St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
November 23, 2025
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Luke 23:35-43
Not long ago, I was called to a hospital to anoint a woman in her early 80s. She was dying, and visibly in pain. But what struck me most wasn’t her suffering — it was the atmosphere in the room. She had eight children and 30 foster kids, and many of them were gathered around her. You’d expect sorrow, fear, maybe even despair. But the room was filled with something else entirely — a quiet strength, a kind of sweetness. It was as if she was suffering not just with them, but for them. And they, in love, were suffering for her. The pain was real. But so was the peace. I didn’t want to run. I felt as if I was in a little paradise, beeping machines and all.
I think of that moment when I hear today’s Gospel. Jesus, hanging on the cross, doesn’t look like a king. But one of the crucified, dying men beside him sees through the suffering and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That word — remember — literally means to make someone a member again. He’s asking to be joined to Christ, to become part of his Body. And Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
He doesn’t say, “I’ll take your suffering away.” He says, “You will be with me.”
That’s the strange power of Christ the King. He doesn’t rule by avoiding suffering. He reigns by entering into it, and transforming it with love.
What are you suffering right now in your life? Likely you want it to stop. But if we are willing to suffer with him — paradise begins even today.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
23 de noviembre de 2025
Nuestro Señor Jesucristo Rey del Universo
Lucas 23:35-43
Con la Solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo, termina el año litúrgico.
La próxima semana daremos comienzo al Adviento, para luego celebrar con alegría la Navidad.
Con esta solemnidad, la Iglesia recuerda la soberanía de Jesucristo, Rey del Universo: "La entrada de Jesús en Jerusalén manifiesta la venida del Reino que el Rey-Mesías, recibido en su ciudad por los niños y por los humildes de corazón, va a llevar a cabo por la Pascua de su Muerte y de su Resurrección" (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, n. 570). Jesús, Tú eres nuestro Rey, desde la cruz donde cruelmente moriste por nosotros para salvarnos. ¡Bendito y adorado seas para siempre!
"Cuando nuestro Salvador estaba colgado en la gloriosa cruz, estaban con Él dos ladrones. ¿Qué se puede deducir de esto? Sin lugar a dudas, se trataba de una burla, de acuerdo con el plan tomado por los judíos, pero también era un cumplimiento de la profecía: ‘Le daré su parte entre los grandes y con los poderosos repartirá despojos, pues se entregó indefenso a la muerte y fue tenido por un malhechor’ (Isaías 53:12) ... Él pagó las deudas por nosotros, cargó con nuestros pecados y fue azotado por nosotros, según está escrito: ‘Por sus sufrimientos fuimos curados, pues Él cargó con nuestros pecados’ (Isaías 53:5). Y nos libró de las enfermedades del alma" (San Cirilo de Alejandría [375–444], Comentario al Evangelio de Lucas). ¡Que viva Cristo Rey!
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Turkey Bingo
The Knights of Columbus invite you to an evening of Turkey Bingo on Saturday, November 22nd at 6:30pm in Mazaika Hall. Join in the fun and win frozen turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. All are invited!
African Ministry Meeting
Our African Ministry invites all members and potential members to the quarterly meeting on Sunday, November 23rd after the 11am Mass in Room 104.105.
Showcase your talents
Do you have a talent to share? We’re looking for singers, dancers, bands, and performers of all kinds to showcase their gifts at our Parish Festival! If you’d like to be part of the entertainment lineup, please contact Raul Castro at raul.castro86@yahoo.com. Let’s celebrate our parish family with music, joy, and community spirit!
Winter Fest Decor Drive
Getting ready to update your Christmas decorations this year?
If you’re parting with large faux trees, candy canes, reindeer, lights, wrapped gifts, or other festive décor, we’d love to give them new life at our Winter Fest! Your donated items will help make our celebration extra bright and joyful. Please contact crystal@stmichaelgptx.org to let us know what you have and to receive further instructions. Decorations can either be donated or loaned based on your preference.
