Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

This weekend we are celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  Impressive title, isn’t it?  This solemnity is always celebrated on the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year.  (That’s right; next week will be the First Sunday of Advent.  Amazing, huh?)  I guess you could say that the Church’s liturgical year goes out with a bang.

If you check Google for images of Christ the King, you’re going to find LOTS of pictures of Jesus wearing a spectacular, bejeweled crown, probably holding a kingly scepter, and wearing very fine robes.  These are artistic endeavors to express the absolute glory and incomparable splendor of a man who is also Son of God, Second Person of the Trinity.  He truly is Lord of All.

However, the most important and profound depictions of Christ the King are those which are found in the Scriptures.  For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, 25:31-46, Jesus describes himself as a king who identifies himself with the poor and disadvantaged.  In the Gospel of John, 18:33-37, Jesus tells Pontius Pilate that his kingdom does not belong to this world.  And in the Gospel we will hear this weekend, Luke 23:35-43, Jesus is described hanging on a cross between two crucified criminals; above his head is a sign that says he is a king, and one of the criminals says to him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

All of this shows that there are many ways to describe the kingdom of Christ.  One description that is especially impressive and amazing is in the Second Reading of our Masses this weekend: Colossians 1:12-20.  Be sure to look it up and read it a few times.  By the time you are finished, you will have no doubt that Jesus truly is King of the Universe.

In the meantime, a shorter and more succinct description of the Lord’s kingdom is found in the Preface of our Masses this weekend:

an eternal and universal kingdom,

a kingdom of truth and life,

a kingdom of holiness and grace,

a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

Let’s make sure this description is not just a matter of appealing words.  Let’s live according to the values expressed by these words.  Let’s do everything in our power to share and spread these values throughout the world.  Let’s make sure that Jesus’ words ring true in us: “The kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:21)

Blessings,

Fr. Philip