Late post: Homily given on the Feast of Christ the King, Year C - Nov. 23, 2025 @ St. Patrick's Parish Church, 1pm and 4pm
Brothers and sisters, after 51 weeks of journeying through the longing of Advent, the joy of Christmas, the grit of Lent, and the fire of Pentecost, we have arrived at the final jewel of the liturgical year.
Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
In our Catholic tradition, a "Solemnity" is the highest rank possible. It’s the Feast of all Feasts. The Church is basically hitting the "emergency broadcast" button and saying: "Pay attention! What we are celebrating today is the very heartbeat of our faith!"
The Great Truth
Today, the Church proclaims one loud, joyful mystery:
- Whatever you’ve learned this year…
- Whatever you’ve struggled with…
- Whatever victories or wounds you’re carrying…
- Let it all come under one truth: Christ is King.
But hold on. When we hear "King," we think of earthly power, glory, and domination. But Jesus? He flips the script. He doesn’t rule from an ivory tower; He rules from a Cross.
Here are the three ways our King moves in your life today:
1. He GATHERS the Broken (2 Sam. 5:1-3)
In the first reading, the tribes of Israel come to David and say, "We are your bone and flesh." David wasn’t a distant ruler; he was one of them. He didn’t say "Go!" to his troops; he said "Let us go."
The "Aha!" Moment: Christ is the new David. He unites the "broken tribes" of humanity. Look around our pews! We’ve got people from every political tribe, every background, and every struggle. In a world split by anger and pride, Christ the King gathers us back into one family. He doesn’t just watch our battles; He’s in the trenches with us.
2. He REVEALS the Invisible God (Col. 1:12-20)
St. Paul gives us what theologians call the "Hymn of Glory." He tells us that Christ is the image of the invisible God—the One who holds all things together.
Listen to this, because it’s a game-changer: This King who holds the universe together also holds you.
- He holds your shaken faith.
- He holds your tired heart.
- He holds your struggling family.
- Nothing stands between you and God except Christ—and He is on your side! Every power you fear bows before Him.
3. He REDEEMS from a Cross (Luke 23:35-43)
Here is the strange, glorious paradox: Our King is crucified. The world mocks Him: "If you’re the King, save yourself!"
But Jesus shows His power precisely by staying on the Cross.
- The greatest act of kingship isn't conquest; it’s sacrifice.
- The greatest show of strength isn't escape; it’s endurance.
- He reigns not by taking power, but by giving love.
The Choice: Which Thief Are You?
Beside Jesus hang two criminals. They represent the choice every human heart must make:
- One mocks: He stays trapped in his pain and pride.
- One prays: He utters history’s simplest, most humble cry: "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
It wasn't a perfect prayer. It wasn't a theological masterpiece. It was just a broken man placing his hope in a King who never abandons. And Jesus responds with a royal decree: "Today you will be with Me in paradise."
Not "someday." Not "after you prove yourself." TODAY.
Your "Alive in Christ" Challenge
As we close this liturgical year, it’s time to lay down your own crowns at the foot of His Cross:
- Lay down the crown of Pride.
- Lay down the crown of Fear.
- Lay down the crown of Self-reliance.
When the Priest elevates the Sacred Host today, make that thief’s prayer your own: "Jesus, remember me."
Let the King rule. Let the King heal. Let the King gather what is scattered in your life.
Viva Cristo Rey! Long live Christ the King!
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