Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year (Year B)
Sunday, 24th November, 2024
READINGS: Daniel 7:13-14; Ps Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5;
Revelation 1:.5-8; Jn 18:33b-37
Rev. Fr. Dr. Titus Imojime
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14
The prophet Daniel foretells a time of distress but assures the faithful of salvation and resurrection. Those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars, highlighting the hope of eternal life for the faithful.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5
R/. The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
The Lord has robed himself with might;
he has girded himself with power. R/.
The world you made firm, not to be moved;
your throne has stood firm from of old.
From all eternity, O Lord, you are. R/.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted.
Holiness is fitting to your house,
O Lord, until the end of time. R/.
Second Reading: Revelation 1:5-8
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Gospel: John 18:33b-37
At that time: Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.”
Summary
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, celebrates Christ as the eternal and universal King, whose dominion is everlasting. Rooted in divine truth and love, His kingship liberates humanity from sin and establishes believers as a kingdom of priests for God. While His reign is not of this world, it calls all to serve Him and live in the truth.
The homily celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King, emphasizing Christ’s unique kingship and encouraging listeners to renew their commitment to Jesus.
Highlights
- Christ’s Universal Kingship: Christ’s kingship is not based on public opinion but on individual faith and conviction.
- Peculiarity of Christ’s Reign: Christ’s kingdom is not forceful; it’s for those who choose to belong and commit to the truth.
- Commitment to Christ: To call Jesus Lord, one must obey His word, even when it’s difficult, and be willing to make sacrifices.
- Incompatibility of Sin and God’s Kingdom: Sin and God’s kingdom cannot co-exist; to accept Christ’s kingship, one must reject sin.
- Freedom in Christ: Christ is the Liberator; surrendering to Him brings freedom, not bondage.
- Proclaiming Christ as King: The homily encourages listeners to proclaim Christ as their King, not just with words, but with their lives.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to accept Christ as your King?
- How can you renew your commitment to Jesus?
- What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Christ?
- How can you proclaim Christ as your King in your daily life?