The Solemnity of Christ the King
From The Font
“And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
The constant refrain of southern Protestants is that Man is NOT saved by works. It’s a mantra of Bible churches. And it’s not wrong. Salvation is a free gift of God offered to us in Jesus which we must accept as a conscious choice. It can’t be earned or achieved. It’s worth nothing that can’t be achieved by having faith either... It’s a gift, not an accomplishment... So it’s true that salvation doesn’t come from works of the mind, soul, or body.
But there’s more to the story of getting from here to there than salvation. Justification is a word we don’t hear much in our part of the world because Baptists generally don’t believe in it, properly speaking. But Justification is the process by which God makes us righteous... In Calvinist belief, that happens instantly when someone accepts Jesus into their heart. It’s not ongoing, it just happens. Because of that, most Baptists do not believe that the Final Judgment is a real adjudication - it’s already decided. They use the word “saved” to express this.
As such, today’s Gospel is entirely symbolic for them. In fact, basically the entire moral teaching of Jesus is symbolic. If you’re already saved, it doesn’t matter whether you keep the commandments or witness the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Saved is saved.
As Catholics, we see that as oversimplified in the extreme. The Final Judgment is real and none of us can know that we’re truly saved until we’re truly saved and dwelling in the Heart of Jesus. In the same way, Justification isn’t a one-and-done thing. It’s ongoing. We seek out holiness in every choice we make or don’t make. We are being justified by our faith, expressed in our minds, hearts, souls, and strength (body).
And so today’s Gospel in which the Final Judgment is a function of works and not of faith is important for us. It’s not symbolic or merely rhetorical, it’s essential that our Christian lives include charity and generosity. What’s more, it’s important that we actually do these things rather than merely paying for others to do them. Holiness is personal and specific and our expression of it must be as well.
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
Well we are days away from the beginning of December and the final month of our push to read the entire Bible in a year. Lots of us took the flyers and many of us started off strong. Life happened and, for many of us, March or April was as far as we got...
The wonderful thing about the Bible is that it’s not being updated. There’s no change ahead and so we can pick up where we left off in reading with no loss at all.
I really can’t over emphasize the value I’ve found from making my way through the Bible book-by-book in our weekly live-streams these past two years. Even though I went to school for seven years and was constantly referencing the Bible, I still found myself coming across something new in basically every book. In some cases, it was just that I never studied some detail or this or that prophet or that I hadn’t paid enough attention in class. It’s easy enough to miss that Jeremiah was a more important prophet for the Jews living in Egypt than Isaiah was. (Honestly, does that matter unless you’re really digging into a study of history? Well I was, so it did!)
But more than new facts, I found myself caring much more about this or that detail because in the past twenty or so years, my heart and mind have changed so much. In seminary, I wasn’t so interested in, for example, Proverbs. It’s a hard book to read because it’s almost all short tidbits of wisdom. I considered them fine and all, but not so spiritually useful as some big and complicated theological argument like the Letter to the Hebrews. Now, with years of pastoral experience, I realize that short and memorable aphorisms are incredibly useful as a preacher, a pastor, and - to be honest - a disciple of Jesus. Take Prv 9:8 “A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you.” There’s a lot of depth there - both from the point of view of the preacher (it’s a risk to preach rebukes!) but also as a disciple. When someone has shown me tough love, have I loved them for it? What does that say about my own wisdom?
What about Prv 17:22 “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones?” Psychology tells us that we can choose our attitudes and dispositions. Proverbs agrees.
There are dozens of websites out there that list scriptures to read when you’re feeling low or when you’re angry or in times of crisis or in times of jubilation. Even ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) is in on the game. As I’m writing this article, I asked ChatGPT “I'm a Christian. Can you give me a scripture verse for when I'm upset?” It replied:
Certainly! If you're feeling upset, you may find solace in the following scripture verse: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse encourages turning to prayer and thanksgiving in times of distress, with the promise that God's peace, surpassing human understanding, will guard your heart and mind.
Not bad!
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Carroll Regan, Poche and Bill Adams, and Bitsy Weimer
- Sun 9:30a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon No Mass
- Tue 9:00a In memory of Rosa and Gus Gremshell and May DiTomasso
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Delia Trichell (birth)/T Trichell
- Thu 9:00a In memory of Carl and Mary Larpenter/Rome (Legacy Nursing & Rehab)
- Fri 5:30p In memory of Mary Agnes York/P Gilfoil
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Nettie and Phillip Scurria/family
- Sun 9:30a Populo for the Living Deceased Members of our Parish
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of Cathy Vandervieren
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lectors | EMHCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/25 5:30p | None Scheduled | P Wilks | M Rome |
| 11/26 9:30a | Cooper and Maura | S Marsh | None Scheduled |
| 12/2 5:30p | None Scheduled | MK Book | M Rome |
| 12/3 9:30a | Kathleen and Evelyn | A Oliver | None Scheduled |
| 12/9 5:30p | None Scheduled | L Bullard | A Keene |
| 12/10 9:30a | Chandler and Annie | B Sullivan | None Scheduled |
Upcoming Events
- Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and on Sunday from 9a until Mass
- Sunday Catechism with Coffee and Donuts after Mass unless otherwise indicated
- Wednesday Morning Catechism about 9:30 a.m in Church and on Facebook and YouTube
Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Wednesday at 6p
Dec 1 First Friday devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - 5:30 p.m.
