Christ The King

Today, on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the great solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. As the year draws to a close and we begin advent next weekend, we are reminded again that it is truly Christ who is in charge. Everything in this universe is under the power of our just and loving God and there is nothing stronger or more powerful than our king, not even death.

On first glance it is rather peculiar as to why the church has for today's feast the Gospel of the crucified Christ speaking those lovely words, “ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” But it is precisely on that cross that Christ establishes his kingship and performs the ultimate act of sacrifice for our salvation. On that cross he humbly gave of himself for each and everyone of us, while also forgiving those who have put him to death. His is a kingdom of forgiveness and of self-sacrifice. His is a kingdom of love, of unification and a place of eternal dwelling for all of his adopted daughters and sons.

The kingdom of God is not brought about through war and a large army. Rather his kingdom is a kingdom instituted by a cross and a gift of salvation. Christs’ kingdom is a kingdom rooted in love, compassion, mercy and a kingdom of eternal happiness. It is a kingdom where the blessed are the meek, the poor, the persecuted, the mournful, the peacemakers on earth. It is indeed that place where our hearts desire has found its fullness.

As we come to celebrate the feast of Christ Our King, may we come to experience his love for each of us. May we come to realize that Christ has a kingdom that is meant to transform the world. Our participation in this kingdom is essential and asks of us to be faithful, merciful, loving and forgiving in all situations. May we come to truly mean the words we pray so often, “ Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.”

Prayer: 

O Lord,

You who are our creator and universal King, 

look kindly on us and on me, a sinner. 

For I have failed to live to your commands, 

but I come in prayer with a heart full of awe, sorrow, and wonder. 

You are our God, the King of the Universe. 

Beholding your glory, none can stand.

But you, Our King, take us by the hand and help us to stand in your presence. 

You heal every division on earth and within us. 

Heal this broken world and flood this world with your unifying spirit of peace. 

For you are our God, and to you we turn today, 

entrusting our lives and this world to your universal kingship, 

trusting in your perfect divine love, justice and mercy. 

AMEN 

*Sorry for late post, there were problems posting.