Gospel Reflections for November 20 2016: CHRIST THE KING
Get me the Manager!
You might hear that more 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 greatly impressed how quickly that 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 after a contentious campaign and election.
We like to talk directly to the boss because we want results now. People like to connect right away to the person who can solve the problem!
Today is the Feast of Christ the King. It expresses the same desire of that customer. You 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 go forward. We need to bring this heavenly “Manager” to every store and home and even our nation this Christmas season!
This Sunday also brings to a close the Year of Mercy that Pope Francis began for very good reasons. He understood well the challenging circumstances that you might find in your life today. 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 you have 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 future, 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 “Manager” for your deepest needs.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I loved this one, Fr. Dave….in fact I think it might be your best so far….
Happy Thankgiving from all of us. 🦃🙏🍷
You are welcome!
Love your beautiful thoughts Father Dave!!!!Love ,that infinite mercy is always ours with a promise of a changed life!! How precious is that!!! A faith where Jesus lives in us and we are forgiven with sincere sorrow and a changed life!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our Jesus sooooooooooooooooo much and His precious Mother!! He is the loving King of our hearts!! Have a beautiful Sunday in Jesus Divine Love!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
A most beautiful, precious Thanksgiving to you overflowing with God’s love for Jesus lives beautifully in YOU!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving Father Dave.
A Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Thank you for your beautiful reflections, Father Dave.. You are always spot on!
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving.
You are welcome!
Thank you Father Dave for your insightful reflection.
How different Jesus is from earthly kings!
He brings us love, peace and forgiveness, with us always in mind.
“He is the King of kings and Lord of lords”.
Other kings have come and gone, but Jesus is our King forever
He has my allegiance!.
Yes, we have only one Lord and King.
I loved what your reflection on this scripture. I listened today to a talk by a priest who was an exorcist. He reminded us of the cross and that Jesus died for us and the love of God for each soul.
Your reflection and his talk got me thinking of how we can get caught up in sin and confession is good to break any part of what we are holding on to. When our local Bishop talked about confession and our speaker today talked about it, it brought to me the realization of how important it really is (*this is coming from an x fundamentalist :-). He also talked about God’s great mercy and love for us. I have always told people that in psalm 139 God knits us together in our mother’s womb and anyone who knits or sews want their item displayed for all to see. That remind me that everyone is so loved by God as his personal workmanship.
Have a real blessed Thanksgiving to you and your Parish.
Thank you for your great reflection.
Thank you Father Dave for your meaningful and loving reflections on today’s Feast of Christ the King. .My fervent hope and prayer is that the suffering souls in our world be touched by the Hand of God with hope and love.
Let’s all pray for peace between nations and in the hearts of mankind.
Yes, that is a great prayer for this time.
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
Thank you! I wish you the same.
Thank you Father Dave for dedicating this beautiful reflection for the Closing of Year of Mercy! The Year of Mercy is closed, but “God’s mercy endures forever”. The reflection is so beautiful; the homily is even better. Thank you Father! Our St. Bruno is truly blessed because you are our pastor. Your homilies nurture our soul’s everyday and every weekend. Blessings!
Thank you! Yes, God’s mercy continues forever!