Feast of Christ the King marks end of liturgical year
by Sister Rose Jochmann
Today is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. As Americans, we do not necessarily relate to the experience of a king. As we look at Sunday's readings, we learn of a different kind of a king. In the first reading, God speaks of someone who “shall shepherd my people.” As we think of a shepherd, we think of someone who is always there, someone who watches over us and cares for us, someone who comforts us. That is the kind of king that Jesus Christ is for us.
In the Gospel, as Jesus is hanging on the Cross, one of the criminals asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus replies, “today you shall be with me in Paradise.” In this reading, we are again reminded of someone who cares for us, someone who is always there for us.
On this Feast of Christ the King, let us place ourselves in Jesus’s loving care. Let us trust His comfort and love for us. Let us follow the example of our King and give ourselves in service and care for others.
As we celebrate Christ the King, we are reminded that today is the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year. Next Sunday we begin the season of Advent.
Thank you for a beautiful reflection.
God Bless.