Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):
Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)
34th Sunday of the Year (B), November 25, 2012
Solemnity of Christ the King
Liturgical readings
Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33b-37
"As it is, my kingdom is not here."
The gospel presents Jesus being interrogated by Pilate with the initial question, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Then the first reading from the book of Daniel presents the image of the Son of Man, who upon reaching the Ancient One, received dominion, glory and kingship. The responsorial psalm then chants with: "The Lord is king; He is robed in majesty." And the second reading begins with this line: "Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first-born from the dead and ruler of the kings of earth." All four Scripture passages speak of the Lord Jesus as our King.
The Kingdom Jesus wants to establish begins in our hearts. When the quality of our faith grows to the level of quality as the good soil in the parable of the sower and the seed, then God's Kingdom will be established well in us. Jesus began this mission of building this Kingdom with the apostles and His other disciples. But it was at Pentecost that this Kingdom became a community of men and women, with one mind and heart in God. As this community grew, they shared God's Word and and celebrated His Life. The Church continues this mission and leads all the members of God's Kingdom towards their eternal destiny.
God's kingdom is born and reborn in every one at a baptismal consecration. It is a Kingdom where God's mercy and goodness abides. As members of this Kingdom, we are called to do our part so that our hearts are in accord with God's Heart (and to call others to believe in the Kingdom). One tradition which Catholics follow for God's Kingdom to dwell in the home is to enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the house. A priest officiates the rite of enthronement. Once the Sacred Heart is already enthroned in a home, all that is needed is to renew that consecration. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps the family see God as the true King and Lord of the home.
Points for reflection: In what ways can we make the Heart of God and His Kingdom reign in our hearts?
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