With Opened Bible
Christ, the King of the Universe
“For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (Mark 18:37)
The Church ends the liturgical year by celebrating Christ, the King of the Universe. This solemnity, while initially having a political aftertaste, holds a deeper significance in our liturgical context. It is a time to reflect on Christ's reign over all things, a reign that is not of this world but one that brings justice, love, and truth. The first Eucharistic celebration of this feast took place in 1926, marking a significant moment in our liturgical calendar.
What does the Bible say about Christ's kingship? The answer to this question will enlighten us and guide us to the truth. Christ's kingship is not one of earthly power and dominion, but one of love, justice, and truth. It is a reign that transcends all human understanding and brings hope and salvation to all who believe. “My kingdom is not of this world” (Luke 18:36)
In the first reading of Sunday, Daniel's vision refers to a mysterious character: "Son of Man." (Daniel 7:9-12) This expression is a way of identifying a Being who is simultaneously Man but has a divine mission and authority. This "Ancient Being" is none other than the Word who has been with God since the beginning of the world. (Cf. John 1:1ff) He is the one God chose to reign over all things for Daniel. Other witnesses, as was the case for, predicted and sang the coming of this King: "Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, Humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9) On Palm Sunday, this prophecy was fulfilled. (Cf. Matthew 21:5ff)
Speaking of reign, the Angel Gabriel had a similar message for the Virgin Mary: "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:31-33) The message of the Angel proclaims the eternity of the reign of the Son of David, which brings us back to the "Son of Man" of the first reading. If he is eternal, it is because he is God. Jesus is this King of glory whose kingdom is imbued with justice, love, and truth, offering us a comforting and secure refuge. Today, the Church must loudly proclaim the Kingship of Christ over all ideologies that reject truth, justice, and the common good. Jesus is not a political King but divine and spiritual. For this reason, he rejects lies and all forms of human alienation, offering us reassurance and protection. "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (Mark 18:37) Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat! Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands.
