-
Last Sunday of Ordinary Time is traditionally the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. To be honest I doubt Christ Jesus would desire such an exultant title. As quoted in John 6:15: “So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.” And in Jesus’ own words: “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” (Luke 22:27). Who did Jesus befriend, the wealthy, exultant, the powerful? Or was it individuals on the peripheral of society: Zacchaeus, Matthew the despised tax collector, blind Bartimaeus, Mary from Magdala, the ten lepers from Samaria, sheep herders, a woman with failed relationships, Lazarus, children who held no standing in society, and even choosing to bring into his fold and spend time with the man who would later betray him and commit suicide. His “kingship” is far different than our understanding of such earthly power, as His own words in today’s gospel passage remind us: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Though we have an affinity to the dignity of Queen Elizabeth and such royal tradition, our country’s Christian foundation and history suggest a disregard for a ruling monarchy. Likewise, I believe Christ Jesus would step back from the facade of ‘royalty.’ His “kingdom” if you will, is the truth of a God who has interceded within the lives of all humanity through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, bringing forth forgiveness and reconciliation, light and hope, and the purpose and dignity possible within each life conceived, intertwined within creation. Hopefully our conception of ‘power’ as Catholic- Christians is best encapsulated through this story of President Abraham Lincoln. A very young man in a military hospital had lost a leg and was sinking rapidly. Lincoln happened by, saw him, and offered to write a letter to his mother. When the boy finished dictating it, Lincoln added this postscript: “This letter was written by A. Lincoln.” When the boy read the finished letter and saw the postscript, he gazed at Lincoln and asked, “Are you our president?” Lincoln nodded and then asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you.” The boy said feebly, “I guess you might hold my hand and see me through.” As our parishes continue to offer gatherings and activities outside of Mass, the blessings of ‘community’ is slowly returning. Last Sunday Sacred Heart re-established their traditional “Swiss Steak Parish Dinner” while St. Malachy’s offered coffee, juice and rolls following Mass. Though we hope for more individuals and families to share in such gatherings we nonetheless are grateful for the opportunity to offer hospitality and ‘presence’ to those who come through our doors. And for the individuals who volunteer their time and hope, it is an outward grace of kindness and hope. As Bruce Springsteen is quoted as saying early in his career, “If there is just one in the audience or 50,000 I will play with the same intensity.” May we be grateful for the facilities, the volunteers and the faith to trust our gatherings of whatever size brings forth the same grace Jesus offered Martha and Mary. Thank you to the parents of those who will receive their First Reconciliation this Sunday, a Sacrament of healing and hope. May your faith and Christian values shared as a family—in your home and within our church—give you guidance and a spirit of graciousness. Blessings to all of you this Thanksgiving. May your gatherings and thoughts on this day set aside by President Lincoln inspire a presence of gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed. And thank you for your presence and faith shared within our parishes.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” (3rd, October, 1863 - Abraham Lincoln)
