CHRIST THE KING (OF THE UNIVERSE)
First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14
Second Reading: Revelations 1: 5-8
Gospel: 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 Ancient of times (The Lord God). The Lord God examines and evaluates Him and approves Him. He is given dominion, all glory and kingship. All peoples and nations are under His everlasting power. The 'Son of Man' is a messianic figure who is given authority by the Lord God. This title is one of the most common ones used for Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to this passage from Prophet Daniel while on trial and declares Himself the Messiah and the Son of Man.
*Second reading is from the book of Revelation. The Faithfulness of Christ who is the ruler of the whole world and kingdoms is described. By His shedding of blood, Christ has freed us from sin and He has made us part of His kingdom. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega: The beginning and the end of everything. The title 'the Alpha the Omega' is shared by 'The Father and the Son' which implies the unity and the oneness of the Father and the Son.
The kingship of Jesus Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Pilate questions Jesus about His kingdom. Jesus answers that His kingdom is not of this world. But He adds: "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. In this context, 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 life on Calvary. The cross is the 'throne' from which He manifested the sublime royalty of God-Love." Hence, Jesus' kingship does 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. As His followers and subjects, we need to give witness to His rule by belonging to the side of truth in all situations in life and faithfully continue to listen to the voice of Christ the King of the universe. James Gilooley notes the following inscription 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. Dressed 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 bearded and scars on hands and feet, the result of injuries inflicted by angry mob led by respectable citizens and local authorities." Let us be reminded that Jesus the King will come in His glory as mentioned in Matthew chapter 25 on judgment day. The King (Jesus) will separate the good from the evil. Those who lived a life adhering to values of truth, justice and love will receive eternal happiness and those who rejected those values will receive eternal punishment. Praise to Jesus Christ the King of the Universe. May the Lord Jesus, the King of the Universe who came into the world to witness to the truth, bless you and lead you to all truth. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. Please search "Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph November 24,2024" Thanks.)
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