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Sunday, November 24, 1996

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Christ the King


Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
Matthew 25:31-46

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"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, escorted by all the angels of heaven, He will sit upon His royal throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him." —Matthew 25:31- 32

As citizens of the USA, we have no experience of kings. Our country was founded by a revolution against a king. Therefore, the feast of Christ the King usually causes us to draw a blank. This may not be all bad, however, for Christ is such a different King that any experience we may have of earthly kings may be confusing.

King Jesus is also Judge Jesus. While all kings are judges, Jesus judges us very differently than other kings. He judges us for such "crimes" as not feeding the poor, not helping refugees, and not visiting the imprisoned (Mt 25:41ff). King Jesus identifies with the least of the brethren rather than the greatest (Mt 25:40). King Jesus is not only a Judge but also an Ex-Con, Who, though innocent, was executed for our crimes.

In addition to being Judge for the poor, executed Ex-con, and innocent Victim, King Jesus is resurrected Victor. All kings die. This is implied by the expression: "Long live the king!" But King Jesus rose from the dead (1 Cor 15:20). His kingdom lasts forever. We also can live forever in His kingdom, for He will raise us from the dead, if we believe in Him (Jn 11:26).

Therefore, seek first God's kingdom (Mt 6:33); sell and give everything to purchase God's kingdom (Mt 13:44, 46).

Prayer:  Father, Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:10).

Promise:  "When, finally, all has been subjected to the Son, He will then subject Himself to the One Who made all things subject to Him, so that God may be all in all." —1 Cor 15:28

Praise:  Praise you Jesus, risen King of kings and Lord of lords! Alleluia!

Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek First the Kingdom.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996