Reflection for November 24, 2024

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (B)

Daniel 7:13-14 | Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5 | Revelation 1:5-8 | John 18:33b-37

The readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, reveal that Jesus is proclaimed King because all authority in heaven and on earth has been entrusted to him. He liberates his people from oppression and guides us toward the fullness of truth.

​Josefa was an elderly lady known for her strong faith and her boldness in sharing it. Every day, she'd stand on her porch and shout, “Every knee will bow before Jesus!” Her neighbor Ricardo, an atheist, would get irritated and shout back, “There ain't no God!”
One day, Josefa fell on hard times. She prayed out loud, asking God to send her some food. Standing on her porch, she shouted, “Every knee will bow before Jesus! I need food, Lord. Please send me some groceries!”
The next morning, she went outside and found a big bag of groceries on her porch. Overjoyed, she shouted again, “Every knee will bow before Jesus!” Just then, Ricardo jumped out from behind a bush and said, “Ha! I told you there’s no God. I bought those groceries myself!” Josefa started clapping her hands, laughing, and said, “Every knee will bow before Jesus! Not only did He send me groceries, but He made the devil pay for them!”

The Prophet Daniel was granted a vision of Jesus Christ at the time of His ascension into heaven. In reference to this vision, Jesus frequently used the term "Son of Man" when speaking of Himself. By doing so, He was asserting His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, to whom the Father had entrusted His eternal kingdom. When the disciples were gathered on the Mount of Ascension and witnessed Jesus' departure into heaven, they were observing the very event that Daniel had prophesied, though from an earthly perspective. Thus, Daniel’s vision and Jesus’ ascension represent the same event viewed from two distinct viewpoints. This passage teaches us that all authority in heaven and on earth has been granted to Jesus Christ, and His kingdom is one that will endure forever.

Miriam passed away and was getting a tour of heaven when she saw her friend Gina driving a shiny Mercedes. She said, "Wow, this is amazing!" St. Peter replied, "Oh, absolutely. Your friend Gina was really generous on Earth, so we had plenty to work with. The ride you get up here depends on how generous you were down there." Then Peter handed Miriam her new ride: a Toyota Vios. Miriam frowned and said, "Wait, she gets a Mercedes, and I get a sedan?" "Yep, that's all we had to work with," Peter said. So Miriam drove off, feeling upset. A week later, Peter spotted Miriam smiling and asked, "Feeling better?" She replied, "Yeah, ever since I saw Rodrigo, our president zoom by on a skateboard!"

The second reading from the Book of Revelation today conveys that God delivers His faithful from all forms of oppression. This passage was written to provide encouragement and solace to its readers, acknowledging that, for the time being, the forces of evil oppose God and afflict His people. However, the Lord will ultimately defeat these hostile powers, bring an end to all oppression, and entrust the earth He created to His faithful to govern.

Perry the Platypus was one of my daughter's favorite children's shows when she was younger. I highly recommend you watch it. However, before you do, are you familiar with what a platypus is? Native to Australia, the platypus is one of the rarest species of mammals, as it is one of the few that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. In fact, when it was first discovered, many people believed the platypus was a fictional creature. When British explorers first encountered this mammal in Australia, they observed its unique characteristics: it laid eggs, spent time in both water and on land, had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a duck-like bill. Upon returning to England, they reported their findings, but the public was skeptical, dismissing it as a hoax. When the explorers returned to Australia and brought back a preserved platypus, many still believed it to be a fake, assembled from various animals. The truth, however, was clear to those who were willing to see with open minds. Despite the evidence, many refused to accept it because they were unwilling to believe. Indeed, a species resistant to facts, dismissive of evidence, and prone to revising history has long existed in England, even before the current age of misinformation and disinformation.

In the Gospel, Christ stands before Pilate, who holds him under his authority. When Pilate inquires, "Are you a king, then?" Jesus does not deny it. However, His kingship differs profoundly from anything Pilate could have envisioned. In what way is Jesus a king? Jesus explains, “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” The truth is not always easy to discern. At times, it may seem simpler to speak falsehoods or remain silent. We often lie when we feel trapped, afraid of public backlash, punishment, or rejection, or when we believe that deception might make things easier for everyone. Today’s celebration invites us to bear witness to the truth. This is the type of kingship that Jesus exercises in the world and desires to exercise in us. The Lord detests lying lips. In Isaiah 5:20, the prophet warns those who distort the truth: "Woe to you who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter." Similarly, Proverbs 19:9 solemnly declares that those who lie will face dire consequences: "A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish." Our Lord reminds us today that truth is not determined by numbers, utility, or personal preference. While it may sound like a cliché, we are entitled to our own opinions, but not to our own truth. Truth exists solely in Jesus, the first and ultimate Truth. Insults and violence cannot alter the inner reality of our being or the message of truth we carry. Enduring hardships with patience prepares ordinary people, like you and me, for extraordinary destinies. Jesus calls us today to stand firm for truth and righteousness, regardless of the cost. This is the essence of true royalty. May we remain faithful witnesses to God’s truth in the world today.

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