The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is the crown of the liturgical year. 

Jesus’ reign is truly not of this world. For this reason, the grandeur of His kingdom is revealed. His kingship is not defined by earthly power but by the love of God, a love capable of encountering and healing all things.

Out of this love, Christ lowered himself to us. He lived our human misery. He suffered the lowest points of our human condition: injustice, betrayal, abandonment. He experienced death, the tomb, hell.

Our King went to the ends of the universe to embrace and save every living being. He did not condemn us, nor did He conquer us. He never disregarded our freedom, but He paved the way with a humble love that forgives all things, hopes all things, and sustains all things. This love alone overcame and continues to overcome our worst enemies: sin, death, and fear.

Pope Francis reminds us:

"We joyfully share the splendor of having Jesus as our King: His rule of love transforms sin into grace, death into resurrection, fear into trust. It would mean very little, however, if we believed Jesus was King of the universe, but did not make Him Lord of our lives: all this is empty if we do not personally accept Jesus and if we do not also accept His way of being King, … we can be tempted to keep our distance from Jesus’ kingship, to not accept completely the scandal of his humble love, which unsettles and disturbs us. We prefer to remain at the window, to stand apart, rather than draw near and be with Him."

On the Feast of Christ the King, let us dare to accept His kingship as one called to follow Him, to serve, to forgive, to heal, and to care for our sisters and brothers. Christ the King reigns through love and service!

— Father Mark