Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

1st Reading: 2 Sm 5:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5
2nd Reading: Col 1:12-20
Gospel: Lk 23:35-43

OPENING PRAYER

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

LECTIO

Take some time to intentionally read the readings, specifically the Gospel. Reading it twice, even three times, going slower each time.

MEDITATIO

Meditate on the passage and see if any words or phrases stand out to you. Focus on them and try to see what the Lord is trying to tell you through them. After you spend some time doing this, feel free to supplement your meditiation with the following reflection:

Growing up, we'd always hear that Jesus was our friend, our brother, and our closest buddy (cue the earworm by Sonseed: "Jesus is My Friend"). Now, you can put the pitchforks down. This isn't a wrong sentiment. Jesus is our friend. However, we cannot stop there. Jesus is much more than just a friend. He is our Lord and Savior. The Church beautifully reminds us this Sunday that, though it may seem paradoxical, Jesus can be both our trusted friend and our reigning King.

Even the popular (and controversial) rapper Kanye "Ye" West acknowledges it. Jesus is not just King in an imaginative, metaphorical way. He is the King. It goes beyond just admitting Jesus is King of our hearts. In fact, the Church formally calls this Sunday "The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe."

The One who weaved the galaxies together is the King of the Universe. He has power and authority over us. However, this power and authority isn't used to keep us down and "in our place." Quite the opposite: His sovereign hand over us is meant to serve as a guide and a refuge. I hope this is a huge comfort to you as it is to me: the one who placed the stars in the heavens concerns Himself with you and me. He cares for us. He longs for us. He came down as an infant, suffered humiliation, died on a cross, and conquered death for us.

Oftentimes, people are uncomfortable with the notion of someone having power over them. Unfortunately, this can be because of experiences where people did not use that power in a virtuous way. However, Seeing Christ as King does not mean He is far away and does not care for us. In fact, because of His love for us, He is closer than anyone else. He has made Himself present at all times – both through prayer and through the Blessed Sacrament.

Timothy Keller, a popular Protestant Pastor, presented a beautiful way to perceive our relationship with the King:

"The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 am for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access."

As we prepare for Advent, and as we prepare to begin a new liturgical year, let us keep in mind that approaching Christ as King should not be a scary thing. And if it is, it’s a good time to check for what kind of lies and untruths have entered our hearts. Seeing Jesus Christ as King should fill us with comfort and joy, knowing that we approach a friend, a brother, and a God who desires nothing more than our joy and salvation.

ORATIO

What do you want to tell the Lord?
What is it that you desire to bring to Him?
What have these meditations stirred in your heart?

CONTEMPLATIO

Is Christ the King of my life?
Does my life reflect my reponse to that question?
Do I allow Christ to have dominion over my whole life, or just pieces of it?

OPERATIO

What am I called to do with all of this?
Do I need to check my heart and adjust something in my life?
How is the Holy Spirit inspiring me to take action?

CLOSING PRAYER

Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.