Who is the King in your life?
The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, concludes the
Liturgical Year. This feast is a powerful reminder that Jesus reigns not only as a
distant ruler but also as a loving and just leader who desires a personal, unique,
and significant relationship with each one of us.
Pontius Pilate a figure who is mentioned every Sunday in the Creed, is
remembered for a grave injustice: condemning Jesus to death despite knowing
His innocence. Pilate had the authority to prevent this wrongful act, yet he chose
to appease the crowd instead. How often do we, like Pilate, compromise our
values in the face of societal pressure? His encounter with Jesus compels us to
confront our willingness to stand for truth, especially in challenging
circumstances.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Pilate that He came to bear witness to the
truth. Pilate’s response, “Truth? What is that?” is a question that resonates
deeply in our contemporary world. In an age where truth can feel subjective and
elusive, we are called to seek a deeper understanding of what this truth means.
For Christians, truth is not merely a concept; it is found in the person of Jesus
Christ. He stated, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” emphasizing that truth
is relational. Engaging with Christ invites us to embrace His teachings and live
out the principles of love, justice, and mercy, inspiring us to seek truth in all
aspects of our lives, even in the most difficult situations.
Later this week we celebrate Thanksgiving, a day dedicated to gratitude and
reflection. On this day we are called to consider how Christ’s kingship shapes our
gratitude practice. Thanksgiving is not just about gathering with family and
friends, sharing meals, and counting our blessings; more importantly it is about
giving thanks to God, the source of all our gifts and blessings. We are invited to
reflect on the gifts God has bestowed upon us: our lives, our loved ones, and the
freedoms we enjoy as a Nation. This Thanksgiving, let us commit ourselves to
acts of kindness and service, reaching out to those less fortunate than us.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the
Universe, calls us to reflect on our relationship with truth and justice. It also
serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to celebrate this Thanksgiving with
hearts full of gratitude, ready to share our blessings and live out the truth of
Christ in our daily lives. May this Feast Day inspire us not only to reflect but also
to act on our reflections. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your
families for your presence and participation in our community. May this
Thanksgiving be a time of joy, reflection, and blessings for you and your loved
ones. Thank you for being a part of our journey.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor