November 24
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
“The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.”
Readings
Reflection
Today’s feast celebrates the kingship of Jesus and serves to mark the conclusion of the Liturgical Year. As you read or listen to this week’s readings from Sacred Scripture they may seem to be distinctly independent from each other, but ultimately they are deeply connected.
We must remember that Jesus refused to allow people to identify him as a king during his time on Earth. This is precisely because Jesus did not want to be people to view him as an earthly king, but as an eternal King, but only after he would come into his reign in the heavenly Kingdom.
Jesus’ reasoning for this is that there were strong messianic expectations people held during his lifetime. These were often political expectations put on human kings. Christ was both human and divine, and therefore refused to be limited to purely human standards and expectations.
When Jesus finally did reveal his identity as a king, he insisted that his reign would not be like earthly kings. As Christ is enthroned in heaven, he reveals himself as the ever-faithful witness to all that God has done, and continues to do for all time.
Sacred Scripture calls us to respond to this heavenly king in such a way that our Christ sanctifies us by his example. Do we live, as we ought, as Jesus taught by word and example? Are we willing to reach out to those who society abhors or bring peace to those who are troubled? Do we speak the truth of Christ to those who may be expecting us to act in some other way? Do we participate in the Holy Mass, allowing Christ to feed us with his Body and Blood? The Feast of Christ the King celebrates the realization of all of our theology!
When we do these things, we are following the teachings of Jesus. Christ did not conform his mission to suit those around him, but he did draw them to himself that they may learn the way of truth and life.
May we all find peace at the end of this liturgical year, and may be look forward to a joyful Advent Season!
Peace,
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