Daily Readings - Sun Nov 24 2024
Daniel
13"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.14He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Revelation
5before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.6To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.7Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.8"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
John
33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"34"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"35"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of Christ’s kingship and its profound implications for our lives. In the first reading from Daniel, we encounter a vision of the “Son of Man” who comes on the clouds of heaven, receiving dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. This vision points to the universal and eternal sovereignty of God, which transcends human empires and earthly powers. In Revelation, we hear of Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who has loved us, washed us from our sins, and made us a kingdom of priests. This passage underscores Christ’s role as both the faithful witness and the ruler of all creation. In the Gospel, Jesus stands before Pilate and clarifies the nature of His kingdom: it is not of this world, but it is a kingdom of truth. Jesus’ mission is to testify to this truth, and those who belong to the truth will hear His voice.
These readings are deeply interconnected. Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man prefigures Jesus’ revelation as the divine king in Revelation and His testimony before Pilate. Together, they emphasize that Christ’s kingdom is not bound by earthly limitations but is rooted in the eternal and universal truth of God. Jesus’ kingship is not about power or domination but about love, sacrifice, and the establishment of a kingdom of truth and holiness. His reign calls us to live as citizens of this heavenly kingdom, even as we navigate the challenges of the world.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to re-examine our priorities and allegiances. Are we living as subjects of Christ’s kingdom, prioritizing truth, love, and holiness? Do we recognize that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and that our actions here should reflect the values of God’s kingdom? Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear and follow the voice of truth, or are we swayed by the fleeting powers of this world? As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, may we renew our commitment to His kingdom, trusting in His eternal sovereignty and striving to live as faithful witnesses of His truth.