For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.
The Declaration of Independence speaks of our right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Nearly 250 years after those words helped to define our national values, the pursuit of these rights remains at the forefront of our minds as we struggle with modern day challenges to these rights. The document is the foundation to our identity as a nation, and we cannot lose sight of these inalienable rights. What is interesting to note, however, is that the Declaration was devoted not to the natural and inalienable right to freedom, but in opposition to the hegemony of monarchs. The Revolutionary War was not just a fight against the injustices of King George III; it was very much a fight against kingship itself. As a result of our American Revolution, the political significance of monarchs in the western world has been marginalized by representative, elected governments. The world today has no political use for kingly authority. So, what is a celebration of Christ that honors him as “King” all about? And how can we as Americans accept this imagery of Christ, if we reject worldly kingship?
The answer to the above is simply that we reject the concept of the sovereignty of one human being over another, and we embrace the sovereignty of God our Father and His Son. God’s sovereignty is one to which we freely assent rather than submit to by force or human law. We name Christ our King because his place has been won through his sacrificial love for us. And unlike political leaders, Christ the King comes in service to the truth, not in service to himself and the relative “truth” created by monarchs. In truth, we call Christ “King” because the victory he wins is not one of force but sacrificial love. We entrust ourselves to His kingship and free ourselves of the burdens of this life with a hopeful expectation of the Kingdom prepared for us. With loyalty and gratitude, we celebrate that Jesus Christ is King for us, and no person has claims of sovereignty over us.
GRATITUDE AND THANKS – As we look forward to our celebration of Thanksgiving weekend, I want to thank all who engaged in giving so that others may be blessed. Thanks to all who have made food donations to our Food Pantry. I thank Ann Hedgis, Sr. Carol Radosti, OP and all the volunteers of Parish Social Ministry for coordinating and disbursing all the food donations to those in need. I thank all those whose monetary contributions and ongoing financial commitment help us to do the work the Lord asked of us. Finally, I am thankful to the people of God, both volunteers and staff, who make this parish a true family dedicated to the mission of Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING MASS – On Thursday at 9:00 am, we will celebrate our annual Thanksgiving Day Mass. Thanks to John Buckel and all the members of our music ministry who are preparing for this special celebration.
Our offertory collection at the Thanksgiving Day Mass will once again be given to an organization called Friar Suppliers for their mission in Haiti which focuses on creating, building, and improving the living conditions of those in desperate need, as well as bringing hope through evangelization programs. www.friarsuppliers.org.
ADVENT WREATH – We enter the season of Advent next weekend, and, therefore, begin our faithful preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth. This year we will continue the tradition of inviting families and individuals to sign up for the lighting of our Advent Wreath at masses. The sign-up book can be found on the altar rail in front of the St. Joseph statue.
ADVENT ANGELS PROGRAM – The Family Mass Committee is coordinating our annual Advent Angel Gift Collection. The Advent Angels program gives the families of our parish an opportunity to help people who are less fortunate than themselves by giving with our hearts, with love and generosity. The collection will benefit the Outreach efforts here in the Massapequas at St. Rose of Lima and support the Church of the Resurrection in Farmingville. Please see the flyer in today’s bulletin for further information.
BLESSING OF THE CHURCH DOORS – Bishop John O. Barres will join us next week to celebrate the 12:00 pm mass and the blessing of the new doors to the church. Please plan on joining us if you can.
Peace,