A rule of devoted service
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 24, 2019): 2 SM 5:1-3; PS 122:1-2,3-4,4-5; COL 1:12-20; LK 23:35-43
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
As we come to the end of the liturgical year and look forward to the beginning of Advent, we honor our Jesus, our beloved Lord – Christ the King.
It was not until 1925 that the Church officially proclaimed this feast. It was meant to encourage the allegiance of all people to our spiritual ruler rather than to any person or power in this world. At that time, Pope Pius XI declared that since Jesus Christ has authority over heaven and earth, every single person owes Him the loyalty of our minds, wills, hearts, and bodies. Today’s Epistle reminds us, “He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He Himself might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all things for Him, making peace by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:18-20).
Even as we hail Christ as our King, this reading impels us to recognize that His rule is one of devoted service. The only way He could bring peace into this sinful world of ours was through the sacrifice of His life in exchange for our salvation. While He lived among His people, Jesus wore a crown only once and that was a crown of thorns. As we strive to do His work in building the Kingdom of God, we must be willing to follow His way of love and mercy. We must care for those in need and treat one another with the respect and kindness we want for ourselves. Moreover, we must accept the truth that trials and hardship were part of Christ’s life. And so, suffering of some kind will be experienced by those who seek to claim a place in His Kingdom. Let us patiently bear our day-to-day difficulties and do all we can to ease the burdens of our neighbors. Let us offer Jesus our gratitude for life everlasting in His blessed company.
Suggested missionary action: We can pray to Christ the King to guide us in the way of peace: peace in our hearts and homes, our neighborhoods and nations, and our world.
