Many Ways to Give Thanks to Christ, King of the Universe

Many Ways to Give

Thanks to Christ, King of the Universe

To understand and appreciate today’s triumphant feast at the end of the church year, we need to avoid a common misunderstanding of this solemnity’s title, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” It is far less about Jesus being like a human king, and far more about who we acknowledge as the ultimate “king” of our lives: Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our lives go off course if we let anything else take that “throne” in our hearts. Hopefully this will put our readings and all the rest of the ideas about this celebration in perspective.

 

This week we also give thanks for the ways we are united with all people who believe in God as we pray together for that respect and unity to grow stronger (especially among the Christian community, see John 17:20-23). This shared Service of Thanksgiving Interfaith Service is the principal inter-church celebration in our KP regional towns each year. This year it will be at the Federated Church of Norfolk (1 Union St., Norfolk) this Tuesday, November 25, starting at 7 pm and followed by fellowship and refreshments. Please join me and other clergy & parishioners from our PWC parishes and neighboring houses of worship to show our unity in recognizing that our Thanksgiving is ultimately directed to God as creator and ruler of all things. You are invited to bring a cash donation to be shared among the food pantries in the three towns.

 

In addition, we celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving at two times in our Collaborative: Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 26) at 6pm in St. Martha church, and Thanksgiving Morning (Nov. 27) at 9am in St. Mary church. Please bring some food to be blessed for your Thanksgiving table (such as bread, pie, wine, etc.) at each of these Thanksgiving Masses.

 

Finally, next weekend begins not only the “high shopping season” but also (and more importantly) the beautiful Season of Advent. Your Christmas will be that much more meaningful if you plan ahead to reserve a little time in this busy season for prayer and reflection. Opportunities include: using an Advent daily reflection book or website to start or end each day in prayer; one of our evening prayer services (Mary Queen of Peace, Lessons and Carols, Mary’s Garden Prayer Group, and Reconciliation), the “Jesu Bambino” blessing of the Christ Child at Masses, and the Christmas Pageant. Watch our website and bulletin for more information.

 

Giving thanks for the gift of your faith that helps to give new life to mine all year round,