Beloved Family:
The feast we observe this weekend, presently called “Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe,” was established by Pope Pius IX in 1925— 100 years ago. Originally, it was celebrated on the last Sunday of October, just before the Solemnity of All Saints. On either date, it is good to be reminded that not only do we await the triumphant return of Jesus Christ at the end of the ages; discipleship demands that we allow the Lord to be Sovereign of our hearts, of the totality of our lives. Further, his kingdom extends throughout the whole world. Here is a quotation from the encyclical instituting the feast:
The empire of our Redeemer embraces all men. To use the words of Our immortal predecessor, Pope Leo XIII: “His empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons who, though of right belonging to the Church, have been led astray by error, or have been cut off from her by schism, but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ.” Nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ. In Him is the salvation of the individual, in Him is the salvation of society…. If, therefore, the rulers of nations wish to preserve their authority, to promote and increase the prosperity of their countries, they will not neglect the public duty of reverence and obedience to the rule of Christ…. When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony. (Pius IX, Quas Primas 18–19)
On Monday of this past week, the Church honored Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231). Another example of a person achieving great heights of sanctity in a short life, Elizabeth was a woman of extraordinary faith and generosity. Widowed at a young age, she dedicated the remainder of her days to serving at a hospital established through her own resources. The collect for the Mass includes these words: O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and revered Christ in the poor…(emphasis mine).
This week’s social teaching month highlight is the dignity of the human person. We do not need to look far for opportunities to recognize and revere the poor. As has been included in the bulletin for a couple of weeks now, our local Homeward Bound day center and shelter is in continual need of volunteers to help make and serve dinners to those who enter their facility. I am aware of parishioners already involved in this work, and I am confident we can grow that number substantially.
Here we are…Thanksgiving week! The Mass on Thanksgiving morning has been a highlight for me, in all my years of priesthood. The worship that day is so clearly motivated not by servile obligation but a deep recognition that everything we have comes from the hand of God. Safe travels to all taking to the roads and airspace. Wherever you will be gathering and observing this holiday, may the interactions be truly blessed and may the level of testimony to God’s goodness surpass the number of dishes on our tables.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
