Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
This Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe only dates back to the last century. In 1925, Pope Pius XI established this particular feast for the Church. Why?
Establishing this feast was the Pope’s response to increasing secularism and a rising number of dictators and a subsequent decline in reverence for the authority of Christ in the governance of the world. He wanted to remind the world of Christ’s sovereignty over us.
This is not a new tug-of-war between the kings of this world and the King of Heaven and Earth.
During the time of Jesus, Caesar was proclaimed to be the son of god by the government of Rome. The early Church strongly rejected this claim and said that Jesus was the only begotten Son of God. Jesus was king.
We must answer the question for ourselves. Who rules over us?
In the end, the Lord wants to hear us say what St. Peter said, “I must obey God, not men” (See Acts 5:29).
In the suffering of Jesus, crowned with thorns, we find our God who is willing to suffer and die for us. He is the one who saves us by his suffering and death. He is the one who rose from the dead, to be our Lord and our God forever. He is the one who is worth following and obeying.
He is our king.
Have a blessed week and a Happy Thanksgiving.