Nov 30, 2025
Nov 22, 2025
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kindgom"
Luke 23: 35-43
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm
I recently saw the movie “Nuremberg.” I enjoy such films about true historical events and in my estimation, despite some expected Hollywood “adjustments” for dramatic effect, from what I understand, it stays very close to the actual tragic events and the book upon which it is based. The Second World War is quickly winding down, Hitler is dead and his Nazi Empire has been defeated. Now the main generals, directly responsible for horrendous human atrocities in the callous treatment of human beings, and principally the Holocaust the “Final Solution” in which 6 million Jews and others, were systematically exterminated in death camps, are arrested for sentencing. We know the outlines of this dark period in human history, and we pray will never be repeated.However, as I was walking out of the theatre and back to my car, one woman happened to catch up with me. She was a total stranger and wondered if I saw the movie. I said I did, and then she remarked, “It’s still happening today you know.” Sadly, I agreed with her and said simply, “we have to be extra vigilant.”
I use this example on this Sunday’s triumphant Feast Jesus
Christ King of the Universe. That’s quite a title indeed and one the likes of
Adolf Hitler and other cold and heartless dictators would have wanted. The film clearly brought out the shocking
arrogance of the general who was second in command after Hitler, Herman Goering.
But where is Hitler, Goering, and others like them today? Despite the cries to dispense
with any trial and just execute them in the most humiliating way, they were
found guilty and then eliminated. Have they conquered their enemies and taken
over the Universe? I think not. There is no reason to believe that those today
who are in the same mold, will ultimately be any more successful.
Today we conclude the liturgical year with the
celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It
is anything but a fairytale. The exalted title of King of the Universe may be
impressive and not without implications of grand things. In our Gospel reading,
perhaps like the victims of the Nazi’s, Jesus innocently hangs from a cross and
is treated like the most despicable of criminals.
Yet, by contrast, as victim he rises up and becomes Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of all humankind and of all creation. He has earned for our salvation, this right title which implies that in God, all things are under his rule.
The origin of this feast, which is relatively modern
was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI who guided the Church at a time when
Communism, Marxism, and the terror of the Nazi’s grabbed the world attention
with fantasies of world domination.
The names of Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler
all ruthless atheistic dictators are put down by the Church in proclaiming
Jesus Christ the only true ruler above all earthly rulers and powers. Pope Pius established this powerful feast for
all Christians to proclaim the Lord’s glory as the one and only true Lord and
ruler of the universe.
We have journeyed for months with the Lord through the
liturgical Ordinary Time and have reflected on Jesus’ instructions, parables,
miracle stories so this weekend we conclude that long yearly series, by an
acknowledgement of what it all means for us. Jesus, our teacher, wonder-worker,
and Savior is indeed “King” of all that is.
As we say in the Creed he is: “God from God; light from light; true
God from true God . . .”
With an image such as that we may feel more fear and trembling rather than any desire to gather close to this King. But the Gospel image this Sunday of this crucified “King of the Jews” is one that gives us pause. If Jesus is truly a King he certainly did not behave as one.
In the fourth century of Christianity, we find a
familiar quote from St. Cyril of Jerusalem about the reception of the Holy
Eucharist: “Make a throne of your hands in which to receive the King.” Clearly, the reception of Communion in
the hand was a familiar practice among Christians before these words were
spoken.
In the reception of Holy Communion, and we must always
remind ourselves of this truth, we do not receive a thing – a piece of
unleavened bread or a “wafer” as some have referred to. We receive a person –
the Lord Jesus Christ, our King in his true risen presence as St. Cyril reminds
us. This King now will sit upon the throne of our hands. Have you given that much thought? This God
incarnate rests in your hands and enters your body as food. As you receive the
Eucharist, whether priest, deacon or minister of communion they are essentially
invisible. It is Christ alone who we
encounter under the sign of bread and wine if offered.
He feeds us with his own person for the King is our
food. What sort of king would be so
concerned about his sheep, as we see King David called a shepherd in the first
reading, to be so invested in his subjects as to lay down his life for them?
What king has ever died for his citizens? Not an earthly one to be sure. In a
sense, today’s Feast reminds us that our earthly sense of human power, royalty
and prestige is not fitting when it comes to the fullest understanding of what
God has done for us in Jesus Christ the King.
However, from the cross, this Jesus speaks not words
of judgment or issues edicts and proclamations. Nor does he condemn those who
had tortured him or Pontius Pilate who handed him over to the executioners, or
the crowds who called for his death.
