THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF

THE UNIVERSE

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

MASS READINGS

MONDAY: DN1:1-6,8-20, DN3, LK 21:1-4

TUESDAY: DN2:31-45, PS 3, LK 21:5-11

WEDNESDAY: DN5:1-6,12-14,16-17,23-28, DN3,

LK 21:12-19

THURSDAY: ROM10:9-18, PS19, MT 4:18-22

FRIDAY: DN7:1-14, DN3, LK 21:29-33

SATURDAY: DN7:15-27, DN3, LK 21:34-36

NEXT SUNDAY: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

– RDGS: IS 63:16B-17,19B;64:2-7, PS 80, 1COR

1:3-9, MK 13:33-37

MASS INTENTIONS

MONDAY: KATHLEEN LESTER

TUESDAY: JIM RUMPZA

WEDNESDAY:DEC. MEM. OF ANDERSON/

FARRELL FAMILIES

THURSDAY:BRADLEY KING

FRIDAY:POOR SOULS

7:30:KATHLEEN LESTER

10:00:FRANKLIN & ELLEN PONTO

NOON:JIM RUMPZA

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

Bob Bennett. Dorothy Nelson. Bob Griffin. Barba-

ra Morris. (Zachary Thise, Bob Andrews, Jim Clark

& M.E. Walden). Marvin Anthrop. Barbara Hirsh.

(Norb & Mark FitzSimons, Larry White). Marian

Schwartz. (Churck Wallpe, Mike & Marge & Ann

Kirsch). Richardson & Nelson families

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

“…but the righteous to eternal life."

Of the many attacks Christianity has had to endure perhaps

none is more unfortunate than the notion that we just ig-

nore the world and focus our attention on a sort of blissful

afterlife, a kind of “pie in the sky when you die”. We

know that nothing can be further from the truth and yet,

truth be told, we still consider the reward when we most

likely should focus on the act of charity we think will

bring about the reward. As a matter of fact, the whole no-

tion of merit and reward should be reconsidered in the

light of the Gospel and not defined according to the ways

of the world. First, we were created to respond to the God

as his faithful children which means that the “commands”

found in Scripture were meant to be received not as a se-

ries of “do’s” and “don’t’ s” with more “don’t’s’” than

“do’s”. We were created to respond lovingly and as a re-

sult to fulfill our created destiny of living in a world with

an intimacy between God and the rest of creation, i.e.

Eden. Because of the Fall we found ourselves at odds

with everything, including ourselves. To make things

right, (righteousness) God has given us commands and “in

the fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4-7) he gave us his only be-

gotten Son to model for us and ultimately to be one with

us in bringing about the righteousness of the Kingdom

(Mt. 6:33). As we engage in this we gradually begin to

change, to become more like Christ (Gal. 2:20), Christ

lives in us and we begin to reflect the glory of the light

which has come into the world (John 3:19). Rather than

look at our actions as “meriting” rewards we begin to see

them as the result of our lives become conformed to the

will of the Father and in effect, the Father acknowledges

what he himself as brought about, (Gen. 1:31). In this way

we become acceptable to the Lord, we are recognized and

given a place in that King-

dom which we, through

our grace-filled loyalty

and love, have helped

bring about.

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF

THE UNIVERSE

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

~The Feast of Christ the King~

"That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those

that are in Heaven,

on earth and under the earth:

And that every tongue should confess that

the Lord Jesus Christ

is in the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:10-11

Christ Himself speaks of His Own kingly authority [see link for Bible Citations]: in His last

discourse, speaking of the rewards and punishments that will be the eternal lot of the just and

the damned; in His reply to the Roman magistrate, who asked Him publicly whether He were a

king or not; after His resurrection, when giving to His Apostles the mission of teaching and

Baptizing all nations, He took the opportunity to call Himself king, confirming the title public-

ly, and solemnly proclaimed that all power was given Him in Heaven and on earth. These

words can only be taken to indicate the greatness of his power, the infinite extent of His king-

dom. What wonder, then, that He Whom St. John calls the "prince of the kings of the earth" ap-

pears in the Apostle's vision of the future as He Who "hath on His garment and on His thigh

written 'King of kings and Lord of lords!'." It is Christ Whom the Father "hath appointed heir

of all things"; "for He must reign until at the end of the world He hath put all his enemies un-

der the feet of God and the Father."

