Solemnity of Christ the King

November 24, 2013

Lk 23:35-43

Jesus, the King of Mercy!

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King, a king not only of the earth but of the universe. Foretold from of old by the prophets, his reign will last forever. Truly, Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of the Father. It comes with the salvation he won through his passion, death and resurrection now offered to the whole creation.

In a crucifixion narrative found only in Luke, Jesus reveals a kingship totally different from people’s expectations and experiences. Presiding in his “royal court” from his throne, the cross, he dispenses mercy, forgiveness and a place in paradise not just to the repentant criminal but for all of us who would beg him for the same. He does it not with a display of power and strength but with humility and love at the peak of his suffering, as he hovers between life and death, taunted and derided by those who thought they know better.

This pericope is also an invitation to all to enter the Kingdom of God. We can do this by keeping faith with Jesus even in the most trying and crucial moments of our lives; by being merciful and accepting even when we are mocked and insulted; and by forgiving with the Heart of Jesus, especially when we are at the end of our own understanding, patience and capacity to love.

Responding to the needs of the time in the year 1925, Pope Pius XI, introduced the liturgy to enable people to understand and celebrate the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and his holy law at the time when the secular world was already driving away faith out of their lives, and God was being eliminated out of the public affairs and politics. Thus, a festivity that challenges people to live their faith and give witness to Christ in all avenues of human endeavor, especially when they involve the marginalized segments of our the society.

With the celebration of solemnity of Christ the King, we also hold the grand finale for the Liturgical Year, anticipating the fullness of God’s plan of salvation. The end opens up to a new beginning, the new Liturgical Year that commences with the season of Advent, where we find ourselves in full circle preparing for the celebration of new life in view of our King’s first and second coming.

- Adapted from the reflection of Sem. Ryan Recto

Prayer

Jesus, King of Mercy!

Remember us when you come into your Kingdom! Amen.

Main source; eudistsphilippines.com...

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