Solemnity of Christ the King: Thy Kingdom Come

11-24-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Lord, you are our KING! Because of YOU, we fear no one and nothing. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are all part of His Kingdom and thus must remain loyal and faithful. If we truly belong to Him, we should know His truth and listen to His voice. We hear so many voices in the world, and sad to say, often we allow these voices to drown the voice of the Good Shepherd, Christ the King. He is the King of the Universe; if we listen attentively to His voice, He wants to share His victory with all who have FAITH in Him. His Kingdom is of TRUTH and LOVE.

In the Lord’s prayer, we say: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Faith allows us to have joy in believing that His kingdom will come, even though we do not see the complete plan of the Father. The key to accepting His Kingdom and Will is HUMILITY. His humility is the best example: “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped. He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance; he humbled himself. (Phil. 2:68) Although He is King, the only crown He wore was a crown of thorns. Even today, His humility comes hidden or in disguise. He is truly present in the world but without splendor and glory.

Christ the King reminds us that all our time, talents, and treasures are not for us or our keeping but for His service. So that, when we make choices in life, we must choose to serve SOMEONE greater than us, listen to Him and less to our understanding, follow Him and not our plans, and follow His vision and mission for us. Let us be humble, aware of our unworthiness, but deeply grateful for the chance to be disciples at the service of Christ, our Lord and King.

Although He is the King of the Universe and has absolute power, He chooses to humble Himself to accomplish the mission entrusted by GOD the FATHER. His message is clear be humble no matter how rich, powerful, intelligent, holy, or popular we become. Helplessness and poverty are not signs of weakness for the Lord and should not be for us but an opportunity to trust God with our loving FAITH. Be strong in FAITH in a GOD who loves, provides, and will always protect us.

This Sunday marks the end of a liturgical year but ushers the beginning of a new one with the start of the Advent season next Sunday. Everything comes to an end. Human life comes to an end. The difference is, with life it is not a DEAD END. Death could be a fruitful end. It is an end, full of hope and promise because of the Lord’s resurrection and second coming. For this reason, if we have a chance to know the end of our journey (sickness and imminent death), we should face it not in fear and trembling but with hope and gratitude to God.

We are a royal nation of priests to serve the Triune God. The way to reign with Him is to let go of our control and let Him reign in our hearts. Christ is our King; place our thoughts, words, and actions under His reign. To Him be the GLORY, HONOR, and POWER forever and ever. AMEN.