A Unique King with a Unique Kingdom: Christ the King
Sermon by Emmanuel Suntheni OSB – Christ the King of the Universe – Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Sermon And Christian Act In The Word
Theme: Let Christ the King of the Universe Reign in Our Life! “A Different Kingship”! A unique King with a unique Kingdom!
Point of Reflection: The solemnity of Christ the King concludes the Liturgical Year. In our world, Kingship is usually associated with images such as the crown, sceptre, throne, palace, fortress, abundant wealth, power, prestige, army and servants. Earthly kings pursue all these. But what kind of a king is Jesus Christ, who enjoyed none of these privileges, and how does his rule manifest itself? Today’s readings provide some answers to these questions.
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-17
Psalm: Psalm 22:1-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Christ the King personal reflection: Where is Christ supposed to reign as a king? Of course, first, in our hearts! So, it suffices to note that, today’s celebration would be meaningful, only if we personally permit Christ to reign in our lives. If he reigns in every heart, then he reigns in our world. If he reigns there already, then rejoice and celebrate. If not, then let us ask him today, to come in and reign. He says to us: “I stand at the door waiting, if you open I will come in to eat and dine with him” (Cf. Revelation 3, 20).
Sermon (Reflection): To understand better the Kingship of Christ, we need to biblically analyse the concept of Jesus messianic kingship: first, in most of the Messianic prophecies given in the First Testament (Old Testament) books of Samuel, Micah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, Christ the Messiah is represented as a King. Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the Prophet Micah announced His coming as King: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrata, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days” (Cf. Micah 5:1).
Second, the New Testament tells us that Jesus is the long-awaited King of the Jews. In the account of the Annunciation, we read: “The Lord God will make him a King, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the King of the descendants of Jacob forever and his Kingdom will never end” (Cf. Luke 1:32-33). The Magi from the Far East came to Jerusalem and asked the question, “Where is the baby born to be the King of the Jews? We saw his star… and we have come to worship him” (Cf. Mattew 2:2). During the royal reception given to Jesus on Palm Sunday, the Jews shouted “Blessed is the King, who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Cf. Luke 19:38).
The Gospel passage of today from Matthew reveals to us what kind of King Jesus Christ is and what is the main criterion for the Last Judgment day. The gospel is saying the main criterion of the Last Judgment will be the works of Christian charity, kindness, and mercy. The gospel account of today tells us that Christ, the Judge, is going to ask us six questions, and all of them are based on how we have cooperated with God’s grace in performing acts of charity, kindness, and mercy for others because Jesus actually dwells in them. The first set of questions: “I was hungry, thirsty, and homeless. Did you give me food, drink, accommodation?” The second set of questions:” I was naked, sick, imprisoned. Did you clothe me? Did you help me by visiting me in my illness or in prison?” If the answers are yes, we will eternally be rewarded because we have cooperated with God’s grace by practising charity, kindness and forgiving.
The profound nature of Jesus kingship is well rooted in the Bible.
In the first reading of today, we encounter the prophet Ezekiel who was consoling the Jews exiled in Babylonia, explaining that their exile had been caused by infidelity and disloyalty to God on the part of their Kings and religious leaders who had used their power and authority to exalt themselves. There was a need of God’s intervention. In this passage, Ezekiel intervenes by prophesying that God will eliminate the “middlemen,” the unfaithful shepherds of His People of Israel, and will Himself become Israel’s Shepherd, leading, feeding, healing, and protecting His sheep.
By saying God himself will be the Shepherd, as Christians, we can fully understand that in the New Testament we encounter the Shepherd who is Jesus Christ: God, the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
In the second reading, Paul reminds us of Christ’s kingship and reign. He will continue to maintain his reign until He conquers death, our last enemy.
Christ accomplished a task that no other could. That is, the defeat of sin and Satan through his own death. It was a hundred percent and total knockout.
Christian Act in Word of God “I will imitate the humble King Jesus Christ by being loving, compassionate and forgiving”
Today’s gospel reminds us of the reign of Christ. His reign, is that of justice. He will judge each according to his deeds. There will be no corruption, embezzlement, manipulation, or structural injustices during his reign. Rather, “…He will judge among the nations, and they will reshape their swords as ploughshares and their spears as pruning hooks. No nation will threaten another, nor will they train for war anymore, and His sceptre shall be peace and justice” (Cf. Isiah 2:4). Pity to those earthly kings, presidents, and leaders who are busy embezzling citizens’ money, doing corruption and obstructing justice.
As Christians, let us avoid such acts of earthly kings and embrace our unique King Jesus Christ, who is loving, merciful, compassionate, just and forgiving.
It is a unique King with a unique Kingdom: Jesus Christ still lives as King in thousands of human hearts all over the world. The cross is his throne and the Sermon on the Mount is his rule of law. His citizens need obey only one law: “Love others as I have loved you” (Cf. John 15:12). His love is selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional. That is why the Preface in today’s Mass describes Jesus’ Kingdom as “a Kingdom of truth and life, a Kingdom of holiness and grace, a Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.” He is a King with a saving and liberating mission: to free mankind from all types of bondage, so that we may live peacefully and happily on earth and inherit Eternal Life in Heaven. His rule consists in seeking the lost, offering salvation to those who call out to him, and making friends of enemies.
As Christians, today we are tasked to imitate Jesus Christ our King by loving one another as He has loved us and by being selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Christ the King of the universe today, let us permit him to be truly in control of the kingdom of our heart because as the “Bonus pastor,” If we make Him the king of our lives, we shall lack nothing, and surely, his goodness and mercy shall follow us, all the days of our life. And of course, we shall dwell peacefully in His palace.
Action: I will imitate Jesus Christ my King by being selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the King of kings who is humble, selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, and forgiving. Pardon us our sins, merciful King. Heal us gentle King when we are broken beyond recognition. Refresh us loving King when weakness invades our bones, and lead us safely to your everlasting kingdom. May we imitate You our king by being selfless, sacrificial, kind, compassionate, forgiving, and unconditional, Amen.
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