First reading: Daniel 7:13-14
Second reading: Revelation 1:5-8
Gospel: John 18:33b-37
With this Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, the Liturgical Year concludes, the cycle of Biblical readings that we do at each Mass. All the readings we have heard throughout this year lead us to recognize Jesus Christ as our King. Although the word "King" makes us think of power, riches, splendor; those characteristics are not those of our King and Lord; for he wears a crown of thorns, dressed in a purple robe to mock him as a deceitful king, and stands as a criminal accused before Pilate, who represents the powers of the world. How can we recognize the true identity of Christ as King? Precisely in the king not of power and wealth, but of truth, dedication, love and peace.
The Gospel of John recounts the dialogue between Jesus and Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, in which Pilate asked this key question, and helps us understand Christ's reign: Pilate said to him: "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "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."
Thus, all of us who recognize Jesus as our King must listen to his voice; we have to learn from his teaching and fulfill his commands; to live in truth, in service, in respect, in mutual love.
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