Rather he forgives them from his “throne,” the cross,
then he turns to the thief next to him and speaks words of mercy: “Amen, I
say to you, this day you will be with me in Paradise.” It is the food of
mercy and forgiveness to an act of faith in Jesus expressed by the thief: “Jesus,
remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
The cross was transformed to a throne of glory that leads to the resurrection. It shows us that this ruler, the Lord of our lives has come to break the hold of death and through a life of compassionate sacrificial service models for us what it means to be Lord and Savior. But, like the thief who hung next to him unless we see ourselves as sinners before this king of mercy, we will not understand what kind of royalty he is. We come, repentant for our sin, to encounter the living Christ.
This king feeds us with an invitation to gather with
him around an altar of mercy and love. As Pope Francis has put: “The Church
is a field hospital.” A place for
healing and comfort on the battlefield of our lives.
Like our upcoming Thanksgiving meals, our response is
to gather, to be thankful, to be nourished, and to go and feed others with the
good news of mercy and conversion.
How many are hungry that we never see? Though it may
feel a bit unusual at first, maybe an extra chair around your Thanksgiving
tables this Thursday could be added – a throne for the king who will feed you
with more than any table could ever hold. Make room for this shepherd, this
crucified Lord, this king risen in glory who feeds us.
------------------------------------
Let us pray:
Almighty ever-living God,
whose will is to restore all things,
in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,
grant that th whole creation, set free from slavery
may render your majesty service
and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
(Collect of Mass)
Nov 15, 2025
33rd Sunday - "Keep calm and carry on"
"Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom"
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111625.cfm
During the second World War the British Government launched a simple slogan: “Keep Calm and Carry on.”
It was meant to encourage people, while bombs fell over their cities. The message was obvious, don't give in to fear, be courageous, stay faithful and stay steady. The fact that the British Royal family stayed in London during the bombing rather than seeking safety away from the city, gave people all the more security in their words.
In many ways, today’s
Gospel as we quickly approach the end of the liturgical year, has Jesus giving similar advice. No doubt the Gospel
is disturbing. The images of “days blazing
like an oven,” which we hear in the first reading of the prophet Malachi. About
“wars and insurrections, famines, plagues, natural disasters, and mighty signs
coming from the sky,” in the Gospel, the thought may be to run for cover and
hope that you stay safe. Yet, Jesus
tells us to “keep calm and carry on.”
Not only that but Jesus warns of self-proclaimed
prophets of doom who warn us that the last days are coming at a precise date
and time of day. Some may wait with
bated breath, others may scoff, and many simply ignore such warnings dismissing
them as naive. Jesus advises, “Do not
follow them!”
The disturbing imagery we hear in the readings today
may at least bring confusion to our present-day ears. This doesn't sound like the good news that Jesus is expected to preach. As our Lord, is predicting
the future destruction of the sacred Temple in Jerusalem, it must have pained him
to speak these words both as the Son of God and as a faithful Jew.
Historically, what Luke describes in his Gospel as the
destruction of the sacred Temple of Jerusalem by the Romans would indeed take place in the year 70 A.D. Once
conquered, the Romans proudly confiscated the menorah, the sacred lamp stand,
from the Temple and carried it off triumphantly to Rome. Was this the end? For the Jewish people, it certainly seemed it was. That God had completely abandoned his chosen people and they were left with a destroyed nation.
Yet, it is not the end as such but rather the beginning of something new. Something greater, a new “Temple” in the person of Jesus’ own risen body and a new way of seeing God and our relationship to him. The old order is passing away and a new order begins so keep calm and carry on.
The natural order of things would tell us that transition times are not always clean and easy. In fact to uproot the old and plant the new can be a messy business. Think of natures own process or the universe and the powers of creation - new stars, new planets, the change of seasons. Rooting out a sinful and unhealthy habit or addiction and replacing it with something virtuous and healthy.
The words of Malichi provide a hopeful message in the
end: for those who remain faithful. “But
for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing
rays.” The healing rays of a renewed faith and a new hope in God through
his Son, who will rule the world with justice.
It indicates for us a kind of upheaval coming, a
profound change in the order of things and a new beginning, a new kingdom being
established. Who is the King? Christ
himself who will overturn the expectations of the old order to establish a new
order of things with Christ who will be he will be Savior of all. The source of all that is good and right.
So, the call of this time, then, is to be at peace and
to not fear. To trust in the end that no
matter what may come our way, we are called to do well. If we should worry about anything it might be
that I am so worried about things that I am doing nothing good or productive
either for others or for myself. That I may not carry out the work the Gospel
calls me to do. Rather, I must trust the words of Christ that if I am faithful
to the Gospel “not a hair of my head will be destroyed.”
I may find that I am grateful that God put me here in
this life, that he has given us the Holy Spirit, called us to a rich faith
community, his Body the Church, and given us many opportunities to live out the
Gospel in his service day by day and that he loves me more than I can imagine.
