Dear Brethren,

Today we celebrate the 34th Sunday on the solemnity of Christ the King and World Youth Sunday. This solemnity was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. When quizzed by Pilate whether he was a king Jesus replied that indeed he was a king but his kingdom was not of this world. Christ comes to us as the king of our hearts and minds so as to set us free from the slavery of sin and death. He came as a “faithful witness” to the truth (Rev. 1:5). Christ came into the world to establish God’s eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace; a kingdom of justice, love and peace. 

He invites us to join him to spread this kingdom by submitting to his Gospel message. He said: “Yes, I am a King. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice” (Jn 18:37). Let us, therefore, make an effort to listen to Christ and participate actively in his mission and kingdom. I wish you a graceful Advent, Christ-filled Christmas and blessed New Year 2025

Fr. Gerard M. Balinnya