Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thirty Fourth Sunday :B: Feast of Christ the King: November 25, 2018

"CHRIST, THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE"

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14
Second Reading: Apocalypse 1: 5-8
Gospel Reading: John 18: 33-37

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage gives a description of the vision of Daniel. In his vision Daniel saw 'son of man' (Christ) being presented to the heavenly Father and He was given dominion and glory and Kingship. All people and nations were under His everlasting power.

   * Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage speaks of the faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of whole world and all kingdoms. By His shedding of blood, Christ has freed us from sin and made us part of His Kingdom. Christ is the Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end of everything.

"Citizens of eternal Kingdom"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage gives an account of Jesus being asked by Pilate about His kingdom. Jesus' answer was that His kingdom is not of this world. But He said,"I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice". Hence the hall mark of Jesus' kingship is testifying to the truth. Pope Benedict XVI says,"Jesus' whole existence reveals that God is love. This is therefore the truth of which he gave full testimony with the sacrifice of his own life on Calvary. The Cross is the 'throne' from which he manifested the sublime royalty of God - Love."
Jesus' kingship did not end with His death on the cross, on the contrary, His kingdom continues for ever in eternal glory and splendor as He testified that His kingdom did not belong to this world. May we have the courage and the perseverance to remain true to our King and Lord. We need to give witness to His rule by belonging to the side of truth and continue to listen to the voice of Christ the universal King.
Beneath the picture of Christ runs the following message: "Jesus also known as Christ wanted on charges of sedition, criminal anarchy, vagrancy, and conspiring to overthrow the established government. Dresses poorly, uses carpentry as a cover, has visionary ideas. Associates with common working people, unemployed and winos. Has variety of aliases: Prince of peace, Son of Man, Light of the World, etc. Full beard and scars on hands  and feet the result of injuries inflicted by angry mob led by respectable citizens and local authorities." - James Gilhooley.
Church's liturgical year concludes with the celebration of Feast of Christ the King.

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