That he shares his living presence with us in the sacraments and in particular
the Holy Eucharist which is he - food for our journey through life. In other
words, carry on the work of the Gospel, do not be deterred by what may appear
the end of the road, but pick up and move forward in faithfulness. In the end,
it is not so much what and when the Lord, will return but rather most
importantly, when he comes what will he find us doing? Living out the Gospel
and the way in which God has called me through my way of life as a faithful
Christian, or one living in fear and doubt doing what I desire rather than making
the Lord the center of my life which takes away fear.
Now, that’s
good news no matter what other forces may come my way. The best antidote to the illness of too much
worry is to do the opposite, the work of the Gospel. To keep calm and carry on
the mission of the Gospel.
(Collect of Sunday: Roman Missal)
Nov 8, 2025
Feast of the Dedication of the Latern Basilica in Rome: A Church for All
John2: 13-22
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110925.cfm
O God, who were pleased to call your Church the Bride,
grant that the people that serves your name
may revere you, love you and follow you.
and may be led by you
to attain your promises in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Mass- Roman Missal)
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Cathedral Church in the Archdiocese of Rome - the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome who just happens to be Pope Leo XIV currently. It always falls on November 9th and so it does so on a Sunday this year. The Church feels it is important enough to interrupt the usual flow of the Ordinary time Masses, as we had last Sunday with All Souls Day.
All priests
appointed as Bishop's in a particular Diocese have a Cathedral Church in the
Diocese of which he is the Pastor of that Cathedral and by association, that
Cathedral becomes not only the Church of the local Bishop but also becomes the
Church, the gathering area for worship for all Catholics in that Diocese. Locally,
that is significant since the Bishop is our Chief Shepherd, he represents
leadership over all Catholics and his Cathedral then becomes symbolic of the
local Church, especially with his priests who promise “obedience and respect”
on the day of their ordination.
Now, imagine that on a global scale. If the local Bishop happens to be the
Universal Pastor of the Church, wouldn't his Cathedral be symbolic for all
Catholics around the world as it is in each Diocese for those Catholics. He is Chief Sheperd of the Global Catholic
Church, of which there are more than 1 billion members, and we join with him as
the Body of Christ gathered in prayer and worship. It's a powerful vision and one that draws us
together as beloved sons and daughters of Christ, for whom the Pope is the
Vicar of Christ on earth.
Well, that Cathedral Church for Pope Leo is not St.
Peter Basilica in the Vatican but rather one of the four major Basilicas in the
ancient city of Rome: Named after Christ the Savior and two co-patrons: St.
John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist (the Gospel writer and Apostle).
Our beautiful first reading from Ezekiel present the
image of water flowing from the Temple, THE place of worship for centuries for
the ancient Jews. Jesus himself
worshiped here and was presented as an infant to the Lord by Joseph and Mary.
The image has water flowing and flooding and bearing
fruit wherever it goes. New life
symbolic of grace coming from right worship.
What a rich image of the sacred space of a Church where we are all
invited to receive not only the grace of the sacraments, the living encounter
with Christ in the Eucharist, and are called to become a holy people to the
Lord.
It is no wonder, then, that our Gospel from John is
the scene of Jesus cleansing of the sacred space that had been violated by
merchants who turned holy things into objects of cheating, over pricing, and
violating sacred worship by their profane destruction of the sacred
Temple. As Jesus in is fury said, “.
. . stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” If you’ve ever seen the
Chosen and their depiction of this scene, you come to understand the just anger
that Jesus showed at this time.
This Basilica of St. John Lateran, then, is the oldest
of all the four major Basilica’s in Rome, at least 16 centuries and is given
the title: “Mother Church of all Christendom,” quite the honor. Twenty-eight
Pope’s are buried there, for a thousand years, it was the seat of Church
government until the Pope moved that to the Vatican in the 13th
century. It has been attacked, vandalized, burned twice, a place of baptisms
for all Romans for a thousand years. So,
these facts, and there are others, prove to us and profound symbolism of this
building for all Catholic Christians.
Thus, this building reminds us of what our parish
Churches are, sacred ground. A place, a
holy place set aside and dedicated, for an encounter with the living God as we
do during the liturgy and the celebration of other sacraments.
It creates a communion of persons, the Body of Christ,
a place of unity when all gather to meet the living God on holy ground.
So it is far more than just walls, adorned with beauty
but a living testimony to the living God that identifies his people and is the
ultimate one who makes that space holy: Jesus Christ our Savior.
Let us create a sacred space to meet the Church. Our parish churches that should be cared for
and supported, our homes where the family, the “domestic Church” gathers.