Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, a feast that invites us to reflect on the true nature of Christ's kingship and its implications for our lives.
In the first reading from Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet shares a vision of "one like a Son of man" receiving dominion, glory, and kingship from the Ancient of Days. This passage foretells the coming of a Messiah whose reign is eternal and universal, a kingdom that transcends all earthly powers.
The responsorial psalm, Psalm 93, proclaims, "The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty." It reminds us of God's sovereign authority over all creation, emphasizing His strength and the stability of His reign.
In the second reading from Revelation 1:5-8, John describes Jesus Christ as "the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." This passage highlights Christ's victory over death and His supreme authority, affirming that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
The Gospel reading from John 18:33b-37 presents the encounter between Jesus and Pilate, where Jesus declares, "My kingdom does not belong to this world." This statement reveals that Christ's kingship is not about political power or earthly dominion but is rooted in truth and love. His reign is established through His sacrificial love and calls us to live in accordance with His teachings.
As we honor Christ the King, let us reflect on how we acknowledge His sovereignty in our daily lives. Are we allowing His teachings to guide our actions and decisions? Do we embody the values of His kingdom—love, justice, mercy, and truth—in our interactions with others?
Preparing Our Hearts for Advent
As we conclude the liturgical year with this solemnity, we also look forward to the season of Advent, which begins next Sunday. Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of our Lord. I encourage each of us to use this time to deepen our relationship with Christ, to reflect on His kingship in our lives, and to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew.
May we embrace the true meaning of Christ's kingship and allow His love and truth to reign in our hearts and homes.
In Christ’s love,