Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the final Sunday of the liturgical year. This feast reminds us of our ultimate destination: the reign of Jesus Christ, the true King of the universe. However, Jesus' reign is unlike any earthly kingdom. Earthly kings impose their will; Jesus offers Himself on the cross. The powerful seek to be served; Jesus serves. They wear crowns of gold; Jesus wore a crown of thorns. His Kingdom is sustained not by force or fear, but by love, justice, mercy, and truth.
Christ is a King who identifies with the least among us. In this Sunday's Gospel (Mt 25:31-46), Jesus surprises us. The King does not inquire about titles, achievements, wealth, or fame. He asks something much simpler and deeper: I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick or in prison, and you visited me. The remarkable thing is that Jesus identifies with them: He is present in the poor, the forgotten, the unseen. Helping them is helping Him. Ignoring them is ignoring Him. In the end, the "exam" of life is about concrete love, not theory.
The Kingdom of Christ grows in small acts. It grows every time you forgive even when it's hard; help even when you're in a hurry; are honest even when no one is watching; and comfort even when you have your own struggles. Each act of love creates space for Christ to be King in this world.
Christ is a King who desires our hearts, not our fear. Many fear the final judgment, but Christ the King does not come to crush or condemn. He is the Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, lifts the wounded, and heals the brokenhearted. To reign does not mean to control us, but to walk with us. For Christ to be King in my life, it means that: His truth guides my decisions; His compassion shapes my relationships; His priorities become my priorities. As we close the liturgical year, Jesus asks us a very simple question: "Who truly reigns in your heart?" Is it money? Fear? Comfort? Pride? Or Christ?
Happy Thanksgiving to you and family! Personally, I am very grateful to God for the gift of having you and for our beloved parish of the Holy Family. Join Fr. Mauricio and me at the Thanksgiving Mass, offered for your intention, at 9 a.m. in English and at 11: a.m. in Spanish.
God deserves all our gratitude.
God is Good, All the Time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP Pastor of Holy Family
