Homily: November 11-2024, Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe (Humble king )

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 "Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world."

Our Lord Jesus Christ is King. His kingdom does not belong to this world, but this world belongs to His kingdom. Beyond this world, in truth, all the worlds in the whole Universe belong to Him. Jesus Christ is not just King of this earth or of heaven, but He is King of all creation, the entire universe, as far and wide as you can imagine, and beyond.

To better understand His Kingship, the Church has chosen readings that tell us the essence of our Lord and King.

In the first reading, we read, "His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed."

From this we understand that Christ’s Kingship is forever and ever, it is authentic and true, and he holds the authority and power, so it can never be taken away nor destroyed.

In the second reading, we read, “"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty."”

This tells us that Jesus Christ is the one and only true King, there was no one before Him and no one after Him.

Yet in the Gospel, we see a very different image of our King. Jesus stands on trial before a Roman governor, Pilate, who sentences Him to death by crucifixion. He seems helpless and powerless under the authority of a mere subject of an earthly king.

Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, stands humble and submissive before one of His own creatures, allowing Himself to be condemned.

What do we understand about His Kingship from this?

Why does He not wield His divine power? Why does He not exert His might and authority? Why does He submit to injustice and choose to suffer cruelty and shame?

He knows He is being wrongly accused, He is made a scapegoat for others, His sentence is unfair. But He does not fight back, He does not expose the real crime, He does not defend nor attack.

Why?

Because He knows the plan of God, the salvation of the world. He is obeying not the sentencing of man, but the will of God. He is submitting not to earthly authorities but to God’s commandments.

His Kingship is high above all the laws and authorities of earth, 

no injustice or unfair judgement can ever take away anything from His sovereignty, not even a cruel death. Thus, He does not need to fight or defend.

Do we have faith and trust in His eternal Kingship?

Do we understand our King whom we pledge to follow and be faithful to till the end of time?

Do we believe the final victory belongs to the Lord, even though many things look gloomy so often?

If we truly have faith, understand and believe, if we follow Jesus in His obedience to God and submit to His will, we too will not be confused or anxious or fearful when we go through life’s challenges and trials and persecutions of sorts.

Mexican martyr, Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, who was killed during the Christian persecution in 1927, confidently declared in his dying breath, “Long live Christ the King!”

We are now at the end of the liturgical year, symbolic of the end of time, when we have completed our journey in life. When Jesus comes again, glorious and triumphant, when we stand before Him, may we be jubilant and declare with confidence like Blessed Miguel, “Long live Christ the King!” 

Amen!


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