CHRIST THE KING

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Welcome one and all as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. At the outset it may seem unusual in the way of the world that today’s Gospel reading is part of the Passion Narrative of Jesus Crucifixion. Are we not next Sunday heading into Advent and towards Christmas (a celebration of waiting and expectancy of the Incarnation)? Yet today’s marking of Christ the King gives the context and the on-going reason for being the church as we head into a new season and a new liturgical year. The readings for Christ the King remind us that the true Kingdom of God is not about wealth and status. It isn’t about being the biggest or the greatest of institutions, but it is about being faithful and modelling our lives on the life of Jesus. The Gospel sets before us an alternative kind of power; love for others and to care more about others than we do for ourselves. It is to identify ourselves with the lowly and needy of this world and to do so ultimately indiscriminately. Jesus loved and cared about all his neighbours from whatever walk of life they came from and whatever culture and creed. Our calling is to do likewise.

​To live by Christ’s example is the only thing that ultimately matters and we can do so amongst our families, nearby neighbours, friends and with those who are not personally known to us too.

May you journey well with Christ this week.
​
​Fr Ian