From pastor’s desk on the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year C
There are two themes for this week: the Solemnity of Christ the King, and the celebration of Thanksgiving. The first theme pertains to the celebration that occurs on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, which is the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. Notice that in the title of this solemnity Our Lord Jesus is recognized not just as a king of any land, but He is the King of the Universe, that is, of the entire created world, visible and invisible. This means that He rules over all dominions in the entire universe:
“For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:15-16)
A while ago I read a purely speculative article on whether Jesus could be a Savior of humans only or of any creature in the entire cosmos. The answer was quite straightforward. Even if there were other extraterrestrial beings somewhere out there in the universe, Jesus is still the Lord and Savior of all. The Biblical premise behind this is: the entire creation has been affected by sin and expects redemption (see Romans 8:20-22). And since Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15), only He can do the mission of saving all living creatures from the eternal perdition, for “there is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Although sometimes what we see in the world seems to be contrary to what we believe about Jesus’s power—there are still many wars, injustice, suffering, and evil—nonetheless, we believe that it is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Most High, who rules from the Cross with the rule of Love, not terror like the earthly rulers do. Lord Jesus conquers all things by the power of His obedience and the love He demonstrated on the Cross while giving His life as “the ransom of many”:
“For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven” (Col 1:19-20).
Thus, on this particular Sunday we acknowledge that there is only One Savior, the Son of God, who has appeared in the human form on earth and it is Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King of the Universe. Through His sacrifice on the Cross He has conquered all the evil powers and established a kingdom that will have no end, the Eternal Kingdom that grows quietly in human hearts, which know how to serve God without fear. This Kingdom then appears in Jesus and His followers and is present visibly on earth as the Church and in heaven as the Heavenly Jerusalem.
The second theme of this week is thanksgiving. As we sit down at our tables to celebrate a Thanksgiving meal with our family and friends, let us remember the many things we have received from God, who is a loving and providential Father. First, we thank God for our life and family, then for the countless opportunities, relationships, and gifts as simple as running water in our faucets, or a roof over our heads. Then, thank God for the peace and security in our country. Finally, thank God for the salvation in Christ and for His Church on earth. Perhaps, this last thing is the greatest gift we have received from the Lord, for it is a gift of God’s infinite love for the fallen humanity, whom God never abandoned.
In the context of Thanksgiving Day, let us not forget about the less fortunate among us, those who do not have enough means to live well and to prosper. As God showers His blessings upon us, so too may we share them generously with others.
Happy Thanksgiving. Blessings upon your families and friends.
Fr. Janusz Mocarski, Pastor