CHRIST THE KING November 23, 2025

Despite the mockery and torture,

Our Lord remained majestic on the cross.

     He prayed for His executioners and forgave His enemies. He also showed His Kingship in His gracious recognition of the Good Thief’s prayer, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom”, by answering him, “Truly I say to you, this day you will be with Me in Paradise”. From this we learn what kind of King Our Lord is. He does not impose His authority on anyone, but invites us instead to recognize how willingly He lays down His life for His people.

     On this Sunday we pray especially for all young people, that they may recognise Christ as their King, and acknowledge His rule over their lives. For Jesus tells us that He is “gentle and humble of heart”, and He commands us with authority, yet without compulsion, freely to learn to be like Him.                              ~ Fr. Paul Dobson.     

                           World Youth Day 2025

     … The call to witness is not without challenge; it can be exhausting, discouraging and frustrating. Nevertheless, young people are called to give witness to God’s love without fear, to lift up the weary, and to give testimony that Christ’s kingdom is real, even amid times of struggle. To be a witness to God’s love and hope is to stand with Christ in mission. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus’ reign is revealed in service and sacrifice. He is a King who washes feet (Jn 13:1–15), welcomes the poor (Mt 25:31–46), and forgives enemies (Lk 23:34). We have a great opportunity to mirror the Kingship of Jesus Christ in our lives - through courage in proclaiming our faith, consistency in living the Gospel, and perseverance in standing for justice and dignity (cf. Christus Vivit, 174–178).

     ….. My dear Young People, I want you to know how precious you are in the eyes of God and of our archdiocesan family; you are blessed in so many ways; you have been gifted in numerous manners; you have enormous potential inside of you; you are under the gaze of the Lord Jesus; you have a mission to accomplish; you have the abundant life to live; you are loved. And we are here for you, accompanying you, challenging you, teaching you, encouraging you, loving you and walking with you. You are not alone - we care for you so very much.

         ~ excerpts from Cardinal Leo’s Message for World Youth Day - 23 November 2025