Lord of Lord, King of Kings ~ by Ronnie Archer

The Solemnity of Christ the King

2 Sm 5:1-3
Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5
Col 1:12-20
Lk 23:35-43

On this feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate Jesus as the one true King.

In the first reading from 2 Samuel, we hear that the tribes of Israel asked David to be their king. When all the elders of Israel came to David, he made an agreement with them before the Lord, and they anointed him King of Israel.

The second reading from Colossians tells us to give thanks to the Father, Who delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, our Redeemer. (Col 1:13). Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation.

Luke's Gospel recounts parts of the story of the crucifixion... the sneering at Jesus by the rulers as well as the soldiers, trying to make a mockery of Jesus' kingship... not realizing that He is King of the entire human race; that the only way that they would have redemption would be through Jesus Christ.

We also hear the story of how the "good" thief recognized Jesus for WHO He was, and asked to be remembered by Jesus when He comes into His Kingdom; and how Jesus promised him life with Him in Paradise because of his repentance just before his death.

Christ's rule is not like any other kingship. He rules with love, kindness and understanding.

Let us pray for the strength and courage to live our life in total commitment to Jesus, so that we may be with Him in Paradise!



~ 6th Century Mosaic of Christ at the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy

~ Public Domain Images