Sermon: November 24, 2024
Reading: John 18:33-37
Today is the last Sunday of our liturgical year and is celebrated as Christ the King Sunday. Christ the King Sunday was first instituted by the Roman Catholic Church in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. The Pope recognized that there was a lot of division in Europe after World War I, as people began to give their primary allegiance to secularism and nationalism. People were claiming loyalty to the concepts of fascism and Nazism, ultimately denying the sovereignty of Christ in their lives.
Pope Pius recognized the collision in people’s lives between the secular world and being faithful to God and God’s Kingdom. Our Gospel story describes a similar situation at Jesus’ trial. Both Pilate and the Jewish religious leaders desired wealth, power, and authority. They were influenced by the secular world and missed seeing God’s kingdom.
In comparison, Jesus was part of two worlds. He lived and was involved with the secular world, but his loyalty, faithfulness, and fidelity were to God’s kingdom. He was in the world but not of the world and spoke in terms of God’s kingdom, which Pilate and the temple leaders couldn’t understand.
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, but it is definitely meant for this world. This is even expressed in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We are asking God to give us the spirit to overcome our unwillingness to submit to God’s will and embrace the kingdom of God here on earth. But are we willing to practice what we pray?
Because we are children of God and are part of His kingdom, we are called to be active participants in making this world a better place for everyone, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or citizenship.
We are called to be like Jesus and open our hearts and minds, allowing us to perceive the divine Spirit of God as it moves and guides us in the world. We are to demonstrate God’s love for all humanity by seeking and serving Christ in all people while respecting the dignity of every person. In doing so, we will witness God’s love blooming before us, revealing God’s will on earth as it is in heaven.
Christ the King Sunday reminds us that Jesus reigns supreme in our lives. We must remain loyal and faithful to God’s kingdom of love, grace, and mercy, no matter what is happening in the secular world, no matter the cost.
How do your words and actions reflect that the love of Christ reigns supreme in your life? What does it mean for Christ to be your King?
