Solemnity of Christ the King(Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word:
The sovereignty of Christ is the firm foundation of our faith.
Theme:
Christ is sovereign in our life when we proclaim Him as our God and King.
Promise:
“The Father has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones.”(Col 1:12)
Reflection:
Although the Solemnity of Christ the King marks the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, the liturgical readings for this feast day proclaims that the mercy of Jesus is never-ending, making Him the King of Mercy. Pope Francis,in his papal bull, gives Him the description – “Face of Mercy”. The Solemnity of Christ the King is a celebration of the Kingship of our Lord expressed in humble service to and compassion for others. It was promulgated by Pope Pius XI in 1925 when man’s thinking and way of life was such that God did not exist. Proclaiming Christ’s royalty over the entire universe, it meant to be an antidote to secularism, a direct denial of Christ’s kingship. This makes it all the more relevant in our world of materialism today.
Today’s feast day is a good reminder for all of us to see in others Jesus our King. As we reflect on His kingship, an important question to ask is – have we grown in our faith? Jesus Christ did not come to this world and die for us for nothing. As children of God, we are created to grow in imitation of His Son, Jesus. Jesus showed us the way, the truth and the life. Until we fully comprehend and realize the meaning of our salvation, there is much more we need to do so that our Christian faith may fully mature to a faith that is borne out of love for our sovereign Christ.
Most of the people who saw Jesus on the cross at that time would not have recognized Him as a king. They jeered at Him and challenged Him to save Himself if indeed He were King of the Jews. Sadly, the same is true even for us today. There are times when we have trouble recognizing Jesus among our own family members, circle of friends, members of community, in the sick and elderly, among the marginalized poor and in random people around us with broken dreams. They are pining for our love and we need to respond with eyes of faith that can see Jesus our King in each one.
King David was favored by God with all attributes of a good king. Among his remarkable traits was being the protector of Israel who provided the people with security, peace and freedom from fear. Hence, they anointed him king of Israel. As prophesied in Scriptures, there would come from David’s generation a descendant who will be anointed as the Messiah. The Jews were expecting someone like King David who possessed all the qualities of an earthly king. But instead, Jesus was lowly and humble. He was not what they expected of a king, yet He was more than an earthly king. Aptly described in the 2nd reading by St. Paul, Christ was not only anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit and with power. “He is the image of the invisible God….all things were created through him and for him.” (Col 1:16b). He is indeed the Sovereign King.
To the unbelievers at the crucifixion scene, it appeared to them that Jesus succumbed to defeat since He did not defend Himself, but remained meek and humble to the end. They were blinded from understanding the meaning of the cross, that Jesus’ death becomes His victory, not for Himself but victory over sin and death. To the “good” thief who believed in the kingship of Jesus and in His Kingdom, Jesus gave him eternity itself: “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” (Lk 23:43).
As true disciples of Christ, we have the duty to know Jesus in a deeper way, have a relationship with Him and honor Him as Lord and King who is sovereign over our life. Just as Jesus granted eternal life to the criminal on the cross because of his faith, so also us, that by the sacrificial act of Jesus on the cross, He saved us and restored our spiritual inheritance. Indeed, Christ is sovereign in our life when we proclaim Him as our God and King. St. Paul has fittingly worded God’s promise to us in his letter to the Colossians: “The Father has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones,” (Col 1:12).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to learn your ways, to be humble and poor in spirit, that in our weakness we will know Youfully and find strength in You as our Sovereign King.
Reflection Questions:
1. To what extend do I understand the unfathomable mercy of Christ, the Sovereign King? In what way have I experienced such mercy?
2. What can I do to be like Christ the King… in love, in forgiveness, in generosity, in works of peace and justice?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 20, 2016 (Sun) 2Sm 5:1-3/Ps 122:1-2,3-4,4-5/Col 1:12-20/Lk 23:35-43
November 21, 2016 (Mon) Rv 14:15/Ps 24:1-6/Lk 21:1-4
November 22, 2016 (Tue) Rv 14:14-19/Ps 96:10-13/Lk 21:5-11
November 23, 2016 (Wed) Rv15:1-4/Ps 98:1-3,7-9/Lk 21:12-19
November 24, 2016 (Thu) Rv18:1,2,21-23;19:1-3,9/Ps 100:1-5/Lk 21:20-28
November 25, 2016 (Fri) Rv20:1-4,11-21:2/Ps 84:3-6,8/Lk 21:29-33
November 26, 2016 (Sat) Rv22:1-7/Ps 95:1-7/Lk 21:34-36
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
wsc reflection 20 november 2016 final
