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CHRIST

the

KING

(B)

“FIRST IMPRESSIONS”
Christ the KING (B)
November 24, 2024

Daniel 7: 13-14; Psalm 93;
Revelation 1: 5-8; John 18: 33b-37

by Jude Siciliano, OP

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Dear Preachers:


During Advent we are posting reflections on our webpage drawn from the daily Mass Scriptures. They are written by friars, sisters and laity of the Dominican Family.
For these daily and enriching Advent meditations go to: https://PreacherExchange.com/ And click on the ADVENT link button on the upper left.


Today’s first reading, from Daniel, is from a section of visions in chapters 7-12. In ancient times, as well as our own, people in crisis need hope. Scriptural writers offered that hope in various forms and, as we noted last week, one form is apocalyptic writing. It is a form of literature that, in a large, flamboyant language of dreams, visions and symbols, communicates the hope that goodness will finally overcome evil and that the faithful, despite current struggles and persecutions, will be vindicated by God.

Daniel may be narrating a “vision,” but he is not merely sharing a dream he had the previous night with a friend over a cup of coffee. Instead, he is speaking words of hope to his contemporaries. He wrote almost two centuries before Christ to encourage his people not to give in to the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes IV, who was persecuting the Jews for their faith. Besides the torture and death threatened by Antiochus, there were Jews who were attracted by the allure of the pagan Greek world’s philosophy, culture and science. These Jews were not so much in danger of punishment for their faith, as they were in danger of losing their faith by adopting the ways and religions of the pagans.

The pagan world around them looked very attractive and so they were drawn to the gods who seemed to be the reason for the power, splendor and success of the dominant Greeks. Each age has its power and attractions to draw believers away from the faith – especially if the believers are among a vulnerable and defeated minority. Why not go over to the “other side,” join the winners and be successful? It makes sense, doesn’t it?

I saw my first Christmas display in a highway store about two months ago—it was early October! I was on my way to preach a parish retreat and had stopped for coffee. I stared at what was, the first wave of a soon-to-be tsunami of Christmas displays and advertisements. There will be no escape, I thought – stores, t.v., the malls, magazines, internet pop-ups, etc. We may not be under the thumb of the Greek tyrant Antiochus, but commercialism and the materialism it fosters, are oppressive nevertheless, especially for our susceptible youth. They will see and hear ads for the latest and expensive “got-to-haves.” Parents will feel the pressures to please their children and so lay out lots of money to satisfy them. But its not just the kids who will be tantalized by the allure. We adults will be too. And we will put ourselves into debt to worship this pagan deity of the season.

There are pagan gods all around us that promise us happiness and success – in one form or another. Daniel’s concern for his bewildered and suffering people applies to us as well. Who is going to win this struggle for the hearts and souls of people? Will evil, or the world’s more subtle seduction of our spirits, win out in the end? Daniel doesn’t think so, as he assures us today in his vision of “...one like the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” In the court of “the Ancient One” this Son of Man is given “dominion, glory and kingship” over the whole earth. The Son of Man figure will be more powerful than any and all evil earthly rulers. He comes from God’s courts and has God’s dominion and glory. This good rule will not pass the way earthly rule does, but will last forever. Imagine...goodness being universal and lasting forever! Daniel speaks to all who grow weary trying to resist the persistent worldly foes who are against who we are and what we believe.

The early church believed Jesus was this Son of Man. He called himself by that title and referred to his sufferings using that name for himself – “the Son of Man will suffer.” He is also the One who will return on the clouds from heaven. Those for whom Daniel wrote and the early Christians, suffered at the hands of the hostile world. But they were also attracted by its power and allure. It looked like Jesus wasn’t returning right away – if at all – so why not go over to the victorious side? It’s a question we modern believers must answer as well.

This is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next week, with Advent, a new year and a new cycle of readings begin. Today the readings have an integrity all their own; they are prepared for today. But, I think, today’s feast also starts us thinking about next week and the start of a new church year. As with the civic calendar, the old year is tucked away and we look forward to the one that is coming with hope and anticipation. Maybe I’ll grow spiritually this coming year. Maybe I’ll let go of some debilitating patterns in my life and experience more freedom. Maybe I’ll finally make some resolutions that I will keep! We make new year resolutions at the beginning of January. Perhaps we can make some resolutions for next week’s new liturgical year. We have a week to consider what they will be—something other than going on a diet, or getting more exercise! Save those for January 1st. Choose resolutions that will nourish our spirits, or change a detrimental habit. We’ll bring them here next week, for we know we don’t have to make any changes on our own. When we grow in Christ, we are assured we will have Christ to accompany and strengthen us.

Today’s feast helps our thinking about putting away the past and turning to new life. Today Christ issues again his invitation to us to “...belong to the truth.” He is suggesting to us at this time and place to choose him as the sovereign voice we listen to and that guides our path. Who has had dominion over us this past year? Whose voice or voices did we listen to and follow? Are we better off, more peaceful and reconciled with ourselves and others because we followed those other voices? Better we listen to Jesus today who says to Pilate and us, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

Jesus is the fulfillment of Daniel’s vision. He is the Son of Man [or, the Son of Humanity] who reveals God to us, speaks the truth about the world’s misguided values and choices. He does not choose the ways of the world – might, material goods and the flashing lights that attract us. Instead, he says, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Remember that John frequently uses “the world” to refer to those who reject God and who prefer darkness to light. This “world” does not give life, but death; does not choose the truth, but lies. Jesus rules because he speaks the truth and those who search for what is true and good will find and accept him. Jesus is standing before Pilate, but is very unlike him. He does not have an army to summon and fight for him. Instead, those of us who hear his voice and accept his truth belong to his kingdom—where God rules, not by might, but by love.

