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November 21, 2023Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast, which always occurs on the final Sunday of the liturgical year, proclaims the sovereignty of Christ over all space and time, that he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and end of all things.
In a world that many times can seem so chaotic and troubled, this celebration encourages us to remember that all of creation is under the authority of God who in loving kindness is guiding us all toward his love. Yes, there are trials in life and moments of desolation and darkness, but the darkness and pain does not prevail in the end, because the salvation of Jesus Christ, our king, has come to seek and save what was lost and to restore all things to God. Christian hope is rooted in this promise of Christ: that he has prepared a place for us and that he will come back again to take us to himself.
As we prepare for the holy season of Advent, this celebration of Christ’s kingship urges us to entrust two things to him: 1. The previous year, with all its highs and lows, failures and successes. 2. The year that lies ahead. Under his rule, our lives and our families and community will find order and peace. Under his guidance, we will find green pastures that offer rest and refreshment.
It has been a good year. So much effort, time, and attention has been given in these last months to strengthening our parishes and helping us to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel. I’m encouraged daily as I see so many of you offering beautiful gifts to God and watch him putting your offerings into effect. We are his flock, his people, his citizens. The work that we do, whether in away or together, is work that can build up his kingdom and be a source of his grace for many.
As we come to the end of this Thanksgiving week, we can be thankful for the way that our king has gathered us together and enlisted us in his saving work. May our thanksgiving, our Eucharist, make us generous and joyful in the coming weeks: opening our hearts to welcome the birth of our Savior and King. Know of my prayers for all of you as we begin a new liturgical year!
