HOMILY FOR FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
We are getting to the end of this year 2024. I think y’all agree: There’s been a lot going on. Now after many months of anxiety we do well to conclude that when all is ‘said and done’ – CHRIST IS KING!
In the First Reading, we have it from Daniel, wise man of long ago – in fact hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. Daniel foresaw one like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven on whom was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship. Men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
Then in the Gospel St John tells of Pontius Pilate, Roman Governor of Judea.
Pilate asked Jesus: Are you the king of the Jews? Jesus replied: Mine is not a kingdom of this world.
Pilate asked: So you are a king then? Jesus answered: Yes, I am a king.
Thus it is that as the end of each year draws nigh we thank Christ the King for being the King of Love on Calvary, and for winning grace for men, women and children to share his love with one another.
As all will do at the end of time!
On this day each year, we proclaim the truth in our second reading. It is from Apocalypse chapter one! Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth. It is he who is coming on the clouds, everyone will see him, even those who pierced him.
Twice the Roman Officer in charge on Mt Calvary and again at the tomb on Easter Sunday swore before all present: In truth, this man was the Son of God.
A Special Prayer for 2024:
O God, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, we humbly pray, that your Son himself may bestow on all nations the gifts of unity and peace. For……
CHRIST IS KING
