Dear St. Raphael Parishioners,

Christ the Final Authority:   The gospel readings cycle through three years for this last Sunday in ordinary time.  This year’s reading does not mention Jesus as King, but it does refer to him seated on a glorious throne, a symbol of royal authority.  When we call Christ a King, we are referring to his authority, which is a higher authority than anything else on earth.  But the authority of Jesus Christ will only be recognized at the end of history, that is, at the end of the world.
 
Our human leaders, whether we call them kings, presidents or governors, are far from perfect.  Some people would say that is an understatement, no doubt.  Complaining about bad leaders is a universal human tendency.  Even our church leaders sometimes let us down.  The grace they received in ordination helps, but they are still human.  When we recognize Christ as King of all things, we are celebrating the one leader who is not subject to human weakness, and who will never fail us.
 
Knowing that Christ is Lord of all human history can give us consolation; we know that some day all injustice and evil will be put to right.  But God’s timeline also means we have a tremendous need for patient endurance.  Perfect justice will only come after all human history has played out, which is probably not for a long, long time.  In the meantime, the Church works for justice and truth as best it can within the ups and downs of history.  But the Church knows that a final day of perfect justice will come.  This gives us hope that sustains us, even when it seems evil is running rampant around us.
 
Training for New Altar Servers:  There will be a  short training session for new Altar Servers on Saturday December 2. We need more servers, so any students in Fifth grade through Eighth grade are encouraged to come, even if you have not previously signed up.  The session will be 2:00 pm at the church, and should take about one hour.  Present servers who want a refresher class are also welcome.
 
Last week of “Ordinary Time”:  This week gives us a chance to catch our breath before the many Advent activities get started.  Christmas tree sales by the Knights of Columbus continue this week at the intersection of US 45 and Route 173.  December 3 is the First Sunday of Advent.  The first two weeks of Advent we will see the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception, the ARS Cookie Walk, Simbang Gabi evening Mass, and the Children’s Nativity Pageant. Extra times for Confession will begin on the evening of Tuesday, December 12. So hold onto your hats and keep checking the bulletin, website or our special Advent mailing for the schedule!
 
God bless us all,
 
Fr. Matthew