Reflection: Solemnity of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Christ, King of the Universe.  This Sunday provides a bridge to the new Church Year that begins next Sunday on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of waiting in hope and expectation, a time of longing for the coming of the Kingdom of God amid the darkness of a sinful world. It is through the Virgin Mary that we receive Christ the King into our hearts. She walked with Jesus and always brings us to Him. Mary is the guardian of our life, hidden in Christ. It is through Our Mother Mary's love that we have the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Meditation:  
Is Jesus the King of your heart?  Do you have a picture of Him in a prominent place in your home? He longs for you. Invite Him into your heart today. Ask Mary to help you open your heart to receive Jesus. She will bring you to Jesus and she will bring Jesus to you. Ask Mary to accompany you now. Come to Jesus today and ask Him to help you open your heart for Him to dwell within you. 

Ask Jesus to help you prepare your heart for the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy and ask Our Lady to help you to go to confession regularly, monthly or weekly; forgive those who have hurt you; attend Mass daily or more often than once a week; read the daily Mass readings before you go to Mass; go to Eucharistic Adoration at a regular time every week, a sacred date for you and Jesus; perform a work of mercy every day; venerate the Image of Divine Mercy; spread the message of Divine Mercy with family, friends, coworkers and strangers; read the Scriptures often; pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily; pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory; pray the Stations of the Cross; make a pilgrimage to a Holy Shrine. 

“In that first ‘fusion’ with Jesus in Holy Communion, it was my Heavenly Mother again who accompanied me to the altar for it was she herself who placed her Jesus into my soul.”  Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church

"The Virgin Mary, being obedient to His Word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God."  Saint Irenaeus, Father of the Church

"I am not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the Mother of Mercy."  Our Lady to Saint Faustina

The good thief, hanging next to Jesus on the cross said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom." Jesus replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
Luke 23:42-43

“King” was one of the earliest titles given to the Son of God. The title does not refer to a status of an earthly king, which many of the Jews had been expecting; someone to overthrow the Roman rule and be an earthly king of the Israel. Rather He came to be the spiritual king; His kingdom is in heaven, not confined to the earth alone. It is an eternal Kingdom of light and truth, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace.  The King is love.

And this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  1 Timothy 6:15

Jesus Christ, King of Divine Majesty, have mercy on us. Remember us when You come into Your Kingdom. Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us