Christ the King: Gratitude, Witness, and Hope

11-23-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the great feast that crowns our liturgical year. On this day, the Church throughout the world proclaims that Jesus alone is the true source of all truth, beauty, and goodness. He is our peace, our wisdom, our light, and our mercy.

Yet Christ reigns in our lives only if we allow Him to. He is not a king who forces His will upon us, but one who gently invites us into His Kingdom of love. His rule is not of power or domination, but of compassion and grace. It's fascinating to recall that this feast was established less than a century ago, in 1925, by Pope Pius XI through his encyclical Quas Primas ("In the first"). The Holy Father instituted this feast as a bold response to the growing secularism and nationalism of the time, a reminder to all people and nations that Christ alone is King.

As we participate in our Eucharistic procession into the parking lot this weekend, may we remember that every Sunday we are sent forth to carry Christ into the world; to live as faithful witnesses in a culture that often resists His ways. With the faith and courage of the Mexican martyrs, let us boldly proclaim: ¡Viva Cristo Rey! Long live Christ the King, in our hearts, our families, and our world!

This coming Thursday, our nation pauses to celebrate Thanksgiving, a day to express gratitude in countless ways and traditions. At the heart of all thanksgiving, however, is God, the source of every blessing and the giver of life. For us as Catholics, thanksgiving is at the very center of our faith, for it is the meaning of the word Eucharist. Each time we gather for Mass, we are a people of gratitude, thanking God for creation, for redemption, and for the grace to live our call to holiness day by day.

I invite you to join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:00 a.m. Please consider bringing canned goods or non-perishable food items to present during the offertory, as a sign of our gratitude made visible in love for our neighbors in need. Baskets for financial offerings will also be available; all gifts will support families who need extra help this holiday season. Though this follows our recent St. Vincent de Paul collection, it beautifully connects our Eucharistic thanksgiving with concrete acts of charity in the total offering of all we are to the Lord.

I am deeply grateful to God for this parish community; for your generosity, faith, and commitment to living and sharing the Good News. You truly make Christ present in the world.

Next weekend we begin Advent, a sacred season of hope and renewal as we prepare for the coming of our Savior. We celebrate that the long-awaited prophecies have been fulfilled and that we live now in the time of salvation. We invite every parishioner to join us in an Advent prayer challenge called, Be Still. It will be our Advent theme to slow down, listen and find true peace in Jesus. Our center page in the bulletin has information on how to sign up as a member of our parish and be part of the Advent prayer challenge.

I encourage every family to have an Advent wreath or Advent calendar in your home, especially families with young children. These simple traditions help us bring the spirit of the season into our daily life. You'll also find many excellent Advent resources and video series for all ages on FORMED-a great way to grow in faith and joy as we await the coming of Christ.

May Christ the King of the Universe reign in your hearts and homes, and may His peace, hope, and joy fill you and your family this Thanksgiving, Advent season and always.

Peace and joy in Him,

Fr. Fred