3^rd Sunday of Advent, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Christ’s Mission and Our Expectations

Readings: Is 35:1–6; James 5:7–10; Mt 11:2–11

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Its name comes from today’s entrance antiphon from the Letter of St Paul to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”

The word Gaudete is the Latin imperative of gaudere, meaning “to rejoice”. On this Sunday, the Church invites us, with the words of St Paul, to rejoice in the Lord always (Gaudete in Domino semper).

The Church calls us to joy because our Redeemer is near; the celebration of Christ’s birth is close at hand. This Sunday marks the halfway point of Advent, reminding us that our preparation for Christmas is well underway. Today, the Church encourages us to lighten the solemn and penitential mood with joy, to refresh ourselves, regain strength, and continue our journey toward Christmas. Symbolically, the liturgical colour shifts from violet to rose, a colour that elicits joy. Today, priests wear rose vestments, and the rose-coloured candle of the Advent wreath is lit.

This joy is echoed in the first reading from Isaiah. To a people in exile, Isaiah announced liberation and restoration; their Saviour and liberator was coming to visit them. He told them that the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame would leap like deer, the mute would sing for joy, the weak would be strengthened, and the wilderness would blossom. He proclaimed that their Saviour would bring them back to Zion to praise God.

Dear friends, the Church proclaims the same message to us today. The coming of Jesus into our lives makes big differences. He liberates us from sin and shame, restores our dignity as children of God, and fills our hearts with peace, love, and inner joy. His presence heals and makes us whole. That is why the Psalmist cries out in today’s psalm, saying, “Come, Lord, and save us.” Let this prayer be always on our lips, for our world deeply needs God’s intervention.

However, as we rejoice and wait for God’s intervention, today’s Gospel warns us against false expectations. We hear of John the Baptist’s doubt while in prison. Though John had once proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, he now questioned whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. Why? Because John, like many Israelites, expected a Messiah who would be a warrior, one who would overthrow the Romans and restore David’s kingdom. But Jesus’ mission was one of peace, love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This left many disappointed, and John himself uncertain. John’s uncertainty was even more intense because he was in prison and may have thought that the Saviour would liberate him from Herold.

Jesus’ response to John’s disciples was very clear and direct. He said, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” In other words, His mission perfectly fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah.

Dear friends, disappointment with Jesus’ mission is not confined to John’s time. Even today, many reject Christ because He does not act according to their expectations. Some want a God of vengeance who destroys enemies. Others abandon the Church because they see Jesus as “too weak.” Some turn to pagan practices or superstition, hoping for quick solutions. Many Christians chase miracles and material blessings, forgetting that salvation is the true gift.

But Jesus does not come to fight our enemies in the way we imagine. He comes to undo the damage of sin, to restore what is broken, and to heal our hearts. He is not a Messiah of material excess, but of eternal life. He is compassionate, patient, and merciful, giving sinners time to repent and offering us what truly leads to salvation.

In the second reading, James was speaking to an audience that was facing persecutions, with some of them losing faith in God because He did not eliminate the emperors that were persecuting them. St James urged patience: “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.” He reminded them and us that God’s timing is not ours, and that perseverance is essential. The Church echoes this same call today: we must be patient with God. He is still at work in our lives, shaping us, healing us, and preparing us for His coming.

As we rejoice this Gaudete Sunday, let us purify our expectations of Christ. He is not the Saviour of our whims, but the Saviour of our souls. May we welcome Him with joy, patience, and faith, trusting that His mission is always for our good and for our salvation.

Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 

3^RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: STILL ON THE WATCH OUT, NEVER GIVE UP!

(Matthew 11: 2-11)

This is the third Sunday of Advent. We are still in the expectation. But today the Church bids us rejoice. It is called the 'Gaudete Sunday'. Thus, the entrance antiphon of today tells us: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near" (Phil 4:4-5).

The invitation today is for us not to allow anything, any confusion, any prison, any sorrow, any sadness whatsoever to make us give up on the holy watch we have begun.

