 The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Reading 1 - DN 7:13-14 Reading 2 - RV 1:5-8 Gospel - JN 18:33B-37 The world was vastly changed and still changing in 1925. Not yet 10 years removed from the end of the first World War, the Communist Revolution in Russia and a rise in the nationalistic right wing nationalism propaganda in parts of Europe. In the light of all this, Pope Pius XI looked at the centrality of Christ and established the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. In the New World, in neighboring Mexico, the President, Calles and his Administration, sought to suppress the power and influence of the Catholic Church and in 1926 the Cristero War began with its marching slogan 'Viva Cristo Rey!' (Long live Christ the King!). over 50,000 men, women and children would be killed before the termination of the suppression in 1929. 'Are you a king?' Pilate asks Jesus in today's Gospel. He was clearly uneasy. The Kingship of Christ made everyone uneasy and does so still. Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world." The Kingdom of Christ is like no other: it is a rule established, not by armed conquest, but by service. Yes, the Son of Man who we are told in the first reading "received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him" came to serve not to be served. If you want to use a yardstick to measure leadership simply determine if their intent is to serve others or to serve themselves. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Christ is enshrined in the Beatitudes and its precepts are simple: Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is the law on which we will be judged. The Scriptures challenge us today to question ourselves 'who is sitting on the throne of our heart; is it my flesh with all its ego-driven pride, the world with all its deceptive allurements or the devil with his lies or is it Christ who "came into the world, to testify to the truth"? To which Kingdom do we belong? Long live Christ the King, Viva Cristo Rey!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Hi, welcome to my weekly blog. I'm deacon Michel and I love blogging and the healthy exchange of constructive ideas. Now my mind has been known to wander on a million different things all at once so don't be surprised at what you find here. I often scratch my head and go 'Huh?' at my own thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with me.
DisclaimerThis blog reflects MY ongoing Christian journey: insights gained through the Holy Spirit, my experiences, my studies, my relationships. The content of this website is solely that of Deacon Michel du Chaussee, and does not represent the Archdiocese of Miami or any other entity of the Roman Catholic Church in any official capacity. Needless to say, I hope that none of my writings are contrary to the doctrines of faith and morals that are reflected in Sacred Tradition or as taught and guarded by the Magisterium of the Church or to the truths of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
For I take seriously what a very wise man has often said to me: "Ordination is not license for private practice" - Msgr. A. Andersen Archives
November 2018
Categories |
RSS Feed