Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Solemnity)
Our recent national government shutdown has yielded some truly sad, disturbing and gut-wrenching stories of many citizens who suffered across our nation. Stories of no paychecks or income received, foodbanks whose shelves eventually went bare, families who had to make decisions between food for the day and needed medications to stay healthy, knowing that fulfilling both was not an option. Travelers who could not travel by air, and for those who could might have feared for their lives due to overworked and unpaid air traffic controllers and their ability to monitor our skies. I heard one story of a SNAP recipient, a single woman, who gave a good share of her benefit to a neighbor who had to feed her three young children. Over the course of the last month, we have all heard these and similar stories.
The truth is, shutdown or no shutdown, people around us struggle and many cannot get a decent night of sleep due to their worries. These may not always be economic or financial; they could also be relational and/or environmental. I wonder how many people can say they really live in peace. I fear the number is fewer than I may think.
So how can we be of assistance to these brothers and sisters? In this day and time, that proposition may seem daunting. The task has become similar to moving a mountain from point “A” to point “B.” Yes, we can and should continue to do what we have done. Our parish has been very generous to the ministries we support, and as always, thank you for what you do. Please continue to do what you can. But also, as you go about our city taking care of your own business, there is more you can do. When you go to your grocery store, restaurant, service agency, or any other vender you patronize, you do not know the emotional status of that individual servicing you or what they are “carrying on their shoulders” that day. With this being the case, maybe the best service and “Christ-like” action is to be kind and understanding to them. Please “cut them a break” and be patient when your service request is not fulfilled according to your liking. The old saying that “the customer is always right” is not always the case. Yes, you should be treated fairly as a consumer, but life and circumstances do happen. I think that we would all admit that on our horrible days, the kind word or gesture can improve our attitude and make the day a bit brighter.
With so much in our economic and social life in flux these days, these simple acts of goodness do not solve the big problems, but they offer goodness. In closing this week, consider these two verses from the Scriptures:
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11