The Psalmist says in Psalm.122:2 "I rejoiced when I heard them say: Let us go to God's house". The sound of joy and peace fill our hearts this day as we celebrate the last Sunday in the Roman Catholic Church Calendar. Another year is gradually and obviously making its appearance (Advent is knocking at the door - Year 'A' is here). The Year of Mercy has indeed been filled with the compassionate messages of Jesus Christ to the whole world bringing the opportunity for many who are oppressed, depressed, rejected, and abandoned to live again; because Christ is life. All hope is not lost.

We are still alive today because God keeps us strong; to witness to the world His Love, compassion and life in a special way as we dance joyfully round the street corners proclaiming Christ the King, whose reign has no nor end. Jesus is a king like no other. Sing: "Messiah is the King of kings...Alleluia". The kingdom we proclaim today is a kingdom oftruth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice and peace.

May His peace, joy, happiness and love reign forever in our homes. Amen! Sing: "Ma joba lo Oluwa...Oba ti a ko le ro loye, alagbara ta ko le segun ni, ijoba re dun mo wa yeye o"

Kingdoms of this world are earthly and perishable, just like those of King David, Solomon, Herod, and Pharaoh etc; for them, power is the symbol of a king, but not for Christ, His kingship will have no end, and compassion is the power of Christ the King. Sing: "Jesus shall reign for ever more, he shall reign for ever more my Lord shall reign for ever more." He brings forgiveness of sins and exemplified it even in our gospel reading today

(Lk.23:35-43). God does not take revenge; He saves! According to Fr. John

Pichappilly, "Even at the height of humiliation, Jesus understands His nature as heaven's King and the Lord of Life. In Lk.23:35ff we noticed the different group of people that tried to make him angry, yet he did not, rather he forgave and gave life even on/through the cross. (The crowd watching and waiting for his death; the wicked leaders of the people who lied against him; the corrupt soldiers, and even the criminal hanging beside him also abused him). Are you also like one of these wicked ones?

The repentant thief is asking you and me today, "Have you no fear of God at all?" If you do, then live your life in love and be considerate.

Finally, I conclude with this write up: "There are 10 strong things. Iron is strong, but fire melts it. Fire is strong, but water quenches it. Water is strong, but the clouds evaporate it. Cloud is strong, but the wind drives them away. Man is strong, but fears cast him down. Fear is strong, but sleep overcomes it. Sleep is strong, yet death is stronger. But loving kindness survives death" (The Talmud). In all, Christ is the strongest, nothing is greater than God. Who is like God???

To live in today's unfolding world, where crises have become our daily garment, we really need help. God alone can do it, He is the image of the unseen God. He has got the whole world in His hands and under His control to promote life and love. He got you and me also in His hands. He got our problems and trials in His hands. He got all your achievements and success in his hands. In fact, He has got everything you can think of in His loving hands. Sing: "He's got the whole world in his hands (x3).

Happy celebration and Feast week, may we live to celebrate many more.

 Amen!!!

Fr. Balogun Stephen