Homily For Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 26th November, 2023. The Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

Readings: Ezek 34:11-12.15-17, Ps.23, 1Cor15:20-26.28, Matt. 25:31-46

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

CELEBRATING CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL KING

 

In 1925, the period when the world was still recovering from the ugly event of the First World War that ended in 1918, the period when humanity began to turn away from the teachings of the Gospel, in search of worldly power and dominion apart from God, Pope Pius XI promulgated this Feast of Christ the King. This is because the Pope believed that the celebration of the Feast of Christ the Universal King would be appropriate at that period in order to call humanity to conversion and renewal of their loyalty to Jesus the True Universal King.

 

Little Wonder every last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to celebrate the Lord Jesus as King of the Universe. In this event, we are called to look to the future with more insight into the ultimate goal of history, towards the definitive and eternal kingdom of Christ. He was with the Father in the beginning when the world was created, and he will fully manifest his Lordships at the end of time when he will judge humanity.

 

In fact, this is evident in our first reading and Gospel passage today where we heard of the account of the event of the Last Judgment, when all of creation shall be judged by the Lord Jesus himself, as he returns to the world as a triumphant King and judge humanity based on our actions, deeds and faith. Then will be time for great separation, when the good will be separated from the bad, holy from sinful, righteous from evil, sheep from goats of which their deeds will reveal them.

 

Then, the Lord will say to the righteous and those who have extended their love, care and affection for the needy, the poor and the afflicted, “Well done, Come you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.”

 

But the wicked and the sinful he will say “Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, naked and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me.”

 

For they were judged by their refusal to follow the example of Christ the universal King, especially in his sacrificial love, care and compassion towards one another. But had chosen to remain selfish, greedy, corrupt and wicked. Hence, St Paul in our second reading tells us to look towards the parousia, when all those who embraced Christ the universal King will be raised, having overcome all the hostile forces of this passing world, including death.

 

Dear friends, today we too can look around us,  our families, our cities, societies, country and the world at large, and feel sorrow at so much greediness, corruption, suffering and disregard for the truth, justice and what is right and discover that peace is nowhere to be found. And if humanity is not careful with the grave danger around us despite the great works of science and technology, the only place we can find peace will be in the grave at the dread peace of death. Those in Gaza, Ukraine and some parts of our country will have a better understanding of the seriousness of this reality around us.

 

Therefore as we celebrate this great event, let us turn toward Christ for peace knowing that he is our true King of Peace. Following him means carrying our cross, detaching ourselves from the things of this passing world and faithfully obeying his commandment of sacrificial love, justice and peace. For it is by the blood of his cross, that Jesus reveals his Kingship, not in saving his life, but in offering it as a ransom for our peace and salvation. Thus, trying to do away with the cross in our lives deprives our souls of these true love and loyalty to Christ our King of Peace who today wants to reign supreme in our hearts and soul.

 

So, let us join in the triumphant procession following Christ the Universal King of Peace, singing Hosanna in the Highest, recalling the inscription above the cross: Jesus the King of the Jews. Let us show him honour, not just with palm branches but with the splendour of a heart full of love and merciful deeds. Let us in joy express and spread before his presence the garments of our heavy hearts weighed down by sins along with the inner desires of our souls so that he can pass through our souls and purify our whole being so as to rule in our hearts as the King of Peace, for that is the nature of his Kingship.

 

LET US PRAY: Heavenly King, as we celebrate the universal Kingship of Christ your Son, amidst the hostile forces and evil of this passing world, may we be victorious as you feel us with the joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Wishing you a happy Christ the King celebration.