The Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

Ezk. 34:11-17, 1 Cor. 15:20-28, Mt 25:31-46. With the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the universal King we come to the end of liturgical Year A on this Thirty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Solemnity of Christ the universal King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, which proclaims in a resounding and effective way, Christ’s royalty over all nations against the influence of Secularism. Today's first reading draws our attention to the Divine Kingship from the point of view of a Shepherd who goes out to search for the sheep that are lost. The Shepherd-King is more interested in the welfare of the flock and would do all that are practicable to rescue the sheep. It is only when the sheep proves unteachable, unreachable, untenable and un-saveable that justice will finally come in as was shown more clearly in today's Gospel (Mt. 25:31-46) where the Shepherd-King will finally separate the sheep from the goats.

It is very important to understand that the sheep that falls short of expectation will become a goat because there was never a consideration for goats. It has been sheep all the way hence to be unsaved is equivalent to being a goat. Today, we proclaim to the whole world that we have a King who is also our Shepherd. We profess that there is no king like Him and challenged to allow Him to be the ultimate King in our lives. As imitators of Christ, we are also challenged to learn from Him, He who is meek and humble. Learning from Him means that we should dispense love and seek out others as He continues to do for us. We are called to represent and reproduce Him in the ministry of healing. As the Shepherd-King seeks us out and heals us, so are we called upon to seek out others and also effect healing. There is no doubt that the world is sick in various ways and healing has become very essential and needful. The healing of the body by providing for the physical needs for those who are experiencing abject lack and healing of the minds for those who are going through mental suppression and oppression. Healing of the spirit for those who lack divine presence and touch in their lives.

May the reign of Christ change the events of thing in our world and bring total healing! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, Christ the universal King reigns, happy Sunday!!!