Is Beauty in the Eye of the beholder?
Third of the Jubilee Year of Hope Series of Talks:
Monday 24th November 7pm: Is Beauty in the Eye of the beholder?
Fr Patrick van der Vorst (Precentor, Westminster Cathedral).
Jubilee Year of Hope – Series of Talks
Monday 24th November 7pm: Is Beauty in the Eye of the beholder? Fr Patrick Van der Vorst (Precentor, Westminster Cathedral).
Monday 8th December 7.15pm: Reaching the Margins. Gail Williams (Centre Manager of St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre).
This Week
Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe
23/11/2025
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, the year of the sixteenth centenary of the Council of Nicea at which the doctrine of the consubstantiality of Christ and the Father was defined. The Solemnity was moved by the Second Vatican Council to the final Sunday of the Liturgical year. Next week we begin the new liturgical year with Advent.
The Pope instituted this feast as a defence against the destructive forces at the time which were prevailing amongst nations. Earthly leaders were flexing their muscles, showing their power. On this Solemnity we celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The scope of his reign is very carefully worded. Christ is not the king of our nation, or even the whole world. He is more than that. The King of the Universe! Christ our Lord is King of all.
Not much has changed with regard to the politics of this world, but this good news gives us a great amount of reassurance. Of course, we respect our government and our monarchy, they are an important part of our heritage, and our system of governance has been replicated in many countries. Corruption, conflict and injustice continue to be a problem in this world, and we know only too well where the hot spots currently are, as they are reported in the news daily.
What does acknowledging Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe mean to us here and now? Is this too big and detached from our daily lives? Not at all. We are called to be His servants, to help build his Kingdom by working for justice and peace.
At Baptism this prayer is said at the anointing with the oil of Chrism. We are therefore all members of His body:
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed us from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the Chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life
God Bless,
Deacon Peter
Readings at Mass Today
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