The Feast of Christ the King

11-22-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear People of God,

Good morning. I hope, you are keeping safe. I am praying for you all.

Today is the thirty fourth as well as last Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A. Most importantly, it is the solemnity of Christ the King. This Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. The feast is intended to proclaim in a resounding, striking and effective way Christ’s royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.

We celebrate today the King of the universe who rules in power and majesty, the King who is compassionate and love, and the king who does not rule with iron fist but delivers justice on a platter of gold. We celebrate the King who died for us his flock in order to give us life in full. He is not selfish but self-sacrificing. This King differs from our worldly kings because he is love himself as well as the model of all kings.

In the first reading of today, the Lord through his oracle prophet Ezekiel reassures us of his continuous readiness to look after us: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. “As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34: 11-13).

In the second reading, Paul takes us memory lane about how Christ achieved his kingship and how he will continue to maintain it until he has conquered our last enemy death. Christ accomplished a task that no other could. This task is the defeat of sin and Satan through his own death. It was a hundred percent knockout. He had to do this to salvage us from the whips and caprices of Satan our arch enemy.

In today’s gospel, Matthew reminds us of the rule and reign of Christ. His reign is one of justice because he will judge each one according to his or her action. He shall uphold the just and reprimand the culprit. There is no corruption, embezzlement, manipulation, or structural injustices in his kingdom or during his reign. Rather, his reign will be the reign of peace. His scepter shall be peace and justice.

Today’s celebration will only make meaning to us if only we have given Christ the highest seat and key to the kingdom of our hearts where he earnestly desires to reign. If he reigns in every heart, then he reigns in our world. If he reigns there already, then rejoice and celebrate, if not, then let us ask him today, to come in because he says to us: “I stand at the door waiting, if you open, I will come in to eat and dine with him” (Rev 3, 20). If he reigns in us, then we are all gains and no losses.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Christ the King of the universe today, let us allow him to be truly in control of the kingdom of our heart because as the Good Shepherd, Jesus will not oppress or lead us astray as our earthly kings do. If we make the Lord our King and Shepherd, then there is nothing we shall lack, because, his goodness and mercy will follow us, all the days of our life. Of course, in the beautiful court of King Jesus’ palace shall we all dwell.

Wishing you all a Blessed and Joyful Sunday. I also wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I will be specially praying for you all on that day in the morning Mass at Alma, St Lawrence’s Church.

Stay Safe!!