Accomplishments

Christ the King

November 22, 2015

First reading
Daniel 7:13-14

I gazed into the visions of the night.

And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,

one like a son of man.

He came to the one of great age

and was led into his presence.

On him was conferred sovereignty,

glory and kingship,

and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.

His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty

which shall never pass away,

nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Psalm                                                                                                           Psalm 92:1-2,5

Second reading                                                                                       Apocalypse 1:5-8  Grace and peace to you from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God and Father; to him, then, be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen. It is he who is coming on the clouds; everyone will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the races of the earth will mourn over him. This is the truth. Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’ says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.

Gospel	John 18:33-37

‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked. Jesus replied, ‘Do you ask this of your own accord, or have others spoken to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed you over to me: what have you done?’ Jesus replied, ‘Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this kind.’ ‘So you are a king then?’ said Pilate. ‘It is you who say it’ answered Jesus. ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.’

Reflection

By Edgardo Tulabut

This past week, our country played host to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. Each participating nation is represented by its president, prime minister, or any other high ranking official. We’ve seen the special treatment: blocking of special lanes along EDSA; almost a week long holiday in Metro Manila; high level security details; world class entertainment and accommodation; and all the pomp and circumstance.

As of this writing, I saw some news bits in social media showing some of our government’s early accomplishments because of this event; many of them are impressive accomplishments.

There is a leader I know who is not a head of state. He is a king, yes; but not only of this world but of the whole universe. Yet instead of the Air Force One, He arrived on a donkey. Yes, He was welcomed with waving palm branches and hosannas, but by the same people who would let Him be crucified later. He dined in a small upper room with a few friends. And later on, as king on trial, instead of being entertained, He became the entertainment.

His accomplishments?

The lame walked. The blind saw daylight. The mute spoke. The sick were healed. Hope was restored. Faith was renewed. Love reigned.

And most of all, souls were saved.

Let us give glory with whom glory is due, for our gratitude in all Christ has accomplished for us!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, my King:
We glorify You; we give You thanks; for You alone are worthy of all our praise and worship. Amen.