The passage of Matthew 25:31-46, which is often read on the feast day known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, presents a compelling and challenging vision of the final judgment. The imagery of the Son of Man seated upon a glorious throne, separating people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, conveys a powerful message about the nature of Christ's kingship and the ethical demands of the Kingdom of God. Unlike worldly rulers, Christ's kingship is not marked by pomp or dominion, but by humble service and care for the "least of these." The passage calls the faithful to recognize Christ in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. It starkly points out that the acts of mercy we show to others are, in fact, acts of devotion to Christ Himself, who is present in the most vulnerable and marginalized. This scripture invites a reflection on how well one's actions mirror the call to serve Christ in others and suggests that the path to eternal life is paved with compassion and solidarity with those in need. It is a reminder that the kingdom of Christ the King is built on love, and His subjects are those who love.

This past weekend, particularly on Friday and Saturday, we witnessed an extraordinary display of parish unity and collaboration. As we hosted one of the largest funerals for Jeff Smith, a beloved figure in Norwalk, the outpouring of love and support was palpable. The wake extended well beyond the scheduled hours, reflecting the community’s dedication to honoring a life well-lived. The following day, the seamless transition to a significant funeral and then preparing for the evening Mass was nothing short of remarkable, made possible only through the tireless efforts of numerous volunteers. These individuals, embodying the spirit of service that Christ calls us to, offered comfort and assistance to the grieving family. Our gratitude extends to Father David, whose leadership during the funeral was a source of strength. This weekend was a true testament to our community's capacity for compassion and solidarity, vividly illustrating that our faith is lived through acts of kindness and community. I am moved to bring attention to this remarkable demonstration of our parish’s living faith and to thank everyone for their heartfelt dedication during those days. Your actions were a true reflection of the Kingdom of God, where love and service reign supreme.

As we reflect on the spirit of giving and community that defines our parish, I’d like to draw your attention to an important financial goal that we are striving to meet. This year, we are just $3,000 short of achieving our Bishop's Appeal target. While I understand the hesitancy that often accompanies financial requests, the fulfillment of this goal is crucial in upholding the legacy of our parish's commitment to the wider Church community. To bridge this gap, we will be holding a special collection next weekend. I humbly ask each one of you to consider making a contribution—any amount that is within your means will be greatly appreciated and will contribute significantly toward reaching our goal. For those writing checks, please remember to indicate “Bishop’s Appeal” on the memo line. Your generous support will not only help us meet our annual commitment but also reinforce the solidarity and shared purpose that our parish stands for. Thank you for your continued kindness and generosity.

Join us this Sunday for our Christmas tree lighting! There will be fun activities for the kids and a chance for everyone in our parish family to enjoy the holiday spirit together. A big thank you to our leaders and volunteers for making this event possible.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Yours Lovingly ~ Fr. Rojin