It was surely right, then, in view of the common teaching of the sacred books, that the Catholic

Church, which is the kingdom of Christ on earth, destined to be spread among all men and all

nations, should with every token of veneration salute her Author and Founder in her annual lit-

urgy as King and Lord, and as King of Kings. And, in fact, she used these titles, giving expres-

sion with wonderful variety of language to one and the same concept, both in ancient psalmody

and in the Sacramentaries.

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF

THE UNIVERSE

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

Pope Pius XI instituted The Feast of Christ the King in 1925 for

the universal church in his encyclical Quas Primas. He connected

the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism. At the time

of Quas Primas, and many Christians (including Catholics) be-

gan to doubt Christ's authority and existence, as well as the

Church's power to continue Christ's authority. Pius XI, and the

rest of the Christian world, witnessed the rise of non-Christian

dictatorships in Europe, and saw Catholics being taken in by

these earthly leaders. Just as the Feast of Corpus Christi was in-

stituted when devotion to the Eucharist was at a low point, the

Feast of Christ the King was instituted during a time when re-

spect for Christ and the Church was waning, when the feast was

most needed. In fact, it is still needed today, as these problems

have not vanished, but instead have worsened.

Pius hoped the institution of the feast would have various effects.

They were:

1. That nations would see that the Church has the right to free-

dom, and immunity from the state (Quas Primas, 32).

2. That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give

respect to Christ (Quas Primas, 31).

3. That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the

celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign

in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies (Quas Primas, 33).

Today, the same distrust of authority exists, although the problem

has gotten worse. Individualism has been embraced to such an

extreme, that for many, the only authority is the individual self.

The idea of Christ as ruler is rejected in such a strongly individu-

alistic system. Also, many balk at the idea of kings and queens,

believing them to be oppressive. Some even reject the titles of

"lord" and "king" for Christ because they believe that such titles

are borrowed from oppressive systems of government. However

true these statements might be (some kings have been oppres-

sive), these individuals miss the point: Christ's kingship is one of

humility and service. Jesus said:

You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gen-

tiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority

over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever

wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever

wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son

of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his

life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-45, NAB).

and

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"... Jesus an-

swered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my king-

dom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to

keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my

kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a

king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born

and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth (John

18:33b, 36-37).

Thus, Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in

contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble ser-

vice, and commanded his followers to be servants as well. In

other passages of Scripture, his kingdom is tied to his suffering

and death. While Christ is coming to judge the nations, his

teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced

with radical love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. When we

celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive

ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose "loving-

kindness endures forever." Christ is the king that gives us true

freedom, freedom in Him. Thus we must never forget that Christ radically redefined and transformed the concept of king-ship. Christ the King Sunday used to be celebrated on the last Sun-

day of October, but since the calendar reforms of 1969, the

feast falls on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, which is the

Sunday before Advent. It is fitting that the feast celebrating

Christ's kingship is observed right before Advent, when we

liturgically wait for the promised Messiah (King).

History

The earliest Christians identified Jesus with the predicted Mes-

siah of the Jews. The Jewish word "messiah," and the Greek

word "Christ," both mean "anointed one," and came to refer to

the expected king who would deliver Israel from the hands of

the Romans. Christians believe that Jesus is this expected Mes-

siah. Unlike the messiah most Jews expected, Jesus came to

free all people, Jew and Gentile, and he did not come to free

them from the Romans, but from sin and death. Thus the king

of the Jews, and of the cosmos, does not rule over a kingdom of

this world.

Christians have long celebrated Jesus as Christ, and his reign as

King is celebrated to some degree in Advent (when Christians

wait for his second coming in glory), Christmas (when "born

this day is the King of the Jews"), Holy Week (when Christ is

the Crucified King), Easter (when Jesus is resurrected in power

and glory), and the Ascension (when Jesus returns to the glory

he had with the Father before the world was created). However,

Pius XI wanted to specifically commemorate Christ as king,

and instituted the feast in the Western calendar in 1925.

In the 21st century many Western Christians, Catholic and

Protestant, celebrate Christ the King Sunday, including Angli-

cans and Lutherans. Unfortunately, in some mainline Protestant

churches, "king" language is not popular, and the feast is down-

played. However, in a chaotic and unjust world that seems to

scorn any kind of authority, many Christians proudly celebrate

Christ the King Sunday, where the loving and merciful - and

just - king of the universe is praised and glorified.

