November 26
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe
“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
Readings
Reflection
The Liturgical calendar year concludes with the feast we celebrate today, “Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” and I think it always offers us an invitation to renewal in our walks with the Lord. With Advent just days away, we begin again to journey together as a Church, seeking again to enter deeper into the life of Christ, and to allow Him to have pride of place in our hearts over and above all else. Contrary to what the world might expect, this humility before Jesus doesn’t leave us denying everything in life, but rather it leads us to receive true freedom.
This freedom that only Jesus offers is meant to enliven and animate us, because with his Spirit giving us life, it is Jesus who then lives and moves in us (so long as we continually desire that).
Reflecting with Jesus as our King, we should consider putting in some effort toward self-evaluation—how am I living in relationship with God, with my neighbor, and with myself? The implications of this feast remind us that if Jesus is King and Lord of the universe, then I am not. It means that my life really isn’t about me, but again rather than this truth being a message of slavery or denial for our lives as his disciples, life becomes much more of an exciting, joy-filled adventure. Do I really allow Jesus to have governing authority over my heart and my life? Whom do you serve? Do you prioritize choosing to serve yourself or your own plans/designs, or do you strive to live humbly under the care of Jesus our King?
In our sinfulness and weaknesses we continually struggle to do this, and at times we do this better than others, which is why I think the placement of this feast is the invitation we need to strengthen our resolve to go deeper with Him.
Our readings today present us with several perspectives of Jesus the King—as King we are given the image of shepherd and protector (1st reading), one who has power over sin and everlasting death (2nd reading), and amazingly, one who is concerned with the needs of those who are poor and vulnerable and also identifies himself in relationship with them (Gospel)! What do we learn? Jesus is no typical king, and he certainly doesn’t govern like we might expect the kings of the world. He himself takes initiative and seeks out those entrusted to him and desires their wellbeing and fulfillment. He embodies the reality of his words that echo his desire to come to us, not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for us. His crown is a crown of thorns, and his throne is the altar of the Cross.
If we allow him to really be Lord of our lives we can trust that we shall not be left orphan or left wanting (Psalm 23). For he exalts and lifts up those who are bowed down. In the Eucharist, our King humbly pours out his life to give us a share in his life. So what are you waiting for?! Let Jesus be King of your heart and of your life; you will come to know the untouchable freedom of the sons and daughters of God. ¡Viva, Cristo Rey!
Peace,
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