This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and the last Sunday of our liturgical year. While kings, queens, and monarchs may feel distant to us in today’s world, we as Christians boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as our King—not of a single nation or earthly dominion, but of the entire universe. By His Cross and Resurrection, Jesus has redeemed the world. He has dominion over all things, in heaven and on earth, and His sovereignty will last forever.
Yet, Jesus’ kingship is a different kind of kingship. It is unlike any earthly throne as it is not by strength and domination but by love and service he leads. Jesus is a King who serves, a King who reigns through love, humility, and sacrifice. As we reflect on His lordship, we are invited to ask: Is Jesus the King of our hearts? Do our daily life choices reflect allegiance to Him and His kingdom of justice, mercy, and love?
As we gather this coming week around Thanksgiving tables, may we embrace the call to be humble servants in His kingdom. Perhaps this year, we can find ways to serve others rather than focusing on being served. Whether it’s helping with the meal, offering an encouraging word, or reaching out to someone in need, let us mirror the example of Christ, the Servant King, in our lives. Or maybe it is calling a lonely neighbor and family member engaging with them and loving them where they currently are, whether they are lonely through loss of a loved one, or isolated by their own poor choices in life. May we be the person who gives them hope in the midst of their isolation and darkness. May we be the loving servant in Christ’s kingdom.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to thank our parish community for the extraordinary way you have supported those grieving the loss of loved ones in recent weeks. We have held many funerals, and your presence, prayers, and care have been a powerful witness to Christ’s love.
Please continue to keep in your prayers Louise Zolfarghari, who recently lost her beloved husband Javad of nearly 50 years; Donna, our parish office manager, who lost her mother; and Joan Mibach, who lost her husband, Bob. May they, and all who grieve, be comforted by the promise of eternal life and the knowledge that their loved ones are held in the loving arms of God in heaven. Christine Moore, parishioner and poet, wrote a beautiful poem, especially for our Mass of Remembrance held earlier this month and you can read it here.
As we gather around Thanksgiving tables this week, let us not only give thanks for our blessings but also remember to reach out to those who may feel the emptiness of loss. In doing so, we serve as Christ’s hands and heart in the world. I invite you to come to Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10:00am and you are welcome to bring the bread that you will serve at your Thanksgiving meal to be blessed as we offer gratitude for God’s many gifts.
I am deeply thankful to Melissa and Brian Moody, along with the entire team of volunteers who made this year’s Turkey Bingo such a heartwarming success. Everyone had so much fun, especially the kids. Their efforts on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society not only brought joy to many but also extended the love of Christ to those in need. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community!
As we prepare for the sacred season of Advent, we invite you to take part in our Advent Retreat: Be Still and Hopeful being held on the first three Tuesdays of December (3rd, 10th, and 17th). These prayer evenings will be special nights of reflection, creativity, and fellowship as we take time to step away from the busyness of the season and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ’s birth.
I will explore levels 2, 3, and 4 of prayer with practical steps and activities encouraging you to make some tiny habits of prayer this advent season. This will be a time to experiment, rest in Christ, and deepen our connection with Him as we anticipate His coming at Christmas. Be still and know that I am God continues to be our parish theme, and this Advent, we invite you to go deeper into the beauty of “being still.”
Please mark your calendars for a few other festive events. On December 1st, after the 9am Mass, we bless the new sliding doors in Spooncer Hall and celebrate with Donut Sunday. Later that evening, our St. Simon’s float will be in the Los Altos Festival of Lights parade. The Stewart family are preparing the float, and the Bolivar & Cardoza Families will be hosting a Saint Simon meeting spot at the corner of State and 3rd (in front of the old Costume Bank) where you can pick up some festive glow wands.
On Saturday, December 7th, join us for our Christmas Tree lighting and Christmas Concert with John Angotti and his band. We are holding a reception before the concert so if you plan to attend, please RSVP here. The Rivera family are again generously sponsoring and decorating our campus with festive lights and decor, they would love your help on Saturday, November 30th. You can sign up on Engage or email here..
On December 8th, the Ladies Christmas Dinner will be a delightful gathering to share faith, friendship, and joy. Purchase tickets here.
This Thanksgiving and beyond, may we find ourselves renewed in Christ’s love and inspired to serve in His kingdom. Let us give thanks for His reign, which brings hope, peace, and redemption to the world—and to our hearts.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan