REIGN LIKE CHRIST AND ALLOW CHRIST TO REIGN IN YOUR LIFE

Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33b-37

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. With this celebration, the liturgical year comes to an end and a new liturgical year begins next Sunday with Advent. The Church in her wisdom fixed this Solemnity to be celebrated at the of the liturgical year just before the beginning of a new liturgical year to remind us that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. This feast and the readings invite us to reflect on the kingship of Jesus - not as a king who wields power in the worldly sense, but as one who reigns with truth, love, and eternal justice.

The Solemnity of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 through his encyclical Quas Primas in response to the growing secularism, nationalism, and rejection of Christ’s authority in public and private life. This era saw the rise of authoritarian regimes like Mussolini’s fascism in Italy, Hitler’s Nazism in Germany, the Soviet Union Communist Regime, the persecution of the Church in Mexico, and the increasing denial of religious influence in public policies, the emphasis on materialism over spiritual values, and the relegation of religion to the private sphere, stripping it of public relevance. Pope Pius XI established this feast to reaffirm the sovereignty of Christ over all creation, reminding the faithful that true peace and justice can only be achieved through acknowledging Christ as the King of hearts, nations, and the world.

Our readings today give us profound insights into the nature of Christ’s kingship. In the first reading for instance, the prophet Daniel describes a majestic vision: one “like a Son of man” coming on the clouds of heaven, presented before the Ancient One. This Son of man is given dominion, glory, and kingship, and his reign will never end. This prophecy points to Jesus, who often referred to himself as the “Son of Man.” It signifies both his humanity and his divine mission. Christ’s dominion is not like that of earthly rulers. Kings and kingdoms rise and fall, but Christ’s reign is eternal. In a world marked by political instability and fleeting powers, this reading reassures us of the unshakable and everlasting reign of Christ.

The second reading from the Book of Revelation builds on this vision of Daniel. It proclaims Christ as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. His kingship is rooted in love and sacrifice. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has freed us from sin and made us a kingdom of priests for God. His kingship liberates us, not through force, but through the power of self-giving love. This is the kind of King we serve - one who laid down his life for his people and calls us to live in his freedom and holiness. Moreover, this passage reminds us that Christ will return in glory, and every eye will see him. This is not a vague hope; it is the foundation of our faith. We are not just subjects in his kingdom; we are co-heirs, sharing in his mission of sanctifying the world.

In the Gospel, we are brought to a tense moment: Jesus stands before Pilate, who asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus” response is profound: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Here, Jesus clarifies the nature of his kingship. He is not a political king. His kingdom is not about territories or armies; it is about truth. Jesus says, “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.”

What is this truth? It is the truth of God’s love and plan for humanity, revealed in Jesus Christ. Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” reflects a world skeptical of absolute truth, a skepticism that still exists today. Yet Jesus boldly declares that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). To belong to Christ’s kingdom, we must listen to his voice, align our lives with his truth, and live according to his teachings. This is a radical call, especially in a world that often prioritizes power, success, and self-interest over love, humility, and service.

In a world where leadership and kingship are often associated with power, domination, prestige, and influence, we are called to imitate Christ’s kingship whose kingship was rooted in humility and service, especially to the poor and marginalized (Matthew 25:40). In a world of lies and half-truths, we are called to stand for the truth of the Gospel. God’s kingdom is already present wherever people live according to his truth and love (Luke 17:21). Every act of justice, mercy, and service expands his kingdom.

Lastly, as we honor Christ as King, let us reaffirm our allegiance to him. His kingdom is not of this world, but it is for this world - a kingdom of truth, love, and peace. Let us live as faithful members of his kingdom, bearing witness to his truth in all we do. May Christ, our King, reign in our hearts, in our communities, and in our world. Amen.