IN PRAISE OF CHRIST OUR KING

In our first reading on this Solemnity of Christ the King, the prophet Daniel says, ‘He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away nor will his empire be destroyed’ (cf. Dn 7-14). The psalm has it that ‘the Lord is king, with majesty enrobed’ (Ps 92:1). The book of the Apocalypse (Revelation) describes Christ as ’the faithful witness…the Ruler of the kings of the earth…he has made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father…’. The reading adds that, ‘He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood…to him, then, be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. 

Beloved People of God, everything above is in praise of Christ our King. To the Lord Jesus Christ applies this eternal truth, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega…who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’. He, the Lord, has set us free from slavery. He washed us clean with his precious blood’ (cf. Rv 1:5-8). When Pilate brought up the question of his kingship, Jesus calls himself king thus, ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this. I came into this world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice’ (cf. Jn 18: 33-37). 

May we join the company of many men and women who are being referred to as, ‘being on the side of truth…who listen to his voice’ (Jn 18:37). May we too render his majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim his praise, for indeed, we are all be partakers in his eternal and universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace. 

Fr. Ted

All to Jesus – Through Mary our Mother