Let Christ The King Of The Universe Reign In Your Life 

Readings: (1st: Ez 34, 11-17; Ps. 22,1-6; 2nd: I Cor 15, 20-28; Gos: Mt 25, 31-46)

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

The thirty-fourth Sunday of ordinary time marks the end of every liturgical Year. Most importantly, it is the solemnity of Christ the King. Pope Pius XI established the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 against the deadly influence of Secularism. The feast intends to proclaim Christ’s royalty over all nations resoundingly and effectively.

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In the first reading of today, the Lord, through prophet Ezekiel, reassures us of his continuous care for us: “I am going to look after my flock myself… I shall be a true shepherd to them.” One remarkable thing about this reading is that the personal pronoun “I” was employed nine times. First, this is to convey God’s interest in his flock. Second, this was to prove his promises already fulfilled in Jesus Christ in our time.

In this reading also, God presented “the manifesto” of his reign to be headed by Christ. God’s manifesto is different from those presented to us by politicians of our days: “free education, housing, medical care, transportation, low taxation, more jobs, high-income rates, etcetera.” They never fulfill their promises before the end of their tenure in office.

In contrast, the manifesto of God is different because it is just and true. It is not a charity with a hook. This is because God is a faithful King: “God is not human, that he should lie. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Nu 23, 19). Never!

In the second reading, Paul reminds us of Christ’s kingship and reign. He will maintain his reign until He conquers death, our last enemy. Indeed, Christ accomplished a task that no other could accomplish through his death and resurrection. It was a total knockout.

He did it: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands, nailing it to the cross and by triumphing over them…” (Col 2, 14). He did it for our sake and the sake of his kingdom. So, we must abide with him, who shed his blood for us. We must be part of his kingdom. We owe him homage every day because He is the King of kings.

Today’s gospel reminds us that Christ’s reign is of justice. So, he will judge each according to his/her deeds. His kingdom will have no corruption, embezzlement, manipulation, or structural injustices. Instead, “He will judge among the nations, and they will reshape their swords as plowshares and their spears as pruning hooks. No nation will threaten another, nor will they train for war anymore” (Is 2, 4), and His scepter shall be peace and justice.

Where is Christ supposed to reign? Of course, first, in our hearts! So, it suffices to note that today’s celebration would be meaningful only if we permit Christ to reign in our lives. If he reigns in every heart, then he reigns in our world. If he reigns there already, then rejoice and celebrate.  If not, let us ask him to come in and reign today. He says, “I stand at the door waiting; if you open, I will come in to eat and dine with him” (Rev 3:20).

In conclusion, as we celebrate Christ the King of the universe today, let us permit him to be indeed in control of the kingdom of our heart because, as the “Bonus pastor,” If we make Him the king of our lives, we shall lack nothing, and surely, his goodness and mercy shall follow us, all the days of our life. Indeed, we shall dwell peacefully in His palace.

Peace be with you!

Maranatha!