Dear Parishioners,
Every year, towards the end of November, we always have two important celebrations. One is a liturgical celebration, and the other is a federal holiday. I am talking about the Solemnity of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, and the observance of Thanksgiving, typically held on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Both celebrations invite us to reflect on gratitude, providence, and the sovereignty of Christ.
The Solemnity of Christ the King emphasizes the universal reign of Jesus as the King of kings. It marks the culmination of the Church’s liturgical year where the faithful acknowledge Christ's eternal kingship, which is rooted in love, justice, and truth rather than in military might or political power. For example, in our Gospel today, we hear Jesus tell Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). This solemn feast day calls Catholics to reflect on the nature of Christ’s kingship and how it differs from the power structures of this world. It invites believers to place their ultimate allegiance not in temporal rulers, but in Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is a secular holiday. It is deeply rooted in the American experience, yet also shares spiritual overtones of gratitude and reflection on God’s providence. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, share meals, and give thanks for the blessings of the year.
Even though it is a secular holiday, Catholics can see Thanksgiving as an opportunity to live out the spirit of the Solemnity of Christ the King by recognizing that all good things come from God. Just as Christ is acknowledged as the ultimate source of all kingship and dominion, so too are we invited to offer thanks for the blessings of health, family, freedom, and community. The intersection of these two observances—the Solemnity of Christ the King and Thanksgiving—invites believers to reflect on the kingship of Christ not just as a theological concept, but as a lived reality that inspires gratitude and a deeper commitment to justice, peace, and love in all areas of life. May you all have a blessed Solemnity of Christ the King and a happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Bill Duffert