Heritage

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

22 NOVEMBER

J.M.J.

Dear Father Thomas:

In the airplane that I was traveling, they screened a film that reminded me to the solemnity that we celebrate today. have you seen 'Coming to America?'

Eddie Murphy plays the role of an African prince that is about to become a king. All women want to marry him because of his wealth. But he wants to find someone who love him for himself.

Then, he travels to America where people do not know that he is a prince. He dresses simply, without the majestic attire proper of royalty, so he couldn't be recognize his wealth. He gets a job in McDonalds and lives in the poorest place of Harlem, New York.

With the goal of finding a true love, he becomes a 'dirty poor'. When his appearance is poor and humble, he gets to meet an attractive girl at a local church. They get mutually attracted, and they fall in love.

She accept his marriage proposal, and when she gets stunned when discovers that he is a prince in disguise. The wedding turns her into a princess, and the most rich woman on earth.

What a marvelous story! But, you know what, Thomas? This is not a fantasy, but a reality, because it's the story of Jesus' love in the Holy Sacrament. He is the King looking someone that loves Him for himself.

In the Holy Sacrament, He dresses in a simple way, without His glorious vestment. He humbly comes to us as 'The Bread of Life'. So profound is His longing to be loved for himself, that He shows himself as the most poor than any human on earth.

He is King with a romantic heart worthy of our love, for all that He has done for our salvation.

This is perpetual adoration: to proclaim Jesus a King, offering the honor and the glory that He desires.

Through perpetual adoration, a parish gives the King all the love that He truly deserves. It's for this reason that liturgy fo Christ the King starts with this pray:

'Worthy is the slaughtered Lamb, of receiving the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength, the honor, the glory, and the praise.' (Rev 5:12)

Perpetual adoration is the divine romance between Jesus and His people. It's to say 'yes' to his wedding proposal. All he wants is our love. 'Because I want love, not sacrifices' (Os 6:6) Then, he will surprise us with the inheritance of His Kingdom!

Fraternally yours in His Eucharistic Love,

Mgr. Pepe