Location: Christ the King Church
Dear brothers and sisters, I am very happy to come to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King in this very parish, 80 years after it was founded, to give thanks to the King of the Universe for reigning here and now, in the hearts of each one, in this community and in heaven, where we hope to meet with so many parishioners who have gone before us. Let us reflect on the profound mystery that the eternal King of Heaven chose to enter our world not with splendor and power, but with humility and love. In today’s readings we encounter the glory of Christ’s kingship, and we are called to understand its true nature: it is a kingship that descends to take us to heaven.
In the first reading, from the book of Daniel, a vision is described in which someone like a “Son of Man” stands before the Ancient One and is given dominion, glory, and kingship.
His kingdom is eternal and all peoples, nations, and languages serve him. This prophecy points to Christ, the true King. His kingdom is not limited by time or space but is eternal; it is a kingdom of truth, justice, and peace.
The responsorial psalm reminds us that the Lord is King and is clothed in majesty. Christ’s kingship is not of this world but of heaven. He reigns with the power of truth and holiness. His dominion is unbreakable because of his perfect union with the Father and his infinite love for us.
The second reading, from Revelation, illuminates this truth even further. Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the sovereign of the kings of the earth. Although his reign is eternal, he wanted it to be rooted in his sacrifice, in his blood shed for our salvation. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and his reign will never end.
Finally, in the Gospel, when Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, Jesus answers that if his kingdom were of this world, his servants would fight to keep Him from being handed over. This dialogue between Jesus and Pilate challenges us to understand that Christ’s kingdom is not about any worldly state of affairs, but about us bearing witness to his reign in our hearts. By striving to keep the King of our hearts from being eliminated from our lives, we make room for Him to reveal truth, and to serve the world through our love.
Christ’s kingship invites us to see the world differently. It asks us to recognize that true greatness is found in service, humility, and love. To accept Christ as King is to allow Him to rule our hearts, our lives, our families. His kingdom is one of peace, justice, and mercy, and we are called to live as citizens of this kingdom, bringing his light and truth to every corner of our world.
As we celebrate Christ the King, let us accept his invitation to enter his Sacred Heart, where “love reigns in fullness,” as Pope Francis recently wrote. With the help of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Queen Mother, let us renew our commitment to Christ the King, not only in worship, but in our daily lives. May his love and truth be made visible in all that we do. Long live Christ the King!