- Dec 2 First Saturday Devotions to our Blessed Mother-Mass and Holy Hour– 9 a.m.
- Dec 2-3 Christmas on-the Bayou - Parade on Saturday, Music program and Fireworks Sunday
- Dec 17 Birthday Party for Jesus - Church Hall - following Sunday Mass
- Dec 17 Adult Christmas Party - Church Hall - 6 p.m.
For Your Information:
ROSARY GROUP… a group of parishioners is meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join the group. If you need additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Louise Magoun, at 318-341-2403.
PILGRIMAGE!... Fr Ryan is leading a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome in Italy in September of 2024. More information is available at HolyTravels.org/FrHumphriesItaly . Please pass the word around!
FORMED.ORG… FORMED has an entire page of weekly featured videos that are worth checking out at https://watch.formed.org/this-week-on-formed. Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at http://signup.formed.org
FIRST FRIDAY …. DECEMBER 1 ...Holy Hour and Mass....5:30 p.m. ...make a special devotion to the Sacred Heart and attend first Friday devotions for nine consecutive months.
FIRST SATURDAY … DECEMBER 2… Mass and Holy Hour … 9 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima called for special devotions to be offered on the first Saturday of each month. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
CHRISTMAS ON THE BAYOU….. The Christmas on the Bayou celebration includes Arts and Crafts on the Courthouse Square that will be on Saturday, December 2 with the parade at 4 p.m. Dr. Tommy Neumann will be the Grand Marshall. On Sunday, December 3, the usual music program will be held at First Baptist Church at 6 p.m. followed by the fireworks display on the Mississippi Street bridge.
St Edward will have a float in the Saturday parade. For more information, please contact Father Ryan or the church office,
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ADULTS will return this year! Our date is Sunday evening, December 17 at 6 p.m. As in the past, you are free to invite folks from the community, but no one under 21 is allowed. Thanks in advance to all who will help us bring back this fun tradition!
STEWARDSHIP ENVELOPES FOR 2024…..If anyone wants a box of envelopes, please sign on the list on the table at the entrance of church. We will then provide you with a box of envelopes in late December. If you do not sign the list, we will not burden you with a box. Should you change your mind at a later time, you can always ask for and be provided with a set of envelopes.
Stewardship When the Son of Man comes in glory, may we be among those who have fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger and clothed the naked. For Jesus tells as clearly that it is those who have demonstrated good stewardship by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate who will receive God’s blessing and inherit the kingdom.
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2022-23 | $ 2,111 |
| October Budget | $ 10,555 |
| October income | $ 9,500 |
| October Expenses | $ 14,826 |
| November Budget | $ 8,444 |
| November 19 Collection | $ 2,333 |
| November Income To Date | $ 6,997 |
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Will Richardson (Nov 26, 2007), Sherry Lynn Harris (Nov 29), Frances Kennedy (Nov 29), Courtney Ernst Nadeau (Nov 29), Lance Marsh (Nov 30), Valerie Paz (Nov 30, 2020)
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
Our Pope Francis; Bishop Robert Marshall, and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, or otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn and Nap Book, Connie and Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret and Pat Gilfoil, Terry Farlow Hall, C.W. and Alyce Keene, Bill Kennedy, Hannah Wood McCarty, Ed Mills, Terry and Susie Murphy, Bobby Reynolds, Sue & Mike Rome
Those under full-time care: Frances Kennedy
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Lee Adams (Smith), Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Kathryn Wood Allsopp (D Wood), Pam Amacker (Gilfoil), James Arceneaux (Book), Marie Farlow Bellard, Tommy Bickham (C Copes), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Willetta and Mac Cagnolatti, Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Fran Castile (Keene), Jeannie and Donald Collins, Jami Cook (Wilks), Bobbe and Gene Cox, Marla Evans Cummings, Susan Ward Daigle (Gilfoil & Keene), Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Joe Farlow, Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Monique Florence, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Larry Garley (Gilfoil), Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Ralph Harris (Gilfoil), Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Charles Howington, Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Dee Jones (Keene), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Cindy Mathieu (Wilks), Boyce Miller, John Neill, Caryn Oliver, Wayne Pitre (Gilfoil), Bailey, Scott and Tiffney Rome, Dianne W. Roper (Murphy), Janie Saxon (Lancaster), Walter and Vivian Scott, Debbie Kedrick Sims, Tommy Trichell, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Mary Claire Warner and her parents, MaryBeth and Steve
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Callie Ezell, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Chris Hall (USMC), Nick Hall, Bruen Johnson, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, Emmy Lu Marsh, Blake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Marsh Wood
