Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
This is the last weekend of the liturgical year. Today is the feast of Christ the King. It’s where we’re reminded that regardless of what else is going on in our world, those things will pass away, and Jesus Christ is still our king.
In the Gospel for this weekend we hear about the final judgment and how we will be judged. This section of Mt 25 also references what we call the Corporal Works of Mercy. When you see in the bulletin that the church is collecting coats, socks, or sheets and blankets for the poor we’re not just being kind and charitable; we are following Jesus’ command to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit those in prison, bury the dead, and give alms to the poor.
Here’s an article about the Works of Mercy: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy.cfm
I hope you’re already practicing Works of Mercy in your own unique way. If you have been meaning to be more involved in caring for others, but haven’t yet, this is a great time to start. If you need advice on some opportunities talk with one of the deacons. The very purpose of a deacon is one of service and Blessed Sacrament has two excellent permanent deacons in Dave and Tom. They would be glad to help you find a way to serve others if you need it.
Here’s a commentary on today’s readings and the kingship of Jesus from Bishop Robert Barron. https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/he-reigns-the-solemnity-of-christ-the-king/4560/
The preface is a prayer during the Liturgy of the Eucharist and sometimes it can be quite profound. Today’s preface is proper to the feast of Christ the King. Here is part of it:
For you anointed your Only Begotten Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness
as eternal Priest and King of all creation,
so that, by offering himself on the altar of the Cross
as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace,
he might accomplish the mysteries of human redemption
and, making all things subject to his rule,
he might present to the immensity of your majesty
an eternal and universal kingdom,
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.
The italics are mine but this excerpt from the preface is a reminder that it is up to all of us to continue the kingdom building here on earth. We need to be working for truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, love, and peace.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
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