Today we venerate Jesus Christ our Savior, the King of the whole Universe
Reflections on the readings for The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (November 21, 2021): DN 7:13-14; PS 93:1,1-2,5; 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.
Embracing Jesus as our King means appreciating He died for His people of every nation and generation.
Both the Old and New Testament mention a King over all whom we recognize as Jesus Christ. However, Pope Pius XI’s concern for an increase in secular and nationalistic attitudes around the world led him to establish this feast in 1925. In addition, the Church wanted to encourage people to lead lives of personal sacrifice, devotion, and service in imitation of Jesus our Redeemer and our King. This Solemnity is now celebrated at the end of the liturgical year as we prepare to move into Advent and embrace our Lord in His predominant place among His people in time and in eternity. In the final book of the New Testament we are told that “Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, who has made us into a kingdom, priests for His God and Father, to Him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6). The citation concludes by reminding us that he is “the Alpha and Omega … the one who is and who was and who is to come.”
Embracing Jesus as our King means appreciating He died for His people of every nation and generation. He willingly embraced the Cross for our sake and then rose from the dead. Moreover, this Solemnity calls us to look beyond all that our Lord did in His days among us two thousand years ago and forward into eternity. We tend to see ourselves as tied to a particular time and place, here on God’s good earth. Yet death cannot, will not, end our life because Christ has already rescued us. Eternity is our last home. And we will spend it in His glorious company if we choose to walk in His way now.
Suggested missionary action: We revere Christ the King by entrusting ourselves to Him. Our Savior, the Son of God and Son of Man has a right to our loyalty and dedication today and every day. We honor Him by modeling ourselves on His generous and compassionate care for others.
