Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for Feast of Christ the King:
 
Daniel 7:13-14: Today, on this joyful feast day, while we celebrate Jesus’ vital role as our Lord and King, Savior and Redeemer, let’s reflect on the fact that Jesus’ Kingdom is eternal. Jesus’ Kingdom spans all time. In this passage, written many centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet, Daniel shares with us his “vision” of a “son of man” (Jesus) receiving honor, authority and power from “The Ancient One,” (God, our Heavenly Father).

Today, let’s reflect on the fact that God has forever and always had a plan for our Salvation, through Jesus Christ! We’re in good and loving hands… and we always have been… so we needn’t ever be afraid. Our God has a plan for us. May we ever trust in our God and offer our God glory and praise and thanks, forever!

Psalm 93: “The Lord is King; He is robed in majesty.” Today, as we ponder the Kingship of our God, we celebrate God’s power and dominion over us. In the second verse of this psalm, we’re rapt in contemplation upon the mystery of God’s eternal reign and omnipotence. This mystery is beyond our comprehension, but we can still ponder this mystery and let awe and wonder fill us with peace and serenity. Pondering our God’s superiority over us all can help us to relinquish all of our burdens to God. Our God is so much better able to handle all of our burdens, than we are. We mustn’t let fear or pride prevent us from handing over to God, both our struggles and our triumphs! Let’s take some time this week to quietly rest in God’s Presence. Let’s take time to be still and know that our God is always near to us… and responding before we even ask God for help!

Rev 1:5-8: Inspired by this passage, let’s take some time to reflect upon Jesus’ unique Kingship and sovereignty over us all! Jesus is truly a “Servant King,” sacrificing His very life to redeem us! Instead of wielding His Supreme Power over us as a weapon or a punishment; Jesus shares His dominion and power by making us a “Kingdom of priests” who, after receiving faith, hope and love, share them with others. Jesus has instituted a “Community Priesthood,” in which, by virtue of each of our baptisms, we share in a priesthood of ministering to one another’s needs. By the graces we receive in our baptisms, we’re inspired and compelled to share the love and joy we’ve received with others… by evangelizing them and encouraging them on their faith journeys. Our relationship with our King is truly unique… characterized by the miraculous giving and receiving of love and mercy!

John 18:33b-37: It’s painful to contemplate this conversation between an earthly ruler, (Pilate) and an eternal and Heavenly ruler (Jesus).  It’s clear from reading accounts of the Passion, that Pilate and his wife had “glimmers” of the Truth… that Jesus has supernatural wisdom and insight, and a perspective transcending human understanding. Contemplate on how Jesus’ holiness and Divine Presence had interesting effects on the non-faithful people around Him. If they had any openness to the Truth, Jesus’ Presence unsettled them. These “unsettled souls,” like Nicodemus, were inspired to ask questions.

If individuals were fighting the Truth or clinging to darkness, they became angry when they encountered the Lord; many even reacting with abuse, hatred and violence. Such souls crucified our King… sinners such as us. Jesus, Beacon of Truth and Light and King of the Universe, penetrate our darkness! Jesus, save us!   

Deacon Matt