November in the Church year is bookmarked by two significant events: All Saints Day and Christ the King Sunday. The month opens with that remembrance of those Christians who lived exemplifying the very Spirit of Christ Jesus in their earthly lives. It closes with the declaration of that event to which all Christians live in hope: Christ Jesus bringing his eternal reign to us in the close of all time. Each celebration has its beginning in God’s activity toward us through Jesus as the Christ. Anyone who follows even a modest attention to the events of the world cannot help but feel discouraged. This past month, we are witness once again as the conflict in Israel and Palestine rises. The incidents of mass shootings recur in the United States. One does not need to think hard or deeply to understand that the human species will never attain ultimate peace. We seem to demonstrate our barbaric nature too poignantly. The current state of world affairs seems to verify the truth about our human nature.The Holy Spirit otivates one in the love of Christ toward good works. While we live in this interim time, in spite of all the disheartening events in the world, we are the Body of Christ that acts courageously and with faith for the glory of God the Father. Christ Jesus comes in the final
judgment to bring all time to an end. Christ Jesus brings in the full and true Kingdom of God for all creation. “Rejoice always, pray
without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

In Christ,
Rev. Pilar Perez