HISTORY AND MEANING OF THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF

THE UNIVERSE

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

CHRIST THE KING, CHRIST

THE SERVANT by Rev. Colleen Woodley

The Celebration of Christ the King is the end of our liturgical

year. The readings and Gospel today present us with a stark con-

trast. The readings show Jesus as the “firstborn of creation” and

the “firstborn of the dead”, while the Gospel shows Jesus being

mocked by those who killed him, using the term “King of the

Jews” above his head as he dies.

As we prepare for the coming of the Advent Season, we under-

stand the premise that the infant Jesus is born into kingship, even

as a vulnerable, poor infant. So what is this kingship we are called

to celebrate? What is kingship in our day and age? If we consider

the use of inclusive language, kingship can be problematic. Here

in the U.S. we have never had a monarchy, so kingship is not a

term that we can relate to politically. Perhaps I am more comforta-

ble with the idea of leadership rather than kingship.

If we choose to use the term leadership, what is the picture of

leadership that we get when we look at Jesus? Certainly Jesus was

a teacher, he explained things, he healed people, and he admon-

ished those who he found to be in error. But Jesus also turned the

common image of leader on its head by the way he served others.

Jesus comforted those who were grieving, he fed the hungry, and

he washed the feet of both his friends and strangers. Jesus listened,

he understood people, and he stopped and recognized those who

had no prominence. Jesus was considerate, thoughtful, and com-

passionate. He knew when someone was in need of his help, his

care, and his attention. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus healed a woman

who had been hemorrhaging for years. Even without seeing her,

he sensed the healing power leaving him as the woman touched

his robe.

His servant’s heart, his healing power, and his leadership were

evident at all times. He was constantly considering and addressing

the needs of others, all others, and he acted on these considera-

tions.

The leadership that Jesus exhibited may remind us of leadership

shown by a parent or devoted caregiver, a physician or nurse, a

teacher. The care and attention that he gave to all of his followers,

no matter who they were, was his mission. He loved and cared for

all people, all those created in the image of God. He took their

needs and their faith in him personally, and made it his life’s

work. Jesus calls all of us to leadership as well. He calls us to lis-

ten and to be thoughtfully considerate of the needs of those around

us.

Leadership does not always refer to the boss, and it

doesn’t mean overarching power or dominance.

Youngsters lead, the elderly lead, those with limited

ability lead. In the Gospels, we see Jesus, who is

known from birth as a king and leader, in positions of

weakness and vulnerability. While this is an enigma,

it does paint a true picture of the authentic human

condition, in which Jesus fully participated.

As we reflect on the life of Jesus, certainly his divini-

ty as the son of God and his royal bloodline from

King David are reasons to honor his kingship and

know of his power. However, it may be the image of

servant leader that beckons us and finally calls us to

follow him. We are invited to listen to that call, to

serve, to lead, and to love.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is By: Henry W. Baker

The King of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am his

And he is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow,

My ransomed soul he leadeth

And, where the verdant pastures grow,

With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,

But yet in love he sought me

And on his shoulder gently laid

And home rejoicing brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill

With thee, dear Lord, beside me,

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spredst a table in my sight;

Thine unction grace bestoweth;

And, oh, what transport of delight

From thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never.

Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise

Within thy house forever.

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF

THE UNIVERSE

NOVEMBER 26, 2017

SUNDAY OFFERING: $8896

CCHD: $2126/BAKE SALE:$1300

BREAKFAST: $600

“FIND OUT HOW MUCH GOD HAS GIV-

EN YOU, AND FROM IT TAKE WHAT

YOU NEED; THE REMAINDER IS NEED-

ED BY OTHERS”

ST. AUGUSTINE

STEWARDSHIP BY THE BOOK: We celebrate

today what is popularly and traditionally called the

Feast of Christ the King. This is also the beginning of

the last week of our Catholic Liturgical Year, as the

New Year begins with Advent next Sunday. We often

mention that time is a gift to us; this idea of measuring

Church time is also a gift, but do we truly appreciate

it?

