November 22-23, 2008
Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Ezekiel 32:11-17 Corinthians 15:20-28 Matthew 25:31-46
What’s that song say: ‘Every new beginning is some other beginning’s end?’ Thus, in order to embrace the fresh beginnings of Advent next weekend, this weekend we bring our present liturgical year to a close with our celebration of ‘Christ the King’. Much as the Presidential elections are followed by a period of transition, so too with our rhythms of Church life. Endings can be bitter-sweet; when the last smoke from the Fourth of July drifts away….we know it is over for another year. When Labor Day approaches we understand that the BEST of summer is behind us. When the needles on the Christmas tree are as brittle as kindling…we know it is time to embrace the New Year. The ending of this year invites us to consider what has occurred in our life since we began Advent in late 2007. Has anyone precious to us died or been stricken with serious illness? Has our employment changed? Have we relocated or moved? Has our circle of friends expanded or shrunk? Has our heart hardened or softened during the rough and tumble of these past 12 months? In the midst of it all, how has our awareness of God been affected? Has our relationship with Jesus grown, diminished or remained stagnant? Once we have considered the year now depleted, we anticipate the fullness of what is about to begin. What are our hopes for the New Year of Faith? How do we wish God to move in our life in the months to come? What are we willing to do in order to make that happen? Having learned from our mistakes of the past, what are we willing to do so as to avoid the same errors in the upcoming year? Another year has come and gone…and another year is about to dawn with fresh possibilities. Are we ready to let old beginnings end so that new beginnings may be born?
On the eve of Thanksgiving week, thank you for coming and sharing our Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian celebrations. If you offered to cook a turkey for tomorrow’s feast, you can claim your bird in the kitchen. Please return the cooked gobbler no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Tomorrow (Monday) is one of our most festive and wonderfully frenetic evenings, our Parish Thanksgiving Dinner! Come on down, bring some food to share and enjoy the evening with our parish family. Complete info and directions are in the Bulletin. Be advised that most people set up their table IMMEDIATELY AFTER the 12 Noon Mass, and most tables are claimed within a few hours! So…be wise…and come early to get a choice location for you and your family. The Bulletin has other info for the upcoming weeks, once Advent hits, we are on a short slide to Christmas. This week, as you gather with your family and friends, please know that YOU are amongst the gifts from God for which I am most grateful….HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Remember, you are loved! FKB
