THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE IS OUR SHEPHERD AND COMMANDER - 11/20/22 (Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe)

Luke 22:36–38

“The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’

There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111922.cfm

Blessed Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe! On this last Sunday of the Church's liturgical year, let's ponder on the reality that Jesus Christ is the King. His reign is not just on a local place, on a country, and not just limited on the whole world. He is the King of the whole universe. He did not just begin to create everything. But, Jesus Christ sustains everything in existence. He gives existence to all the subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, matter, human beings, animals, other living and non-living beings, planets, stars, galaxies, black hole, and many more at every moment they exist. And, this King of the universe chose to become like one of us and to be crucified on the cross out of love for us. Why did Jesus do this? It's because our King is also the Good Shepherd. He desires that we enter into eternal life, and as Good Shepherd, He seeks the lost sheep. We are His lost sheep. He loves us to the point of offering Himself on the cross. In His humility, He accepted all humiliations from the same people whom He loved. Our Lord Jesus did all of these things for us to be redeemed by His infinite mercy. 

As we ponder on the cross, we may realize how difficult it is for us to carry them. The cross which Jesus Christ carried represents many things in our lives. It may be our sufferings due to different factors including some people who are always saying negative words at us. It may be the temptations of despair and discouragement when we fail to meet our goals both in our ordinary and spiritual life. It may be the interior trial when we realize how painful it is for our selfish desires to be purified. The fact that our crosses seem impossible to be carried means that we should depend on our King. This is why He is also our Commander. He is present within us to defend us from all trials. If we are struggling, it's an opportunity for us to seek Him as our strength. This was the reason why the thief on the cross was able to enter the Kingdom of God. He trusted in Jesus. May we trust in our Lord who is the King of the Universe. And, may we constantly ponder not just on the infinite power of God that sustains everything in existence at every second but also on His infinite love for us.

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/our-lord-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe--solemnity/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/