A Word from Your Pastor November 24 - Jesus Christ King of the Universe

Dear Parishioners:

The Solemnity of Christ the King is the closing to the Liturgical Year.  It is a time to renew our commitment to the Lord Jesus and to our Faith in Him as the Universal Savior.  In our time, it has become common to see Jesus as simply a great man, one among many, who have contributed to our civilization.  But our claim, the claim of the Catholic Faith cannot be reduced to that perspective.  Jesus is Someone More, Something Greater.  As Catholics, we acknowledge Him to be our Lord and our God.  He is the Melech HaOlam, that is, the King of the Universe.  If we believe anything less of Him, we do not do Him justice.

The transition between one Liturgical Year and another invites us to look toward Jesus at the end of time, as the One Who will gather all the nations for judgment. One year ends proclaiming Him as King; Advent begins with a glance toward His Second Coming, that is, His Coming in Glory at the end of the ages.  We are invited to hope for salvation for us and for the whole world.  In time, we are called to make ready the way of the Lord.

The Sacramental Life of the Church helps us to prepare our hearts.  This weekend, our Second Graders made their First Reconciliation.  They joyfully experienced the Sacrament of Mercy that forgives us our sins and fortifies us to fight the good fight against temptation.  Anointing of the Sick is another Sacrament that helps us in time of need.  It strengthens us in the face of illness and prepares us for our final meeting with the Lord when He comes to call us to Himself.  As a parish, we celebrate this Sacrament on one of the weekends of Advent (this year December 21-22).  It is always available at request when you or your loved ones are reaching the end of life’s journey.

May we stand together to witness our Faith in Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.  And may we celebrate the Sacramental Life that forms us into the Body of Christ that brings Him to the world.  To the King of Ages, the Immortal, the Invisible, the Only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.