The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews."

Jesus could have easily saved himself, but instead he choose to lay down his life for us. This choice is his crowning moment, when he proclaimed himself King of Paradise and our Savior. And although we are not faced with a true crucifixion like Christ, we are faced with many moments of crucifixion throughout our lives. If we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, then we must learn to embrace our trials and seek not to save ourselves, but to save others. This is what it means to be Christ-like, to live a self-sacrificial life, and to ultimately be remembered in the Kingdom of Heaven and be always with our God in Paradise.

Are we seeking to save ourselves or others? How can we learn to embrace our crosses like Christ did? How do we pay homage to Christ, our King?

O Lord, you are our King and salvation.

Amen.