Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe

 Reflection on Today's Readings, 34rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, November 21st, 2021
Texts: Daniel 7:13-14; Ps. 93:1-2, 5; Rev.1:5-8; John 18:33b-37
Today, we celebrate Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. To say that He is the king of the universe is to say that His kingship is not only over human beings but over everything that is, both visible and and invisible, principalities and powers, matters and state of affairs.He is the king over them because they were all created through Him and for Him. In the words of St.  Paul: "for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him" (Col. 1:16). By the virtue of His participation in the creation of the universe, He is the king of the universe.
The mystery of the kingship of Jesus Christ is revealed to Daniel in today's first reading. In the vision, it was revealed to him that the kingship  has divine origin, it is from eternity. This is clear in the following words: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom". He is to dominate all, control and rule them all. He is not just given power to dominate, control and rule but also glory so that He will command honour, dignity, respect, obedience, reverence, service and worship from creation. His kingship is natural to Him; it is His identity. Hence, it is added thus: "that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him". To be given a kingdom is to be given a place to exercise power, authority and kingship. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is in heaven, earth, under the earth, water, and netherworld. We cannot escape His lordship over us, whether alive or dead. Only souls in hell that are separated from Him. Hell is hell because there is no presence of God there. "The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs" (CCC no. 1035).
The revelation to Daniel continues thus: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." This reemphasizes the fact that His kingship is eternal, it has neither beginning nor end. His kingship is beyond here and now to include here after and forever. Hence, we are to submit ourselves to Him rather than man whose kingship has beginning and end. We are to put our hope in Him rather than man.
St. John, in today's second reading, reminds us that Jesus Christ has shared His kingship with us by His passion and death and resurrection. He has made us kings to reign on this earth; He continues to exercise His kingship through us on this earth as we obey and worship Him in love and truth. We are not just Kings but also priests offering sacrifice of praise and ourselves to Him, an acceptable and worthy sacrifice. Through our kingship and worship on earth, He continues to have dominion and receives glory. In the words of St. John: "Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen".
Jesus Christ reminds us in today's gospel that His kingship is not of this world. He says, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.”  His words give insight into the understanding of kingship of this world. The kingship of this world is meant to seek life here and now, but the kingship of Jesus Christ is meant to seek life hereafter, the eternal life. Jesus' kingship seeks the truth. The truth that the kingship of Jesus Christ witnesses is eternal life, life that is not ended by death but transformed into glory.  He says, "For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” He accomplished this witnessing with resurrection. All those who are on His side are those who believe and desire eternal life.  The kingship of Jesus Christ is the kingship of truth, love and peace. Let us always seek the truth, love and peace, that we might reign with Him in His kingdom.

Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe; grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from, slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. (Colect) Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke