READINGS FOR THE SOLEMNITY, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE SUNDAY, 21ST NOVEMBER, 2021.
First Reading Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm: 92
Second Reading: Apocalypse 1:5-8
Gospel: John 18:33-37
REFLECTION BY FR. CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM.
JESUS CHRIST, THE KING OF LOVE AND PEACE
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today is the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King. The Feast of Christ, the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. He called it “the peace of Christ in the reign of Christ.” It is celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year.
In this celebration, the Church proclaims that Christ is the King and true leader of the entire Universe. It is one of the most Solemn Feasts of the Christian Religion. It shows Christ’s model of leadership filled with Love and Peace.
In my reflection today, we will examine the Kingship of Christ in the light of Love and Peace. Christ is love. To experience the reign of Christ, we need the Peace and Love of Christ. We also live in the peace of Christ when we surrender our lives to Christ every day in love.
The Prophet Isaiah made known to us God’s promise to raise up from the stock of David the Messiah who will free the people from oppression, one who will rule in Love, Peace, Justice, and Righteousness, and one who will direct the Kingdom in the fear of God. That Messiah is the Prince of Peace, who’s Dominion, shall be established in Justice and Integrity and in a Peace that has no end. (Isaiah 9:-6-7)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus proclaimed that “He is the Anointed One; the Messiah, that He has been sent to bring the Good News to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and new sight to the blind, to set the downtrodden free, and to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour” (Luke 4:18).
In the Gospel of John, during the trial of Jesus, Pilate asked the question: “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33). Jesus said “Yes, 1 am a King. 1 was born for this, 1 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.” (John 18:33-37).
In the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus is portrayed as a just King and the King of love. Jesus gave us a “new commandment” of love: “Love one another as I have loved you”. We are urged to listen to Jesus and accept Him as our King of Love. He loves each of us with unconditional love.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is calling us to be his witnesses in these challenging times. We are called to a radical conversion of mind towards God and things of God. Jesus invites us to do works of charity and help the needy as an expression of love.
Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. It is the beginning of a new liturgical year. We are urged to begin anew to manifest the Love and Peace of Christ in our relationships with each other.
May Christ the King in His infinite glory give us the power through His Spirit to grow strong in love and peace now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM