Dear Friends,
Viva Christo Rey! Long live Christ the King!
There is a term out there to describe people living in the United States of America in the Year of our Lord 2021: WEIRD—Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic. Especially with regard to us being “educated,” we implicitly view ourselves as more enlightened than our ancestors and forefathers; “we know better and are wiser” than those who have come before us. Because of this, we look at adherents of pagan religions of yesteryear as unsophisticated. Many in society view religion on the decline. While the numbers of official Christians may be diminishing, we are living in a time when pagan religions are multiplying. No, it may not involve offerings and sacrifices to statues, nor do people burn incense to images of rulers or emperors, but nevertheless, a multitude of religions increases by the day.
These pagan religions are movements, causes, ideologies, events, and realities that claim first priority in our lives. Any of the above that shapes the way we think, demands our energy and time, and is most important to us has become a religion. Any of the above can demand strict adherence of orthodoxy to its doctrine; any above can demand us change the way we act, think, and live; any of the above can force us to give our lives completely “to the cause”: these items are the hallmarks of a religion. Anything that takes precedence over the living and true God, over our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, has become a religion. What are some examples of modern day pagan religions? Sports, especially youth athletics; climate alarmism; fitness and health obsession; money and career; videos games; and many more. It is even possible to claim to be Christian while still giving greater importance to other things.
We celebrate today the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This liturgical feast and day in the life of the Church keeps Deuteronomy 6 in front of us: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone!” It is our Lord Jesus Christ—our King—who should shape the way we think, live, and act. We ought to listen to Christ before anyone else, and it is His doctrine and orthodoxy to which we should strict adhere. Deuteronomy 6 continues, “Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.” It is Christ our King who deserves our first priority, our hearts, souls, and being. Jesus Christ is the only one capable of leading us beyond death, and it is the confrontation with death that brings us to any religion. Jesus has overcome death. As we celebrate this Solemnity of Christ the King, may we renew our radical commitment to Jesus Christ as our King and renew our commitment to be disciples, not of other religions.
The season of Advent approaches, beginning next week. It is a season of preparation for Christmas. Thinking about Advent and Christmas in connection with Christ the King, I will use this column for the following four Sundays to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the story of Christianity. Stories are powerful, capable of convincing us and influencing us. Perhaps this is why some follow the unofficial religions are today: they have been convinced by the storytelling of others. The good news of Jesus Christ should overwhelm us and move us to greater trust and greater devotion to Christ the King.
More broadly speaking, Advent will present more opportunities for Confession. I also recommend you engage in the Living Joy course from Chris Stefanick and Real Life Catholic, beginning on November 28. Information may be available in this bulletin, but should also be available via emails or other media. I will also offer Soup Suppers on Thursdays at Resurrection to discuss prayer and help any one interested in deepening their prayer life.
We are saints under construction, adhering to and adoring Jesus Christ, our King and our Lord. Have a great week!
In Christ,
Fr. Matt