HOMILY – Fourth Sunday of Advent – Mary’s Ways

                                         ______________________________

On this final weekend of Advent, our message is of hope, joy, and peace.

All throughout the Advent season, the Church’s daily morning prayer resounds with the following phrase, “Your light will come, Jerusalem; the Lord will dawn on you in radiant beauty.”

Perhaps the light of this weekend’s message will dawn on us in radiant beauty.

First a few questions to ponder: How many of us are prepared to give up our hopes and dreams to follow God’s plan? How many of us are prepared to walk away from the path we are currently on to, instead, walk the p  ath the Lord calls us to (a path that may include suffering, perhaps even disgrace). Are we prepared to take this path?

Mary was a nobody living in a no place part of the world.

She was a 14-year-old girl given heady news by an angel. I’m sure she had her own hopes and dreams for life. But all that changed when she met the angel Gabriel and heard God’s plan for her future.

But Mary has a choice in the matter. She has free will. This was not forced on her by God.

How many women in Mary’s time had the freedom to make their own choices? How many women were given that level of respect by their families or their communities? Mary had just been betrothed to Joseph by her parents, a decision not her own.

But God gave her a choice.

And Mary said, “yes,” and in her “yes” Mary found true joy in her life.

Mary is the perfect model for how we should live our lives as disciples of Jesus.

This weekend we see Mary’s first action as a disciple was to bring the Good News of Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth.

In that important moment, her cousin cries out, calling her “blessed,” and saying the child in her own womb jumped for joy at her presence. This is a sacred moment.

Former Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg wrote this about today’s Gospel passage:

“We all have sacred moments when we realize that God has touched our lives in extraordinary ways through ordinary people. These are moments that evoke within us that same sense of humility, gratitude, reverence, and praise. These are moments when we realize and understand the God is in control of our lives, always has been, and always will be.”

God’s path for our lives is not forced on any of us. God has given each of us a choice to follow God’s plan.

Our faith encourages us to develop ears to hear as we keep our hearts attuned to Christ. And we must have the courage to act on God’s call in our lives. 

Bishop Mueggenborg also wrote, “It is easy for us to trust in the Lord’s promises when we are experiencing success and the praise of others. It can be difficult to trust in God’s promises when we are asked to embrace sacrifice, disappointment, conflict, a rejection.”      This is why Mary’s example is so important for us to learn from.

This is the light that dawns on each and every one of us in radiant beauty.

          So, what can we learn from Mary about following God’s call in our own lives?

I’d like to share this humble offering with you (And a shout out to its author Marci Ferrell). It’s entitled –

Lessons God's Word teaches us through the life of Mary:

1.     Mary knew God's Word. In the time Mary lived she was probably illiterate, but she had heard the Word of God and kept it hidden in her heart. How well do we know God's Word? Are we able to speak the Words of His truth to others? Is our time in the Word an important part of our day?

2.     Mary was filled with the Spirit. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit working in us, and there is nothing we can accomplish for God outside the power of the Holy Spirit. Do we tap into the power of the Spirit, or do we rely on our strength to get through difficult situations and trials?

3.     Mary said “yes” to God's plan for her life. She had an obedient, submissive, and humble heart. Are we willing to say, “yes Lord,” to whatever task Jesus calls us?

4.     Mary was quiet before the Lord and meditated on all He had done in her life. How often are we truly quiet before the Lord, just pondering on what God has done and is doing in our lives? Do we take the time to meditate on God’s Word daily?

5.     Mary was a woman of worship. She gave praise to her Lord knowing that the road before her was going to be a difficult one. Do we praise God in and through all circumstances in our lives? Even the difficult ones?

6.     Mary trusted in the Lord and waited on God’s timing. A virgin betrothed to be married, and she just had a visitation from an angel of the Lord telling her she is to give birth to the Son of God. How do you explain this one to Joseph? Mary didn't take matters into her own hands but let the Lord change Joseph's heart.

7.     Mary was a chosen vessel of the Lord. If you are a child of God, you have been chosen to be an instrument that God is using to fulfill God’s purposes. Mary was chosen to give spiritual life to the Son of God, and we are chosen to give spiritual life and encouragement to others. Are we living an eternally focused life? Do we take the time to share the truth of the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ with other?

