Father Madden's Sunday Reflection
St. John's Church
Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe
November 23, 2025
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Father Madden's
Sunday Reflection
Dear Friends in the Lord,
This weekend we celebrate our annual One King Sunday. The only One we need. It marks the end of the liturgical year. Next week, we begin again with the First Sunday of Advent. We will provide information on both Hallow and Formed to add to your advent preparation.
As any NFL fan knows, injuries play a huge part in the outcome of any game and any season. We are learning that to be the case in another “arena,” as well. Here at St. John’s, we have been trying to continue as best we can with first Dolores and then Bobby going on the injured list. Fortunately, they are both recovering well. This weekend’s injury report has Dolores listed as out and Bobby listed as questionable, we expect both of them to be back in action for the holy season of Advent and Christmas. We are certainly grateful for the advances in medical care but rely primarily on the Divine Physician. They both appreciate the prayers and concern that they have been receiving, please continue them.
Today’s second collection is for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The CCHD was started in 1969 by the U.S. Bishops. It was initially called the National Catholic Crusade Against Poverty and was founded in response to Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Populorum Progressio. Though it has faced some controversy over the years, and what group hasn’t, the CCHD has been one of the Church’s most effective forces in overcoming poverty. We here at St. John’s have benefited from its mission and its generosity. In the years when we first began serving the weekday meal, we received an annual grant through the CCHD collection. This seed money was a significant help. In that regard, we are also one of their success stories in that we were able to grow the mission.
Perhaps, we will be going back to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the future. It is only in the planning stages now, but we are hoping to be able to imitate the Capuchin Mobile Ministry which serves the homeless in Cambridge and Boston. They stop at 3 spots in Cambridge and 4 spots in Boston on the same day at the same time every week. The mobile van is stocked with sandwiches and coffee, socks and hats, toothpaste and smiling faces. It is a ministry seeking to develop relationships of trust and care with our brothers and sisters on the streets. It is clear to me that engaging in a similar mission would be a fruitful endeavor for the homeless in Worcester and for St. John’s Church. After you have finished your prayers for Dolores, Bobby and others, please add a few for the Mobile Ministry with a Heart.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr John Madden
1st Reading: Lectionary 162
In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said:
"Here we are, your bone and your flesh.
In days past, when Saul was our king,
it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back.
And the LORD said to you,
'You shall shepherd my people Israel
and shall be commander of Israel.'"
When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,
King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,
and they anointed him king of Israel.
"Here we are, your bone and your flesh.
In days past, when Saul was our king,
it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back.
And the LORD said to you,
'You shall shepherd my people Israel
and shall be commander of Israel.'"
When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,
King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,
and they anointed him king of Israel.
Responsorial: Psalm
R. (cf. 1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
2nd Reading: Colossians
Brothers and sisters:
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
Verse Before the Gospel
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
Prayer
St. John's Parish:
Prayer Needs & Intentions
Please remember the following needs and intentions in your prayers:
- Tristan, my siblings (Kassandra R)
- Please pray for my family. (Katie D)
- Please pray for Kathy and John as they battle cancer. (Cynthia D)
- to bring Hailey home safely (Artie L)
- Pray for the success of the 2026 Worcester Catholic Men’s Conference which will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the DCU Center. Please pray that whoever NEEDS to be there WILL be there. (Todd J)
- for Rene that his tumor surgery will be successful and the tumor is benign. (Charles L)
- For judge Pasto's to approve the adoption, end visits. Bless my loved ones and protect my kids, community and church. Open and bless Lyne’s heart to do what’s best for Leila and to sign the adoption. For my baby to have a safe and healthy recovery from surgery. Bless Bob who stepped up to help, love a child that God called for me to care for unconditionally, and he loves and cares for us unconditionally. Even when I am overwhelmed and stressed. Lord you are my rock. Open my heart to do all I do in your name and for your glory. Bless my parish. Read More (Rach P)
- Please pray for the Health and intensions of Jeff Pardon und my personal health (Steve S)
- Please keep Delores in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. (Carole C)
- Prayers for my (Janice A)
- Thank you all for your prayers for Henry. He continues to amaze his therapists with his determination and improvements. They feel he may be able to walk from his wheelchair to the bathroom in 6 months. This little 3 year old is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. Thank you all Read More (Brian M)
- So happy for all of you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙏❣️(Anne L)
- thanks Anne. Same to you (Brian M)
- Healing prayers for Arlene, Paul, Kathleen and Carole. Thank you (Kathleen L)
- Please pray for a special intentions for my grandsons ! Thank you (Kathleen L)
- Family's health and safety. Safe trip home for my Granddaughter and her family. Safe and Happy Thanksgiving for all. Praying for friends battling cancer. Thank you (Anne L)
- prayers for my Brother Bernie Fitzpatrick praying he can be with us for Thanksgiving. also Prayers for my health and thar I can be with Family. Prayers for my Family, Friends, Neighbors, the Country, and the World (C. Patricia S)
- For manly men to lead their families in prayer and devout Christian living. (Pamela J)
- In thanksgiving for a successful surgery for Penny and prayers that the mass is benign. (Maryann C)
- Please pray for persons suffering with tinnitus and arthritis. Thanks (Barbara K)
- Praying for improved health for Sharon R, Barbara L, Dorothy H, Mary O, Betty Y, Barbara M, Denise R, Helen P, Kate M, Bob R, Anita M, Ed V, Bill R, Earle M, Bob K, MaryAnn/Bob H, Andrea C, Susan M, Joe C, Ellie W, Margaret R, Mary T, Frank M, Jane S, Michael R, Cathy L, Sr. Francis M, Paul R, Bobby H, Judy H, Laura T, Bev L, Dana S, Theresa C and Sr. Marna R. Read More (Donna W)
- Praying for the Repose of the souls of George Reidy and Diane O’Connell. May their souls Rest in Peace. (Donna W)
- Please pray for me as I continue with my rehab journey after a serious accident. (Susan M)
To share a prayer request or intention in the Sunday Reflection, please click the REPLY button at the bottom of the Saturday morning Prayer Intentions email and post it in the comments.
Act of Spiritual Communion
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Our Common Prayer
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for all our brothers and sisters in need and deliver us from our trials. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all those working for the common good; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour,
that, trusting in your loving protection,
we might see the end of our struggles
and rejoice in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PRAYER PLEDGE
Join the team of St. John's parishioners pledging to pray daily
for the religious education and spiritual formation of our young people
In this challenging time our commitment to praying for our youth is more necessary than ever. Without prayer we cannot hope to transmit the riches of our Catholic faith to the next generation; join us as we lift our voices to God and ask for His blessing upon our efforts to teach our young people to become disciples of Christ.
We welcome you to pray a daily prayer of your own choosing, or to use the "Prayer for St. John's Religious Education" below. 👇
Prayer for St. John's Religious Education
Most gracious Lord, we ask your blessing upon the Religious Education program of our beloved parish of St. John’s. Please allow Your love and grace to flow freely and permeate the hearts and souls of our students and their families. Holy Spirit allow your gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Piety to flourish in our Catechists as they pass on the teachings of Your Church to our students. Bless our volunteers for their generosity and loyalty which keeps our program operating properly. St. Joseph, intercede for our parents in this time so that they will recognize and accept their role as leaders of the Domestic Church.
We praise and honor you our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
St. Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, pray for us.
St. Gemma Galgani, patron of students, pray for us.
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