Reflections for Sunday, November 25, 2012
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2,5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37)
Jesus Christ, King Over All Creation and Our King
“Are you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33)
In honor of this great feast, let’s take some time to dwell on what it means that Jesus is King of all creation.
The prophets spoke about a king who would reign and govern God’s people in wisdom (Jeremiah 23:5-6). They spoke about a king who would “sit as ruler upon his throne” (Zechariah 6:13). They spoke about “a child” upon whose shoulder “dominion rests” (Isaiah 9:5).
Then, in the fullness of time, a heavenly King was born and lived among us. The angel told his mother, Mary: “The Lord God will give him the throne of David” (Luke 1:32). When this King entered Jerusalem the people shouted: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (19:38).
Jesus’ kingship is so powerful that even unbelievers like Pilate proclaimed this truth. “Behold, your king!” he cried out during Jesus’ trial (John 19:14). Then, when Jesus was raised from the dead, he taught his disciples “about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). And on the day of Pentecost, Peter announced that Jesus was now raised and had been “exalted to the right hand of God” (2:33).
Jesus is King over all creation— and we are citizens of his kingdom. As St. Paul said, God the Father has “delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). Finally, in his vision of the end of time, John saw Jesus coming from heaven, the “Lord of lords and king of kings” who will overpower every one of our enemies and bring us into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 17:14).
This is our King. This is the One who will return and beckon each of us: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
“Lord Jesus, we proclaim you as the King over all creation.”
(Many thanks to The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) for allowing us to use meditations from their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.)
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Questions for Reflection/Discussion
The great reality of Christianity is the Risen Christ reigning as King in all the glory of his victory over death. The first reading has a prophetic vision of Jesus’ kingship. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14). He is king not only of “peoples, nations” but also families and our individual hearts and wills. However, how easy it is for us to go through a typical week with ourselves sitting on the throne of our hearts and wills, rather than Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure that Christ has a more prominent place in your thoughts and actions?
The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the splendor and strength of our king. It goes on to say that he is worthy of our trust (Psalm 93:1-2). Share about any areas in your life where your trust in Christ is weaker than it should be. How can you increase your trust in Christ and open yourself more to Christ’s influence and power over these areas?
In the second reading, St. John tells us that our king “is coming amid the clouds,” and that he “loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” shed on the cross. What practical steps can you take to share this great love of God with your family and with others during the grace-filled Advent season?
Also in the second reading we hear that Christ “shares” his powers with us for the ministry of salvation: we are all “priests for his God and Father.” He has generously placed his power into our fragile hands! Can you identify any people that need to come to know Christ and his great love for them? What can you do to help bring them to your King?
In the Gospel, Christ asserts that his kingship bears no relation with earthly kings: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” We know that even Christ’s disciples misunderstood the nature of his kingship, often confusing it with earthly power and with lording that power over others. Christ’s kingdom is one of service to others. What are some areas of service to others that the Lord may be calling you to do during Advent?
In the meditation, we hear these words: “Jesus is King over all creation— and we are citizens of his kingdom.” What do these words mean to you? As King over all creation, and your king, what can you do to enthrone Jesus over your life and make him truly the center of your life?
Take some time now to pray and ask for the grace to give your life completely to Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and King. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
