From the beginning of civilization, kings or militant groups have ascended who have dreamed of enjoying a world-wide domain, a universal kingdom that would last forever. Some have come close to conquering much of the known world–Alexander, Genghis Khan, Augustus Caesar, Adolf Hitler and canniest among all of them is the present terror group called ISIS which I sure will eventually evaporate. And some kingdoms have lasted a very long time, such as Rome whose Eastern half lingered on for 2000 years.

  But in spite of all their intrigues, the great rulers of the earth all proved temporal like anybody else. Their kingdoms, too, ultimately passed away, leaving abundant ruins for generations of travelers and archeologists to explore.

  There is another thing that these great ones of the earth had in common–they enviously guarded their glory, sharing it with no one. Their ascent to the peak of power was made over the backs of others, and they did not hesitate to eliminate any and all rivals.

  The Solemnity of Christ the King celebrates the fact that there is one who is unusually different. He came to serve all, even His enemies. He truly was a Son of Man, with a vulnerable human nature. But He was also truly Son of God. Not in some mythological sense, like the Pharaohs, or the wishful thinking sense, like the Caesars, but really and truly, the Immortal, the Eternal, taking the form of a mortal man in a specific time in history.

  Rather than executing His opponents, He forgave them. Rather than dominating His subjects, He exalted them. He even called them not servants, but friends, and bestowing on them a share in His priesthood and kingship. Though He died, like other kings, it was for a different purpose than Augustus in his bed or Hitler in his bunker. He died willingly to save His people, and His death was not a result of a battle lost or a plan gone awry, but of a glorious victory planned before the world began.

  He rose in glory, which can’t be said for the rest of them. And at His heavenly coronation, when He ascended to His Father, He was given what all the rest lusted for–a universal dominion that will not pass away. But the world goes on unmindful, with corporate executives and statesmen still riding for position, elevating themselves at the expense of others.

 The true King, however, is biding His time. He will return and suddenly things will be seen as they truly are. His coming will sweep away ambition, vanity, and pretensions, and much of what now appears important will look very empty. No longer will oppression be allowed to stand; the innocent will finally be liberated from those who victimize them.

  This dominion will truly be universal–there will be nowhere left where He is not recognized as Who He is, though in some quarters, that acknowledgment will be made with consternation and gloom.

  This judgment, this kingdom, will have the last word. No election will overturn it in four years or four million years. There is no one stronger who can rest the dominion from his Almighty hand.

He’ll be here soon. How soon no one knows.

 Fr. Henry Rebello SAC

Next Sunday our second collection will go towards Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM). With this reminder I would like to share with you some words from a letter written to all the Priests of the Archdiocese by Most Reverend Archbishop Vigneron.

 “Over the past year the growing presence of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM) has played an important role in providing works of mercy in the Detroit Archdiocese, and in bringing hope and healing to God’s people. Since last October over 15,000 children, teens, adults and families have been helped to overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges through the care of CCSEM. Efforts continue to more deeply connect CCSEM, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s principal agency for works of mercy, with pastors, parishes, vicariates and other Catholic charitable organizations in the area to provide help and give hope when and where it is needed.

Through adoption and foster care, individual and family counseling, programs for seniors, refugee resettlement, Hispanic outreach, the new All Saints Soup Kitchen, and numerous other services, CCSEM is helping those in need move from dependence to healthy, self-sustained livelihoods. All CCSEM services center on the dignity of the person, a commitment to accompany God’s people through the trials of life, and an emphasis on strengthening families.

CCSEM’s works of mercy are funded in several ways. Grants and contracts provide services consistent with Catholic teachings and values. Clients serviced through sliding scale fees and insurance reimbursements contribute to CCSEM’s wherewithal. Fundraising events and individual financial gifts also fund CCSEM.

 Involvement by the faithful in CCSEM can increase exponentially the weekend of November 21-22 when the annual collection for CCSEM will occur in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. This collection is of great importance to help CCSEM maintain, improve, and expand programs and services to God’s people in Southeast Michigan.”

Please be generous in your support of this new and increasingly effective Catholic enterprise service assisting the faithful and countless others in our Archdiocese.

Christian Service Opportunities November 2015

 · November 21—Entrée with Padre fundraiser to benefit parish families at Christmas

· November 23—Manna Soup Kitchen

· November 26—St. Vincent de Paul collection for the needy

· November 28—Giving Tree

This weekend we celebrate one of the great feasts of the Church, All Saints’ Day. On this day we honor, venerate (and petition) those disciples of the Lord who have gone before us into the kingdom of heaven. And we hope that one day we, too, will be counted among their number. The Feast of All Saints does not simply recall the “hall of fame” saints such as Peter, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Margaret Mary, and Stephen. In fact we also honor all those countless disciples who have lived lives of faith, service and virtue and have thus entered into the joy of heaven. We have great reason to hope that this number includes the virtuous friends and family members who have preceded us in death.

Most saints were ordinary people like you and me who struggled with difficulties and personal failings before “getting their act together.” Saints were real people who had strengths and limitations, virtues and failings. There were saints who were grave sinners before turning their lives around. But if they could do it, we can too. Sainthood is not perfection; it is growth and consuming dedication to Christ and his Gospel. Each and every one of us is called to holiness, not in some sterile, plastic way but amidst the messiness and trials of daily life and with the help of those around us. Holiness is a journey, not simply a destination. It is growing in the love of God and learning to do his will more completely. As we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, let us each embrace this journey and look to those who have gone before for inspiration and guidance.  All you Holy Saints of God – pray for us.

Remembering All Soul’s – November 2^nd.
On this day we join you in remembering your deceased family members and friends, members of the St. Valentine Parish Family, and all those who share eternal life with God.  We just want everyone to know that the faithful departed are always in our minds, our hearts, our prayers. We remember their good lives! We rely on the mercy and compassion of God! We trust that, having been faithful to God here, we will join them one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Our annual Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 7.00 pm on Monday November 2^nd. This beautiful and meaningful Memorial Mass gives us the opportunity to honor our departed brothers and sisters in Christ who have died this past year. Although this Mass is celebrated in memory of our parishioners who had their funeral Masses held here, all are welcome! It will be yet another wonderful opportunity to gather and express our faith in God’s promise of eternal life.

Certainly, “On Eagle’s Wings” ranks high among the song choices made by family members for the Mass of Christian Burial. Along with other selections like “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” and “I am the Bread of Life”. I hope these and other images fill your hearts with confidence. Know that God’s grace is truly amazing! Have that heavenly vision of your loved one soaring high and proud with the Lord! Trust in Jesus’ own words “I am the Resurrection and the Life” and say with confidence: “My God, how great Thou art!”

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”