This weekend, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. On this Last Sunday of Ordinary Time, before the beginning of the new Church year, we honour the true kingship of Christ, and his dominion over all creatures. This Solemnity also serves as a “bridge” into the coming Advent season, since it reminds us of Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time. It is at this second coming that the Kingdom of Christ will be established in its fullness to the ends of the earth. It is this second coming that we await as we celebrate the Advent Season.
All of us are called to be citizens of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our readings today make it clear how we are to live if we want to be found worthy to enter into the kingdom that has been prepared for us from the foundation of the world. Like many things in our faith, the path may not be what we expect! Jesus tells us that when He comes in glory, he will not judge us by how many degrees we have, how much knowledge we have gained, or even how much time we spent in prayer. Instead, we will be judged by the way we treated and cared for others, especially the poor and those in need. In other words, we are called to imitate the example of Christ in our own lives.
This example is beautifully summed up in one of the Prefaces that can be used at Mass, which states that Jesus “always showed compassion for children and for the poor, for the sick and for sinners, and he became a neighbour to the oppressed and the afflicted. By word and deed he announced to the world that you are our Father, and that you care for all your sons and daughters.” As we celebrate this Solemnity of Christ the King, we pray that we may more faithfully imitate this example, so that we can be found worthy to enter into the heavenly Kingdom.
I want to offer a special word of congratulations to Deacon Edward Czilli, who was Ordained to the Diaconate last weekend. May the Lord continue to bless you as you begin your ministry of service to the People of God. I also want to offer congratulations to our young people who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend and next weekend. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen and enlighten you, so that you may seek and carry out God’s will.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB