The Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe invites us to make Jesus, the king of our hearts. In the institution of this solemnity by Pope Pius XI, his intention was to counter the growing trends of laicism, secularism, and atheism of his time in order to crown Jesus Christ as the King of the Universe. In the gospel, Jesus teaches us that in order for him to reign in our hearts, we must practice true holiness and righteousness. Holiness is more than just “not sinning” or “keeping only the commandments.” Not to sin and to keep God’s commandments are noble and they form the foundations of our spiritual life and journey. However, true holiness and righteousness is living the life of God which is a life of love. On judgment day, we will be judged based on the lives we have touched and the corporal works of mercy we carried out. These corporal works of mercy are: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked, visit the sick and those in prison. This are the real acts of holiness and righteousness. When we carry out these corporal works of mercy, we allow Jesus to reign in our hearts as king.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to live a life of true holiness and righteousness and to carry out the corporal works of mercy. May your grace enable me to live a life of love. Amen