"For I was hungry and you gave me food"

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
"For I was hungry and you gave me food"
Issue Date: November 23, 2008 (34A)

BURNING QUESTION: Is Jesus and God the same?
FEATURED BLOG: Servant Kings
RECONCILIATION: Nobel Peace Prize Winner on Micro-credit’s Long Shadow
PASTORAL HISPANA: Cristo es el Rey del universo y de cada uno de nosotros

Dear Friends: We start our journey this week with Discussion Questions on the Sunday Readings for use by prayer groups or for individual prayer. This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Church year. Next week we will begin the new Church year, starting with Advent, our waiting for the birth of Jesus into the world.

“I believe in God, never hurt anybody - everyone knows I am good person, so I guess I’m in!” This Sunday’s gospel hints that lots of folks are in for an unpleasant surprise at the last judgement.

"God's Reign is for all People," Deacon Alex Jones says in his podcast homily. Father Cusick echoes that the kingdom of Christ, a reign of charity and peace, is for all - even those who have not heard of our King.

And like all good kings, Christ the King modeled how to live in His kingdom. Fr. Clyde A. Bonar explains that by what He did, Jesus showed us how to act as a Christian, giving us standards for a faith-filled life. Paul Dion discusses how we are expected by Jesus to live our lives as "Servant Kings" - with a towel around our waists. And while the Gospel is good news, the authentic Christ is not comfortable news. Fr. James Gilhooley says enlisting with the real Jesus may be dangerous to health and life. And at the Last Judgment, Marcellino D’Ambrosio explains, we will be asked to reckon not just with our sins of "commission" but also with our sins of "ommissions," the acts of love we did not do.

And what are these sins? “I was present in those who reached out to you for help,” Fr. Joseph Pellegrino reminds us from Scripture. Fr. Alex McAllister says we are challenged by Christ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, to welcome the stranger, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick and the imprisoned. And it is on these things that our ultimate fate will be decided. At that time, Christ the King will determine who will be judged worthy and who will be rejected, says Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm. That's why, Fr. John Foley advises us, we have to ask ourselves which side we are on right now, before it is too late.

NOT FOR COUCH POTATOES. Fr. Phil Bloom preaches this week that recognizing Christ as First Fruits - as the source of our redemption - is something you and I must "own." The president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity said also this week, “The time has come to free ourselves from our false hang-ups of inferiority towards the secular world and courageously be ourselves, disciples of Christ.” It's all neatly summed up by Pope Benedict whe he said Christianity is not for couch potatoes.

MORALS & SCRIPTURE. In "Coming to Our Senses," Mark Shea tackles the Moral Sense of Scripture. From the Vatican, a pontifical aide reflects with a broader perspective on the economic crisis and says, "It's About Morals, Not Dollars." From Kansas city, Archbishop Naumann explained that while the Church is interested in a wide range of social issues, there are certain issues -- such as the protection of the unborn -- that carry a heavier "moral weight." And appropriately clarified by Pope Benedict thus: the Church must care for the born as well as the unborn.

CATHOLiCS IN THE NEWS. You will be inspired by "Drop-kick me, Jesus," the story of John Harbbaugh - the Catholic coach of the Baltimore Ravens who carries his Catholicism on his sleeve. And learn how a dying Robert Novak isfinding inspiration in his Catholic faith as he fights for his life against a brain tumor. What he said when asked what the most helpful thing people can say: "If they're a man or woman of faith, is to tell me they're praying for me." And only in Beverly Hills - Mark Wahlberg says a family trip to church has become a curse. People approach him in church with business proposals and story lines. And he just wishes others would leave him alone when he's worshiping.

STORIES OF HOPE. "Find Purpose, Live Longer." It tells you how you can add years to your life. By adding life to your years. In a sobering story, a husband tells his crying wife, "I want a divorce." You'll be surprised to see how a little time together change his perspective. And from a reader in Orlando, Florida, we would like to with you some "Wonderful Thoughts to Brighten Your Day."

YOUTH & LIFESTYLE. In a just-released survey, majority of youths in the world say they are spiritual and think religion and spirituality are both positive. Good news indeed. And finally if the cold weather is starting to challenge your skin, you can look great! Here how you can beat back the dry-skin scourge.

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a nice and blessed new week.

Keep the faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

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