Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Reflection for Feast of Christ the King
 
Daniel 7:13-14: This dramatic and impressive passage powerfully displays the     enthronement or installment of Jesus as King. Notice how the prophet makes the point of stressing that Jesus is King over all, “receiving dominion, glory and kingship… over all peoples, nations and languages...” The fact that Jesus’ reign is  eternal is also emphasized; in testimony to Him as our Messiah, our Redeemer and our God. Put all together, this passage is a clear message to us that we are to acknowledge and remember that we are subjects to our God and King. Our Blessed Trinity is all-powerful and in charge. We can take comfort in that as we ponder that our God is perfectly loving; ever watching and working to protect us.
 
Psalm 93: “The Lord is King; He is robed in majesty.” This psalm further reverences our God as King. We see a vision of our Lord, in splendor, ruling Heaven and Earth. Once again, the strength and eternal reign of God is emphasized. In times of Earthly uncertainty, like ours, it’s a comfort to be reminded that our infinitely powerful and supremely loving God is in charge. The last stanza of this psalm softens the vision of God’s might to reveal that our God is also just, trustworthy and penetratingly holy.
 
Rev. 1:5-8: This passage also proclaims Jesus as King and Lord, Redeemer and God. Like the first reading and today’s psalm, this passage stresses our duty to worship our saving God. Just ponder that; given Jesus’ Sacrifice of His life to atone for our sins and redeem us, we’re thereby able to receive the gift of forgiveness of our sins and the redemption of our souls. We couldn’t achieve that on our own. As a result of Jesus’ Divine Gift of Himself, we’re able to be receivers of eternal glory. For our part, let’s give evidence with our life choices that we’ve received the message concerning our duty to offer God glory and adoration, praise and thanks. We might start by spending more time in prayer, in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or engaging in acts of sacrifice, ourselves to atone for our sins. Going to Confession more regularly can only help to demonstrate to God our commitment to love, serve and be closer to our Creator and Redeemer. With the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we’re availing ourselves of our God’s merciful offer of forgiveness and salvation. How can we refuse? Our very souls could be lost.
 
John 18:33b-37: Today’s Gospel reading is a very important passage. When questioned by Pilate regarding the nature of His Kingship and Kingdom, Jesus is so profoundly wise and humble in His responses. He doesn’t deny that He is a King because He is both King and God! Yet, Jesus doesn’t declare Himself King of the Jews. This is sadly and profoundly true, because Jesus’ own people didn’t recognize Him as King or believe in Him as the Messiah they’d longed for. When our Divine King answers Pilate, He does so with profound subtlety; gently answering Pilate’s question with a question of His own: “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Jesus then speaks about His   Kingdom, but again does so very quietly… humbly, noting that “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Let’s be quick to worship our humble King, our loving Shepherd!
 
Reverently, 
Deacon Matt