            As we approach the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, may we have hearts that are submissive and obedient to God's will for our lives. May we have the courage to say “yes” to God’s plan, no matter where it leads us. May we each become instruments of God’s peace in the world by sharing the Good News with others.

I pray the light of hope, joy, and peace of this message dawns on us in radiant beauty in the days ahead.

                          ________________________________

(Spanish Version)

HOMILÍA – Cuarto Domingo de Adviento – Los Caminos de María

En este último fin de semana de Adviento, nuestro mensaje es de esperanza, alegría y paz.

A lo largo de la temporada de Adviento, la oración matutina diaria de la Iglesia resuena con la siguiente frase: “Tu luz vendrá, Jerusalén; el Señor amanecerá sobre ti con radiante hermosura.”

Quizás la luz del mensaje de este fin de semana despierte en nosotros con radiante hermosura.

Primero, algunas preguntas para reflexionar:

¿Cuántos de nosotros estamos preparados para renunciar a nuestras esperanzas y sueños para seguir el plan de Dios?

¿Cuántos estamos dispuestos a alejarnos del camino que actualmente seguimos para caminar en el sendero al que el Señor nos llama (un camino que puede incluir sufrimiento, quizás incluso deshonra)?

¿Estamos preparados para tomar este camino?

María era una persona común en un lugar insignificante del mundo.

Era una joven de (catorce) 14 años que recibió noticias asombrosas de un ángel. Estoy seguro de que tenía sus propias esperanzas y sueños para su vida. Pero todo eso cambió cuando conoció al ángel Gabriel y escuchó el plan de Dios para su futuro.

Sin embargo, María tenía una elección. Ella tenía libre albedrío. Esto no le fue impuesto por Dios.

¿Cuántas mujeres en la época de María tenían la libertad de tomar sus propias decisiones? ¿Cuántas mujeres recibían ese nivel de respeto por parte de sus familias o comunidades? Los padres de María acababan de comprometerla con José, una decisión que no era suya.

Pero Dios le dio una opción.

Y María dijo: “sí”, y en su “sí” encontró la verdadera alegría en su vida.

María es el modelo perfecto de cómo deberíamos vivir nuestras vidas como discípulos de Jesús.

Este fin de semana vemos que la primera acción de María como discípula fue llevar la Buena Nueva de Jesús a su prima Isabel.
En ese importante momento, su prima exclamó, llamándola “bendita” y diciendo que el niño en su propio vientre saltó de alegría al sentir su presencia. Este es un momento sagrado.

El exobispo auxiliar de Seattle, Daniel Mueggenborg, escribió esto sobre el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy:

“Todos tenemos momentos sagrados cuando nos damos cuenta de que Dios ha tocado nuestras vidas de maneras extraordinarias a través de personas ordinarias. Estos son momentos que evocan en nosotros el mismo sentido de humildad, gratitud, reverencia y alabanza. Son momentos en los que nos damos cuenta y entendemos que Dios está en control de nuestras vidas, siempre lo ha estado y siempre lo estará.”

El camino de Dios para nuestras vidas no se nos impone. Dios nos ha dado a cada uno de nosotros la opción de seguir Su plan.

Nuestra fe nos anima a desarrollar oídos para escuchar mientras mantenemos nuestros corazones sintonizados con Cristo. Y debemos tener el valor de actuar según el llamado de Dios en nuestras vidas.

El obispo Mueggenborg también escribió:

“Es fácil confiar en las promesas del Señor cuando experimentamos éxito y elogios de los demás. Puede ser difícil confiar en las promesas de Dios cuando se nos pide abrazar el sacrificio, la desilusión, el conflicto o el rechazo.”
Por eso el ejemplo de María es tan importante para nosotros.
Esta es la luz que amanece sobre cada uno de nosotros con

radiante hermosura.

Entonces, ¿qué podemos aprender de María sobre cómo seguir el llamado de Dios en nuestras propias vidas?

