Sunday 22^nd November – Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

Reflection: Apocalypse 1: 5-8

KINGLY PEOPLE

“Mine is not a kingdom of this world…” John 18:36

Our knowledge of kingship comes from our day to day encounter with royalty. The king is a highly regarded and feared person to whom all his subjects pay obeisance. His power is absolute and unquestionable and he is often “up there” disconnected from his subjects. It was this perception of kingship that Pilate bore in mind as He asked our Lord during his trial, “Are you the king of the Jews?” little did he know that much more than being the king of the Jews, Christ is the king of the whole world. It is this universal sovereignty that the Church calls us to reflect upon and celebrate today as she concludes her liturgical year.

What makes Christ’s kingship different from the worldly kingship? Frist, when James and John as well as the rest of the apostles seemed to be confused about this, Jesus took time to explain to them that unlike the rulers of this world, his kingship is one of servanthood. His is a priestly kingship that involves the sacrifice of his own life for his subjects (Mk 10: 42-45). In addition, while our worldly rulers hold tightly to their power, Jesus shares His with us. Much more than being His subjects, Christ calls us to be his brothers and share in his reign. “He has made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father” (Rev 1:6).

Dear friends, you and I have the highest privilege – that of belong to the King of Kings. How much obeisance do you pay to him? Does your way of life portray allegiance to Jesus the universal king or to the devil, the enemy of your soul? Do you live by His heavenly standards or by the standards of this world? We have been washed with the precious blood of the Lamb and consecrated to be kings and priests. Let us make a commitment today to die to our own selves – to our selfishness and pride for the sake of our salvation and those of others.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we celebrate your universal Kingship today. Please rule in my heart and affairs always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 520 – What does it mean to say, “Thy kingdom come”?

When we pray, “Thy kingdom come”, we call for Christ to come again, as he promised, and for God’s reign, which has already begun here on earth to prevail definitively”

HIDE A TREASURE: “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 1:5-6 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Dan 7: 13-14; Ps 93: 1-2, 5; Apoc 1: 5-8; Jn 18: 33-37