“The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty.”
Psalm 93
Readings
Daniel 7:13-14
Book of Revelation 1:5-8
Gospel According to John 18:33b-37
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard
The readings for this Sunday are full of declaration and power.
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away”
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord, the one who is and who was
and who is to come, the Almighty.”
“My kingdom does not belong to this world”
Those words inspire awe and wonder at this God who is mighty Lord and Prince
of Peace and yet lives in the hearts of each one of us and invites us to “belong
to the truth” and “listen to my voice.”
It is the last Sunday of the Church year. Next Sunday we begin the invitation
to the birth and celebrate God’s coming. Now we know how it all ends. The beginning and
the end….with death and resurrection. And a kingdom that is not of this world! By
professing Christ as our Lord and Savior, we proclaim that we want to be in this
Kingdom. This kingdom begins here on earth.
Our God is a powerful God. We experience His power by following the two
great commandments: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.
That is our mission. First do whatever you need to do to love yourself. You are
beloved by God and that is the first call of redemption. Then love everyone in
your near and far families. It is a never ending invitation and challenge. And usually
the closer we are to those we love, the greater the challenge.
So as we celebrate Christ the King, all power is His and He hands it to us when we love
Him and love one another. So simple and so difficult.
Please spend some time reflecting on the reality of who you are, who God is, and
praying for wisdom, discernment, and a loving heart so we will be ready to enter
that Kingdom that is not of this world when our turn comes!
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“This message of mine is for you, then if you are ready to give
up your own will, once and for all, and armed with the
strong and noble weapons of obedience to do battle for
the true King, Christ the Lord.” Prologue, Verse 3
Gospel Acclamation
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!” Mark 11:9-10