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Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. What a glorious day. Jesus Christ is King of all (1 Cor 15:20-26, 28). The king of the universe. The very word "Christ" means "Anointed One, or King."
This solemnity was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas. The day was originally called the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. In 1969, Blessed Pope Paul VI in the motu proprio Mysterii Paschalis revised the title as "Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe."Priests in the Catholic Church wear white or golden color vestments to show the glory and joy behind the celebration. Other Christian bodies such as the Protestant and Orthodox adopted the day and have their own ways of celebrating it. All those Baptized share in this Kingship of Christ (CCC 1241). This day which always falls on a Sunday is the last Sunday of the Liturgical calendar. The Sunday that follows is the First Sunday of Advent which starts a new Liturgical Year. This is a reminder that Christ is the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6). Jesus ends the Liturgical calendar and begins it. He was at the beginning of time and will judge all at the end of it as we will read in the Gospel at Mass.
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, marks the end of the liturgical year and invites us to reflect on the kingship of Christ. The readings for this feast day emphasize the eternal and universal reign of Jesus, offering profound insights into His divine authority and our call to live under His lordship.
First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14
In the first reading from the Book of Daniel, we encounter a powerful vision of the "Son of Man" coming on the clouds of heaven. This figure is presented before the "Ancient One" and receives dominion, glory, and kingship. All peoples, nations, and languages serve Him, and His dominion is everlasting, never to be destroyed.
This passage highlights the divine authority and eternal reign of Christ. The title "Son of Man" is significant, as Jesus often used it to refer to Himself. It emphasizes both His humanity and His divine mission. The vision in Daniel points to the ultimate victory of Christ over all earthly powers and His establishment of an everlasting kingdom. As we reflect on this reading, we are reminded of the hope and assurance we have in Christ's eternal kingship.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5
The responsorial psalm proclaims the majesty and sovereignty of God: "The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty." The psalmist celebrates God's strength and the stability of His reign, affirming that His decrees are trustworthy and His house is adorned with holiness.
This psalm invites us to acknowledge and praise the kingship of God. It calls us to recognize His authority over all creation and to trust in His righteous and just rule. As we sing this psalm, we join in the universal chorus of praise, affirming that God is indeed the King of the universe.
Second Reading: Revelation 1:5-8
The second reading from the Book of Revelation presents Jesus Christ as the "faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth." It speaks of His love for us, His liberation of us from our sins by His blood, and His making us into a kingdom of priests for God. The passage concludes with a powerful declaration: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty".
This reading emphasizes the cosmic and redemptive dimensions of Christ's kingship. Jesus is not only the ruler of earthly kings but also the eternal Lord who transcends time and space. His sacrificial love and victory over death establish Him as the ultimate King. As we reflect on this passage, we are called to live as members of His kingdom, serving Him with gratitude and devotion.
Gospel: John 18:33B-37
In the Gospel reading, we witness the dramatic encounter between Jesus and Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds by clarifying the nature of His kingdom: "My kingdom does not belong to this world." He explains that His mission is to testify to the truth, and those who belong to the truth listen to His voice.
This passage challenges us to understand the true nature of Christ's kingship. Unlike earthly rulers who seek power and control, Jesus' kingship is rooted in truth, love, and service. His kingdom is not of this world, yet it transforms the world through the lives of those who follow Him. As we reflect on this Gospel, we are invited to align our lives with the values of Christ's kingdom and to bear witness to His truth in our daily actions.
Conclusion
The readings for Christ the King Sunday invite us to contemplate the majesty and authority of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. They remind us of His eternal reign, His redemptive love, and the transformative power of His truth. As we celebrate this solemnity, let us renew our commitment to living under Christ's lordship, proclaiming His kingship in our words and deeds, and trusting in His everlasting dominion.
May these reflections inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion to Christ the King, and to live as faithful members of His kingdom, bringing His light and love to the world.
For more details on the readings, you can visit the [USCCB website](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112424.cfm).
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