Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year B
Theme: The Lord is King for ever!
By: Rev. Fr. Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Homily for Sunday November 21
Dan. 7:13-14; Ps. 92:1-2, 5; Rev. 1:5-8; John 18:33-37.
The story is often told of how King George II of England was overcome with emotion when he first heard Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The man could not remain seated when he heard the words “King of Kings…” He realised that One greater than himself was being praised. Since then, the tradition of standing up for this chorus caught on.
Did you know that the official celebration of today is only 96 years old? True! Pope Pius XI in 1925 decided to officially Institute this celebration as a direct contrast to the tyrannical rule of world leaders at the time; in the Soviet Union, in Fascist Italy, in Japan, and later in the Third Reich… Today, many years later, those tyrants are gone, and Christ is still King. Many years from now, our own generation of tyrants will be gone, and Christ will still continue to reign.
Friends, today’s readings remind us that on Christ is conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship; an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away… On him is majesty enrobed, since he’s the faithful witness; the first born from the dead. By virtue of our baptism, he makes us into a line of kings, priests to serve God. He is Alpha and Omega. But his Kingship is not of this world. His kingship is to bear witness to the truth.
Because of the pandemic, many may not be able to go on procession as is usually the case in Nigeria today. However, for those of us who can, as we take Jesus Christ round our streets today, let us remember to first enthrone him as King in our hearts, that we may be truly beacons of truth, realizing that our kinship is not of lording it over others, but of service to the world.
Happy Sunday dear. Happy Solemnity of Christ the King!