Nov 18, 2024 5 min read

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Year B) - 24th November 2024

Readings

First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 92 (93):1-2, 5
- Response: "The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed."
Second Reading: Revelation 1:5-8
Gospel: John 18:33-37

First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14

Summary:The prophet Daniel foresees a figure “like a Son of Man” who will have God-given dominion, glory, and kingship. His reign is total and permanent. For Christians, this passage points to Christ, the eternal King, whose rule is established not by force but by God’s power, authority and love.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 92 (93):1-2, 5

Response: "The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed."

Summary: This psalm is a profound acknowledgement of the place of God. God is clothed with might and power. God’s majesty is firm, strong and enduring, like the firmness of the earth. God’s ways are the measure of everything, until the end of time.

Second Reading: Revelation 1:5-8

Summary: In this passage, we have another vision of someone with God-given preeminence. He is the measure of everything, the beginning and the end. His power is based on love, on his self-sacrifice, on his power over death, on his ability to change our lives. He is our past, present and our future.

Gospel: John 18:33-37

Liturgical Title: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Gospel Text (John 18:33-37): ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked. Jesus replied, ‘Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me: what have you done?’ Jesus replied, ‘Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.’ ‘So you are a king then?’ said Pilate. ‘It is you who say it’ answered Jesus. ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.’

Brief Overview

The solemnity of Christ the King celebrates the uniqueness of Jesus and his place in our lives. He made the claim to be divine, the Son of God. He made good on that claim in his suffering, putting himself as the service of the ultimate truth: if we don’t focus on serving one another, we end up serving ourselves. If we don’t serve, others suffer. Jesus reveals God’s way and that way leads to peace, love and justice. He is king because he is kind with God’s kindness.

Historical Background

The solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to the growing secularism and nationalism of the time. It was established as a reminder that Christ reigns above all worldly powers and ideologies, and that true peace is found only in Him. By proclaiming Jesus as King, the Church affirms that His reign transcends all earthly boundaries and unites all people in love and service.

Contextual Reflections

What is real power? What is authentic authority? Are they about the ability to coerce, to enforce? Are they about making others comply through fear? Are they about creating divisions and taking advantage of them? Are they about politicking? No. The way of Jesus is far removed from these. His way is powerful because it is God’s way, the way that ultimately holds sway. His is the humble way that helps people, especially folk that are vulnerable and in the margins of society. In this world, the power of force can predominate for a while, but it never lasts. The values of Jesus are the ‘forever’ values that hold sway in eternity.

Connecting the Gospel to Today's Cultural Context

In today’s world, where ‘my truth’ comes first, others invariably come second. In a world which prizes luxury, privacy and choice, there must be those who come ‘last’: last in terms of resources available to them, last in terms of the value of their life, last in terms of economic benefit, last in terms of access to education, health and justice. Any other measure than the standard of Jesus lets us justify excluding others at home, at work, at school, in the wider world. Christ is king because he is the truest measure of what makes for a fair world.

The world today sees nothing beyond death. But the Resurrection of Jesus shows otherwise. Jesus is king because he is first among us: first with wisdom, first with love, first to serve, first in power to save.

Themes for Meditation

Embracing Christ’s Kingship: Reflect on what it means to accept Christ as King of your life. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to let go of control? How can you deepen your trust in His divine authority and guidance?
Witnessing to the Truth: Jesus came to testify to the truth. Consider how you can bear witness to Christ’s teachings in your actions and words. Are there ways in which you can share His message of love and justice with others?
Living as Citizens of His Kingdom: To belong to Christ’s kingdom means to embrace His values. Reflect on your daily life and choices. Are they aligned with His call to humility, service, and compassion?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, You call us to follow You in truth and love. Help us to understand Your kingship and to seek Your kingdom above all. Grant us the courage to live as witnesses to Your truth, and to serve others with humility and compassion. May Your reign of peace fill our hearts and the whole world, drawing all people into Your loving embrace. Amen.

Quotes for Reflection

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” – St. Augustine
“Christ does not force our will, He takes only what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.” – St. Teresa of Ávila
“The kingdom of God is within you.” – St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Contemplative Action

This week, focus on one area of your life where you can bring Christ’s peace and love to others. Choose a simple act of service—whether offering a listening ear, helping someone in need, or extending kindness to someone who may feel isolated. Let this action be a reflection of your commitment to live as a witness of Christ the King.

Liturgical Calendar for the Week

24th November: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
25th November: St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
26th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
27th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
28th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
29th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
30th November: St. Andrew, Apostle (Feast)