Jesus is the King of the Universe

11-20-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King that Our Lord Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe which is to say that He is the beginning and end of everything. The readings focus on the Kingdom which extends beyond this world and goes on to demonstrate that Jesus does not rule like our human kings. He rules in humility and from the cross to show that His kingdom is different from the rest of the emperors of the world and kings of the world.

The first reading from the second book of Samuel tells the story of how all the tribes of Israel came to David and asked him to be their king. David was made the last successor of Saul after northern tribes who remained loyal to Ishbaal was assassinated by his own people. Thus, it was the elders of these northern tribes that came together to ask David to become their king. It was a covenant reached by David and the people of Israel that he should be their king. John Bergsma argues that “this is the only kingdom in the Bible and ancient Near East that was formed based on a covenant. Thus, It is both powerful and appropriate to recall on the feast of the Christ the King, the covenantal establishment of the kingdom of David, to which Jesus of Nazareth is there and successor.” The simple question remains: are we ready to allow Jesus to rule in our families, hearts and own lives? Paul in the second reading asserts that Jesus is before all things and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body the church. If Jesus becomes the beginning and end of everything we do or say then we are not to be worried no matter what happens because we believe that God is in control. There is nothing that happens outside his knowledge.

Jesus demonstrates clearly in today’s Gospel that His reign is different from the reign of the worldly presidents and kings of this world. “The Cross is Jesus’ throne. He reigns from the cross. His kingship is expressed in His death. His is a kingdom of redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and sins cannot be forgiven unless He pays the price for them with His blood. So here the King pays for the offenses of his subjects to make peace by the blood of the cross” Thus, it is by embracing our own daily challenges and crosses that we can become true witnesses of Him in the world. He did not run away from the cross even when He was insulted and jeered by the soldiers and people. He remained firmed because He knows where His kingdom lies. Let us not be discouraged when we are insulted for bearing the name of Christ for through such means Christ becomes the King of the Universe.

Happy Feast Day and Last Sunday of the Year to you all.

Father Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

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