Christ The King Sunday Reflection

Christus Rex, Christ The King Feast 2009


Readings : Daniel 7:13-14, Apocalypse 1:5-8, Psalm 92:1-2,5, John 18:33-37


By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD,


Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy


www.missionstsergius.org






This Sunday is designated as the feast honoring Christ under the title of Christ The King. Notice that the article THE is capitalized to indicate Christ is The King of Kings meaning Christ as the son of God was the ultimate human ruler.


In the book of Revelation Chapter 17 verse 14 we read the following; “Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.” and in Revelation 19:16 we read "On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” The second Reading for this Sunday from Apocalypse 1 verses 5-8 says “Jesus Christ is the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth.” It then goes on to remind us that Christ and God LOVE US AS GOD CREATED US with these words; “ He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings and priests to serve his God and Father”


We learn from the Gospel Readings that when Christ was asked the question by Pilate “Are you the King of the Jews” “ Jesus replied, ‘Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.’ ‘… ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice." From Christ own words we learn that Christ came into this world to proclaim the TRUTH.


Christ came to clear up all the convoluted rules and regulations that human had imposed upon those who believed in God and Followed the rules that a human claimed were given by God and then the additions that others had placed into the regulations of how to be a follower and a worshiper of Almighty God.


Psalm 92 tells us “It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, LORD Most High! It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are. … because everything you do makes me happy, and I sing joyful songs. You do great things, …. But you will rule over all of us forever, and your hateful enemies will be scattered and then destroyed.”. The words of this Psalm acknowledge God as the loving God who watches over us and cares for us as and all that he does makes us happy.


We acknowledged Christ as the heavenly King, Christ declared that He was the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end and as such the human embodiment of the Father. A king, more precisely a good king.


A Good King is concerned about the safety and welfare of every one of his subjects and so it is with Jesus Christ. Christ is called the Good Shepherd because a good shepherd would go seeking a lost sheep in order not to loose even one., which is why our ministry does not turn away anyone who come with sincerity in their heart to know and love God.


The kingdom that Christ reigns over is the everlasting kingdom to which we are called after living in this material world. A spiritual kingdom where peace and harmony reign supreme and where there is no poverty, sickness, discrimination or pain.


In the Gospel of Luke 23:35-43 we are told how Christ was asked by one of the criminals hanging on the cross beside Him “Are you not the Christ?’ he said….the other spoke up and rebuked him. ‘Have you no fear of God at all?’ he said. ‘You and I received the same sentence as he did….. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus,’ he said ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom.. Christ replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.”, That passage strengthens the concept that Christ has the power to give us eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.


Christ gave us two simple rules to live by in order to achieve everlasting life in His kingdom of Heaven; “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, mind, soul and body and the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself” in the Beatitudes we are instructed on how to treat our brothers and Sisters here on earth


Next week we begin the season of Advent. A time to evaluate how well we are living our daily lives.


Have we been mindful of others needs?


Are we accepting of all of God’s children regardless of their race, creed, nationality, marital situation or sexual orientation? Are we charitable toward those who are in need and do we tithe or give 10% of our resources back to God in either service or monetary means? Christ never rejected anyone who came to Him and neither should we. In this time where people are thinking of giving gifts to their family and friends let us acknowledge the gifts God, has given us and use them to benefit those who have not been as blessed as we have been.


By doing this we show our love and respect for the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and we will build up a treasures in heaven so God and Christ will greet us with these words; “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” AMEN










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