SOLEMNITY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
24 November 2024
Dan 7:13–14, Rev 1:5–8, John 18:33b–37
This year we celebrate the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the universe under the backdrop and dark cloud of a tempestuous and turbulent world. The world is on the brink of Third World War. The wars in Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon and many parts in Africa demonstrate that rulers of this world are pushing aside Jesus Christ who is the Prince of peace. Pope Pius XI once lamented in his encyclical Quas Primas, paragraph 1, that people of this world are refusing to submit to the rule of our Saviour. As pilgrims of hope, we indeed yearn for true peace, justice, and love, which can only be found in Jesus Christ. This longing unites us in our journey, as we strive to rest our hearts in the Lord.
Today’s Gospel presents a striking scene: Jesus Christ, the Eternal King, stands trial before Pilate, a mere mortal being. Pilate’s inquiry, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33), lays bare the profound contrast between two realms of authority. We behold two rulers: Pilate, a temporal leader bound by earthly authority, and Jesus Christ, the Eternal Ruler, anointed by the Heavenly Father with the oil of gladness. Jesus, as King in an act of sublime love, offered Himself on the Cross to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin.
We notice that in response to Pilate’s inquiry, Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He explained, “If my kingdom were of this world, my followers would be fighting to prevent my arrest and surrender to the Jewish authorities.” The answer of Jesus underscores the divine nature of his kingdom, which transcends earthly realms. On the cross Jesus manifested sovereignty as he forgave people of their sins: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). His kingdom belongs to the One who comes in the name of the Lord, (Psalm 118:26). His kingdom is not rooted in earthly power or human authority, where earthly rulers often seek self glory, power and dominion over others. Instead, Jesus’ kingdom is founded on divine righteousness, justice, and love.
On an individual level, people are often tempted by the devil to think that they are their own masters, free to make choices without accountability to God. This mindset is reflected in various societal trends, such as the pro-abortion movement in United States of America, where advocates assert their right to control their own bodies, including the decision to terminate the life of the unborn baby.
Similarly, the push for same-sex marriages and other redefinitions of traditional values also illustrate this desire for human autonomy apart from the divine authority. In these instances, the teachings and authority of Jesus Christ, the Saviour, are often disregarded or marginalized.
What then is our prayer today? As we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, our prayer is two-fold. Firstly, we pray for the world’s leaders to acknowledge the existence of God and recognize Jesus Christ as the Saviour of humanity. May this realization guide their decisions and actions. We pray that there may be peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Lebanon and in all countries ravaged by war.
Secondly, we pray that people from all nations may come to understand that true freedom and fulfillment come from embracing the sovereignty of Jesus Christ in their lives. As we celebrate this solemnity we ask the heavenly Father to, restore all things back to our beloved Saviour, the King of the Universe.
May our Mother Mary, Mother of the Divine Saviour pray for us. Amen.