SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

My dear friends,
​
This weekend we celebrate the great solemnity of Christ the King.  As many of you know, I attended Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, New York.  This was always a wonderful celebration for the community to gather together in the greatest prayer of the church, the Mass.  It would also mark the beginning of the American Thanksgiving break.  So too do we give thanks, today and always.
 
As I say at every baptism, next to the gift of life, our faith is the greatest gift we could ever be given.  In many cases, that gift comes from our parents.  That faith stems from an ongoing and active relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  That Son is rich in love and mercy.  It is that love and mercy that we are called to share with others.  This can be both a challenge and opportunity.  Everyday, we hear about the great need, and that need is found right in our own community.  I was in awe last week when Deacon George spoke of the generosity of our community in giving to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Those donations provide for so many, the poor and the powerless.  These are the ones who our King identifies with the most.  Our King is not a king of wealth and power. 
 
Jesus states, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”  I will admit, I am still a work in progress.  Our Gospel from this weekend reminds us that when we die, we will be examined by a just judge; this is the particular judgement.  As our banners remind us, “Love God” and “Love Your Neighbour.”  How have we loved God, and how have we loved one another, our sister and brother?  How did we treat those in need, the least among us?
 
As a caring Roman Catholic community here at St. Julia, may we continue to care for those in need, for they are Christ in our midst.  May we turn to our Lord, Christ the King, for help and assistance.  May the Holy Spirit give us that nudge to see the need in our own backyard.  May we seek comfort in our faith, and know that we need not be afraid.  Everything we need for our salvation is given to us in Sacred Scripture, and each week we unpack it, together, and help one another along the way to bring it alive, to reveal Christ’s presence in our midst, all with the help of the Holy Spirit.
 
So how did we treat those who were hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked and imprisoned? 
 
Know of my prayers, today and always, and thank you for all that you do to care for those in need.
 
Fr. Greg

pRAYER TO CHRIST THE KING

​O Lord our God, you alone are the most holy king and ruler of all nations. 
We pray to you, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from you, O divine king, mercy, peace, justice and all good things.
Protect, O Lord our king, our families and the land of our birth. 
Guard us we pray most faithful one. 
Protect us from our enemies and from your just judgment.
Forgive us, O sovereign king, our sins against you.
Jesus, you are a king of mercy.
We have deserved your just judgment.
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us.
We trust in your great mercy.
O most awe-inspiring king, we bow before you and pray;
May your reign, your kingdom, be recognized on earth.
Amen.
 
Almighty and merciful God, you break the power of evil and make all things new in your son Jesus Christ, the king of the universe.  May all in heaven and earth acclaim your glory and never cease to praise you. 
 
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
 
Amen.