On this last Sunday of ordinary time/liturgical year, we mark the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ. All our readings testify to his universal kingship that has no end.
Daniel said in his vision, “…Son of man received dominion, glory and kingship…His dominion is an everlasting dominion, …his kingship shall not be destroyed.” It’s an everlasting one.
The Psalmist declared, “The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty. Your throne stands firm from of old.”
In the second reading, Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first born of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.
In the gospel, Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” And Jesus replied, “You said I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth.” Recall that the three wise men that came from the east searching for the new born child asked, “Where is the new born king? We have come to do him homage.” And when they found him, they presented him with gold pointing to his kingship.
So, it’s clear from the evidence of the sacred Word of God that Jesus is indeed a king. What manner of King is he? Unlike the earthly kings, Jesus as king truly loves his people. He loved us so much that he suffered, sacrificed his precious life by dying on the Cross for our salvation. Jesus as king, came into the world to render service to humanity, to redeem and save us. He declared, “I came not to be served but to serve and give my life as ransom for many.”
As king, Jesus is the truth. You can trust and rely on him. You can follow him because he is the way and the life. Jesus Christ our King is with us in our daily life and journey. He declared, “I am with you till the end of time.” Jesus knows all about our struggles, trials, pain, difficulties, and disappointments. No matter the storm we are going through, Jesus our King, who has all power and authority is with us to assist us in overcoming life’s challenges. He is our good shepherd, stronghold, rock, shield and protector.
Dear friends, as we mark this great feast of our faith, let us open our hearts to Jesus that he may come into our lives and reign. He wants us to surrender our lives to him, to center our lives on him, surrender to him and submit to his will. So, we say with St. Paul, “I am alive now, not I, but Christ who lives in me.”