People tend to say “I go to church.” In reality, Christ

does not call us to “go” to church; He calls us to be

Church. We should live our lives in such a way that it

is clear we are Catholic and Christian and part of

Christ’s Kingdom, for He is our King. Were you aware

that the name “Christ” is a royal title in itself? In Greek

it means “the anointed king.”

St. Paul referred to the Lord as “king of kings and lord

of lords,” a phrase with which we are familiar. If we

accept Christ as our King, and if we live our lives as

His disciples and followers we are certainly part of His

Kingdom. Pope Pius XI instituted today’s solemnity in

1925 at a time when many countries were struggling

with total loyalty to secular royalty. Pius XI wanted

Catholics to recognize that their loyalty was to a higher

power, their spiritual king in heaven.

Pius XI wrote at that time, “For Jesus Christ reigns

over the minds of individuals by His teachings, in their

hearts by His love, in each one’s life by the living ac-

cording to His law and the imitating of His example.”

Schoenstatt of Indiana welcomes Sr. Ann Astell, Professor of Theology

at Notre Dame University to share the depth of Schoenstatt’s Founder

Fr. Joseph Kentenich’s childhood prayer, “Hail Mary for the sake of

your purity…” on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception,

Dec. 7, 2017 at 6PM at MCL Cafeteria. Meal is on your own followed

by Sister’s talk at 6:30pm.

The Saint Dunstan Schola presents

A GEORGE MALCOLM CENTENNIAL

Join us for a musical celebration of the one-hundredth anniversary of the birth of

George Malcolm, Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral and critically ac-

claimed harpsichordist. The two-part concert will feature music from both aspects

of his musical personality – the first half, in honor of the Advent season, will

feature the Saint Dunstan schola singing Malcolm’s Christus Natus Est – a setting

of the liturgical office of Matins for Christmas, interspersed with readings from

the Bible and the Church Fathers. The second half will feature special guest per-

former Dr. Rebecca Burkhart, professor of harpsichord at Ball State University,

performing some of Malcolm’s signature pieces – along with a few musical sur-

prises along the way. Saturday, December 16th…a light supper will be offered

after Mass with the concert to follow.

Free will offering to benefit the St. Matthew 25 Care-and-Share Soup Kitchen.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONS-DEC. 1, 5:00 EXPOSITION

AND OPPORTUNITY FOR CONFESSION TO 5:30 WITH

EVENING PRAYER, ADORATION AND BENEDICATION

OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT AND VENERATION OF

THE RELIC OF ST ANN WITH PATRONAL PRAYER…

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1FIRST FRIDAY

DEVOTIONS 5PM 2

3 SRE 4 5 SAA6PM/BT 6 7LOM,NOON BL

RCIA 6PM BL

8HDO MASSES

7/NOON/5PM 9

10 SRE 11 12 13 14LOM,NOON BL

RCIA 6PM BL

15 16

17BREAKFAST 18 19 20PARISH

COUNCIL-6PM

BT

21LOM,NOON BL

RCIA 6PM BL

22 23

24 25

7:30 “MASS AT DAWN”

9:30 “MASS AT DAY”

26 27 28LOM,NOON BL

RCIA 6PM BL

29 30

31NO SRE

THE HOLY FAMILY

CH-CHURCH

BL-BEHLER

BT-BENNETT

MH-MEMORIAL HALL

GROUPS, CONTACTS AND ACTIVI- TIES:

ACTION COMMUNITY, (SAA)ROSE KILLIAN ALLENDUF killianrm54@gmail.com

FINANCE COUNCIL, STEVE SCHILLING-steve_schilling@hotmail.com LEGION OF

MARY, (LOM) CHERYL RAYBURN Cheryl@stannli.comcastbiz.net PARISH COUNCIL,

SANDRA MCMAHON ssmcmahon1@comcast.net RCIA, TOM MATTINGLY

tpmatt@gmail.com RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, FR. DOMINIC domi-

nic@stannli.comcastbiz.net HOMEBOUND MINISTRY,(HM) KAREN HATKE kshat-

ke@yahoo.com

CONCERT OF

WORD & MUSIC-

Light supper in Memori-

al Hall after Mass fol-

lowed by Concert-Free

Will Offering to Mat-

thew 25 Soup Kitchen

24NO SRE

VIGIL 6PM

“MIDNIGHT MASS”

10:30 P.M.