Christ the King is a symbol of divine power rooted in love and mercy, not coercion. His Kingdom is not of this world but is established in hearts transformed by charity. This solemnity calls us to examine whose laws govern our hearts. Christ’s Kingdom grows as we live out His one commandment: to love one another through acts of charity.
On the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we proclaim our Lord as the ruler of all creation—of heaven, earth, and every soul. His Kingdom is not of this world but begins in hearts converted to His truth. As His Kingdom grows within us, we are called to bring His justice and mercy into every aspect of society, letting Him reign over our actions, laws, and institutions.
St. Boniface, the “Apostle of the Germans,” dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel in Central Europe during the 8th century. With unwavering zeal, he revitalized faith, confronted pagan practices, and strengthened Church unity. His missionary legacy, culminating in martyrdom, continues to inspire Christians today.
The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on the end times and upheavals, not only in the world but also in our personal lives. As the Gospel of Mark reminds us, spiritual alertness, hope, and the ability to read the signs of the times are essential to navigating challenges. Let us cultivate compassionate listening and remain steadfast in faith during life’s trials, trusting in the Lord’s ever-present assistance.
The Gospel for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mark 13:24-32) reminds us of Christ’s second coming and the fullness of God’s Kingdom. Rather than a source of fear, this hope calls us to joyful preparation and vigilant trust in God’s promise of eternal life. Let us live faithfully, savoring the Kingdom already present among us, as we await the consummation of all things in Christ.
Saint Bede, known as the Venerable, serves as a bridge between faith and history. A prolific scholar and devout monk, his works spanned Sacred Scripture, Church history, and liturgical theology, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in all things. Bede’s masterpiece, Ecclesiastical History of the English Peoples, not only secured his legacy as the “Father of English Historiography” but also highlighted the universal dimension of the Church, rooted in catholicity and apostolicity.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus introduces us to the humble faith of two poor widows whose generous hearts show true trust in God’s providence. From the widow of Zarephath who gave Elijah her last bit of bread to the widow at the temple who offered her final coins, we’re reminded that God values not the size of our gifts, but the love behind them. Through them, we learn that the true act of giving is when we offer God our whole selves in trust and humility.
Today’s Gospel shines a light on two widows whose lives serve as examples of absolute devotion. One, exploited by the society around her, is still able to give everything she has to God, trusting that He will provide. Jesus calls out the social injustices against these widows, contrasting their deep faith and humility with the empty piety of the powerful. Through her humble offering, the widow demonstrates the purest faith: a well-discerned, intentional choice to give everything, trusting in God’s provision.
The discovery of a 4th-century church in Artaxata by a team of Armenian and German archaeologists coincides with Pope Francis appointing Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian of the Armenian Catholic Church to the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches. This unearthed octagonal structure, likely one of Armenia’s earliest churches, dates back to a period shortly after Armenia embraced Christianity in 301 AD, making it the oldest Christian kingdom.
John Climacus, a revered Eastern Church Father, guides believers through “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” detailing a 30-step journey of spiritual ascent. His teachings, grounded in renunciation, struggle against passions, and deep love for God and others, resonate across centuries, emphasizing a path to spiritual peace and virtue that all Christians can aspire to.
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