The Gospel for this Sunday, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, is the final judgment scene from Matthew’s Gospel. “Whatever you did for one of the least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus as “king” and Jesus’“kingdom” are very different from what history has shown us about kings and kingdoms. In Jesus’ kingdom, He is the model and the example of how brothers and sisters are to be treated. He uses the words “brothers and sisters” to inform us of our relationship with Him. He also shows us that no one is considered “least” in His kingdom because no one is the “greatest” among the brothers and sisters. This Gospel is the final message of the Liturgical Year and a very fitting and appropriate Gospel to leave us with as we begin a new Liturgical Year next Sunday.We have all been saddened by the death of Fr. Felix McGrath. He was hopeful when he went into the hospital to remove the cancer from his tongue. He came through it well and had even begun speech therapy and physical therapy at the rehab center after leaving the hospital. But it became evident that the surgery and its aftereffects had taken a toll on him, and it was diffcult for him to have the energy to walk and exercise. Because of his condition, visits were limited to the Friars. On Monday, November 13, Fr. Tim Shreenan and I visited him and celebrated the Anointing of the Sick which he had received earlier. Because of a change in his condition, it was appropriate to celebrate the sacrament again. Shortly after we had prayed, he peacefully breathed his last.
Fr. Felix has a long history here at St. Francis and was especially known for his compassion, patience, and support of those who came to him for confession. He was the “chosen” one for many people. He had a message to give whenever he preached and this message was lled with the wisdom of a man who had experienced much in his life as a Franciscan priest. He was always faithful to his duties and was always willing to do more. He was the oldest member of the Friar community at St. Francis, and will be missed by all of us and by the many people who waited in his confession line and by all. May he rest in peace.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.