Quiero compartir esta humilde reflexión contigo (y un agradecimiento especial a su autora, Marci Ferrell). Se titula:

Lecciones que la Palabra de Dios nos enseña a través de la vida de María:

1. María conocía la Palabra de Dios. En la época de María, probablemente era analfabeta, pero había escuchado la Palabra de Dios y la había guardado en su corazón. ¿Qué tan bien conocemos nosotros la Palabra de Dios? ¿Somos capaces de hablar las verdades de Su Palabra a los demás? ¿Es nuestro tiempo en la Palabra una parte importante de nuestro día?
2. María estaba llena del Espíritu. Como creyentes, tenemos al Espíritu Santo obrando en nosotros, y no hay nada que podamos lograr para Dios fuera del poder del Espíritu Santo. ¿Confiamos en el poder del Espíritu o dependemos de nuestra fuerza para superar situaciones y pruebas difíciles?
3. María dijo “sí” al plan de Dios para su vida. Tenía un corazón obediente, sumiso y humilde. ¿Estamos dispuestos a decir: “sí, Señor” a cualquier tarea que Jesús nos llame?
4. María se mantuvo en silencio ante el Señor y meditó en todo lo que Él había hecho en su vida. ¿Con qué frecuencia estamos verdaderamente en silencio ante el Señor, reflexionando sobre lo que Dios ha hecho y está haciendo en nuestras vidas? ¿Tomamos tiempo para meditar en la Palabra de Dios diariamente?
5. María fue una mujer de adoración. Alabó a su Señor sabiendo que el camino que tenía por delante iba a ser difícil. ¿Alabamos a Dios en todas las circunstancias de nuestra vida, incluso en las difíciles?
6. María confió en el Señor y esperó en el tiempo de Dios. Una virgen comprometida para casarse, que acaba de recibir la visita de un ángel del Señor diciéndole que dará a luz al Hijo de Dios. ¿Cómo se explica esto a José? María no tomó el asunto en sus propias manos, sino que permitió que el Señor cambiara el corazón de José.
7. María fue un vaso escogido por el Señor. Si eres hijo de Dios, has sido elegido para ser un instrumento que Dios está usando para cumplir Sus propósitos. María fue elegida para dar vida espiritual al Hijo de Dios, y nosotros somos elegidos para dar vida espiritual y ánimo a otros. ¿Estamos viviendo una vida enfocada en la eternidad? ¿Tomamos el tiempo para compartir la verdad del Evangelio que da vida con los demás?

---

Al acercarnos a la Natividad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que tengamos corazones sumisos y obedientes a la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas. Que tengamos el valor de decir “sí” al plan de Dios, sin importar a dónde nos lleve. Que cada uno de nosotros se convierta en un instrumento de la paz de Dios en el mundo al compartir la Buena Nueva con los demás.

Oro para que la luz de la esperanza, la alegría y la paz de este mensaje despierte en nosotros con radiante hermosura en los días venideros.

HOMILY – Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Least of These

                            _______________________________________

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Sounds a little like a superhero movie. Well, in some ways, it is!

The Solemnity was established by Pope Pius the Eleventh in 1925 to remind people that one person and one person alone has a claim on our lives: Jesus Christ. We are to follow his lead always.

In the 1920’s authoritarian dictatorships were becoming commonplace around the world. The Pope wanted to counter this emerging popularity among the Catholic faithful.

The Popes encyclical announcing the Solemnity said this:

"Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, Who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults…"

            Today, Jesus is talking to Pontius Pilate, who asks him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus' response is, "My kingdom does not belong to this world."

We are reading from The Passion from the Gospel of John.

As our former Auxiliary Bishop (and now Bishop of Reno) Daniel Mueggenborg wrote about this scripture passage: "throughout John’s Gospel, John the Evangelist has repeatedly described the necessary relationship between the internal and external manifestation of faith for a disciple: namely, what a person believes interiorly must be lived out in their actions... Such integrity between faith and action is what it means to be a loyal subject of the Kingdom of God."

In essence, our acts of charity or what the Church calls Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are the keys that unlock the gates of heaven. This is the Kingdom he is referring to.

           This week we are hearing about Jesus as the Son of Man, as the true King over all humanity as is referenced in the Book of the Prophet Daniel and the Book of Revelation. We are hearing Jesus tell Pontius Pilate that his Kingdom does not belong to this world.   

