man who questioned Jesus was no stranger to good deeds. It would seem he had lived a good life. He followed the law and was conscientious about his spiritual life. What was he missing? Why did he approach Jesus with his question?

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

School has started and Bobbie Wright is on the job helping the children of Fairview Park, Ohio safely walk to and from school. Bobbie is a crossing guard, employed by the Fairview Park Department of Public Safety. She is also a reserve deputy, among other duties. Bobbie takes her job seriously. She has helped generations cross the busy streets. This past week, Bobbie started her 50th year as crossing guard.

It is impossible to count the number of cars that Bobbie has stopped.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
    and a refreshment for your body.

One of the great encounters in the gospel is between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Jesus and his disciples were traveling through the region of Samaria, a place that most Jews would never venture because of their disdain for the Samaritans. Jesus, not wanting to exclude anyone from His message of good news, traveled the direct route through the region and sat down to rest at the well, purchased by Jacob and given to his son Joseph long ago.

At this well, Jesus encounters a woman, whose name we never learn. They entered into a deep discussion that begins with Jesus asking for a drink and ends with Jesus telling the woman that he is the Messiah, the long-awaited Christ…

Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who came to fame in a most unusual way. At the age of 48, she took a risk and auditioned on the show, Britain’s Got Talent. Susan was nervous to step on such a large stage. When she stepped on the stage, she was facing a massive crowed who had gathered in the 3000-capacity auditorium. Not only was it a capacity crowd, but sitting front row were the infamous Britain’s Got Talent judges.

As Susan Boyle stood nervous before Simon Cowell and the judges, she told them that she wanted to be a “professional singer.” The judges looked at her with doubt clearly marked on their faces. Susan was nervous. In fact, she had tried to back out of the audition, but her voice coach talked her into at least giving it a try. The judges were kind as she explained to them that she had never performed in front of such a gathering…

Many football players do far more than just work in the gym during the off-season. Many of them work at even more important aspects of life. They give of their time, the money, and their fame to help make the lives of others better.  Leonard Fournette is one example of a football superstar who uses the off-season to help people in need. In high school, Leonard Fournette was named the USA Today High School Football Offensive Player of the Year. He would play for LSU in college. While at LSU, he was named an All-American and set the school’s single-season rushing record. He would be drafted 4th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He would eventually play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he would become a Super Bowl champion.

Leonard Fournette knows what it takes to be successful on the field.  He also knows that he has the ability to make others successful, on and off the field. That is why he spent part of this last summer at camp. Camp Simcha is a camp for children who are dealing with cancer, disabilities, and chronic medical conditions…

Just after Christmas 2021, our family spent a fun week in New York City. We were able to see Central Park, get cannoli in Little Italy, and experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The best part was seeing our friends perform on Broadway. We saw Meghan Picerno, John Riddle and Lindsay Roberts-Greene in “Phantom of the Opera,” Tamar Greene in “Hamilton,” and watched Dan Micciche direct the orchestra for “Wicked.” It was an experience we’ll never forget.

Broadway had reopened in the fall after being closed for 18 months due to covid. Shows instituted rigorous testing regimes to keep cast members healthy, but more and more performers began to test positive as the omicron variant swept through the country. Some shows like “The Music Man” closed because so many actors were ill…

“…so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” -Romans 12:5

The Music Man is a bright and happy musical written by Meredith Wilson. The show centers around Professor Harold Hill. Professor Hill claims to sell music instruments and establish marching bands. The show begins as Professor Harold Hill arrives in River City, Iowa, a town full of stubborn and self-sufficient people who are not welcoming to strangers, especially traveling salesmen. Professor Harold Hill is neither a music teacher nor a salesman. He is a con man. The people of River City have good reason to not trust him, but love helps to overcome all the obstacles in this wonderful musical…