This weekend I conclude this message series with the final homily focused on serving in God’s Kingdom. This indeed is GOOD NEWS!! This seven part message series has reminded me that God’s love is good news that we should embrace, celebrate and share. God is for us and not against us—He heals us, fills in the gaps, gives us eternity, helps us persevere through the joys and challenges in our lives and invites us to work with Him to build a kingdom of love and peace.
If you missed any of the series you can go to our website (chathamcatholic.ca) to watch or listen.
October 11/12 – GOD HEALS US
October 18/19 – GOD HEARS US & HELPS US
October 25/26 – THE POWER OF HUMILITY
November 1/2 – GOD GIVES US ETERNITY
November 8/9 – HEAVEN ON EARTH
November 15/16 – GOD HELPS US PERSEVERE
November 22/23 – BUILDING CHRIST’S KINGDOM
A DIFFERENT KIND OF KINGSHIP
There are many different ideas and images of kingship that we see in our world today. We have sports teams with this royal name—the Sacramento Kings (NBA team), LA Kings (NHL Team) and the Kansas City Royals (MLB Team). We have athletes like Pele (the king of soccer), Lebron James (called King James in the NBA), goalie Henrik Lundqvist (called King Henry in the NHL) and tennis player Rafael Nadal (the King of Clay).
We also have products and restaurants that use “king” in their advertising—Burger King (the king of fast-food restaurants—you can still get a cardboard crown there), Budweiser (the king of beers) Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (king of cheeses) and eggs (the king of superfoods). Let’s not forget Elvis as the “King of Rock & Roll” and of course King Charles III—Canada’s head of state.
All of the examples that I mentioned offer us a self-centred understanding of kingship rooted in personal achievement/success and profits. Jesus presents a very different kingship that is perfectly expressed in the gospel this weekend. The scene is of the crucifixion from Luke. As Jesus lays down his life to save humanity, he is mocked and ridiculed. He is challenged to save himself showing his royal power and authority. Jesus wears a crown of thorns instead of one made of gold and instead of a royal throne, he is nailed to a cross.
A real king seeks to protect his people offering them life, peace, joy and love. Christ shows that true kingship seeks to bring people hope and lift people up. Even in the midst of his greatest suffering, he tells the repentant thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
SHARING THE KINGDOM
Jesus is king of our hearts and our lives. He showed this most powerfully as he laid down his life to free us from sin and bring us eternal life. Christ also shares his power and authority with us so we can help build the kingdom and lead others to heaven. What an amazing privilege and grace. This happens when we are baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion. We are chosen and sent out as co-workers in the kingdom.
Working with Christ in building the kingdom is happening right here in our Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes in very powerful ways. I want to share a few recent experiences that are building God’s kingdom and not our own.
(1) GRIEVING LOSS EMBRACING HOPE RETREAT
This amazing retreat experience takes place in the fall and spring each year in our family of parishes. It gathers all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one recently or a long time ago to pray, share and understand the process of grieving more. Each of these retreats are powerful graces of God’s compassion as people support one another and realize God’s consoling love. Each retreat fills the hearts of the participants!!!
(2) DISCIPLE’S ROAD
This faith journey is for those who want to become Catholic, complete their sacraments or as Catholics, get a refresher on the fundamentals of faith. We offer this series three times a year welcoming, equipping and empowering everyone to be servants in God’s kingdom. These gatherings include amazing times of prayer, sharing, asking questions and getting to know one another. Everyone is transformed as we all learn and grow together becoming true disciples!
(3) GRADE 8 SYNODAL GATHERING
This past week we gathered 189 grade 8 students from our three elementary schools for Mass, lunch and sharing at St. Joseph Church and the Spirit & Life Centre. This was a chance to ask these amazing young people for their input and wisdom. We asked them—a) What is most important in their lives right now? (b) What are the challenges they face as young people today and (c) How can the Church help them live their faith? It was an amazing day!!! We are compiling the feedback that will help us better connect with our young people and adapt our ministry and outreach to support them together.
