Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King.
It was begun in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, and in 1970 it was decreed that it be celebrated on the last Sunday of the Church’s calendar. The official title of the feast is Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We know that Christ’s kingship was very different from any kingship before or after him. He came to “serve and not be served and to give his life for the ransom of many” and as an example of what we must be in our humanity. The Gospel quotes Jesus’ response to Pilate’s question: “Are you the king of the Jews?” He says: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Jesus’ kingdom is not one of worldly power and might, but a kingdom of justice, peace, and truth where all will be one as sisters and brothers. Where there is so much division and discord among people, Jesus’ message stands loud and clear: “May we all be one.”
Next, week we begin the season of Advent. An Advent booklet is being given out at Mass and there are more Advent/Christmas books in the lobby of the Parish House. We also have frames for an Advent wreath and Advent candles if you already have an Advent wreath. Many of our Christmas items are now on display: Christmas ornaments from various countries, various styles of Nativities, and other Christmas items. Stop by the lobby of the Parish House and look over our display.
If you are interested in the church’s 2019 Pilgrimage to the Shrines of France or the 2020 Pilgrimage to Alpine Europe that includes the Passion Play in Oberammergau, there are brochures available for each Pilgrimage in the lobby of the Parish House. Both are great Pilgrimages!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.