Editorial

Jesus Christ should be our king during this special time of year

We’re in the midst of a special time, a yearly occurrence that brings millions of people together from all walks of life.

The young, middle-aged and seniors are part of it. The event draws people from all cultures and ethnicities, focusing on the annual gathering which culminates usually in March or April, depending on how the calendar falls.

If you’re thinking Holy Week leading to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ at Easter, think again.

We believe, sadly, that the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) men’s basketball championship is the most popular occurrence this time each year.

Not to be outdone, the women’s NCAA basketball championship has garnered its legions of fans—in the millions as well—where people come together to root for their favorite teams through what has become known as March Madness.

There are office pools, online competitions and friendly wagers among family and friends, but should they take priority over what our liturgical calendar offers us?

We understand that there are lifetime ties for those of us in Indiana, where basketball has been “king” for well more than a century. From generation to generation, families have passed on their love of the game.

But as people of faith, we understand that basketball isn’t the “king” that can lead us to eternal life.

We live in a secular society, but we believe—especially at this time of year—that faith gives us eyes to see and that the cross is the means of our sanctification.

We know that Jesus Christ, who suffered the agony of all agonies by selflessly dying on a cross to forgive our sins, is the king who leads us on the road to salvation and eternal life.

As we approach Holy Week, let us remember it is a special time for us as Catholics.

We are only days away from Easter, the chief feast in the liturgical calendars of all Christian Churches.

As we mark the triduum, we are part of the crowd that calls for Jesus to be nailed to a tree. We must pray humbly and earnestly that, in his mercy, God will forgive us.

The triduum also leads from the upper room, where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles; to Calvary, where Jesus gave his life for us; to the empty tomb that showed forth his glorious resurrection.

We celebrate this paschal mystery on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. And it is during the Easter Vigil on Saturday night that tens of thousands—including many in the archdiocese—will be received into the full communion of the Church.

Catechumens—people not yet baptized—will be baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion at the Easter Vigil. Candidates, who are already baptized Christians, will enter into the full communion of the Church by making a profession of faith, being confirmed and receiving their first Communion.

As believers who emulate Christ’s example of hospitality, we know other Church members will offer a warm welcome to our new brothers and sisters in Christ, who are joining us on the journey to the kingdom this weekend.

We understand that we are all disciples of Jesus and members of the body of Christ. We must also remember that our mission in life includes evangelization—bearing witness to the message and work of Christ so that others may believe in him.

The Catholic Church has been criticized for various things through the years, but one thing we do right is build community.

As we approach Holy Week, let us put our basketball brackets aside and focus on what’s truly important this time of year.

Whether it’s March or April—or any part of the calendar year—as stewards of the living God, may we be his instruments on Earth and help share Christ’s mission of salvation in our parish and in our world.

—Mike Krokos