By Pat Haggerty

We live in troubled times and in a troubled world.  That has become so clear as evidenced by the recent happenings in Paris.  We feel for the French people and we unite with them in solidarity offering our prayers and empathizing with their struggles.  How can one find hope in such a cauldron of insanity?

Believe me, I have no answers, nor am I trying to oversimplify this plight.  It is an extremely complex political, social and religious issue.  I am just trying to find solace and comfort from God’s word.  I am trying to reflect on it connecting the “realities of today,” as Pope Francis has often said, with the message of the gospel.

I am suggesting that we reflect on the gospel  for the feast of Christ the King.  It turns the focus of power  and control on Jesus.  In the gospel story, Jesus responds to Pilate regarding his kingship.  He says:  “You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37)

We all need to “testify to the truth” and to find our truth in God.  During such trying times, we need to listen to the voice of God.  We need to find our strength in him.  As we read in the psalm for the feast day:  “And he has made the world firm, not to be moved.  Our throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord.” (Psalm 93)

God is with us at all times, especially in difficult times.  He is with the Parisians who lost loved ones in the massacre.  He is with those who sustained injuries at the café and concert venue.  He is with those suffering mental anguish over what they saw.  He is with all of France as it moves forward to deal with the atrocity it has undergone.

We, as fellow members of the Body of Christ, join with them in prayer and hope.  We turn to the Lord and pray “that your Son himself may bestow on all nations the gifts of unity and peace.”  We join with our fellow man in FRATERNITÉ.