Solemnity of Christ the King (Cycle B, Year II)

Community Word:Jesus the King reigns in the hearts of those who are faithful to Him.

Theme:Those who are faithful to Jesus the King listen to Him and testify to the Truth.

Promise:“Behold He is coming amidst the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” (Rev 1:7a)

Reflection:
We conclude the liturgical year of the Catholic Church by honoring Jesus Christ as King of the Universe and King of all kings. Jesus is a different kind of king from what we know from history, one who is rich and rules a kingdom, sits on a throne with a scepter of power and has authority of life and death over his subjects.

Jesus is not like an earthly king. His throne is His cross and rules by serving us. His power is His redeeming love. He is the one who protects us, defends us and above all dies for us. His will is to give us eternal life and so He gives up His life for our salvation. Jesus is rich in mercy and He has power over sin and death. His authority is to forgive us and lead us back to the loving arms of the Father.

In the gospel reading, Jesus allows Himself to be questioned by Pilate and in turn He enlightens Pilate about His intentions and His mission in the world. Jesus shows His commitment to God. He refuses to bargain for His life or concede anything. He testifies to the truth that He is God sent and that He is truly King whose kingdom is not of this world (cf. Jn 18:36). He proclaims that He is victorious and triumphant over-all, and that “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, His kingship shall not be destroyed,” (Dn 7:14).

There are times in our lives when we are tempted to compromise our commitments. Let us remember the example of Jesus. Even though His life was at stake, He refused to compromise His obedience to do the will of the Father to the end and complete His mission. No wonder God raised Him up from death and countless generations have worshipped Jesus, the King of the Universe and our personal king, too. At the face of death, Jesus remained serene, composed and calm. He accepted everything for our sake and took everything in silence, in humble submission so that we may realize that true kingship lies with what He preached. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you,”(Jn 15:13-16).

True kingship is service. True kingship is to save those under our care. It is true kingship to bring them to safety and to life everlasting. Jesus did not come to rule over people & territories but to set people free from the slavery of sin and to reconcile them with God.

Pope Francis said: “The starting point of salvation is not the confession of the sovereignty of Christ, but rather the imitation of Jesus’ works of mercy through which he brought about His kingdom. The one who accomplishes these works shows that he has welcomed Christ’s sovereignty, because he has opened his heart to God’s charity. In the twilight of life we will be judged by our love for, closeness to, and tenderness towards our brothers and sisters. Upon this will depend our entry into, or exclusion from, the kingdom of God. Through His victory, Jesus has opened to us His kingdom. But it is for us to enter into it, beginning with our life now, by being close in concrete ways to our brothers and sisters who ask for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity. If we truly love them, we will be willing to share with them what is most precious to us, Jesus himself and his Gospel.”

On the Solemnity of Christ the King, we are being challenged that if we are truly faithful to Jesus in everything that He has taught us, we shall continue to answer His call and testify to the truth that He is the Christ, our Lord and Savior. In His second coming, we will be judged not by what we have achieved, but on how much love, mercy and compassion we have shown to our neighbors in our lifetime. Only then are we prepared to claim His promise: “Behold He is coming amidst the clouds, and every eye will see Him,” (Rv 1:7a).

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to always listen to Jesus, our King and Savior. Grant me the grace to have the courage of bringing Jesus to others. Refine me Lord that I will be able to imitate Jesus in giving true service to others. Fill me with Your love that I will be Your dispenser of light & blessing to others. Amen.

Reflection Questions:
1.In what ways can we claim that we are living by the same values which Jesus, our King, stood for?
2.What are the challenges that you encounter in doing selfless service to others, in doing evangelization and mission works?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
Nov 25, 2018 (Sun) – Dn 7:13-14/Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5/Rv 1:5-8/Jn 18:33-37
Nov 26, 2018 (Mon) – Rv 14:1-3, 4-5/Ps 24:1-6/Lk 21:1-4
Nov 27, 2018 (Tue) – Rv 14:14-19/Ps 96:10-13/Lk 21:5-11
Nov 28, 2018 (Wed) – Rv 15:1-4/Ps 98:1-9, 7-9/Lk 21:12-19
Nov 29, 2018 (Thu) – Rv 18:1, 2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9/Ps 100:1,-5/lk 21:20-28
Nov 30, 2018 (Fri) – Rom 10:9-18/’Ps 19:8-11/Mt 4:18-22
Dec 1, 2018 (Sat) – Rv 22:1-7/Ps 95:1-7/Lk 21:34-36

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”