CELEBRATING OUR FAITH

                This week we are celebrating two important feasts in our lives as people of God. Today is the Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the last Sunday of the Church year. Its official title is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. This solemnity was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 celebrating an aspect of Jesus’ identity rather than his life. Rather than recalling images of Jesus Christ dressed in kingly robes, the gospel proclaims him as king by the sign over his head on the cross (I.N.R.I.—JESUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.) Jesus did not live up to the expectations of the people of his time who expected a Messiah who was a descendent of King David and would free them from the Romans and establish a Jewish kingdom, like David did. Instead, Jesus led a simple life, teaching God’s mercy and forgiveness.

                This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We set aside this day in particular to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received throughout the year. Gratitude is an attitude that we should carry with us each day of the year. St. Paul encouraged people through his letter to the Colossians to “dedicate yourselves to thankfulness…” Every Sunday we gather to celebrate the Eucharist which also means thanksgiving. In this way the Church encourages us to be a people of Thanks every day, not just one day a year.