Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Donna Del Santo
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Opening Prayer
Psalm 93 From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill
The Almighty reigns adored in majesty; the Creator is robed and girded with strength. Yes, the world is established and given into our care; our stewardship of the earth reflects our love for You, You, who are and ever shall be.
The cosmos celebrates your goodness, O Beloved, the waters lift up their voice, the winds speak through their roaring. Mightier than the thunder of many storms, mightier than the waves of the sea, is the Heart of Love!
That which you ordain is certain; holiness befits your house, our hearts, your dwelling place, O Beloved, for evermore.
Reading
John 18:33b-37
Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Reflection
This Sunday we celebrate the “Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” formerly known as the “Feast of Christ the King.” It’s a relatively new addition to the Church’s liturgical calendar, having been instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. His intent was to counter growing secularism in the culture in which God is left out of our lives, or even more disturbing, a world in which we live our lives as if God did not even exist. This feast came soon after World War I, so, in a way, the feast was a response to the challenges of a world trying to recover from war and the deep feelings of despair and confusion that led people to wonder, “Is anyone in charge of this world?”
Given all the places of division and war in our world today we may be tempted to ask as well, Is anyone in charge of this world?
In our Gospel, we read not about Jesus entering Jerusalem in glory, or any of his great miracles, or even his Resurrection, but rather about the Crucified One (Jn 18). This Gospel has Jesus standing before Pilate, who would soon have him stripped, beaten, and jailed, and then present him to the people saying, "Behold the man."
Our king is not one of power or domination, jealousy, envy, or revenge. In John's Gospel Jesus's "glory" is precisely his obedience to his Father. Our king is a servant, and we are called to be like Jesus, a Servant Disciple and a Servant Leader.
What are the qualities of a Servant Disciple?
Servant discipleship embodies qualities like humility, genuine care for others, a willingness to serve, prioritizing the needs of others over personal gain, active listening, compassion, leading by example, and a commitment to personal growth, all modeled after Jesus Christ who exemplified servant leadership by putting others first and giving his life in service to humanity.
So, some questions you may wish to ask yourself are:
Who are those people in my life who exhibit the qualities of a Servant Disciple and Leader?
What qualities do I exhibit that tell me, and others, that I am growing in my desire to become a Servant Disciple and Leader?
None of us can accomplish this alone, it requires a community to guide us and support us and to challenge us to become our best selves. Where and what are your opportunities for growth in your faith and growth in your call to be a disciple of Jesus. This brings us back to the basics that Jesus and our Founders in 1650 call us to, to live and work that all people may be united with God and with one another.
Have a blessed Feast of Christ the King and a peace-filled week as we journey to the beginning of Advent on December 1st!
