November 24, 2024

Christ the King

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, OP

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

Happy Solemnity of Christ the King! This Sunday is the last one of this liturgical year, meaning next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. We end the year with Christ the King because He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. His Kingship is over His Kingdom, of which we are members as we follow His Gospel toward eternal life in heaven, the final point of all creation. And He is also the beginning as we enter the new liturgical year in the season of Advent, where we await His coming at Christmas. So let us center Christ in our lives this Advent season, for then we will know the true joy and peace of this Holiday time.

We also have Thanksgiving between these first and last Sundays. This is a time a cultivate the virtue of gratitude. The envy and entitlement that often marks modern culture are sure roads to depression and misery—do not fall into their traps! The old saying ‘compare, despair’ is true. Let us be thankful for what God has given us and what He has promised us, knowing that in this life we sometimes face the cross while awaiting our resurrection. That is the road to joy and peace: trusting in Christ and being thankful even for the difficulties we face because we know that Christ will make good on all His promises, for He is the Alpha and Omega, the true King.

God Bless,
Fr. Boniface