The Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

The Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Dan. 7: 13-14, Rev. 1:5-8, Jn 18: 33b-37. As we come to the last Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the Church invites us to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King. This Solemnity is the “crown” of the year, for it summarises what has been celebrated through the year and looks forward to the Reign of Christ at the end of time. Today's first reading describes the coming of the one who is like the “Son of Man” who receives everlasting dominion over all. The apocalyptic imagery is used to describe the advent of a great Leader who comes from God to establish a new empire. This empire is far superior to all the previous kingdoms. This new dynasty will be eternal and all nations and peoples will be subjected to the rule of this “Son of Man”. It is no wonder that Christian believers have seen this description to Jesus and His establishing the Reign/Kingdom of Heaven or the Reign/Kingdom of God. All peoples, nations and languages serve Him as their King. However, as our Lord told Pilate in today's Gospel, it is not just anyone on earth who will serve Him, but only those who belong to the truth and listen to His voice.

Those on earth who belong to the truth also belong to the Kingdom of Christ. In today's second reading, Paul invites us to cling to Jesus to free us from our sins for those who are freed by His Blood have been made into a Kingdom and they are Priests for God the Father. Thus, we need to accept Christ the King as our Lord and Saviour and surrender our lives to Him. We surrender our lives to Jesus everyday when we give priority to His teaching in our daily choices, especially in moral decisions. We should not exclude Christ our King from any area of our personal or family lives. In other words, Christ must be in full charge of our lives and we must give Him sovereign power over our bodies, thoughts, heart and will. We need to accept Jesus Christ as the King of love. Jesus came to proclaim to all of us the goodnews of God’s love and salvation, gave us His new commandment of love: “Love one another as I have loved you,” and demonstrated that love by dying for us sinners. We accept Jesus as our King of love when we love others as Jesus loved, unconditionally and sacrificially.

May the Lord help us to bear united witness to the truth for whose course Christ died for us, so that earthly kings and kingdoms may embrace the truth and work towards building up a human society where everyone finds love, justice, peace and protection! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!

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