Solemnity of CHRIST THE KING
Nov.26, 2023. Ezek. 34:11-12, 15-17; I Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46.
“Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! Christ conquers! Christ rules! Christ reigns!”
Introduction: Today’s Scripture Readings revolve around the Last Judgment scene coming in glory and power. It was Pope Pius XI who brought the Feast of Jesus Christ the King into the liturgy in 1925 to bring Christ as Ruler, and Christian values, back into lives of Christians, into society, and into politics.
In short, this feast challenges us to see Christ the King in everyone, especially those whom our society considers the least important, and to treat each person with the same love, mercy, and compassion Jesus showed.
Lesson: Today’s Gospel describes Christ the King coming in Heavenly glory to judge us, based on how we have shared our love and blessings with others through genuine acts of charity in our lives. Jesus is present to us now, not only as our Good Shepherd leading, feeding, and healing his sheep, but also as dwelling in those for whom we care.
By analogy, in the parable of the separation of the sheep from the goats at the Last Judgment, every person to whom we give ourselves, "whether hungry, thirsty or a stranger, naked, sick or in prison," is revealed to us as having been the risen Jesus. Ultimately, our reward or punishment depends on how we have recognized and treated this risen Jesus in the needy.
Conclusion: We need to fight against the enemies of Christ’s Kingdom: Terrorism has affected the entire world, including Christ’s Kingdom on earth. These terrorists are people who slaughter the unborn; engage in a frontal attack on the modern family through provocative television shows, movies, music, and pornography; eradicate any recognition of God from public display and public schools. The battlefield is the heart, the home, the school, the place of employment, the neighborhood, and the parish. Consequently, to ensure that Jesus is always the King of our hearts, we need to make a permanent, total commitment to Him and to live out that commitment with the necessary sacrifices, conviction, hard work, and daily, serious prayer. Let’s prayer, therefore, that we the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, so that Christ will continue to reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies, as our King. "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His Blood and made us a Kingdom, priests for His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (Rev. 1:5b-6). Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! Christ conquers! Christ rules! Christ reigns!