Friday, November 22, 2013

Thirtyfourth Sunday of the Year :C. Feast of Christ the King

                    "THE UNIVERSAL KING"

First Reading: 2 Sam. 5: 1-3
Second Reading: Col. 1: 12-30
Gospel Reading; Luke 23: 35-43

   * First reading is from the Second book of Samuel. It gives us a narration about King David. He was already anointed King of Judah, Now the northern tribes too acknowledged him as their King. Thus David became the King of whole Israel. David's Kingship pre- figures the universal Kingship of Christ.

   * Second Reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives thanks to God for having delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His Son. Christ is the images of the invisible God, the head of the Church and the Lord of all creation.

                     "Jesus the King"
Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the Gospel, we read how the inscription over the cross "King of the Jews" proclaims the true identity of Jesus. Jesus is both Messiah and King. Even as he died on the cross, he was giving consolation and forgiveness to all those around. There were many people ; soldiers , pharisees and all kinds of people mocking and challenging him saying "If you are the King of Jews, save yourself". He asked forgiveness for them  from the Father. "Father, they do not know what they are doing "
When the thief on the right pleaded, "Jesus, remember me, when  you are in your kingdom" , Jesus immediately assured him, "Today , you will be with me in paradise ". As he was dying on the cross, he called his mother and beloved disciple and entrusted his mother to the disciple. Hence , His last gift to us was His mother to be the our mother.
Christ's Kingdom is a very special Kingdom. He has come not to conquer but to love. He has come not to rule , but to serve. He has come not to have possessions but to give them away (even His mother). He is the King of our hearts.

"Hungry for love, He looks at you, Thirsty for kindness, He begs you,
Naked for loyalty, He hopes in you, Homeless for shelter in your heart, He asks you.
Will you be that one to Him?" - Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"Rome is gone, Napoleon is gone, Hitler is gone, but the Kingdom of Jesus marches on " - D. Guzik.