The King of Kings offers eternal life to all who return His love
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 25, 2018): DN 7:13-14;PS 93:1-2,5; RV 1:5-8; JN 18:33-37
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this last day of the liturgical year we worship Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
In the Old Testament reading we find: “One like a Son of man...received dominion, splendor, and kingship; all nations, peoples, and tongues will serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, his kingship, one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14). The Son of God and Son of Mary came among His people to redeem us from the damnation of sin and death. The love of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – for each of us led Jesus to lay down His life so that we might live.
As King, Christ has authority over all creation, a truly “everlasting dominion,” but one not easily accepted by all His people. On the day of His crucifixion, the crowds and soldiers mocked and berated Him. Still, one man there, condemned for his crimes, saw Jesus, bloody, beaten and wearing a crown of thorns and recognized Christ the King. This man we call the good thief asked our Lord to remember him when He came into His Kingdom. And our Savior and King promised that he would. The precious, holy face of Christ will always reveal itself if we open our eyes and hearts.
Suggested missionary action: Let us worship Christ the King of the Universe and ask His guidance in helping to build His Kingdom. We can resolve to make a greater effort to live our faith and share it with others – one person at a time.