Nov 24 2024 Reflection
Sunday 24 November 2024
First Reading: Dn 7:13-14
Responsorial Psalm:
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5
Second Reading: Rv 1:5-8
Gospel Reading: Jn 18:33b-37
Today’s Note: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Gospel Reading:
Pilate said to Jesus,
“Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I?
Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.
What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?”
Jesus answered, “You say I am a king.
For this I was born and for this I came into the world,
to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Reflection:
When Satan tempted Jesus during his forty day fast in the wilderness, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8-9) Jesus knew that the world was in Satan’s power. And this was precisely why Jesus came – to overthrow Satan’s power and deception over the earth. Jesus knew that the way to victory was through submission to his Father’s will and strategy for overcoming sin and Satan in the world. The Father sent his only begotten Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it through the atoning sacrifice which Jesus would make for us through the shedding of his blood on the cross of Calvary.
As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was mocked for his claim to kingship. Nonetheless, he died not only as King of the Jews, but King of all the nations as well. His victory over the power of sin, Satan, and the world, was accomplished through his death on the cross and his rising from the tomb on the third day – never to die again. Jesus exchanged a throne of glory for a cross of shame to restore us from slavery to sin to glory with God as his adopted sons and daughters. In the Book of Revelation Jesus is called King of kings and Lord and lords (Revelations 19:16). Do you recognize Jesus Christ as your King and Lord?
Which ruler and kingdom will you serve?
The Scriptures tell us that there are ultimately only two kingdoms in this world which are opposed to one another – the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Each kingdom is ruled by one lord or master – the Lord Jesus Christ who is the true “Light of the World” – or the false messiah and ruler who is called the “anti-Christ” and an “angel of light” who rules by lies and deception.
If we follow the Lord Jesus Christ he will open our eyes to the light of his truth and guide us on the course that leads to our true homeland and security with God. If we follow the course which is set by the world – a world which is opposed to Christ and blinded by the Deceiver who is Satan – then we will discover that sin, pride, and greed will lead us down a path of destruction, division, and death rather than life, community, and freedom.
Which kingdom will you serve – today and for all eternity? The kingdom of this present world which passes away or God’s kingdom which can never be broken or defeated and which endures forever? If we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and King we become citizens of an everlasting kingdom which is governed by God’s righteousness, peace, and love. Is your life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who reigns now and forever in the glory of his eternal Father in heaven?
Lord Jesus Christ, you are my King and there is no other. Be the Lord and Master of my heart, mind, body, and soul. May I always seek to do your will and to serve your kingdom above all else.
