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Saint Andrew Dung-Lac Church My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Tonight the Catholic Church throughout the world begins the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. Thus the universal Church proclaims the essential facts of our faith. 1. That there is only one true God. 2. That God revealed Himself to us as a Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). 3. That Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is true God and He came to our world to redeem us from sin and to gain for us life everlasting in heaven.In view of these basic facts which have been revealed to us, it is very apparent why we proclaim that Jesus Christ is our Lord, our Savior and indeed our King! Here tonight, in your parish, you also honor your patron saint, Andrew Dung-Lac, whose actual feast day is next week. We believe that Saint Andrew Dung-Lac now lives in the kingdom of heaven. There he reigns in the Presence of Christ the King. By celebrating the Feast of Christ the King, we acknowledge that all life and all holiness and all goodness and fulfillment come from God and from God alone. By honoring Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, we recognize that as human beings we can have genuine hope. Despite the problems and terror and even the sins that we commit, we must never be overwhelmed. We should never feel defeated. We should always have hope. Like Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, we have a goal and a purpose which is attainable. That goal is unity with God in heaven. Thus, Saint Andrew Dung-Lac is a model, an example and an inspiration for us to live good and holy lives and to become saints of Almighty God. Therefore, we must never ignore the call God gives us to become His saints. To become a saint is not some wild or eccentric idea. It has no magical recipe. It is not a vain goal. To become a saint means that we fulfill our human nature totally and completely in accordance with the plan of God. He made us in His Image and Likeness precisely so that we could someday live with Him forever in heaven as His saints. We have already been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus which was poured out for us as He hung on the Cross and died for us. But, that redemption is not forced upon us. Rather, it is offered to us as a gift, as new life in Jesus. To accept the gift of new life in Jesus, we must do as He commanded us. We must examine ourselves and repent of our sins. To enable us to do that, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Penance. By confessing our sins and receiving sacramental absolution, we are reconciled with God and with each other. Between now and through the Advent season, which we begin next Sunday, everyone of us should make a sincere Confession. Then, after receiving the Sacrament of Penance, we can better fulfill the Lord’s commandments and follow His teachings. This is the message of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac. This is the way that you and I prepare to meet Jesus, our Lord and King Most
Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran |