FEAST: Christ the King (11/19)

Our liturgical year culminates this weekend with the feast of Christ the King. We rightly focus our attention upon the sovereign majesty of Christ Jesus as true King of the Universe.

Christ’s kingship stands in stark contrast to worldly monarchs. First, the Kingdom established by Christ Jesus is not founded by force. The weapons He wields are goodness and forgiveness. He rules with scepter likening a shepherd’s staff as He relentlessly pursues those who have lost their way from God seeking not to condemn but to restore and save them.

Like a shepherd Christ Jesus places Himself in harm’s way to protect and defend His sheep. Indeed, He even chooses to die in their place so that they may come to receive the fullness of life for which they have been made.

As King, Christ Jesus reveals God’s love initially from a Bethlehem stable and ultimately nailed to a cross.

The first person formally to recognize and reverence His Kingship is a condemned criminal. The thief merely asked to be remembered and our blessed Lord promises, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Almighty ever-living God,

whose will is to restore all things

in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,

grant, we pray,

that the whole of creation, set free from slavery,

may render your majesty service

and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. 

 

 

Like this article? Share it!