Book of Daniel 7:13-14 Psalm 93:1 Book of Revelation 1:5-8 Gospel of John 18:33b-37
Today, the Catholic Church honors Jesus Christ as the Lord and King of the Universe, reigning over both earth and heaven. This solemnity was first instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, originally celebrated in late October. Later, Pope St. Paul VI moved the commemoration to the Sunday before Advent, a fitting placement as we anticipate the incarnation of Christ and reflect on God’s plan of redemption through His Son, our King.
The Gospel of John proclaimed on this solemnity invites us to reflect on a central tenet of our faith: the search for truth as citizens longing for heaven.
“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” (John 18:37). Pilate’s rhetorical question, “What is truth?” (Quid est veritas?) prompts us to explore the eternal nature of Christ’s Kingship. As the prophet Daniel reminds us, this Kingship is everlasting and will never be destroyed.
In today’s politicized world, we often find ourselves distracted by false truths, divided by partisan politics, and quick to cast judgment on those who do not share our values or beliefs. Yet, the truth our King Jesus testifies to is one of perfect, self-giving love. By surrendering His very life, Christ established a covenant of love, offering us the opportunity to become citizens of His perfect kingdom in heaven.
This kingdom is not a distant reality—it is here and now, present in the way we live our lives among the Church Militant. The Beatitudes and the commands to aid the stranger, nourish the poor, and uplift the downtrodden are not optional; they are the very fabric of Christ’s reign. To follow this King, crowned with thorns and pierced with nails, we must cast aside selfish and sinful behaviors, take up our cross, and embrace the sacrificial love He exemplifies.
The truth that Jesus reminds Pilate of cannot be found in the fleeting pleasures or luxuries of this world. Rather, it lies in the transformative love of the Holy Trinity. The love between the Father and the Son, poured out through the Holy Spirit, invites us into communion with God as citizens of His kingdom—both on earth and in heaven.
This week, let us reflect on these profound truths. Who is the ruler of our lives? Do we fully surrender ourselves to Christ, seeking the truth and beauty of His kingdom?
As the hymn often sung on this solemnity reminds us:
“To Jesus Christ, our Sovereign King,
Who is the world’s salvation,
All praise and homage do we bring,
And thanks and adoration.
Christ Jesus Victor, Christ Jesus Ruler!
Christ Jesus, Lord and Redeemer!”
Written by Fr. Martin Hellriegel during the rise of the Third Reich, this hymn calls us to turn away from worldly powers and submit ourselves to Christ, the King of all powers and principalities.
May Christ the King reign in our hearts and guide us to live as faithful citizens of His eternal kingdom.
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