November 23, 2025
As the autumn leaves fall and the daylight hours grow shorter, we find
ourselves at a profound threshold in the life of the Catholic Church. Whether
you've been Catholic your whole life or you're just beginning to explore what
this ancient faith is all about, this is a beautiful moment to understand how
the Church marks time—and why it matters.
Today, November 23, 2025, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, King of the Universe—the magnificent finale to our liturgical year. And
in just one week, on November 30, we light the first candle of the Advent
wreath, stepping into a new year of grace.
What Is the Liturgical Year?
If you're new to Catholicism or curious about the faith, you might be
wondering: What exactly is a liturgical year?
Unlike the calendar year that runs from January to December, the Church
follows its own sacred calendar that begins with Advent (usually in late
November or early December) and concludes with the Feast of Christ the King.
Throughout this cycle, Catholics journey through the major events of Jesus'
life—his birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension—along with
celebrations honoring Mary, the saints, and the great mysteries of our faith.
Think of it as a spiritual rhythm that shapes the entire year. Each
season has its own character, colors, and focus. Advent uses purple to signify
preparation and anticipation. Christmas brings white and gold for celebration.
Lent returns to purple for repentance and reflection. Easter explodes in white
for the joy of the Resurrection. And the long season of Ordinary Time uses
green, symbolizing growth and hope.
This rhythm isn't just tradition for tradition's sake. It's a way of
allowing the story of salvation to seep into our bones, year after year,
forming us more deeply into disciples of Christ.
A Year Draws to Its Close
There is something beautifully fitting about ending our Church year with
the celebration of Christ the King. After journeying through the seasons of
Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, we arrive at this
culminating feast that reminds us of where all of history is headed: the
eternal reign of Jesus Christ.
Pope Pius
XI instituted this feast in 1925 during a time when secularism and nationalism
were reshaping Europe. He recognized that the world needed a powerful reminder
that Christ's authority transcends every nation, every government, and every
human institution. That message is just as relevant—if not more urgent—today,
as our world continues to face uncertainty and division. It is more important
than ever to remind ourselves and those around us of our profound need for
Christ’s guidance and love. Initially celebrated in late October, Pope Paul VI
later moved the feast to its current place at the conclusion of the liturgical
year, connecting it beautifully to the "end times" teachings that
precede it and the Advent season that follows.
This year's Gospel from Luke placed us at the foot of the cross, where we
encounter the most unexpected image of kingship. There hangs our King—not
adorned with jewels but crowned with thorns. Not seated on a throne of gold but
nailed to a wooden cross. And in his final moments, he offers paradise to a
repentant criminal. This is the nature of Christ's kingdom: a kingdom of mercy,
love, and radical grace.
For those exploring the Catholic faith, this image of Christ the King
reveals an essential aspect of who Jesus is. He is not a distant ruler
demanding our fear. He is a king who conquers through love, who reigns from a
cross, who welcomes sinners into his kingdom with open arms.
As we conclude this liturgical year, we are all invited to ask ourselves:
Is Jesus Christ truly King of my heart? Have I allowed his reign of justice,
love, and peace to shape my decisions, my relationships, my priorities?
The Dawn of Something New
But endings in the Church are never really endings—they are doorways to
new beginnings. On November 30, we will hear the words "Happy New
Year!" echo through our parishes as we begin the Season of Advent and a
new liturgical cycle.
This First Sunday of Advent carries a unique energy. While the secular
world has already embraced the frenzy of holiday shopping and Christmas
decorations, the Church invites us into something countercultural: a season of
waiting, watching, and preparation.
If you're new to the faith or considering becoming Catholic, Advent is an
excellent time to begin attending Mass. There's something powerful about
entering the Church's life at its "new year"—starting fresh alongside
the whole community of believers.
The purple vestments will return, calling us to reflection and penance.
The Advent wreath will be unveiled, and we will light the first candle—often
called the "Prophet's Candle" or the "Candle of Hope"—a
small flame pushing back against the growing darkness of late November.
Understanding the Advent Wreath
For those unfamiliar with this tradition, the Advent wreath is a circle
of evergreen branches holding four candles—three purple and one pink (or rose).
Each Sunday of Advent, we light an additional candle, marking our progression
toward Christmas. The circular shape represents God's eternity—no beginning and
no end. Evergreens symbolize everlasting life. And the growing light reminds us
that Christ, the Light of the World, is drawing near.
Many Catholic families have Advent wreaths in their homes, lighting the
candles together before dinner and offering prayers. It's a simple but profound
way to keep the season's meaning at the center of family life.
Welcoming Year A and the Gospel of
Matthew
As we step into this new liturgical year, we also transition from Cycle C
to Cycle A in our Sunday readings. This means we bid farewell to Luke's Gospel,
which has accompanied us throughout the past year, and welcome Matthew as our
primary guide.
A Quick Note on the Lectionary
If you're new to Catholicism, you might wonder why we read from different
Gospels each year. The Church uses a three-year cycle for Sunday Mass readings
(Years A, B, and C), each focusing primarily on one of the Synoptic
Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke, respectively. The Gospel of John is woven
throughout all three years, especially during Easter and other major feasts.
