Praised be Jesus Christ! Even though it was a month ago, I’ve been meaning to revisit the mid-April storm because it provides us with a “teachable moment.” Many congregations cancelled their Sunday services and some wondered why we did not. If the priest can make it to church, then he should celebrate Mass as scheduled, regardless of how many people come. After all, that’s why you pay us the big bucks! And the people who cannot make it should not feel guilty – God does not demand that we risk our lives to attend Mass on Sunday. But the “teachable moment” is to honestly answer this question: “Were you happy that you didn’t have to go to Mass because of the snowstorm?” This is a great way to see if we really love Jesus in the Eucharist or are merely going through the motions. Oh, and before I move on, another fair question is “Did you drive anywhere else that day?” Sometimes it’s interesting to note that the people who miss Mass because of bad roads somehow manage to attend other events under the same conditions. Before I go too far and incite my fan club into sending mail because they think they’re being judged (and isn’t that the great news?! Someday we’ll be judged by a Being who is all-just and supremely merciful – our excuses will melt away into nothingness and only the truth will remain), it behooves us to remember our graduates. To the class of 2018, we offer our prayers and a couple of pieces of unsolicited advice: first, “you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free,” (John 8:32). There are many counterfeits to the truth in this world. With God’s help, you can discover the truth that will challenge you but will also inspire you. This world insults your intelligence by claiming you’re easily manipulated by transparent scams and appeals to your insecurity. Be the person God made you to be and you’ll bring fire to the earth! And the second piece of advice flows from the fact that many of you will forget the first piece of advice: if you fail to live in the truth, God is a perfect Father, which is to say that He is merciful. Last weekend I shared an anecdote that reminds us of our Father’s love: At the end of Billy Graham's funeral a couple of months ago his daughter came up and delivered a short eulogy. She talked about her 1st marriage failing and the devastating divorce she endured. Then almost immediately afterwards someone introduced her to a widower. She was smitten from the start and even though her parents begged her to slow down and let them all get to know him better, she dug her heels in and stubbornly pushed forward, marrying him on New Year's Eve. She said she knew in a very short amount of time that she'd made a terrible mistake and it wasn't long before they separated because she was afraid of him. Driving home to her parents she was full of dread at what they would say... after all, she had rejected their advice and no doubt had embarrassed her father. When she pulled in the driveway her Dad was waiting outside for her. As she got out of the car Billy Graham embraced his daughter and said, "Welcome home." She knew then the love of God the Father - that He knows our shame, our guilt, our sins; but that He sent His Son that we might be forgiven and start again with the hope that comes from God. We’re proud of our graduates and will be praying for you in all of your future endeavors. And while there will be formidable challenges, this is maybe the best news of all; “Thank God we live in times such as these, that allow none of us to be mediocre.” God bless you, class of 2018!
May God send us the Holy Spirit, who consoles, challenges, and fortifies us for the road ahead! Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Stay Connected with Our ParishWelcome from Our PastorWelcome to Christ the King Catholic Church! Ever since 1938 this parish has been assisting souls in their quest for deeper union with God. Our mission statement is essentially found in the stained glass window above the main altar: “For Christ our King.” Insofar as God made us and we belong to Him, we have come to... Read More
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