Dear Parishioners:
The future King of England has just announced his engagement. The world will no doubt turn toward this celebration as the wedding of the century, just as they did for his father and ill-fated mother. The Catholic World celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King as we end another liturgical year. It is only fitting that we turn our attention to the Bride of this King, the Church, our Mother, whose fate is full of hope and promise.
Even in the midst of the troubles of the world, we have the great joy of being able to note what is right with the world and with God’s plan for us. Jesus Christ is King. He is the Messiah, the Savior, the Triumphant Lord of Glory, Who took the worst that we could throw at Him and turned it to our good. Sin is rampant. There are wars and insurrections. Families are broken and our society is rejecting so many of the most basic and fundamental truths that have guided us through the centuries. And yet, with full conviction, we can proclaim: Jesus Christ is the King.
The Jews have a name for God that is used in many of their prayers, “Adonai, Elohenu, Melech ha’Olam.” This is translated, “Lord, our God, King of the Universe.” The final expression is actually more comprehensive: “King of the Ages.” It refers to their conviction that God is truly the Creator, the Source of all that has been, all that is, and all that ever will be. “World without end” might be another way of saying it. This offers us a glimpse of the meaning of the Kingship of Christ.
We acknowledge Jesus as our All-encompassing Lord. He is the One Who keeps it all together and assists us in our journey through life, both in this world and in the world to come. “To Jesus Christ, our Sovereign King, Who is the world’s salvation, all praise and homage do we bring, and thanks and adoration. Christ Jesus, Victor; Christ Jesus, Ruler; Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!”
This week we also celebrate Thanksgiving. As you know, I host my family for the meal on Thanksgiving Day. I want to thank you again for the welcome and hospitality you continue to show me and my family. It is a quality that makes our parish a wonderful home.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Consecration of the Human Race
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before thy altar. We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many too, despising your precepts have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them all to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever. Amen.
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