Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Cycle B, Year I)
Community Word: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, reigns in the heart of those who are faithful to Him.
Theme: Those who are faithful to Christ the King listen to Him and testify to the Truth.
Promise: “Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him…” (Rv 1:7a)
Reflection:
The celebration of the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ who is King of the Universe marks the culmination of the Liturgical Year. It is time to give praise, glory and honor to the Majestic King for the many miracles He has performed, for all the teachings He has given to the people, and most of all for His passion, death and resurrection to redeem us from our sins in obedience to the will of His Father.
A significant part of the gospel is the dialogue between Pilate and Jesus as He stands trial. Pilate said, “‘Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me.’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’” (Jn 18:35-36)
Kings or rulers of earthly empires establish their kingdom by conquest of territories through warfare and force their subjects to pay taxes so that they can live in luxurious palaces while they build and sustain their armies. Jesus came into this world to show us a new kind of king. His is the power of love, not the power of the sword. He came to rule not from a throne, but from the cross. Jesus came to establish His spiritual kingdom in the hearts of those He ransoms from their sins. He came to offer salvation freely to all who willingly submit to Him.
Jesus did not show His grandeur and His glory. People did not recognize Him because He came as a humble Servant King, not as a powerful earthly ruler. He is the King of love and peace. He came to serve, not to be served. He is the sacrificial offering, the Lamb of God. Yet, he calls us to reign with Him. When we listen to His voice and accept His Truth, we will one day see the true Ruler of the Universe and reap the promise, “Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him…” (Rev 1: 7a).
He is the goal of every man, the joy of all who hear, and the fulfillment of man’s aspirations. He is challenging people to ponder the meaning of what He proclaimed and apply it to their hearts. Hearing Jesus in this sense means not only listening, but also obeying what He commands.
The theme for the week tells us – Those who are faithful to Christ the King listen to Him and testify to the truth. As His faithful followers, we are called to listen and testify to Jesus who is Truth Himself. Spiritual truth comes from God, revealed to us in His Word, that He loves us through His Son Jesus. It is centered on the gospel which transforms our hearts and brings us under the Lordship of Christ. We are duty bound to be living witnesses of Christ saving power. We leave behind anything else that has power over us. We follow no one else, but Jesus, who gave us freedom, and we let Him rule over our life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we bow in adoration to the glory of your Kingship. We pray that you continue to reign in our hearts and take control of our lives. We pray that you will always save a space for us in Your kingdom. Guide us by your word so that we can be a witness to your great love and your saving power. You reign with the Father in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- How is your commitment to Jesus Christ? Does He reign in your heart such that your actions are Christ-like?
- Do you give Jesus control over your life? Do you emulate Christ’s lesson of loving and humble service?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 21, 2021 (Sun) – Dn 7:13-14/ Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5/ Rv 1:5-8/ Jn 18:33-37
November 22, 2021 (Mon) – Dn 1:1-6, 8-20/ Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56/ Lk 21:1-4
November 23, 2021 (Tue) – Dn 2:31-45/ Dn 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61/ Lk 21:5-11
November 24, 2021 (Wed) – Dn 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28/ Dn 3:62,63,64,65,66,67/ Lk 21:12-19
November 25, 2021 (Thurs) – Dn 6:12-28/ Dn 3:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74/ Lk 21:20-28
November 26, 2021 (Fri) – Dn 7:2-14/ Dn 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81/ Lk 21:29-33
November 27, 2021 (Sat) – Dn 7:15-27/ Dn 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87/ Lk 21:34-36
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
