Readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

 

On November 21st, we celebrate the fact that Christ is our King.  We end our Liturgical year with this celebration, recognizing that when the world as we know it ends, the only one left with any power will be Jesus Christ.  Only his Kingdom will be left, with each of the rest of us being judged by him, with the hopes of being accepted into his Kingdom forever.

There are many ways that we as Christians  show in our liturgies that Jesus is our King.  At Mass, we stand for hearing the Gospel, when we hear of Jesus’ life and as he speaks directly to us, as he did to his disciples long ago.  We genuflect in front of the Tabernacle, the home to the consecrated Body of Christ.  We bow to the altar, recalling the sacrifice our King made on our behalf. We bow to his true presence as we receive the Blessed Sacrament of Eucharist. Even the way we speak of Jesus, calling him Christ and Son of God, and even God the Son, shows our recognition of his Kingship.

As we end this year, and prepare for our new year, let us evaluate how we personally are showing others that Jesus is our King.  Do you honor Jesus, and give him thanks for his sacrifice? Do you use his name with respect, and never as a swear? Do you bow to him before you receive his Body at Holy Eucharist? Can others see your respect for Jesus?  Will Jesus?