The Solemnity of Christ the King, which we celebrate today, marks the end of the Liturgical Year. Throughout the year the many mysteries of the Faith are expressed in the liturgy of the Church. It is fitting that at the end of the year (the Church year, not the calendar year) we acknowledge liturgically (in our worship) what we know will happen at the end of time. All the images expressed in theSacred Scriptures reflect the Kingly role of Jesus when He comes again. From the prophet Daniel we hear how “one like a Son of Man” comes and receives “dominion, glory, and kingship,” and that “His dominion is an everlasting dominion....” Jesus is not simply the “King of the Jews”, as Pilate supposes, since His kingdom is not of this world. Rather,He is truly the “King of kings”. Not just in the future, but right now! Is Jesus the Lord – the King – of your life? The liturgy of the Church provides for us the opportunity to reflect upon that question. May God strengthen you with His Grace to answer with an enthusiastic ‘Yes’!With this Feast of Christ the King we conclude the Year ofMark (Cycle B) and begin next Sunday with the Year of Luke(Cycle C). At SVdP we mark this change with the new“Sunday Word” missalette. At SSPP you will move the ribbon in the Lumen Christi Missal to the beginning of the book.Among the reasons SSPP purchased the LCM was that its very structure helps us understand the Liturgical Year: we progressSunday by Sunday through the LCM as we travel through theLiturgical Year, where the various mysteries of our Faith unfold for us. In both books (Sunday Word and LCM) in this coming year we will see it unfold through the eyes of St. Luke.With the new Liturgical Year beginning next Sunday, we will be providing for our parishioners a variety of resources to assist your spiritual growth. The Magnificat Advent Companion, The Word Among Us Advent issue, and The LittleBlue Book offer reflections for each day of Advent, articles, and Advent prayers. You will also receive this week myAdvent Letter with a calendar of events: mass times, confession schedule, and Advent Penance Services at all the area Churches. Have a Holy Advent!
May God bless you!
Fr. Schaller