Solemnity of Christ, Heart of the Universe

Today’s solemnity was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and is marked by the Catholic Church as well as many Protestant churches. It came about in the context of the rising nationalism, fascism and secularism in 1920s Europe. The intention was to remind Christians that their ultimate allegiance lay with Christ Jesus and to encounter him in our everyday lives by finding him in people that we see needing our help. The most urgent priority is to see the face of God in every human being and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Today’s gospel tells us where we can find him. But do we see? Do we want to see? It does involve risks and emerging from beyond our comfort zones.

Thirty Third Sunday of the Year 

When reading the scriptures, the backdrop must always begin with God’s loving presence, a God who is passionate about humanity. What we read, hear or experience must be held against this image especially when we read a parable such as the one today that depicts God like the master who locks a door to someone who has failed, made mistakes or done something foolish. The God of Jesus does not have unbending performance standards; who insists that our choices need be the right ones. 

32^nd Sunday of the Year

Today’s Gospel reminds us that God’s surprising presence can come upon us at any time. It is unpredictable. Surprise or unpredictability is an important way that God has chosen to be associated when calling or sending or encountering people. God in Jesus has been returning in the unpredictability of our times with the call to keep awake and be prepared for encounter with God. Life presents us with lots of unknowns and we need to be ready for them. Maya Angelou says: ‘Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.’