SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, YEAR B

Daniel 7:13-14

Ps 92:1-2.5

Revelation 1:5-8

John 18:33-37

CHRIST THE KING OF THE KINGS 

Today, we celebrate Christ, the King of the universe, a solemnity that is set at the conclusion of the liturgical year and which reminds us of our royal priesthood. We believe that Jesus Christ is the King of kings, and his kingdom has no end. Therefore, Jesus Christ can be identified with the Son of Man in the vision of the prophet Daniel. In effect, Daniel saw a Son of Man on whom was conferred sovereignty and glory. His kingdom was to be an everlasting kingdom and all people would serve him (Dan. 7:13-14). The Book of Revelation also presents Jesus as “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).

Paradoxically, the scene of the Gospel presents the dramatic trial and interrogation of Jesus before Pilate. When asked by Pilate if he was a king, Jesus affirmed that he was a king. But with a quiet dignity, he explains, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33-37). He had no body-guard nor weapon to defend himself, except the weapon of truth. He had no other ambition, except that of revealing the love of God to mankind by dying on the cross. For this, he was born and for this he came into the world. 

In this way, the cross remains the emblem of Jesus’ kinship and the symbol of our redemption. For on the cross, we contemplate the one who was pierced out of love for us. On the cross, we contemplate the Ruler of the kings of the earth, who has made us into a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. 

To celebrate Christ the King is therefore to celebrate our own identity as a chosen race, a royal priest, a people set apart to serve God. For by our baptism, we share in the kingship of Jesus Christ. We belong to the royal family of God. And we must behave as such. We must lead noble and praiseworthy lives, so that we may not bring shame onto our King. May Christ, the King of kings, help us to accept him as the Lord of our lives, and allow him to reign in our hearts so as to transform our lives. Amen