A few weeks ago, we heard Jesus talk about the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is a great lense to see what Jesus is asking of us in order to enter His Kingdom.

What each of us is called to do is to put our faith into action by showing love of our creator and love of our neighbor by our actions. 

A few years ago, on a rainy fall Sunday, I heard about a person experiencing homelessness who had set up shop outside our downtown Seattle parish just before Mass started.

I was asked to do something about it.

I said, no problem, I’d be happy to talk to the man.

As I stepped outside to chat with him, we instantly recognized each other. It was my friend Robert who we had worked with for the past few years with our MercyWatch outreach in Snohomish County.

When he saw me, he broke into tears and embraced me, and we got caught up on what was going on in his life.

Some parishioners were shocked to see the deacon hugging a homeless person.

One of our new parishioners witnessing all of this said, “What’s the deal people? So, the deacon knows a homeless guy.”

Yes, I know him, know his story, know his many struggles, know of his family’s efforts to get him off the streets.

He was a regular at Mass in Everett. Robert was a devout Catholic who attended Catholic schools through High School. He was now living on the streets of Seattle and using the front porch of the Church to keep out of the rain.

After our chat, he started attending Mass every Sunday and our MercyWatch team made special trips down from Everett to give Robert food, water, socks, blankets and other needed survival items.

We also worked with Robert’s family to get him into a shelter.

Sadly, a few years later Robert died on the streets.

Robert lived a rough life, and often his better angels would give way to one of his many demons.

Robert could be your son, your brother, your father, your friend. He was my friend.

Our all-volunteer nonprofit MercyWatch walks with these poor unhoused souls every day. Our efforts are headquartered in the parish community and provide medical care, outreach and, most importantly, the ministry of presence to the unhoused.

Homelessness has exploded in our area. We see signs of it every day.

What are we Christians supposed to do about it? 

Not turn a blind eye. But we are called to do something.

In other words, we are to show love to our neighbor. And by doing so we show love for God.

When we do this, we encounter the sacred through our works of charity and mercy. This is what distinguishes holy Christian service from secular acts of kindness.

In Jesus’ many parables, he tries to open our eyes so we can recognize His presence in the “distressing disguise of the poor,” as St. Teresa of Calcutta described it.

Jesus reveals something important about what the Church calls the preferential option for the poor, “the least of these” in the world in need of our care.

One of the Church’s greatest homilists of all time, St. John Chrysostom once preached, “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”

So, how can you help provide this care through our parish community? By volunteering with parish outreach to the homeless.

Every Monday night, our parish community offers a Hot Meal to the homeless and food insecure at Our Lady of Hope’s Hensen Hall in downtown Everett. We can always use a few extra hands for this.

We also need your help at our annual Operation Stocking Stuffer held at Hensen Hall the morning of December 24th where we will take donations of socks and other survival supplies and turn them into gift packages to be handed out by MercyWatch to those living on the streets. 

             If you want to know more about MercyWatch, come see me after Mass.

 Jesus reminds us always: 

“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me…”          

As we grow deeper in our faith, deeper in holiness, I invite you to become a part of parish homeless outreach or even MercyWatch.

Together we can better put our faith into action and bring the love to Jesus to everyone.

                            

                                  _________________________________ 

¡Viva Cristo Rey! 

Hoy celebramos la Solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo. 

La Solemnidad fue establecida por el Papa Pío XI en 1925 para recordar a las personas que una sola persona tiene derecho a nuestra vida: Jesucristo. Debemos seguir siempre su ejemplo. 

En los años 20, las dictaduras autoritarias se estaban volviendo comunes en el mundo. El Papa quería contrarrestar esta popularidad emergente entre los fieles católicos. 

La encíclica del Papa que anunciaba esta Solemnidad decía lo siguiente: 

“Las naciones serán recordadas, por la celebración anual de esta fiesta, de que no solo los individuos privados sino también los gobernantes y príncipes están obligados a dar honor público y obediencia a Cristo. Esto les recordará el pensamiento del juicio final, cuando Cristo, que ha sido expulsado de la vida pública, despreciado, olvidado e ignorado, vengará más severamente estos insultos…” 

¡Viva Cristo Rey! 

