HOMILY – NOVEMBER 24
FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
24 November 2019
We have only one, very short, document written about Jesus during his own lifetime: the inscription explaining the reason for his execution, nailed to the cross above his head at the order of Pontius Pilate. As we hear in today’s gospel, Luke quotes it as saying: “This is the King of the Jews.” Short as it was, it had the power to condemn Jesus to a cruel, painful death as a criminal, in fact, as an insurrectionist. The accusation, which the Gospel of John […]
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
On this, the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, the Church calls us to reflect on the kingship of Jesus Christ. His kingship is anticipated in the anointing of David as the king of Israel. In today’s first reading at Mass from 2 Samuel, we hear the Lord God say to David, “You shall shepherd my people Israel.” And, in the Gospel passage from Luke, we hear the Jewish rulers, who have just succeeded in having Jesus crucified, taunt him with “If you are the King of the Jews, […]
Monsignor Brouwers Homily – November 3
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 3, 2019
When Jesus started his mission, we hear his first message: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” And, throughout his public ministry, Jesus called people to repentance, to turning around and turning back to God. Today’s Gospel is one of the most dramatic examples of repentance and a story we should all listen to carefully, because it speaks to us; that’s why we have it proclaimed today. We’re all familiar with the story so it’s easy to […]