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Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle of Prayer: Young people Theme: The Kingship of Christ A reading from the Prophet Daniel 7 : 13 - 14 The Prophet Daniel proclaims his vision of how a series of cruel rulers will be replaced by the coming of the messianic king, he says, “I saw coming on the clouds of heaven, one like the son of man...on him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship...which shall never pass away.” This ‘son of man’ - the one in human form, is in contrast to the ‘beasts’ of earlier visions, for this new vision is of the one who will establish the kingdom and rule of God. A reading from the Book of Revelation 1 : 5 - 8 Being a kingdom, means being under God’s rule rather than that of Satan. All those who hear God’s Word, are priests : mediators between God and humanity. The doxology, “to him then, be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.” may reflect some familiar text from an early Christian liturgy. The Gospel according to John 18 : 33 - 37 The evangelist casts this conversation between the Roman governor Pilot, and the arrested man Jesus almost as if it were a private discussion. We are able to eavesdrop, to reflect on the meaning of this encounter.The discussion seems to centre on the power of authority and the nature of kingship. There is almost one senses a tension between the mighty but impotent Governor of Judea, and the humble accused man summoned before him, who has a greater power. The truth of the matter is that Pilot would have no authority unless given it from above by the Emperor, whereas Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” it is something quite of a different order. “ So you are a king then?” asks Pilot. “Yes,” replies Jesus, “I am a king. I was born for this....to bear witness to the truth; and all who on the side of truth listen to my voice.” © Peter Harrison 2000 Liturgical Note: † Sunday 3rd December 2000 First Sunday of Advent Sunday Reading cycle C starts. |