En México, estas palabras tienen un significado especial y recuerdan a todos el sacrificio de una de las víctimas de la Guerra Cristera, la muerte de un niño de 14 años llamado Joselito, San José Luis Sánchez del Río. 

¿Quizás conoces su historia? Su historia es una de sacrificio por su fe, sacrificio hasta el punto de la muerte. 

San Joselito creció cerca de Guadalajara en Jalisco, en el pueblo de Sahuayo. 

Cuando tenía 13 años, estalló la Guerra Cristera entre el pueblo de México que apoyaba a la Iglesia Católica y el gobierno mexicano, que estaba persiguiendo a la Iglesia. 

Durante varios años, los sacerdotes católicos eran capturados y ejecutados por el gobierno. Esta persecución de la Iglesia duró varios años, mientras el gobierno confiscaba propiedades de la Iglesia, cerraba escuelas religiosas y conventos, y ejecutaba a muchos sacerdotes. 

En medio de esta guerra, surgió un niño tan comprometido con su fe que quiso entregar su vida por Jesús y se unió a las fuerzas rebeldes. Sus hermanos se habían unido a los rebeldes, y él quería ir con ellos, en contra de la voluntad de su madre. 

Al principio, el general rebelde Mendoza se negó a dejar que Joselito se uniera a los rebeldes por su edad. Pero, conmovido por su compromiso de dar su vida por Jesucristo, finalmente le permitió ser el abanderado de la tropa. 

Durante intensos combates el 25 de enero de 1928, el caballo del General Mendoza fue abatido, y Joselito le cedió su propio caballo para que la lucha continuara. Las tropas del gobierno capturaron al niño durante el combate y lo encarcelaron en la sacristía de la iglesia local. 

Las tropas del gobierno ordenaron a Joselito que renunciara a su fe en Cristo bajo amenaza de muerte. Pero Joselito se negó. 

Para quebrantar su voluntad, Joselito fue obligado a presenciar el ahorcamiento de otro Cristero que estaba bajo custodia. Pero Joselito animó al hombre condenado, diciéndole que pronto se encontrarían en el cielo. 

Joselito rezaba el rosario todos los días y se le permitió enviar una carta a su madre. 

En ella, le decía que estaba listo para cumplir la voluntad de Dios y morir por Jesús. Su padre trató de reunir dinero para conseguir la liberación de Joselito, pero no logró convencer al gobierno de que lo dejara ir. 

El 10 de febrero de 1928, el gobierno intentó quebrantar a Joselito. Fue torturado y obligado a caminar por el pueblo hasta el cementerio. 

Gritaba de dolor, pero no cedió. Joselito estaba rodeado de hombres armados mientras experimentaba su Pasión, mientras los habitantes del pueblo miraban con horror. 

A ratos, las tropas se detenían y le decían: “si gritas ‘Muerte a Cristo Rey,’ te perdonaremos la vida.” 

José solo gritaba: “¡Nunca cederé! ¡Viva Cristo Rey!” 

La tortura continuó hasta el cementerio. Joselito fue tentado por sus captores para que renunciara a Jesús, pero él seguía repitiendo: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” 

Cuando finalmente llegaron al cementerio, las tropas lo llevaron frente a una tumba recién excavada. 

Sus padres estaban allí. Su padre le dijo: “Solo di las palabras y podrás regresar a casa.” 

Con lágrimas en los ojos, Joselito negó con la cabeza y dijo: “Los amo.” Y una última vez, susurró suavemente: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” 

Su verdugo lo apuñaló al escuchar estas palabras. Mientras agonizaba, trazó la señal de la cruz en la tierra, donde comenzó a acumularse su sangre. Al ver esto, su verdugo le disparó y acabó con su vida. 

San Joselito fue venerado como mártir por San Juan Pablo II en 2004, beatificado un año después por el Papa Benedicto XVI y canonizado el 16 de octubre de 2016 por el Papa Francisco. 

Los restos de San José Luis Sánchez del Río están en una capilla lateral en la Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol en su pueblo natal de Sahuayo. 

¡Viva Cristo Rey! 

San Joselito dio el sacrificio máximo por Jesús. 

Nosotros también estamos llamados a sacrificarnos por Jesús. Afortunadamente, nuestro sacrificio es pequeño en comparación. 

