FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING, 34TH SUNDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEARA

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING, 34TH SUNDAY HOMILY IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR A

THEME: Christ the King, the True Shepherd

By: Fr Anthony Chukwuebuka Ohaekwusi

Being a king is often associated with being revered and served as a monarch, living in a big palace and issuing orders that become law. At the coronation of Charles III as King of England, the entire world united to welcome the new king, world leaders gathered to show support and respect as the monarch was revered and protected by guards watching day and night. But the king’s coronation regalia speaks volumes about his role as a leader, not his status as a sovereign. The Crown on his head shows his ability to take responsibility to protect and serve, the Scepter with the cross gives him the authority to judge and make good decisions for the common good, and the Orb represents his power as a leader of faith and morals in the world. These symbols indicate that leadership positions do not give us the power to control people as rulers, but give us the ability to serve as shepherds.

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The readings on Christ the King Sunday present Jesus as the model king of the universe. This exemplar is a true shepherd with a great sense of proper judgment of what is good and what is not. The Gospel shows that this great king discerns the standards of good and evil, just as a shepherd does when he separates the sheep from the goats. These standards include ordinary acts of kindness, such as feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and prisoners. These are behaviors that make a person righteous and qualify him for the kingdom of God. Through these acts, Christ the King reigns in our hearts not by imposition, but by inspiration. He has subdued all the forces of evil. He desires to lead and direct every aspect of our lives, but He will not control us, he would rather allow us to accept Him willingly and unconditionally. The question is: how ready are we to voluntarily surrender ourselves to Him in order to establish and advance His kingdom in the world? When we advocate the triumph of good over evil, we submit all authority to His control, and His kingdom reigns in our lives. It is Christ’s authority as King that gives us the identity and duty as Christians. For we are His sheep, and He is our Shepherd leading us to greener pastures.

Remain lifted and do have a great Christ the King Sunday

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