Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, A – Nov 26, 2017: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Last Sunday of the Year.

Readings: Ex 34:11-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps 22:1-3, 5-6; 

1 Cor. 15:20-26,28; Gospel  Matthew 25:31-46.

Theme: Celebrating Christ as Shepherd & King

Introduction

Christ in friends today is Christ the King - A day in which the liturgical cycle of the Church closes. The celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians about the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth and the call to live as heirs of the Kingdom. On this day, Christians go on procession with the Blessed Sacrament while chanting Eucharistic hymns unto the Universal King of the Universe. We shall weave our reflection around the origin and aims of the celebration while drawing lessons from the liturgical readings.

Brief History of Christ the King/Aims & Objectives of the Celebration

The celebration of Christ the King dates back to 1925 when Pope Pius XI instituted it. By 1970, the celebration was moved to the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Holy Father wanted the solemnity to impact on the faithful in the following ways:

1. To enable them gain strength and courage upon meditating on these truths so as to live ideal Christian lives;

2. To facilitate our becoming subject to Christ’s dominion without exempting any of our faculties since his power embraces all peoples;

3. To let him reign in our minds, which must assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths, and to the doctrines of Christ;

4. To let Christ reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God;

5. To let him reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires, and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone;

6. To let him reign in our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for interior sanctification of our souls, or instruments of justice unto God as Saint Paul would say. 

Explication of Readings

In the first reading (Ex 34:11-12), we are presented with the image of God as shepherd who takes charge of his sheep because human shepherds disappointed him. He particularly mentions the most vulnerable sheep for special care yet noting that he would not forget the fat and healthy ones as well. This reading is apt to our celebration because God’s kingship over us is supreme – in fact, he does not discriminate against his creatures as he loves all equally. Where human kings fail in shepherding over his people, his reign over all supplies. 

This theme is also reflected in the second reading (1 Cor. 15:20-26,28) wherein St. Paul states that at the end of time, Jesus will hand over the kingdom to the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. This reminds us that we are not only subjects of what St. Augustine calls “the City of Men” but heirs of “the City of God.” This implies that we ought to act in a way and manner that we will not be cut off from the benefits of the kingdom because of the reckless lives we lived on earth. 

The same theme is replicated in the gospel (Matthew 25:31-46). Here, Jesus discloses that what when he comes in glory escorted by the angels, he would take his throne of glory. The implication is that only a king has a throne – Besides, the gospel stressed that after separating the righteous from the unrighteous, the king will tell those on his right hand: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world…” The criteria for accessing the kingdom is feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and visiting the sick or imprisoned.       

Pastoral Application/Lessons

ü  This celebrations calls earthly kings to humble themselves under the sovereignty of Christ the universal king of heaven and earth under whose authority we all live, move and have our being;

ü  Christ the Kings reminds us to act becomingly as subjects of the kingdom by being docile princess and princesses showing the light of Christ everywhere;

ü  This solemnity affords us the opportunity to break away from the kingdom of darkness and embrace the kingdom of light;

ü  It gives heirs of the kingdom an opportunity to form a synergy of love which embraces those at the margins of society like the abjectly poor, the sick, the aged, the unloved etc;

ü  It also gives us the chance to not only adore the Eucharistic king but also venerate him perpetually in the Blessed Sacrament;

ü  The celebration evokes faith and challenges us to allow the Holy Spirit to deepen our love for Jesus, the Universal King of heaven and earth being aware that he is always by our side;

ü  Where human kings fail in shepherding over his people, his reign over all supplies;

ü  This solemnity challenges us not to be ashamed of proclaiming Christ as king here on earth bearing in mind the words of scripture which says: “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, I will be ashamed of proclaiming him in the presence of my father on heaven” (Luke 9:26);

ü  The occasion reminds us that since God our King is on the throne, it shall be well with us – this, however, demands looking at our situation with the eyes of faith not with the eyes situation.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

ü  The solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians about the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth;

ü  Christ the king celebration calls us to live as heirs of the Kingdom;

ü  Christians mark this day by going on procession with the Blessed Sacrament while chanting Eucharistic hymns unto the Universal King of the Universe.

ü  The celebration challenges us to let Christ reign in our wills so as to obey his laws and precepts.

ü  It demands that Christ reigns in our bodies and in our members in order that we should serve as instruments for interior sanctification of our souls and justice.

ü  The celebration is meant to help us gain strength and courage about meditating on the mysteries of God so as to live ideal Christian lives.

Conclusion

As Cycle A of the Church’s liturgical calendar closes with the celebration of Christ the King, we pray that the king will reign in our hearts and our homes. In that way, the effects of the celebration would be felt in our society. As we celebrate Christ as shepherd and king, may we live for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords - May he help us to overcome the challenges of this life so as prepare for the kingdom to come. Amen. Have a terrific week ahead!