We live in times of rapid change. We wonder, "Where should we go?", "What should we do?" There emerges a doubt as to what it is all about.

Some react by going into a shell of isolation and apathy. They do not get involved with life or with God. Some use whatever personal advantage they have to protect themselves from outside influence and involvement.

Once we choose these alternatives we are led further and further away from our true identity. The further away we are, the less likely we will be able to find and call ourselves by our true name, "Child of God."

We are children of God. We are His sons and daughters through the redeeming love of Jesus and by our Baptismal character. We are also subjects of Jesus Christ the King. He is our Lord and Savior. It is He who has made us adopted children through His death and resurrection.

It is He who asks us to build a civilization of love in our own time. We have this awesome task to make our world a better place. Mankind has done well in beginning this civilization of love. Jesus' influence on civilization has brought about profound advancements. Some of the world's greatest documents about human rights and civilization have come from countries strongly influenced by Christianity - the Magna Carta (Catholic England), rights of indigenous peoples (Catholic Spain), Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, etc.

We must inspire to build this civilization. One important quality we put on to aid in this work is to wholeheartedly accept the kingship of Jesus. Our entire being must be subject to Jesus - every thought - every word - every deed. There must be nothing held back. Jesus must receive the first and best of our time, our talents, and our treasures.

Either Jesus is our King, or someone else will be. We must make a clear, uncompromising choice for Him. We must resist every temptation to violence, prejudice, and bigotry. We must turn away from degrading activities and empty, superficial pleasures. If we are guilty of these, we must turn once again to Jesus, and, like the repentant thief today, ask for forgiveness and mercy.

Jesus will grant it and then give us the grace to walk in holiness of life. He desires this civilization as much as we. I ask each parishioner to examine her or his life and see where Jesus in not King. When you discover these areas fall on your knees and ask Him for grace to - confess - do penance - amend your life - work then to build His civilization of love.