Year of Mercy ends but mercy is forever

Published: November 18, 2016

This Sunday, Nov. 20, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It recognizes that Jesus is king and savior of all people. Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925 with his encyclical, "Quas Primas" ("In The First"). In this letter, he expressed deep concern for a growing secularism because many had "thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives" believing "these had no place either in private affairs or in politics."

The website for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explains that the Holy Father "recognized these related societal ills would breed increasing hostility against the Church. His encyclical reminds the faithful that while governments and philosophies come and go, Christ reigns as king forever."

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor echoed this teaching in his 2015 Christ the King homily: "Throughout the Gospels, Jesus proclaims the values of the Kingdom of God, which are very different from those of the kingdom of this world. And what are we told about Jesus’ kingship? Three things: it is eternal; it is universal; (and) it is founded on truth. Earthly governments come and go, but the Kingdom of God is everlasting."

Perhaps it is fitting that on the day we celebrate this great feast, we mark the closing of the Year of Mercy. Throughout this jubilee year, Pope Francis has led by example in performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy, exhibiting behavior not of this world, but of the Kingdom of God. As we have received mercy we are called to go forth and give it to those around us. It is a practice that should not end with the jubilee year.

The Year of Mercy holy doors that have been open since last December will all be closed by Sunday. Some, including the Diocese of Little Rock Holy Door at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, have already closed. It closed Nov. 13. Pope Francis will close the holy door at St. Peter Basilica in Rome on Nov. 20.

Bishop Taylor will celebrate the closing Mass for the Year of Mercy in our diocese at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock on Nov. 20. Several parishes across the diocese are also hosting closing events to mark the work done during the past 12 months to learn about and practice mercy. To find a list of these events, visit Arkansas Catholic.

On the Vatican Radio website, the feast of Christ the King is said to be "a summary of our lives as Christians." It is a reminder to give Jesus "the central place in our lives and to obey his commandment of love by sharing our blessings with all his needy children. Let us conclude the Church year by asking the Lord to help us serve the King of kings as he presents himself in those reaching out to us."

Collect Prayer for Christ the King

Prayer courtesy Catholic Culture

Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.