A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
On this Solemnity of Christ the King we hear the Gospel of St. Luke which tells of Jesus and the criminals on the cross. The rulers mock Jesus and one of the criminals does the same, saying “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other criminal says, “…this man has done nothing criminal.” Jesus responds: “…today you will be with me in paradise.” Even in these last moments of Jesus’ life, he shows compassion to this criminal. We celebrate this Solemnity of Christ the King to affirm that among the leaders in this world, Christ continues to be the most important one through the way that he shows his power and authority through service to humanity. This is something to celebrate.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, remember to pause and give thanks for God’s presence in your life and for the blessings that we have all received. If you are traveling, have a safe journey. Daily life has its challenges, but it also has its blessings!
Advent begins next weekend. A booklet of Advent reflections will be given out at Mass, and there are many other books and Advent wreaths available in the Lobby of the Parish House.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.