Celebrating the Feast of Christ the King

Many came to experience the grace of Christ the King, during the Parish Feast day Triduum at the Chapel of Christ the King from Nov 23 to 25.

Fr John Gnanapiragasam from Cameron Highlands presided at the 6.00pm Mass with parish priest, Fr S. Stanilaus concelebrating.

Joining the assembly on the evening of Nov 25, were eight candidates for First Holy Communion.

Fr John preached in both English and Tamil. He shared about St Teresa of Calcutta, her convent and the Missionaries of Charities. After receiving the Eucharist, she would go out into the streets of Calcutta to minister to the sick and the abandoned. She received the poor, the neglected, the abandoned and the sick with the same respect that she received Jesus. In her own words, Mother Teresa spoke about her deep faith in Jesus leading to a very deep adoration and respect of Jesus.

As Fr John spoke about the feast of Christ the King (Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe), he said that everyday when we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Your kingdom come.” He asked the assembly if they understood what this word ‘kingdom’ means. Fr John mentioned the qualities of the kingdom outlined for us. “Lord you have come to establish a kingdom of love, of mercy, of peace and of justice.” He added, “When we use the word ‘kingdom,’ it refers to the reign of Jesus over His people with peace, love, justice and mercy. When we pray the Our Father, ‘Your kingdom come’…we believe God is our King and He reigns in our lives as our Lord.

Fr John added that God’s kingdom came with His peace, His love, His mercy, His Justice and His grace. We should take these qualities of His kingdom into our lives. That’s what Mother Teresa said: ‘Receive Christ in your life and receive the poor and abandoned in your life.’

Mother Teresa said, “Celebrate every Eucharist as your first, and as your best and as your last.” Fr John reiterated to the assembly to celebrate the Eucharist to encounter the passion and Resurrection of Jesus. These are privileges given us as Catholics.

Fr John also shared about Pope Francis who recently celebrated the Eucharist in St Peter’s Square where thousands were present. Many were excited to see the Pontiff but seem to have forgotten Jesus. The Pope told the people and even clergy and bishops to stop taking photographs of him during Mass. They must show reverence for Jesus present in the Eucharist. Fr John said it is a good reminder for all of us. He invited all to renew their faith and deep conviction that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

“It is easy to put out your tongue or your hand to receive Jesus during Communion, but more difficult to open your heart to take His Word in.”

Fr John quoted Jesus’ words from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46), “If you have not received the poor, the abandonment; you have failed to receive Me.”

He invited all to tell Jesus that they want to make His kingdom come, by making holiness, grace, justice and life real.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online