One of the things that has changed the most since my youth is our methods of communication. I remember sending cards and letters, using a landline (which ran the risk of one of your siblings listening in on the other phone), and the early days of email when people didn’t check it every twelve seconds. One of the major changes in virtually every form of communication we use is how quickly we receive the information other people want us to have. I say all that because the deadline for this bulletin was a week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving, and I want to talk about a situation that could change dramatically in the ten days between when I write it and when you read it. It stands in the way of truth and justice for victims, and it is an obstacle to the credibility of the Church, which has been so greatly wounded by both the crimes of abusers, and perhaps even more so, by some bishops attempts to cover them up.I sincerely hope that by the time this column reaches you, we have either come to understand why this action was taken, or perhaps have made other positive strides in demonstrating the commitment of the Church in America to promote justice and healing.

It is fitting that as some corners of the Church squabble about who has the power to hold votes and enact juridical measures, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. There is much that could be said about this great feast and its
history, purpose, and theological significance. But most important perhaps in this day and age is how it serves as a reminder that Jesus Christ is not meant to rule as some sort of metaphorical king. He is not the Lord of our religious lives alone, but as the Word through whom all things were made. He is given authority to rule over every aspect of our lives, our society, and the Church as a whole. To break from His will is to deny our purpose and to reject the freedom of the sons of God.

As we navigate this challenging time in the Church, and as we seek to understand what God is asking us to do to further His mission, let us entrust every aspect of our lives to Christ the King, especially when there are confusing or baffling things happening in the world and the Church. In all that we do, may we do it with the understanding that it is Jesus Christ to whom we must give an account at the end of our days, and it is Jesus Christ who holds our lives, and the entirety of His Church, in the palm of His hand.

Prayers always,
Fr. McCullough