Many Ways to Give Thanks to Christ, King of the Universe

Many Ways to Give Thanks to Christ, King of the Universe
 

To understand and appreciate today’s triumphant feast at the end of the church year, we need to avoid a common misunderstanding of this solemnity’s title, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” It is far less about Jesus being like a human king, and far more about who we acknowledge as the ultimate “king” of our lives: Our Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully this will put our readings and all the rest of the ideas about this celebration in perspective.

This week we also give thanks for the unity in Christian faith that is shared by all who follow Christ and pray for that unity to grow stronger. This year our Collaborative Parishes are honored to host on Tuesday before Thanksgiving the primary ecumenical celebration in our KP regional towns each year. This year the Service of Thanksgiving will be at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, November 26, at St. Mary church, Wrentham. Please join me and other clergy & parishioners from our parishes and neighboring churches to show our unity in recognizing that our Thanksgiving is ultimately directed to God as creator and ruler of all things. You are invited to bring non-perishable food items or cash donation to be shared among the food pantries in the three towns.

In addition, we celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving at two times in our Collaborative: Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 24) at 7pm in St. Martha church, and Thanksgiving Morning (Nov. 25) at 9am in St. Mary church. Please bring some food for your Thanksgiving table (such as bread, pie, wine, etc.) to be blessed at each of these Thanksgiving Masses.

Finally, next weekend begins not only the “high shopping season” but also (and more importantly) the beautiful Season of Advent. Your Christmas will be that much more meaningful if you plan ahead to reserve a little time in this busy season for prayer and reflection. Opportunities include: using an Advent daily reflection book or website to start or end each day in prayer; the live celebration of Lessons and Carols, the “Jesu Bambino” blessing of the Christ Child at Masses, the Christmas Pageant, and an evening for Confession & Reconciliation are all being planned. Watch our website and bulletin for more information. 

Giving thanks for the gift of your faith that helps to give new life to mine all year round.

Fr. Joe