Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 2024
For years now there has been plans and strategies to remove the existence of God from our world and to dethrone Christ as the King of Kings. But in the course of history, no one or entity has succeeded or will ever succeed in achieving this evil goal. Trials, tribulations, and persecutions have come and gone, but God is still in control and Christ our King reigns supreme. This in fact fulfills the words of angel Gabriel in Luke 1:33 that says, “He (Christ) will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and honor Christ as our King. Jesus answered Pilate, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” With these words, Jesus tells us that His kingdom is real and authentic. This Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe brings the liturgical year to a close, since we have for the past months, celebrated the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today’s readings all emphasize the love of Christ, our King and calls us to truly participate in His kingdom. Yes, this Solemnity reminds us to let Christ reign in our minds, our hearts, our will and in our actions and to extend the reign of Christ in the world, but what exactly does the kingdom of Christ comprise of or what are the characteristics of Christ’s kingdom? Today’s preface for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe answers this question. As the Preface states, the kingdom of Christ is an eternal and universal kingdom; a kingdom of holiness and grace; a kingdom of justice, love and peace. What does this mean?
The kingdom of Christ being an eternal kingdom means that it is a kingdom lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning. It is a universal kingdom, that is, a kingdom broad, common, comprehensive, extensive, global, prevalent, ubiquitous, and unlimited. It is a kingdom of holiness, that is, a kingdom that is holy and totally devoted to God. The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of grace which means that it is a kingdom of God's unmerited favor, or gift that is freely given and cannot be earned. The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of justice meaning that it is a kingdom rooted in God's character and nature to make right that which is wrong. It is a kingdom based on the idea that all people are equal before God and have the right to be treated with dignity and fairness. The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of love, that is a kingdom which transcends emotion centered on selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional commitment to the well-being of others. The kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of peace which means that it is a natural state of humanity as birthed by God, centered on connectedness, compassion, justice, and unity, void of sin, guilt, condemnation, war, and chaos.
As children of God and disciples of Christ we are called to establish Christ’s kingdom in the world, so are we truly establishing the kingdom of Christ in our world today? With these characteristics of Christ’s kingdom explained to us, are we establishing a kingdom that is eternal and universal, which will last forever without end and is broad and unlimited? Are we establishing a kingdom that is holy and graceful which is unmerited and totally devoted to God? Are we establishing a kingdom that is Just, meaning that it is centered on equity, respect, dignity and fairness? Are we establishing a kingdom that is centered on Love, a love that is unconditional, selfless and sacrificial? Are we establishing a kingdom that is peaceful, compassionate, just, and founded on unity.
My brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Christ, the King of Kings in our lives today, let us be His loyal and faithful servants, who will truly work for Him in establishing His kingdom on earth when we go out and proclaim His kingdom that is eternal, universal, holy, grace filled, just, loving and peaceful to the world.
