Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Year B - Last Sunday in Ordinary Time

In Catholic Lectionary Today's readings:

• 📖 First reading: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
• 📖 Second reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
• 📖 Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 ✨

🌿 On this solemnity, we celebrate Christ as the King of all creation, whose reign is marked by justice, mercy, and sacrificial love.

💖 In the first reading from Ezekiel, God is portrayed as the shepherd who tenderly cares for His flock, seeking the lost, healing the injured, and providing rest for the weary. This imagery reflects Christ’s pastoral kingship, revealing a ruler who does not dominate but nurtures, protects, and restores. God also promises to judge justly, holding each accountable for their actions.

🌅 In the second reading, St. Paul emphasizes Christ’s victory over sin and death through His resurrection. Jesus is the “firstfruits” of those who have died, assuring us of our own resurrection. His reign will bring the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom, where death, the final enemy, will be destroyed, and all will be united under God’s eternal rule.

🌟 The Gospel reveals Christ as the King who judges nations based on acts of love and service. In this final judgment, the righteous inherit the kingdom prepared for them because they cared for the least among them—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. Their deeds were done to Christ Himself. This passage underscores the inseparable link between our love for God and our love for others. It challenges us to see Christ in the marginalized and to live out our faith through concrete actions of compassion and justice.

🕊️ As we close the liturgical year, we are invited to reflect on Christ’s kingship in our lives. Is He truly our King, guiding our choices and actions? Are we recognizing His presence in the least of our brothers and sisters? By embracing His call to selfless love and service, we prepare ourselves to share in His eternal kingdom.

#ChristTheKing #ServantKing #LoveAndService #VictoryOverDeath #GodsKingdom