Christ the King: The Lordship of Service

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe:  November 26, 2023

Readings: Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–17; Psalm 23:1–3, 5–6; 1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 28; Matthew 25:31–46

Christ the Pantacrator

  To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: 

https://youtu.be/FybB1HL4qw4

 

Life is a journey of twists and turns. It is a series of different journeys. This life contains everything: good, bad, beautiful, and ugly. As we turn off the current liturgical year on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, we are, in fact, concluding the ordinary liturgical year with a bang. We are singing praises to the Lord of the Universe: The Son of God, the God-Man. We are concluding a year of different experiences both of suffering and of love, of success and of failures, of joy and of sadness. We could experience such things and face the adversaries of life with boldness and courage, patience and perseverance, peace and tranquility because we trusted in the Lord. We also went through different seasons of the liturgical year, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time of the Year. We not only assimilated these periods of faith journey but also lived our ordinary lives filled with love and laughter, sickness and suffering, boredom and beauty, as the situations and circumstances became integral parts of our lives.

1. The Lordship of Service: A Call to Action

The Gospel reading of today Matthew 25:31–46 contains beautiful but challenging teachings of Jesus to his disciples and those who would like to follow him. They contain clarifications on who the Lord is and how a disciple must own up mission entrusted to him or her. In fact, Christ's kingship is not one of earthly power and grandeur but of humble service. Christ's Kingdom is built on acts of kindness, mercy, and love. True greatness is found in serving others, and in doing so, we honor the kingship of Christ.

The Gospel reading of today challenges us to move beyond mere belief and into action. The life of a believer must express one's faith through deeds of love and compassion. Our faith becomes alive and transformative when it compels us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the marginalized.  The Word of God teaches us that Christ is present in the least of our brothers and sisters. Therefore, we must strive to see the face of Christ in those we encounter – the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Our interactions with others become sacred when we recognize the divine in them.

2. Small actions with maximum effect

Jesus does not ask his disciples to do great things instead simple things that are measurable and have practical effects on the lives of people. Every smallest act of kindness is significant in the eyes of Christ. Whether it's offering a kind word, sharing a meal, or providing comfort, every act of love contributes to the building of Christ's kingdom. God sees the compassionate heart even though the act may be small and insignificant. Moreover, taking the model of Christ, our Lord, we are called to address systemic issues of injustice. It involves not only individual acts of charity but also advocacy for systemic change.

All our good actions have eternal value. Our earthly actions have spiritual implications. When we extend love and mercy to others, we are participating in the life of God concretely. It transcends time and space. Even Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–17) speaks about God's mercy and compassion to His people. God gives us protection and guidance. He unifies and brings us together. In our own way,  we too can take steps to protect others - as family member, friend, colleague, or community member. 

3. Vulnerability and Power over Death

St Paul writing to the Corinthian community (1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 28) speaks to the triumph of Christ over sin and death, emphasizing His ultimate authority. The passage speaks of God putting everything under Christ's feet. It means the Second Person of the Trinity accepts to bring back the fallen humanity to eternity. Moreover, Jesus overcame death once and for all.  In other words, Christ as Lord of all, has the power to conquer evil and wickedness. He has the power to turn all that is sinful and vulnerable into what is acceptable to God. That is what Incarnation is all about. St Paul speaks about how Christ returns to the Father with the mission entrusted to him. There is the interconnectedness of the Father and the Son in the divine plan. 

Finally, the ultimate goal is that "God may be all in all." There is a profound unity and harmony implied in this statement. The very being of Christ in this world fulfills God's purpose of creation. All the more, Christ gives us the margas or ways to reach God in practical ways. That is why, all our decisions, actions, and relationships must reflect the truth that Christ is reigning and working toward the fulfillment of God's kingdom. As we reflect on Christ the King, may we be inspired to live out our faith in tangible ways, recognizing the divine in every person and actively contributing to the establishment of a kingdom characterized by love, justice, and compassion.

Questions for self-reflection

1. How am I actively serving and showing kindness to those who are less fortunate or in need?
2. In what ways am I using my resources, talents, and time to benefit others and make a positive impact in the world?
3. Am I mindful of the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, and what steps am I taking to address their needs?
4. How am I fostering a sense of inclusivity and community in my relationships and spheres of influence?

Prayer based on Psalm 23

Dear Heavenly Shepherd, you are our gracious and loving Shepherd, and we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. In the stillness of your presence, we find rest and assurance. You lead us beside quiet waters, refreshing our souls and guiding us in paths of righteousness. Your wisdom is a guiding light, and we trust in your perfect direction for our lives.

Even in the midst of life's challenges, we fear no evil, for you are with us. Your rod and staff comfort us, and we find solace in the shadow of your protective presence.  We are grateful for the blessings you generously bestow upon us. Surely, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in your house forever. May we walk in the confidence of your unfailing love and grace. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, we pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

November 24, 2023