Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – November 22, 2009
Feast of Christ the King
This coming Sunday, the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar, the whole Church will celebrate the great Feast of Christ the King. So what does that, or should that, mean to us today? Let us take a few minutes of our time to really get to understand this important event.
Americans have a difficult time in understanding the place of a king in our midst. We have often heard others scoff at how the British honor their Queen. We take lightly how other nations honor or revere their monarch, but to the subjects of those countries, the monarchy is something they are proud of and look upon it with dignity. To them their king or queen is a symbol of that dignity and leadership, even when the office is primarily ceremonial.
To Christians the world over, Jesus Christ is also a symbol, but a symbol of much more than earthly dignity and leadership and He is not only a symbol of salvation and eternal life, He is the essence of our salvation and eternal life. He is the face of God and, indeed, He is God Himself. Therefore, our allegiance to Jesus Christ should be much more than ceremonial on our part because He is the key to our salvation, and for the last 2000 years he has been the “King” of the largest body of human beings on earth – the Church. No earthly monarch or ruler can say that! No earthly lord has ever had so many subjects, but do we truly realize that in our hearts and show it in our actions and speech?
It is true that Jesus asks for our allegiance but doesn’t force us. He rules with love not with threats. Within His army are saints, sinners, cardinals, bishops and dock workers, along with secretaries, students and nuns. All of these make up the “Church Militant” as defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are the people who have pledged themselves to serve God through Jesus Christ whom they recognize as their “King of kings” and “Lord of lords.”
The Readings for the Feast of Christ the King all reflect some aspect of Jesus our King: In the First Reading of the Book of Daniel (7:13 – 14) we have the title that Jesus used in reference to himself, “Son of Man,” meaning someone who is more than an angel and who receives “dominion, glory and kingship over all peoples and nations.” The Responsorial Psalm (93) is a direct reference to Jesus as Lord and King. The Second Reading from the Book of Revelation (1:5 – 
reveals Jesus as the “Alpha and the Omega” – the beginning and the end of all the living” and the Gospel Reading from John (18:33b – 37) is the scene before Pilate where Jesus confirms that He is the King….for this He was born and for this He came into the world.”
So, when you come to Mass on this Sunday, or anytime, please be prepared to worship the greatest leader, the divine monarch, the longest reigning king of all times who longs to come into your heart and soul just to be with YOU and listen to your story, your problems, your hurts and feelings. He is waiting to give you a share in eternal life and happiness. All that He asks of you is to follow Him daily in everything you do – so that you don’t loose your way. So, what are you waiting for? He is waiting for You! Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding this commentary we would be happy to hear from you. Please send your message in writing to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible. MFB
Sunday Commentary
Commentary on the Readings for Sunday – November 22, 2009
Feast of Christ the King
This coming Sunday, the last Sunday in the liturgical calendar, the whole Church will celebrate the great Feast of Christ the King. So what does that, or should that, mean to us today? Let us take a few minutes of our time to really get to understand this important event.
Americans have a difficult time in understanding the place of a king in our midst. We have often heard others scoff at how the British honor their Queen. We take lightly how other nations honor or revere their monarch, but to the subjects of those countries, the monarchy is something they are proud of and look upon it with dignity. To them their king or queen is a symbol of that dignity and leadership, even when the office is primarily ceremonial.
To Christians the world over, Jesus Christ is also a symbol, but a symbol of much more than earthly dignity and leadership and He is not only a symbol of salvation and eternal life, He is the essence of our salvation and eternal life. He is the face of God and, indeed, He is God Himself. Therefore, our allegiance to Jesus Christ should be much more than ceremonial on our part because He is the key to our salvation, and for the last 2000 years he has been the “King” of the largest body of human beings on earth – the Church. No earthly monarch or ruler can say that! No earthly lord has ever had so many subjects, but do we truly realize that in our hearts and show it in our actions and speech?
It is true that Jesus asks for our allegiance but doesn’t force us. He rules with love not with threats. Within His army are saints, sinners, cardinals, bishops and dock workers, along with secretaries, students and nuns. All of these make up the “Church Militant” as defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are the people who have pledged themselves to serve God through Jesus Christ whom they recognize as their “King of kings” and “Lord of lords.”
The Readings for the Feast of Christ the King all reflect some aspect of Jesus our King: In the First Reading of the Book of Daniel (7:13 – 14) we have the title that Jesus used in reference to himself, “Son of Man,” meaning someone who is more than an angel and who receives “dominion, glory and kingship over all peoples and nations.” The Responsorial Psalm (93) is a direct reference to Jesus as Lord and King. The Second Reading from the Book of Revelation (1:5 –
reveals Jesus as the “Alpha and the Omega” – the beginning and the end of all the living” and the Gospel Reading from John (18:33b – 37) is the scene before Pilate where Jesus confirms that He is the King….for this He was born and for this He came into the world.”
So, when you come to Mass on this Sunday, or anytime, please be prepared to worship the greatest leader, the divine monarch, the longest reigning king of all times who longs to come into your heart and soul just to be with YOU and listen to your story, your problems, your hurts and feelings. He is waiting to give you a share in eternal life and happiness. All that He asks of you is to follow Him daily in everything you do – so that you don’t loose your way. So, what are you waiting for? He is waiting for You! Something to think about during your Prayer Time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding this commentary we would be happy to hear from you. Please send your message in writing to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible. MFB