Solemnity of Christ the King -- Last Sunday of Liturgical year

November 21, 2010

The Solemnity of Christ the King
Last Sunday of the Liturgical Year

Incarnation Catholic Church
Priest: Father Mike

http://www.usccb.org/nab/112110.shtml

First reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 “Here we are, your bone and your flesh.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5 “I rejoiced when I heard them say, ‘Let us go unto the house of the Lord.’ ”
Second reading: Colossians 1: 12-22 “Give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.”
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 “ ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ “

Homily

Theme: A closer look into today’s second reading Colossians 1: 12-22

Today’s second reading talks about the affects of Christ.

In St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he states that ALL things are created in Him – “whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.”

We know that Christ is pervasive. There is nothing that is untouched by Him.

All will be presented before Christ at the end whether as Savior or as judge.

Christ as King

Requirements to be King:

Kingdom/Land: Christ’s Kingdom = Everything
Authority or Power over people: Christ’s power = offered freely, never forced
Inheritance: Christ’s inheritance = supernatural life

In the second reading, it states “in him were created all things in heaven and on earth.”
Worldly kings impose their power over all their people. Christ did not impose His power over us but offers it to us freely. He knocks but we have to be the ones to open the door and let Him in.
Christ gives us the ability to handle our struggles that we face in life. We can overcome anything that comes our way through Christ Jesus.

We are often deceived by the evil one and chase rainbows that are empty. All our material goods and wealth will not satisfy us.

Christ has everything that we need and more.

The second reading states, “in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.”

Let the love and mercy of Christ the King be our comfort.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday

October 3, 2010

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday
Church of the Incarnation, Sarasota, FL
Priest: Father Mike

First reading: Habakkuk 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4 "The rash on has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live."
Psalm 95: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Second reading: 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17: 5-10 "Increase your faith" "When you have done all you have been commanded say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.' "

Notes from Homily (Respect Life Sunday)

We can use the life of Christ as our example for respecting life.

Annunciation (Luke 1:31-35) This shows us the very beginning of life. From the very moment of conception, there is life within the mother's womb.

Visitation (Luke 1:41-44) This shows that even in the womb at the earliest stages of pregnancy there is life growing within the mother's womb.

Presentation at the temple (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38) Through Simeon and Anna's interactions with the infant Jesus we see a respect and dignity for the elderly and those who are advanced in years.

The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4: 1-42) It is through Christ's interaction with the woman at the well that we see a respect for all life regardless of gender but especially in the dignity of woman.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18: 12-14) It is through this parable that we learn a respect for those who are lost and seeking to return home again including the homeless and those who have no one to pray for them.

Jesus' interaction with the lepers. It is through this that we have a respect for those who are considered outcasts in our communities.

Jesus' interaction with the poor, downtrodden, and vulnerable. It is through this interaction that we see a respect for the sick and dying.

As we follow and look at the life of Jesus, we see and learn a respect for all life in all stages, backgrounds, status, and situations in life.