As we prepare for the gift of the Holiday, Thanksgiving. We first conclude our Liturgical year, “year c” with the great Solemnity, Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. How fitting, as we prepare to be with family, and friends and give thanks.
We first, in prayer, pause and acknowledge, Jesus Christ as our King. This great solemnity is traced back to the papacy of Pope Pius XI. Jesus re-educates us, as to how to “define” a King. Through the lens of St. Luke, Jesus’ kingship is shown at the moment of His crucifixion. As Pope Emeritus – Benedict XVI reminds us, “precisely on the cross, Jesus is exalted at the very ‘height’ of God who is love. It is there that he can be ‘known.’ Jesus gives us life because He gives us God. He can give God because He Himself is one with God. From the One who ‘is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.” The Cross is a sign of both mystery and victory, and from the altar of the Cross Jesus shows us the power of His love, that through the key of the Cross the gates of heaven are open, and this is how we can give thanks in faith, on this Solemnity of Jesus Christ the King of the Universe.
On a practical note, may God bless you and your family on Thanksgiving. I pray it is a time of refreshment, joy, and peace!
May the Lord bless you,
Fr. Craig
READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2022
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
1st Reading—2 Samuel 5: 1-3—Because David was so loved as a leader, the elders of all the tribes anointed him king of Israel at Hebron. King David shepherded the people from then on.
Responsorial Psalm: — “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord; Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”
2nd Reading—Colossians 1: 12-20— God’s Son brought the people into the reign of forgiveness and love. He heads the body, the church, and has primacy in all things, making peace through the blood of his cross.
Gospel Acclamation—Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!”
Gospel—Luke 23: 35-43—The soldiers made fun of Jesus on the cross, offered him bitter wine, told him to save himself if he was the Christ, and told him to put an inscription over his head: “This is the King of the Jews.”
FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING - C - NOVEMBER 20, 2022 PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
1) Let us pray for the Church: God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, watch over the people who love you. Form us in the image of your Son, Jesus. We pray to the Lord…
2) Let us pray for the coming of the Kingdom: Ruler of the Universe, guide the nations in the search for peace. Help us build a society free from racial hatred and violence, where the life of every person is cherished and protected. We pray to the Lord…
3) Let us pray for those in need: Ever loving God, open our hearts and souls to justice so that we will speak and act in ways that will eliminate poverty and injustice throughout the world. We pray to the Lord…
4) Let us pray for sick and the suffering: Suffering Servant King, show your kindness to our brothers and sisters -- Kylie Nelson Gay Ribits Sister Anne Ann Angone Ashley Ruiz Larry Belt And for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray to the Lord…
5) Let us pray for our Mass Intentions: Eternal King, may eternal light shine upon our loved ones, especially –
(4:00 Mass) John Church, Frederick & Mariah Andre
(8:30 Mass) Richard Moon, Jonathan Davis (10:30 Mass) Patrick Mooney, Tyler Bonner, Dorothy Lehner We pray to the Lord…
ANNOUNCEMENTS—November 20, 2022
This is the last weekend that Right-to-Life Christmas Cards will be available for purchase. Please stop at the table in the Gathering Area.
Advent Wreaths are available for purchase in the gathering area.
Our Mass on Thanksgiving Day will be at 9:00 a.m. The Parish offices will be closed on Friday, November 25th.
Children, it’s time to sign up for the Children’s Christmas choir. This group will sing at the 4 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Mass. Please contact Julie. Our first practice is Sunday, November 27th immediately after the 10:30 Mass.
Fr. Craig is offering “A Walk Through the Mass” on Tuesday, November 22nd 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Solanus Hall.