Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

This is from the column I wrote for our Church bulletin dated November 23, 2014.

The world of today seems to be much closer to us than ever before. We can see images of faraway places by just a few clicks on our computer or smart phone. We stay current in worldwide news through the Internet and watch our favorite movies over and over again on our mini pads. Videos of the latest disaster or merry moment are almost instantaneously available to us. We use our phones to check the weather before we leave our homes and we view and review our vacation destinations by web site.

These same devices that bring the world so close to us have caused many of us to disassociate ourselves from it. The world is at our fingertips yet many of us do not feel part of it anymore. The devises that make the world smaller also cut us off from its inhabitants. There is no need for interaction when everything we desire is at our fingertips. When we have no interaction with other people and places, we begin to separate ourselves from them. The problems we see others facing in different parts of the world become their problems not ours. The world does seem to be closer and smaller but is it more merciful and loving?

Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast day was established in 1925 by Pope Pius IX. It was created in response to a changing world view. People doubted the existence of God or the need for one. The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe should remind us that we are part of one kingdom. Though we may live in different parts of the world and have different cultures, we all are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Our King is King of the Universe. He is not a king that sits on his throne without regard for his people. Our King will not leave us to ourselves. He will seek us out and rescue those who call out to him. We hear in today’s readings that our King can be likened to a shepherd. He will attend his flock. He will search out all who have strayed and he will bind their wounds. Our God will give us rest and heal our illness.

Jesus has been given power to judge us all. Though king and judge, he is also our shepherd. He does not abandon us nor are we to abandon others. God created all of us. We are all citizens of God’s kingdom and we should live according to the precepts of our King, Jesus Christ. We are called to be merciful and loving. Our treatment of the people of God will decide if we inherit the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Discernment of the Internet

I try to stay current with Church news and events throughout the world.  I feel this helps me in my Diaconate and as an active Catholic practicing my faith.  I think we all should all be aware of what is going on in the universal Church.  I gleam most of my news from blogs and Catholic news on the internet.  I have found the one thing that attracts the most attention in blogs and on Catholic news sites are stories about Pope Frances.  This is especially true when he grants spontaneous interviews.  I like these types of interviews.  They seem to give a truer portrayal of the faith of Pope Frances.  I noticed over time though how some bloggers immediately write a post trying to explain the meaning behind the words of Pope Frances.  Others immediately denounce his words and decried the fate of the Catholic Church.  Some writers try to shade their comments but the negativism still comes through.

I need to remember that God has given us free will and this includes disagreeing with the thoughts and writings of others.  I do lament the lack of any attempt by some writers to search for a more spiritual meanings to the words of Pope Frances.   Some writers immediately take his words at face value never considering that he may be deliberately calling us to examine our own Catholic faith and actions.  Pope Frances could also be evangelizing others by given them the opportunity to reexamine their own faith in the light of Catholic teachings.  Some writers assign a meaning to his words as if only they themselves know the heart and mind of Pope Frances.

It would be good to remember that blogs, including this one, express opinions only.  The posts are thoughts, opinions and interpretations by the writer.  There are very good blogs on the web that convey excellent Catholic spirituality.  There are many good news websites that report Catholic news with personal commentary clearly labeled.  I recommend we stay current in Church news but remember a college degree or a job description does not necessarily make one an expert.

Continue to search the internet for Catholic news and aids to spiritual growth.  I would recommend you respect the writings and thoughts of others while forming your own opinions.  Always keep yourself open to the Holy Spirit.  Discern what you read in the light of the teachings of Jesus Christ and Church.  The prayer of St. Isidore of Seville, Patron Saint of the Internet.

Almighty and eternal God, 
who created us in Thine image and bade us to seek after all that is good, true and beautiful, 

especially in the divine person of Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 

grant, we beseech Thee, 

that, through the intercession of Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor, 

during our journeys through the internet 

we will direct our hands and eyes only to that which is pleasing to Thee 

and treat with charity and patience all those souls whom we encounter. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

 Amen.