Dear Parishioners,
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
With the liturgical year ending soon and Advent and Christmas close behind, I want to share with you the profound significance of the Solemnity of Christ the King on Nov. 26. This feast holds a special place within the heart of the Catholic Church and shows us what true stewardship is all about.
The Solemnity of Christ the King, observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, invites us to reflect on Christ’s universal kingship and reign over all creation. In a world often focused on power, control, and self-centeredness, this feast presents a countercultural message. It reminds us that Christ’s kingship is marked by self-sacrifice, humility, and service. Our Lord’s throne is not one of worldly grandeur but of the Cross, where He gave His life for our salvation.
This feast is a powerful reminder of the core values of Catholic stewardship. Stewardship means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God — our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives. Just as Christ entrusted His life for our sake, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts He has bestowed upon us. We are caretakers of His creation, called to use our resources wisely, generously, and in ways that bring about His kingdom on Earth.
Christ’s kingship and stewardship are deeply intertwined. By recognizing His authority over our lives, we acknowledge that our role as stewards is to use our gifts in accordance with His will. This means serving others, working for justice, promoting human dignity, and caring for the Earth and its resources. Our actions as faithful stewards should reflect the self-giving love that Christ displayed during His earthly life.
The Solemnity of Christ the King is an important day in the Catholic Church because it brings our focus back to the heart of our faith. It reminds us that Christ’s reign extends beyond the confines of time and space, touching every aspect of our existence. This feast challenges us to evaluate our lives in light of His kingship and to ask ourselves whether our choices and actions align with His teachings.
As we approach this solemn feast, let us take the opportunity to recommit ourselves to Christ and the principles of stewardship. May we strive to be faithful stewards of His grace, using our gifts to build a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world. Let us remember that Christ the King calls us not to a life of privilege but to a life of service, solidarity, and sacrificial love.
I invite you to join us in celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. Through our worship and reflection, may we be renewed in our dedication to Christ’s reign and to the active stewardship and discipleship He calls us to embrace.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Gary D. Kastl
Rector