Not long ago, I was called to a hospital to anoint a woman in her early 80s. She was dying, and visibly in pain. But what struck me most wasn’t her suffering — it was the atmosphere in the room. She had eight children and 30 foster kids, and many of them were gathered around her. You’d expect sorrow, fear, maybe even despair. But the room was filled with something else entirely — a quiet strength, a kind of sweetness. It was as if she was suffering not just with them, but for them. And they, in love, were suffering for her. The pain was real. But so was the peace. I didn’t want to run. I felt as if I was in a little paradise, beeping machines and all.
I think of that moment when I hear today’s Gospel. Jesus, hanging on the cross, doesn’t look like a king. But one of the crucified, dying men beside him sees through the suffering and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That word — remember — literally means to make someone a member again. He’s asking to be joined to Christ, to become part of his Body. And Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
He doesn’t say, “I’ll take your suffering away.” He says, “You will be with me.”
That’s the strange power of Christ the King. He doesn’t rule by avoiding suffering. He reigns by entering into it, and transforming it with love.
What are you suffering right now in your life? Likely you want it to stop. But if we are willing to suffer with him — paradise begins even today. — Father John Muir ©LPi
General Mass Notes
Welcome
Welcome to our Eucharistic Celebration on this Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
The intentions of this Mass are for all those in our special intention basket and...
Please stand for our procession.
Mass Intentions
Universal Prayer (Petitions)
A. For the Church, that we may grow in wisdom and insight when interpreting God’s laws in the changing circumstances of today’s world and apply them justly and compassionately, let us pray to the Lord.
B. For rulers of nations, that they may recognize that there is an authority above their own, and value honest deliberation and consultation in making decisions, let us pray to the Lord.
C. For all people whose rights and dignity are slighted by those in authority, especially for those imprisoned, oppressed, or persecuted, let us pray to the Lord.
D. That we may see Christ in all whom we meet and treat them in such a way that they may know that Christ is our king, let us pray to the Lord.
E. For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts; for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, and for (read all intentions from 1st page), let us pray to the Lord.
Announcements
1. Today we have our annual second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. This campaign provides funding to groups whose activities reflect Catholic moral and social teaching on human life and dignity. CCHD is an example of how the Catholic community reaches out to involve and support people who are poor in acting together to improve their lives, overcome injustice and escape poverty. We thank you for your generosity.
2. The Parish is selling Advent and Christmas reflection books. These books offer a simple yet enriching reflection for every day during Advent and Christmas. The books can be purchased in our Parish Center for 2 dollars.
3. Adult Confirmation registration will be this Tuesday, November 25 and Wednesday, November 26 from 7pm to 9pm in the Parish Center. Classes are held on Thursdays from January to April from 7pm to 9pm.
4. Our Men's ministry is having a food sale in the Madonna Plaza. We thank you for your support.
