THE SOLEMNITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (Thirty-fourth Sunday of the Year ( C )
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 122:1-2. 4-5 (R. cf. 1)
2nd Reading:
Colossians 1: 12-20
Gospel Acclamation : Mark 11:9b. 10a
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
Anne Aikpokhio
Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.
From the second reading, we are told that in Him, Jesus Christ, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...to live, to become. And through Him, the reconciliation of all things, whether on earth or in heaven, makes peace by the blood of the Cross. Through His suffering and death on the cross, Christ saved us and brought everlasting life to all, especially those of us who are open and willing to receive him, just like the thief on the cross.
Although many of us do not want to be associated with the cross. But through the cross, the kingship of Jesus Christ was proclaimed and established.
To have the peace of Christ, which is made possible by His precious blood, is to continuously be filled with His glory, which is made visible to us in the Holy Eucharist.
As we proclaim Jesus Christ as the king of the Universe, through the exposition of the blessed Sacrament, may we all be filled and fulfilled in Jesus Christ's name. Amen
Angela Igbinazaka
Today's liturgy reveals the mercy of Christ and the true example we can draw from his strength, even in pain; he still forgave and showed mercy.
Our little position should be used to lead our subjects, just as Christ led, and not to use our power to trample on others. Mercy and forgiveness go together, and for me, I pray for grace to be able to forgive like my savior, Jesus Christ, and be king over sin.
I have also picked some lessons from the liturgy to see every challenge today as a cross that will be crowned with glory if I can only persevere. The hardships, the betrayal, the fears, and worries in our society today are signs that we must draw closer to Christ and remain steadfast.
The first reading which is taken from the book of 2 Samuel 5: 1-3 tells us about the anointing of David as king over Israel with a few key points as:
* Tribal representatives come to David: All the tribes of Israel gather at Hebron to acknowledge David as their king.
* David's past leadership: They remind David of his previous role as shepherd and a leader of Israel.
* God's promise: They reference God's promise to David, stating he will be the shepherd and prince over Israel.
* Covenant and anointing: The elders make a covenant with David, anointing him king over Israel.
This first reading showcases David's ascension to the throne, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the unity of the Israelite tribe under David's leadership
Luke's Gospel passage tells of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, specifically focusing on the reactions of those present at the hour of his death.
* The mocking by the rulers and soldiers: saying to Him, "He saved others, let him save Himself if He is the messiah or God, the chosen one.
* The inscription on the Cross. It reads, This is the king of the Jews.
* The Criminal's reactions: one of the criminals joins in the mockery, while the other defends Him (Jesus), acknowledging his guilt and Jesus' innocence.
* The penitent criminal's request: He asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus comes into His kingdom.
* Jesus' response: Jesus promises the penitent criminal, saying to him "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
This passage of the Holy Gospel highlights the theme of redemption, forgiveness, and Jesus' passion for those who are ready to repent from their sins and ask for forgiveness.
Both the first reading and the Gospel reading talk about kingship and the ruling of a kingdom, by King David and King Jesus.
My reflection is taken from the Gospel of Luke 23:35-43. My emphasis is on two things:
Firstly - Jesus was nailed to the cross as a king and
Secondly - the thief who was granted Mercy to heaven.
Lessons learnt:
* There can be no cross without a crown and
* There are many chances in our lives to repent of our sins,
* The grace of God in our lives differs so we should not wait till the last moment before we repent of our sins, there might not be another chance for us.
* Grace differs, and we should not take the Mercy of God for granted, either.
May God help us to realize His mercy upon our lives and always run to Him for confession even if we claim that there's no sin in us.
JUDE OKORO
MY REFLECTION
Dear friends in Christ the readings invite us to reflect on kingship, unity, and redemption of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The first reading, Samuel describes the anointing of David as king over Israel, which equally shows us the importance of unity and leadership. This reading reminds us of the significance of recognizing and respecting constituted authority, as well as the value of coming together as a community.
That is why the Psalm teaches us to express joy and gratitude for the opportunity to worship and pray to God together in the house of the Lord. The psalmist encourages us to reflect on our own experiences of community and worship, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings in our Family, work, and our Lives in general.
The second reading tells us about the supremacy of Jesus Christ in our lives and in all things, reminding us that Jesus Christ is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. Let us reflect on our own relationship with Christ and prioritize our faith in Him above everything else.
The Gospel reading tells us the story of Jesus' crucifixion and His conversation with the repentant thief. This passage teaches us redemption, forgiveness, and salvation, equally reminding us of the boundless love and mercy of God in our Lives.
Finally, brethren, let us recognize and respect constituted authorities, and strive for unity within our communities. Let us learn to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with God, not forgetting the supremacy of Christ in all things, and to prioritize our faith in Him, and to embrace the gift of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
When we reflect let us ask ourselves these questions
- How can we promote unity and respect within my community?
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and worship in our daily lives?
- How should we prioritize our relationship with Christ and share His love with others?
- What does the gift of redemption and forgiveness mean to us, and how can we share this gift with those around us?
Fabian Dania
If he is the Christ of God....
The divinity of Christ seems to be veiled in the face of his suffering. What will be the proof that he is truly the Christ of God, the anointed one? Will he not perform a miracle to prove his divinity?
Many times we expect a sign or a "miraculous occurrence" to prove to us that God is with us, but our situations do not determine God. They do not make God more or less of who he is already. In his wisdom, he has made all things, and in that same wisdom, he often keeps quiet in situations when it seems most opportune for him to make himself known. Through the challenges and daily trials of life, God remains God and our situations should not blind us to this reality.
Lord, may we never fail to recognize you, even when it seems like we are left alone and abandoned.
No comments:
Post a Comment