22 November 2015: Solemnity of Christ the King
(Liturgical color: White)
Gospel: Read John 18:33b-37
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King....
The Solemnity of Christ the King this Sunday concludes another liturgical season in our journey of
By what right, we may ask, does Jesus claim these kingly titles? Well, Jesus indeed was born of David's royal line. But as He tells Pontius Pilate, His kingdom is not of this world. Because He did not come as a political leader, ruling his subjects with force. Rather, He came as a Redeemer and Savior, seeking instead to rule his followers with truth and love.
As we reflect on the Gospel reading, it is somewhat ironic that even as we proclaim the glorious image of our heavenly King, the evangelist St. John presents to us the image of a suffering Christ, bloodied and beaten, crowned with thorns, and his hands tied like a criminal.
But that's the central point of the Gospel message for this Sunday. With all the power at His disposal, both in heaven and here on earth, our Christ the King, and Lord of lords, could have commanded the angels and all his followers here on earth to deliver Him from the cross. And yet He truly submits to the Father's will. Such is the humility of our King, who came to serve as the ransom for our souls, accepted death as the wages for our sins.
In rising again, He conquered sin and death, establishing His power and authority. He is hailed as Lord and King because all authority in heaven and earth is His and all things rightly belong to Him. Yet He chooses to lay claim to our obedience, our hearts and minds, with love rather than force.
May our celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King be an inspiration, a challenge, to those aspiring to be our leaders in the next year election. They should serve with humility, to lead through service.
So let us pray: Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, please hear your people. Amen.
A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.
Ad Jesum per Mariam!
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