Dear Parishioners,
First, this Sunday we look to Christ as King of heaven and earth. This should be both exciting and consoling for us. The excitement comes when we consider that the day will come when God will be the only authority and power that exists. When that day comes, then we will truly sing: the battle is over, the strife is done, Christ has victoriously triumphed… God will gather all those who desire what is good, true, and beautiful around Himself as one family. There will be perfect harmony between all because each person has been purified of anything contrary to Godly love.
The consolation of Christ the King is that the struggle between good and evil is only temporary. Although it might seem long to us, this struggle is short from the perspective of eternity. It is comforting to know that God’s mercy and justice will prevail. This is not about revenge but instead restoring what is missing, just as Jesus declared with His Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:1-11). In the Beatitudes, for example, we are told that the pure of heart will see God and those who morn will be comforted. I encourage you to read that full passage, to ponder its meaning.
Second, as we look ahead to Thanksgiving this week, consider the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln in declaring this national day of “thanksgiving”. The Civil War had been raging for over two years and the number of people killed or wounded was staggering. The American people were hurting and losing hope. Abraham Lincoln knew he needed to do something to help the American people. His answer wasn’t an army of psychologists or federal programs, but simply to have the people give thanks. This required them to refocus on the good in their lives instead of the bad that was happening around them.
Abraham Lincoln was wise enough to realize that there is true healing and joy in giving thanks. That is why he declared a national day for doing so. I think all of us can do better at being grateful people. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the countless blessings and gifts that they enjoy as Americans every single day. Not seeing the daily blessings of God means we are missing God Himself! Every Mass that is celebrated is about giving thanks to God, and we even say it is our duty and salvation to do so! Being grateful is a choice and a mindset. It is an attitude that we have to decide to live. I pray that we do this and inspire others to do the same.
Gratefully,
Fr. Miller