HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE YEAR C. 23RD NOVEMBER, 2025

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, commonly known as Spiritans.
Today, we are celebrating the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It was promulgated by Pope Pius XI in 1925 through the encyclical Quas Primas, originally calling it the Feast of Christ the King. It was later given its current title and placed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year after the reforms of Vatican II.
Christ is not only the Savior of the world. He is the Universal King, reigning with authority that extends over every realm of existence. His kingship is not limited by borders, cultures, or time. Unlike earthly rulers whose power is temporary and fragile, Christ’s rule is eternal, rooted in His identity as the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.
The First Reading is coming from 2 Samuel 5:1-3. This passage marks a crucial event in Israel’s history as all the tribes of Israel gather at Hebron to proclaim David as their king. Even though David had governed the tribe of Judah for seven and a half years, this event signifies the time when the whole nation comes together under his rule, concluding the years of division and internal conflict after the death of King Saul.
The Second Reading is coming from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians 1:12-20. This passage celebrates God’s saving work and the supremacy of Christ. It starts by expressing gratitude to the Father, who has qualified believers worthy to participate in the inheritance of the saints. God has delivered His people from the power of darkness and transformed them into the kingdom of His beloved Son, where they receive redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Paul subsequently presents a magnificent portrayal of Christ: He is the image of the unseen God, perfectly disclosing God, and is the firstborn of all creation, meaning He possesses priority, authority, and supremacy over all that exists.
Our Gospel is from Luke 23:35-43. This Gospel presents a powerful scene at the crucifixion of Jesus, revealing the contrasting responses of those present and highlighting Jesus’ compassion even in His final moments. While Jesus hangs on the cross, the leaders, soldiers, and one of the criminals ridicule Him. They challenge Him to rescue Himself if He is indeed the Messiah, failing to see that His refusal signifies not weakness but submission to God’s salvation plan. Their jeers highlight the world's misunderstanding about power and kingship; Jesus’ genuine kingship is demonstrated not by avoiding suffering but by willingly facing it for the salvation of others.