Dear Parishioner,

     The Feast of Christ the King concludes the Church’s year.  This Feast assures us that Christ does indeed reign in glory, but the Gospel is taken from the Passion of Our Lord. Christ reigns from the Cross. Images of Christ on the Cross, crowned in glory, have been used by the Church since early times. Persecution by Roman authorities was a common experience of early Christians for more than three hundred years. Then almost immediately there was persecution from those supporting the Arian heresy, sometimes resulting in deaths. For many Christians around the world ever since persecution has not been far away. When we think of our troubles and those of others we are reminded that there is purpose and an end to all this.

      We might also note the words of Our Lord, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Perhaps we sometimes feel that we would like the Kingdom to be a bit more visible. In fact, the Kingdom is seen in this world in the gathering of the faithful in all their diversity of age, abilities, states of life, health and wealth! We enter more fully into the Kingdom when we bother to notice those around us and be sensitive to their needs. The Synodal Pathway will continue to enable us to reflect on how we journey together in the Church, in our parish, in our diversity.

       We acknowledge Christ as our King when we make four priorities: private prayer, the Mass and Confession, looking out for the needs of others and always acting in accord with our informed conscience.

       The Church is indeed not an earthly kingdom or empire. Rather we are called to witness to Christ and give hope constantly to others. While the world lasts Christians will heed the words of Jesus, take up their cross every day and follow him.

       The Kingdom is here for us now, if we choose to enter. Jesus calls us into it and gives us his unfailing help when we accept his invitation – and Jesus Christ is rightfully King of “our” world. Our patriotism and loyalty to our rightful earthly monarch or president, and responsible citizenship of our country, only bear fruit when we remember that Christ reigns over all.

Dom Timothy Gorham OSB