Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 46 Faults Committed Elsewhere
Mass: Da 7:13-14; Resp Ps 93; Rev 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37

Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.

In a homily preached on this Solemnity in 2014, the Holy Father had this to say: 'Today's liturgy invites us to fix our gaze on Christ, the King of the Universe.' One way to pray everyday is with the texts of the Mass, and it is true, especially today. The Prayer over the Offerings might be a place to begin. Otherwise, the Preface alone should keep most people busy, aiding in our desire to 'pray without ceasing'. Since St Augustine believed that singing is praying twice, why not sing the Sanctus as well. May Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe be praised!

As we offer you, O Lord, the sacrifice

by which the human race is reconciled to you,

we humbly pray

that your Son himself may bestow on all nations

the gifts of unity and peace.

Through Christ our Lord.

(Prayer over the Offerings, Mass)

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

For you anointed your Only Begotten Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ, with the oil of gladness

as eternal Priest and King of all creation,

so that, by offering himself on the altar of the Cross

as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace,

he might accomplish the mysteries of human redemption

and, making all created things subject to his rule,

he might present to the immensity of your majesty

as eternal and universal kingdom,

a kingdom of truth and life,

a kingdom of holiness and grace,

a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

And so, with Angels and Archangels,

with Thrones and Dominions,

and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven,

we sing the hymn of your glory,

as without end we acclaim: Holy …

(Preface: Christ, King of the Universe)

This quotation brought a smile to my face:

The feast of Christ the King is not a feast of those who are subjugated, but a feast of those who know, that they are in the hands of the one who writes straight with crooked lines.
(Pope Benedict XVI)