The liturgical year ends inviting us to once again choose and recommit ourselves to Jesus and his rule in our lives. He reminds us that his voice will lead us to truth and membership into a kingdom of life. The choice is ours—will we serve him, our king, or the world that lies and leads to death?

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112424.cfm

QUOTABLE

The location of Jesus’ Kingdom is in God. It is not a kingdom that turns to violence. Even so, while Jesus says “my kingdom does not belong to this world,” it does not mean that it cannot be found here. But it does not work as the kingdoms of this world work. Jesus’ Kingdom does not resort to violence and combat to work its will. It does not function here as other kingdoms do.

—James A. Wallace, CssR, Robert Waznak, SS, and Guerric De Bona, OSB, in LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS: HOMILIES AND REFLECTIONS FOR THE “B” CYCLE. New York: Paulist Press, 2006. Paper, ISBN 0-8091-4368-2

JUSTICE BULLETIN BOARD

If my kingdom did belong to this world. . .
John 18:36

What would the world look like if the kingdom were here in its fullness? In my imagination, the only law that would be necessary is the Law of Love –for God, self, and other. How is love best expressed?
A quote by Saint Pope John Paul II refines my simplistic thoughts more. He states, “The world designed by God is a world of justice. The relationship between people must be based on justice. This order must be continually implanted in the world, since social systems are constantly changing and new possibilities and necessities of the distribution of goods are developing. The world designed by God cannot be a world in which some hoard immoderate wealth in their hands, while others suffer from destitution and poverty, and die of hunger. Love must inspire justice and the struggle for justice” (1980). Justice is love in action.

Most Catholics, at least with a little prompting of our memory, can name the Ten Commandments and the seven sacraments. With a little more prompting, we know the eight beatitudes, the three theological virtues, and the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy. Yet, how many of us can name the ten foundational social principles that are, also, an essential part of our Catholic faith? These would be well-known and well-lived tenets in God’s kingdom.

Here are the Ten Foundational Principles in the Social Teaching of the Church as presented by Fr. Robert P. Maloney, C.M.:

  • 1. The Principle of the Dignity of the Human Person
  • 2. The Principle of Respect for Human Life
  • 3. The Principle of Association
  • 4. The Principle of Participation
  • 5. The Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor
  • 6. The Principle of Solidarity
  • 7. The Principle of Stewardship
  • 8. The Principle of Subsidiarity
  • 9. The Principle of Human Equality
  • 10. The Principle of the Common Good

Wouldn’t the world look and act a whole lot different if these were essential teachings from birth throughout life? The Society of St. Vincent de Paul writes in their formation guide, “Serving in Hope,” “Principles, once internalized, lead to something. They prompt activity, impel motion, direct choices.” You now have a total picture of God’s kingdom; how will you make it possible?

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

FAITH BOOK


Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.


From today’s Gospel reading:

Jesus said to Pilate,
“My kingdom does not belong to this world.”

Reflection:

Jesus is redefining the very notion of what "king" and "kingdom" mean. Jesus draws members to his kingdom and to himself, not by the force of power, but through the truth of his words and the love he engenders in those who hear and receive his message.

So, we ask ourselves:

  • How does my citizenship in Jesus’ kingdom affect the way I live my daily life?
  • How can I recognize the signs of Jesus’ kingdom?

POSTCARDS TO DEATH ROW INMATES

“One has to strongly affirm that condemnation to the death penalty is an inhuman measure that humiliates personal dignity, in whatever form it is carried out." ---Pope Francis

Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or, whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.

Please write to:

  • Erroll Moses #0552017 (On death row since 11/18/1997)
  • Michael Braxton #0043529 (11/21/1997)
  • Jimmie Lawrence #0597164 (12/11/1997)

----Central Prison P.O. 247 Phoenix, MD 21131

Please note: Central Prison is in Raleigh, NC., but for security purposes, mail to inmates is processed through a clearing house at the above address in Maryland.

For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org/resources/cacp/

On this page you can sign “The National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty.” Also, check the interfaith page for People of Faith Against the Death Penalty: http://www.pfadp.org/

DONATIONS

“First Impressions” is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship. It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like “First Impressions” sent weekly to a friend, send a note to Fr. John Boll, OP at jboll@opsouth.org.

If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to Fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.:

St. Albert Priory
3150 Vince Hagan Drive
Irving, Texas 75062-4736

Make checks payable to: Dominican Friars.

Or, go to our webpage to make an online donation:
https://www.PreacherExchange.com/donations.htm

RESOURCES

ORDERING OUR CDs:

We have compiled Four CDs for sale: Individual CDs for each Liturgical Year, A, B or C
One combined CD for “Liturgical Years A, B and C.

If you are a preacher, lead a Lectionary-based scripture group, or are a member of a liturgical team, these CDs will be helpful in your preparation process. Individual worshipers report they also use these reflections as they prepare for Sunday liturgy.

You can order the CDs by going to our webpage: https://www.PreacherExchange.com and clicking on the “First Impressions” CD link on the left.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS BY EMAIL:

1. "HOMILÍAS DOMINICALES" ---These Spanish reflections on the Sunday and daily scriptures are written by Dominican sisters and friars. If you or a friend would like to receive these reflections drop a note to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net>

2. "VOLUME 2" is an opportunity for you to hear from the readers of First Impressions. To subscribe or Send your own reflections: Send them to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net > Your contributions to Volume 2 are welcome.

OUR WEBSITE: https://www.PreacherExchange.com - Where you will find Preachers Exchange, which includes "First Impressions," "Homilías Dominicales," and "Volume 2" as well as articles, book reviews, daily homilies and other material pertinent to preaching and Scripture reflection.

FOR EMAIL HELP OR TO UNSUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE:

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS Archive

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• I ADVENT •
• Christ the King •
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