We warmly welcome back Fr. Pleban to Holy Cross as I am attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. Today, the final Sunday of the liturgical year, the parable in the Gospel proclamation presents a scene from the Last Judgment. There, the Son of Man separates those before him based upon the good they have done during their lives. Notably absent among the qualifications for attaining the kingdom are wealth, power, or even prayer. As we celebrate Christ the King, let us pray to our heavenly father for the grace to serve God’s people and work to meet their needs. Then we too may be judged worthy to enter into God’s kingdom. The original motivation for this feast was to celebrate the dominion of Christ that transcends national boundaries and that makes war a sacrilege against Christ’s body. A powerful image! Today as at its inception, war and terrorism torment many areas of the world. Let us pray for these nations, and victims of war and terrorism.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. We will gather to celebrate the Eucharist at 9:00 AM. Thanksgiving Day is a day in which we pause in our busy lives to offer this prayer of gratitude for all God’s gifts. Even in the midst of hard times and unrest around the world, it is good to remember the Source of all, to give thanks, and to pray for those who suffer from war, want or injustice. Happy Thanksgiving!
Next Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, the Catholic Church will begin to implement the Third Roman Missal. Let us pray that this time is truly a time of spiritual renewal in the Church.
A very special "thank you" to Barry Premoshis, the Tree of Hope engineer and the following firemen who are members of Holy Cross for decorating the Tree of Hope this past Saturday: Bill Helman, Dave Barlock and Ken Reger. May God bless you for sharing your time with Holy Cross!
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want" reminds us that Jesus is always with us, guiding us, even when we feel lost.
Six rings are great but 7 would be heaven ... Go Steelers!
