The Solemnity of Christ the King
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17
Psalm 23:1-3,5-6
1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28
Matthew 25:31-46
A reflection on today's Scripture:
Do we take Christ the King seriously? Do we stop to consider what it means? In the United
States we have very little experience with kings,and, in fact, almost resent the notion of
a king--of someone to bow before and treat as truly superior.
What kind of king is Christ the King? And of what is His kingdom composed? If we are to
consider this solemnity seriously, we must deeply examine each of these questions and
discover how Jesus is a King to us. Surely He is King of many hearts; but equally, His
kingdom is not confined there. There is no doubt that His kingdom knows no end.
But he gives us a sense of His kingdom: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to
the thirsty, visit the sick and those in prison. Christ's kingdom includes all of these.
But it is important that it also includes those who are ordinary in every sense--neither
sick, nor poor, nor thirsty, nor naked, nor in prison--those of us who live day to day in
relative comfort and security--we too are members of Christ's kingdom.
To have such a king is a prize beyond the possibility of valuation. In our daily tasks it
would be good to bring to mind this most gentle and just of kings and to make some sign of
our fealty to Him. A bow to the Lord in the midst of a day full of ourselves can help to
turn the day around completely. Never again will the world see such a king--how privileged
are we who can claim Him as ruler.
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