Gospel for November 20 2022 – Luke 23: 35-43
Gospel Reflections for November 20 2022
Get me the Manager!
You might hear that a lot now as the Christmas shopping season starts.
Tensions can escalate in crowded stores and sometimes impatient customers want help from the boss. I once saw a customer angrily do this, but was greatly impressed how quickly a wise store manager diffused and solved the situation. How wonderful if there were thousands of store managers like this, for your own needs, for your family in a crisis, or even our nation during contentious political campaigns.
We like to talk directly to the boss because we want results. People like to connect right away to the person who can solve the problem …and right now!
Today is the Feast of Christ the King. It expresses the same desire of that customer, and affirms that you now know just where to go for the deepest needs of your soul.
Good leaders provide what you want, or tell you how to get it yourself. Our Lord does both. While He can instantly provide virtues like hope, courage, and compassion, He also invites you to follow His words and deeds every day, and apply them to your problems for the wisdom to solve them. We need to bring this heavenly “Manager” to every store and home and especially our nation during this Christmas season!
People often realize that their life has fallen short in some way. Perhaps things have not turned out the way you would have liked because of mistakes made. Regret for past mistakes is one of the hardest human emotions to have. That is often a lonely place to be, and you might feel you have no one on your side. This Sunday offers new hope.
Our Lord is only interested in your present moment now …where you can make better decisions today …and in your more hope filled future …and not your past. Infinite mercy is yours simply for your promise of a changed life, and that you will no longer engage in those old mistakes or sinful behaviors.
This Sunday affirms that Christ is your Lord, and has the power to make all things new. Today is the day to ask for His help.
The Feast of Christ the King reaffirms that Our Lord will always be with you in every circumstance of your life, and especially when you cry out for mercy.
You can always call on this Heavenly Manager for your deepest needs.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Your synopsis of today’s gospel touches the heart and soul of our relationship to Christ the King and His love. Thank you for this important reminder!
Have a beautiful, happy Thanksgiving and welcome home.
God bless you and the work you do….
Kathleen
Dear Father Dave, What a precious, beautiful miracle of Love we have in our Jesus!!!! Love our precious Jesus!!! A beautiful Celebration to you our Jesus!!! You are our Christ, our King!! We all soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo love you!!!! You are our life and we loveeeeeee you for your love and sacrifice!!!May we bring love and joy to others in living your Love!!! and Father Dave thank you for being a precious example of our Jesus’ loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! A beautiful Thanksgiving to you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
I agree with Franca And Dick in appreciation of your way of explanation of Christ the Kimg. Bringing the example down to a Department Store Boss makes it easier to understand.
King of the Universe is difficult to imagine but the way you put it is easier to understand.
We wish you and your Parish a very Happy and Holy Thanksgiving.
Tom n Diane Altadena.
Thank-You Fr. Dave, you make everything so clear and simple. And your reflections are also a lot of fun to read!