November 24th, 2019 - Thirty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

GOSPEL: Luke 23:35-43

Dear friends,

The gospel reading of today presents the paradox of Christ’s kingship. The characters in the gospel question Christ’s kingship. Hanging on the cross, he was anything but a king; clad in a strip of rag rather than a royal garb, surrounded by men who despised him instead of revering him. The rulers sneered at him, the soldiers jeered at him, even the sign above his head read, “this is the king of the Jews,” a mockery of his title. Our celebration today is not a mockery. Rather, it is a genuine celebration of the universal reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This kingship of Christ is only achieved by serving us and loving us. Only with the death of Christ is this service and love complete. Jesus gives Himself for us entirely and dies so that we might live more fully. There is nothing that exists that has not been loved and served by the Lord Jesus.

How our world would change if we could live out this mystery more fully in our lives by loving one another?

Let us be challenged as we celebrate the universal kingship of Jesus Christ to enthrone Christ in our lives and make his kingdom manifest in our communities by loving one another (caritas). In our riches, fame, glory, and power, may the example of Jesus guide us always. We cannot but pray that our king, Jesus Christ, should inform, guide, sustain, and provide for us. May this Solemnity help each of us grow in the personal aspects of Christ’s kingship so that we can share also in this kingship for all eternity.

God Bless,

Rev. Father Frank Kyazze