Sunday 24th November
Feast of Christ the King
“Yes, I am a king.”
John 18:33-37
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. However, we know Jesus’ reign was not a political one. In Jesus’ time, the people oppressed by the Romans sought someone to lead them to freedom and re-establish the kingdom of Israel.
Today in our gospel, we have Pilate asking Jesus twice if he was a King, and Jesus replied that he was a King but that his kingdom was not of this world. Jesus wanted to make it understood that his Kingdom was about love, and everything Jesus did pointed to this. His kingdom pointed to mercy and compassion. Not power or control. Jesus’ Kingdom would certainly not be brought about by revolt, violence, and the force of arms.
Today, Jesus invites us to allow him to be our king, the one who rules our hearts not with fear or control but with love and understanding. May Mother Mary help us welcome Jesus as King of our lives and spread His Kingdom of love and peace to all.