From The Bishop

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. “Christ the King” marks the end of the liturgical year. The Readings offer us some insights as we begin a new liturgical season and a Jubilee Year of Mercy. In both the Gospel of St. Mark and the Second Reading (Book of Revelation), reference is made to Jesus who is the faithful witness to the truth. In speaking with Pontius Pilate, Jesus answers the question, “So you are a king?” He responds, “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” In the Second Reading, St. John states, “Jesus Christ is the faithful witness…..” We are all aware of what Pope Benedict described as the “Dictatorship of Relativism”. Here there is no absolute truth, everything is relative. Personal opinion reigns supreme in this kingdom. In the Kingdom of God, it is the truth that will set us free. Our Holy Father Pope Francis has instituted a Jubilee Year of Mercy beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). In the kingdom of personal opinion, there is tendency to believe that mercy trumps truth. This is seen very clearly in many of the moral issues we face today. Jesus who is the face of mercy never compromised the truth; he could not. As He said to Pontius Pilate, “I came into this world to testify to the truth.” Let us do the same with great love and mercy.