En esta época del año, el sacrificio que se nos pide es ayudar a financiar nuestra hermosa Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza. 

Dios lo sacrifica todo por nosotros. Solo nos pide que sacrifiquemos un poco para ayudar a construir su reino. 

¡Viva Cristo Rey! 

                          _______________________

 (English version)

Viva Cristo Rey! 

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe was established by Pope Pius the Eleventh in 1925 to remind people that one person alone has a claim on our lives: Jesus Christ. We are to always follow his lead.

In the 1920’s authoritarian dictatorships were becoming common in the world. The Pope wanted to counter this emerging popularity among the Catholic faithful.

The Popes encyclical announcing the Solemnity said this:

“Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, Who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults…”

Viva Cristo Rey! 

In Mexico, these words have special meaning and remind everyone of the sacrifice of one of the victims of Cristeros War, the death of a 14-year-old boy named Joselito, Saint Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio.

Perhaps you know his story? His story is one of sacrifice for his faith. Sacrifice to the point of death.

Saint Joselito grew up outside Guadalajara in Jalisco, in the town of Sahuayo.

When he was 13, the Cristero War broke out between the people of Mexico who supported the Catholic Church and the Mexican government who were persecuting the Church.

For several years, Catholic priests were being rounded up and killed by the government. This persecution of the Church lasted for several years as the government seized Church property, closed religious schools and convents, in addition to executing many priests.

Into this war, stepped a boy so committed to his faith that he wanted to give his life for Jesus and joined the rebel forces. His brothers had joined the rebels and he wanted to go with them against his mother’s will.

At first, rebel general Mendoza refused to let Joselito join the rebels because of his age. But moved by his commitment to give his life for Jesus Christ eventually he let him become the flagbearer for the troop.

During heavy fighting on January 25, 1928, General Mendoza’s horse was killed and Joselito let the general have his horse so the fighting could continue. Government troops captured the boy during the fighting and imprisoned him in the sacristy of the local Church.

Government troops ordered Joselito the renounce his faith in Christ and threatened him with death. But Joselito refused.

To break his resolve, Joselito was forced to watch the hanging of another Cristero who was in custody. But Joselito encouraged the condemned man, saying they would soon meet again in heaven.

Joselito prayed the rosary daily and was allowed to send a letter to his mother.

In it he said he was ready to fulfill the will of God and die for Jesus. His father tried to raise money to have Joselito freed, but was unable to convince the government to let him go.

On February 10, 1928, the government tried to break Joselito. He was tortured and forced to walk around town to the cemetery.

He cried out in pain, but did not give in. Joselito was surrounded by armed gunman as he experienced his Passion as the townspeople looked on in horror.

At times, the troops would stop and say, “if you shout ‘Death to Christ the King,’ we will spare your life.

Jose would only shout, “I will never give in. Viva Cristo Rey!”

The torture continued all the way to the cemetery. Joselito was  tempted by his captors to renounce Jesus, yet he kept repeating, “Viva Cristo Rey!”

When they finally arrived at the cemetery, the troops marched him in front of a freshly dug grave.

His mother and father were there. His father said, “Just say the words and you can come home.”

Through his tears, Joselito shook his head no, said, “I love you.” And one last time softly said, “Viva Cristo Rey!”

His executioner stabbed him upon hearing these words.  As he lay dying, he dug the sign of the cross in the ground into which his blood started to pool. Seeing this, his executioner immediately shot him dead.

Joselito was venerated as a martyr by St. Pope John Paul the Second in 2004, beatified one year later by Pope Benedict the Sixteenth and Canonized on October 16, 2016 by Pope Francis.

The remains of St. Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio are enshrined above a side altar in the Church of St. James the Apostle in his hometown of Sahuayo.

Viva Cristo Rey!

St. Joselito gave the ultimate sacrifice for Jesus.

We too are called to sacrifice for Jesus. Thankfully, our sacrifice is small by comparison.

During this time of the year, the sacrifice we are called to give is to help fund our beautiful Our Lady of Hope Church.

God sacrifices everything for us. He only asks that we sacrifice a little to help build up his kingdom.

¡Viva Cristo Rey!