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Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In today’s First Reading (2 Samuel 5:1-3), as the Israelites anoint David as King of Israel, they recognize not only his success in battle but also his call by God to shepherd God’s people. The Israelites welcome David as king because of his care for them – the same care he gave to the sheep of his father’s flock before God called him to kingship.
Jesus shows an even greater depth of care for his people in today’s Gospel (Luke 23:35-43). He is depicted not sitting majestically upon a royal throne, but rather hanging from a cross. He does not wear a crown of gold and jewels, but rather a crown of thorns. Thus, Jesus is most a king when he is dying upon the cross. Jesus dies for love of God’s people, to bring salvation and everlasting life to them. Even more, a short time before his agonizing death, he turns to the dying thief who was crucified next to him and encourages him with merciful words of assurance: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus’ majesty as the eternal God and King is matched by his love – a love that drove him to embrace a horrible death for our salvation. What does this incredible King call us to do? How can we serve Jesus, whose power and glory as God are matched only by the depth of his love? As Christians, we are baptized into his service – each of us called to serve Jesus and his kingdom in a unique way, according to our particular gifts, temperament, and circumstances. As King and as shepherd of our souls, Jesus calls us and reveals our role in his kingdom from one moment to the next –if we take the time to pray and listen to his voice.
On Thursday of this week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Family members who may live great distances apart try to come together for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is about families. Thanksgiving is also about turkey and stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and all the favorite side dishes that have been passed down from one generation to another. Thanksgiving is about watching football on TV, taking a walk in the autumn sunshine as the falling leaves rustle around your feet, visiting with neighbors, and Thanksgiving is about the afternoon nap to recover from the big dinner. And for some, Thanksgiving is about looking at all the advertising circulars and planning their shopping trips.
Let’s not forget that Thanksgiving is also about --- giving thanks! Regardless of any difficulties we may be facing, we can all take some time to recognize and appreciate the many blessings that God has put into our lives. We should express our thanks to God every day, but especially on this day. So, please, make it to Mass on Thanksgiving Day if you can. It’s not a Holy Day of Obligation. It’s really not even one of the official feast days of the Church. But it is a day when we, as Americans, can give thanks to God for so many things. Mass will be at 9:00 am on Thanksgiving morning, and those attending are invited to bring the bread and/or dinner rolls they will be using for Thanksgiving dinner to be blessed. The offertory collection from the Mass is used to help the poor in our community.
Thanksgiving blessings to everyone!
