In the Catholic Church, today is the final Sunday of the liturgical year. This means that it is the last Sunday before we begin the celebration of Advent and the four-week countdown to Christmas Day.
The “liturgical year” takes us through the cycles in the life of Jesus Christ including that Advent and Christmas period, through Lent and Easter, and on through the remainder of the year, or what is known as Ordinary Time.
This final Sunday of Ordinary Time is celebrated as the Solemnity of Christ the King. This week we particularly recognize His kingship over all of creation. All creatures, angels and men alike, are called to recognize his dominion.
This has always been an important distinction for me, and one that I think can help many of those who, for whatever reason, have either abandoned the Church or never embraced it in the first place.
All men who do and who ever have presided over Jesus’ flock as leaders of the Church are just that, men. This means all – the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Reverends, Deacons, Nuns. They are all humans, and as such, are susceptible to error and sin.
You may, as I have at times, disagree with something that the Pope says, some edict that he passes along, some place that he journeys, a world leader with whom he visits, some group for whom he expresses support. That is no reason to turn away from the Church.
Maybe some Priest denied you a request, placed some burden upon you that you were unwilling to bear. Perhaps even worse, actually hurt you, physically or emotionally, in some way. I would put it to you that is no reason to turn away from the Church.
The phrase that I have always related is “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”
None of those men or women is the ultimate authority. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Period.
So, if you have been away from the Church, I urge you to reconsider your faith. I’m not necessarily urging you to come back to the building or to a formal service. What I am asking is that you consider prayer. Open your heart again. Pray, in your own place, on your own time.
In your prayers, ask the Lord to heal your heart and spirit. Ask Him to forgive anyone who may have hurt you. Ask Him to forgive you for whatever past mistakes you have made. Times that you have hurt others and even yourself. And ask Him to especially forgive you for being away.
Begin to pray regularly. Make it a part of your every day. I pray every day when I first wake up and every night before going to sleep, and often a number of times in between.
As you begin to return regular prayer into your life the Holy Spirit will reawaken your faith. It is inevitable.
At a point where you feel it, give a return to His house a try once again. Look up the times for your preferred local church services. Make a plan and stick to it, a plan to actually come back.
You are not coming back for any member of clergy. You are coming back to recognize and honor that legitimate Head of our Church. Come back to Christ, the King.
MORE FAITH
1.01.25 – There’s something about Mary
2.26.23 – Obedience of the One
8.28.22 – Don’t be afraid to humble yourself
12.12.21 – Threshing, winnowing, and you
11.29.20 – Advent: A time for anticipation
MATT VEASEY 