This system ensures that Catholics hear the vast majority of Scripture
over the course of three years. It's one of the beautiful ways the Church
immerses us in God's Word.
What Makes Matthew Special?
Matthew's Gospel brings distinctive gifts to our spiritual journey.
Written by a Jewish Christian for a Jewish Christian community, this Gospel
emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew quotes
the Hebrew Scriptures more than sixty times, repeatedly showing how Jesus
embodies everything Israel had been waiting for.
In the coming year, we will hear the beloved Sermon on the Mount, where
Jesus teaches us what it means to be truly blessed. We will encounter the
parables of the kingdom—stories of seeds and soil, wheat and weeds, hidden
treasure and precious pearls. We will walk with disciples as they learn what it
means to follow this unexpected Messiah.
Matthew frames his entire Gospel with a powerful message: Jesus is
"Emmanuel"—God with us. The Gospel opens with this promise through
the angel Gabriel and closes with Jesus' assurance to his disciples: "I am
with you always, to the end of the age." In a world that often feels
fragmented and uncertain, this is the message we need to hear.
For those exploring the faith, Matthew's Gospel is an excellent place to
start reading Scripture. Its clear structure, powerful teachings, and emphasis
on Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises make it accessible and deeply
rewarding.
Living Between the Times
Advent holds a beautiful tension. We look backward, remembering how God's
people waited for centuries for the promised Messiah. We celebrate the
historical reality of the Incarnation—God becoming human in a stable in
Bethlehem. But we also look forward, anticipating Christ's return in glory at
the end of time.
This Gospel of Matthew will remind us to "stay awake," for we
do not know the day or hour of the Lord's coming. Advent teaches us to live in
holy anticipation, to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, to be ready.
In a culture that pushes us toward instant gratification, Advent offers a
different rhythm. It invites us to slow down, to savor the waiting, to let
anticipation deepen our longing for God. The four weeks before Christmas become
not just preparation for a holiday, but training in hope.
Practical Ways to Enter This Season
As we stand at this threshold, here are some ways to embrace the
transition—whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just beginning to explore:
Honor the ending. Take time this week to reflect on the past liturgical year. What graces
have you received? Where have you grown? Where do you still need Christ's
healing touch? Consider attending Mass on the Feast of Christ the King as a
beautiful conclusion to the year.
Create space for Advent. Before the Christmas decorations go up, set out your Advent wreath. Let
the four weeks of Advent be truly Advent—a season distinct from Christmas. Many
parishes sell Advent wreaths, or you can make your own with a simple wreath
form and four candles.
Get to know Matthew. Consider reading through Matthew's Gospel during the coming year. A
chapter a day will take you through the entire Gospel in less than a month. Or
read the Sunday Gospel passages before Mass each week to prepare your heart for
the Word. (You can find the readings at usccb.org/bible/readings.)
Embrace the darkness. The shortening days of late November and December can feel oppressive,
but they also create the perfect backdrop for Advent's message. Light your
Advent candles in a darkened room. Let the small flames remind you that Christ
is the Light of the World, shining in the darkness.
Attend Mass. If you're exploring Catholicism, Advent is a perfect time to start
coming to Mass regularly. You'll experience the beautiful prayers and readings
of the season, and you'll witness the community preparing together for
Christmas. Don't worry if you don't know all the responses or when to stand and
kneel—just come as you are. (Note: If you haven't received the sacraments of
initiation, you're welcome to come forward for a blessing during Communion or remain
in the pew in prayer.)
Wait well. Resist the urge to rush through this season. Let the waiting itself
become a prayer. As you stand in lines, sit in traffic, or count down the days,
offer that waiting to God as an act of trust.
For Those Exploring the Catholic Faith
If you're curious about Catholicism and feel drawn to learn more, this
transition in the liturgical year is a meaningful time to take a step forward.
Many parishes offer OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)—a process
for those discerning whether to enter the Catholic Church. These groups
typically meet weekly and provide a welcoming space to ask questions, learn
about Catholic beliefs and practices, and journey alongside others who are also
exploring.
You might also consider:
- Speaking with a priest or deacon
at your local parish
- Attending a weekday Mass, which
is shorter and often feels more intimate
- Reading the Catechism of the
Catholic Church or a more accessible introduction like
"Catholicism" by Bishop Robert Barron
- Exploring Catholic websites like wordonfire.org
or saintlyjourneys.com
You
are welcome here, no matter your journey. The Church is for everyone seeking
growth, not just the perfect. We move forward together.
A Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as this liturgical year draws to
its close, we thank you for every grace, every challenge, every moment of
growth. You have walked with us through seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow.
As we prepare to enter a new year of grace, open our hearts to the gift
of Advent. Teach us to wait with hope, to watch with expectation, to prepare
our hearts to receive you anew.
We pray especially for those who are seeking you, those exploring the
Catholic faith, those who feel your gentle tug on their hearts. Draw them
closer. Give them courage. Show them your love.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come into our world that longs for your peace.
Blessed are you, King of endless glory, now and forever. Amen.
