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. Daniel describes his vision regarding the 'Son of Man' (Christ) being presented to the heavenly Father. He is given dominion and glory and kingship. All people and nations are under His everlasting power.
*Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. Faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of the whole world and kingdoms is narrated. By His shedding of blood, Christ has freed us from sin and made us part of His kingdom. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega : the beginning and the end of everything.
The Kingship of Jesus Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Pilate asked Jesus 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 hallmark 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." Hence Jesus' kingship did not end with His death on the cross: on the contrary, His kingdom continues forever in eternal glory and splendor as He testified that His kingdom does 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 King of the universe. The following inscription was found beneath the picture of Christ: " 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 Gilooley
Note: Church's liturgical year concludes with the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King.
1 comment:
how come it is so hard to keep a relationship healthy even the relation between your mind and soul.but this article help me get a vast perspective and a sense of belonging in myself. Thanks author
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