JESUS CHRIST IS THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE

 

Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. This solemnity was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to emphasize the universal kingship of Jesus Christ and to counter the rising secularism and nationalism that were prevalent during that time. The celebration is placed at the end of the liturgical year, symbolizing the eschatological culmination of Christ’s reign at the end of time. Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on the profound and multifaceted reality of Christ’s kingship. The readings paint a vivid image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the victorious Savior, and the just Judge.

In the first reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, God is portrayed as the Shepherd who seeks out his sheep. This image resonates profoundly with the Gospel’s depiction of Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Jesus Christ is our Shepherd King and as king, he knows each of us intimately. What this means is that his kingship is not distant or authoritarian like most earthly kingships, rather, his kingship is rooted in a personal, caring relationship with his flock. As king, the Lord ensures that none of his sheep is lost, emphasizing the inclusivity of his reign.

In the second reading, St. Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians paints a picture of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. His resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, and he declares his victory over every enemy. As we celebrate Christ the King, we rejoice in his eternal reign, marked by the victory that brings hope to our lives. The Shepherd King not only tends to his flock as we saw in the first reading, he also leads us to triumph over the challenges we face. Our allegiance to his kingship is an acknowledgment of the hope that transcends temporal struggles, anchoring us in the promise of eternal victory.

The Gospel reading from the Gospel according to Matthew unveils Christ as the just Judge, separating the sheep from the goats based on acts of love and mercy. This image challenges us to reflect on how we live out the commandment to love our neighbors. The Shepherd King, in his kingship, calls us to a life of compassion and solidarity with those in need. The measure of our allegiance to Christ the King is reflected in our actions toward the marginalized, the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we are invited reflect on the sovereignty of Christ in our lives and to anticipate the fulfillment of his kingship in the heavenly kingdom. In our daily lives, may we recognize and submit to the reign of Christ the Shepherd King, allowing his love to guide our every step, his victory to inspire our hope, and his justice to transform our hearts and the world around us. May the loving guidance, victorious presence, and just rule of Christ the King inspire us to live as faithful subjects of the eternal kingdom. Amen.