Solemnity of Christ the King

11/19/2022

Anonymous Faith

Today the Church is reminding us that we have been created for something greater than passing comforts, empty pleasures, superficial popularity, and earthly achievements. We all want our lives to matter, to make a lasting difference in this world, not just a passing difference, a little scratch on the surface. But do we all want to live fully and faithfully under Christ's rule, firmly entrusting our lives into his care so that we can all reach our God given potential to make the world a better place, living in the imitation of Christ the King, experience fulfillment of purpose and the interior peace that follows.

Jesus came to inaugurate among us the Kingdom of God. It is he himself who embodies the whole vision of the Kingdom by the way he lived, spoke, worked, taught, healed, liberated, and finally sacrificed his life in love for us. He is our model, the one we are to imitate. There is no other who so completely reveals to us the truth of who we are and who we were made to become.

Colossians tells us that before all, he existed, and it is he holds it all together, sustains and supports the unity of creation. In him, we gain our freedom, through the forgiveness of our sins. By him who frees us from the power of darkness, we are brought into his Kingdom to live freely what we now see clearly is our true identity. It is in him, the first-born of all creation that we see the image of the unseen God and ourselves.

Yet, we find it so difficult to remain free and faithful. We are all too willing to hide who we are, what we believe and find that too easily we cede our influence to the knowing and the ignorant minions of the enemy. Bombarded by media messages that tell us to keep our religion to ourselves and out of the public square we effectively allow the world to be ruled by the shadow masters. If we truly believe that Christ is the Savior, that there really is one God who created us and redeemed us, we should not be afraid to bring that faith to action in the society around us. If we don't, others will fill the void.

If we don't defend and spread Christian values in society, what values will thrive there?
If we don't continue to bring Christ into culture, what will culture become?

AND
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

About...

Fr. Blair Gaynes has been in the Diocese since 2008.

In 2011 I began work with Campus Ministry in the Jacksonville area and after being Ordained in 2012 I was appointed as chaplain/director of Campus Ministries in the Duval County and surrounding area.

During this time I was also serving as parochial vicar at Resurrection and Blessed Trinity Catholic Churches.

In 2017 I was appointed Pastor of the Basilica Parish in Jacksonville, while continuing Campus Ministry.

I have over 35 years experience in youth and young adult work in social services, education, parish and campus ministry fields. As well as experience as a spiritual director, retreat master and keynote speaker.