Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Gospel: Luke 23:35–43
Theme: Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Today, we arrive at the final Sunday of Ordinary Time, the majestic Solemnity of Christ the King, before we begin our journey anew next week with Advent. This feast invites us to pause and ask: What kind of King is Jesus?
Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers, “You say so.”
Luke 23:3
In today's Gospel, amid mockery, pain, and rejection, Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers, “You say so.” He does not defend Himself, nor does He display earthly grandeur or political authority. Instead, His kingship is revealed not in majesty, but in mercy—not in domination, but in humble love.
His crown is made of thorns.
His throne is a cross.
His royal decree: “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”
Even as He hangs crucified between two criminals, Jesus reigns—not by force, but by forgiveness. One thief mocks Him, but the other, with a repentant heart, whispers the prayer of every seeking soul: “Jesus, remember me.” And in that moment, Jesus shows us the very heart of His kingship: A King who listens, forgives, and promises eternal life.
✨ This is the King we serve—a King who reigns not from palaces, but from hearts willing to be transformed.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus rarely claimed royal titles. Instead, He called Himself the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When He does speak of His kingdom, it is always a kingdom of love, truth, justice, mercy, and eternal life.
His kingship fulfills God’s promise to David—a kingdom that would have no end. But unlike earthly kingdoms built on power or borders, Christ’s kingdom is built on self-emptying love. As St. Paul reminds us, “In Him were created all things in heaven and on earth… all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
Christ is King—not because He rules by force—but because He reigns by love.
Our Pastor’s Reflection reminds us that Christ’s kingship answers the question: Who has the ultimate authority over our lives?
The world exalts leaders, influences, policies, and trends—but only Christ offers us truth that sets us free, mercy that heals, and a kingdom that never fades. His reign begins not when we acknowledge His power, but when we receive His love.
To proclaim Christ as King means:
👑 Letting His mercy rule over our guilt.
👑 Letting His peace quiet our fears.
👑 Letting His will become our path.
👑 Letting His love transform our hearts.
As we close this liturgical year, we are invited to surrender anew:
Lord Jesus, be the King of my heart, my thoughts, my family, my past, my future.
Reign in my weakness with Your strength, in my fears with Your peace,
and in my life with Your everlasting love.
Amen.
🕊️ “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”