CLOSING OF THE YEAR OF MERCY 2016

Today we have come to the final week of Ordinary Time. Today’s liturgy establishes the titles for Christ’s royalty over humanity. The word “king” is used symbolically in the Bible to signify someone who possesses supreme power.

Christ the King is our Victor, our Ruler and our Redeemer. He is Head of the Church. This solemnity also describes the qualities of Christ’s kingdom. He is Supreme, Universal, Eternal in His kingdom. The Gospel describes the King who seemed powerless and defeated on the Cross, mocked as a fool. 

But Christ the King of the Universe offers us a true leader who is defined by humble service. He is a true leader who rules His Kingdom with truth and life, holiness and grace, and justice, love and peace. 

Who do we choose to follow? Would we follow such a king?

On this Feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday before Advent and the closing of the Year of Mercy, we give praise and thanks to our Lord Jesus for having journeyed with us closely. Throughout the year the Lord has been strengthening our faith and showing us the way to witness Him through the works of mercy.

Since the opening of the Year of Mercy, that is on 8 December 2015, we have been faithfully walking closely with our parish theme: “BEC, Witnessing Jesus Through the Works of Mercy”. During the last BECCOT meeting on 9 November 2016, all BEC leaders stood up and shared their performances and achievements in their BEC areas in this past one-year. You have engaged with each member of your BEC inviting everyone to participate in every event, prayer meeting and celebration, either in your BEC or at parish level. I am really grateful and thankful to all BECCOT teams, BEC leaders and your core teams for organising and coordinating events and activities well in the BEC and parish level.

We have come to the end of the Year of Mercy. We thank Pope Francis for designating this as a special year in which we celebrate God’s mercy to us and to the universal Church. We have experienced and shared the mercy of God with one another. We pray for the grace and strength to witness His mercy especially to those who are poor, sick and marginalised. Let’s not forget to be merciful with our family members, those who are closest to us and the larger society as well.