Th Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe

by Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.  |  11/26/2023  |  Pastor's Letter

A very warm and joyous welcome to the family members and friends who are in town this weekend for the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether you’re celebrating or sad about “The Territorial Cup” football game between Arizona State and the University of Arizona, I am really glad you’ve come to Mass with us at SJV and pray the Lord blesses you and your loved ones.

Most importantly, we are celebrating this weekend the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In a couple of weeks, on Dec. 12, thousands of our parishioners will cheer “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe, Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe, Long live Christ the King!), just as the great Cristero armies and martyrs did in Mexico in the 1920’s. We call Christ our King and rejoice in His victory over all sin, evil and death and His eternal Reign in Heaven. To us, His followers and subjects, Jesus has promised forgiveness and eternal life in paradise. As the old hymn “How Great Thou Art” sings:

“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation / And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. / Then I shall bow, in humble adoration / And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Matthew 25:31-46 is very clear on why Jesus will take us home to the Kingdom: for He was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, ill, and in prison, and we will have tended to Jesus’ needs in the least of His brothers and sisters. There are no clearer criteria in the Good Book for what will divide the blessed and the condemned at the Last Judgment.

And so, to paraphrase Joshua 24:15, as for us and our families, we will serve the Lord! Let us do so in prayer, works of mercy, sacraments, forgiving and always in love. God bless you all and have a great week!