Thursday, November 21, 2019

Thirty Fourth Sunday: C: Feast of Christ the King:November 24,2019

"JESUS THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE"

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 12-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 35-43

   *First reading is from the Second book of Samuel. This passage describes about shepherd David who was anointed as king . It mentions that David was already anointed king of Judea. Later northern tribes too accepted him as their king. Thus David became de-facto king of the whole of Israel. David's kingship became a pre-figuration of the universal kingship of Christ.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. In this passage Paul gives thanks to God for having delivered humankind from the dominion of darkness and brought us to the kingdom of His Son Jesus. Christ is the image of the invisible God and head of the Church and He is also the Lord of all creation.

" The true identity of Jesus the King"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. This passage mentions about the inscription placed above the Cross- " Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews". It proclaims the true identity of Jesus the King. Jesus is the Messiah (the anointed one ) and the King. Even as He died on the cross, He was giving consolation and forgiveness to all those around Him. There were many people below the cross of Christ : soldiers, Pharisees and by-standers who were mocking and challenging Him saying "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself". He asked forgiveness for them from the Heavenly Father and said " Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing".
Again when the thief on His right pleaded saying "Jesus remember me when you are in your kingdom", Jesus immediately assured Him a place in paradise. As He was dying on the cross, He called His mother and the beloved disciple and entrusted His mother to the disciple and told His mother, "this is your son" pointing to the disciple. Hence Jesus' final gift to every believer was His mother to be our heavenly mother. 
Christ's kingdom is a very special kingdom. He has come not to conquer but to love. He has come not to rule but to serve. He has come not to have possessions but to give them away (even His own mother). Thus He is the king of our hearts and minds.
"Hungry for love, He looks at you. Thirsty for kindness, He begs you. Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you. Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you. Will you be that one to Him?" - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 
"Rome is gone, Napoleon is gone, Hitler is gone, but the Kingdom of Jesus marches on" - D. Guzik. 

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Marvellous well thought homily