Today, the very herald of the message of Advent is being presented to be almost giving up. But Jesus addresses him as He will address each and everyone of us looking up to Him. Yes, we are surrounded with temptations to give up.

 

TEMPTATIONS TO GIVE UP

Waiting can be boring. Waiting can be uncertain, it can be fearful sometimes, waiting can as well be frustrating, it can also be disappointing. Waiting can be annoying when the one you are waiting for fails to come through as expected, it can be humiliating when the one you imagined to be coming turns out to be someone that doesn't worth the waiting.

John the Baptist had said a lot of things about Jesus. He has painted an awe-inspiring picture of the one coming after him. I must be correct to say that he was not at all afraid when he was thrown into prison. He must be saying in his mind, "the Messiah will surely pepper these guys" but to his greatest dismay, he started languishing in the prison and nothing was done. He queries himself: what have I done? Could it be that I didn't do my work well? Did I not carry the mission of preparing the people well? What have I done to deserve being here? Did I not prepare my own self well in the desert all these years? Could it be that my best is not enough?  After all these and many other introspective inquiries by John, he must have beaten his chest to say: I think I did my tasks well to the best of my knowledge. But there is another point to consider.  Maybe there were some mistakes.

 

AM I NOT MISTAKING?

John the Baptist came to think that he may be making a mistake by taking Jesus to be whom He is not. This may be an impostor, (ndi mekanik ekweghizinu anyi mara ndi ara). This is because even before the coming of Jesus many had come claiming to be this or that. He sent a word by His disciples to Jesus.

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like blaming yourself for your goodness? For the true love you showed? For your uprightness? Etc. Send a word to Jesus, pray to him to help you understand better. Write Him a prayerful letter from your own prison.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRISON

Prisoners are sometimes permitted to send messages or letters to their loved ones and also receive items from them. The apostle Paul also wrote letters to the Churches and individuals from the prison.

Through his disciples, John sent these words: "Are you the one to come or shall we look for another?"

John here represents all those who have no joy, those who have known so much toil on account of their faith and hope in God. Jesus will never change. He is the one. He is the same yesterday, today and for ever. Watch out from your prison bars and behold Jesus, wipe away the tears of your pain and see Jesus  the Christ, He comes with something good for you. He will certainly come. You will hear the good news. Draw near that you may see and believe.

 

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Jesus needed not to bear testimony about Himself. He sent back the disciples of John with the injunction: "Go and tell what you hear and see". John must have rejoiced even though still in prison at the good news he heard. Remember he was not just talking about himself. John was not selfish. He asked: "Are you the one we are..." Not the 'One I am waiting for'.

Let us not expect the coming of Jesus to bring liberation, open door and prosperity only to our own families. No. Jesus brings a selfless joy. See the goodness in others and glorify God. God has His plan for you. No one will take away from you the special blessing designed by God for you.

 

TAKE NO OFFENCE AT GOD

John must have been sorry for nearly losing faith after hearing the great things God was doing through Christ. But Jesus sent back words to him never to be disappointed with God. The Lord is never man. He can never fail. He is always there. What He said He will do He will do. Do not compare yourself with any other.

Do you feel you're behind the bars? Behind success? Behind riches? Not gotten your dream husband, your dream wife, your dream job? Do you think you did not achieve your plan for this year? Do not kill yourself, do not give up, do not speak ill of God, do not grumble against the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord. Alleluia.  He knows what is best for you.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

BLESSINGS

May the Lord reward you. May He confess you to heaven and earth. Your name will be heard for good. The enemy will never take glory due to God on account of you. Jesus poured out loving words about John. May He speak blessings into your life. May His blessings and favours rest upon you. May you see reason that will make you to always rejoice in the Lord. May the joy of the Lord be your strength against all odds. May you never give up but be taken up, may you never be humiliated but exalted by God. May you feel the nearness of the Lord in everything you do and may the joy of the Lord see you through in all your undertakings through Christ our Lord Amen

Happy Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 2^nd Sunday of Advent, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Preparing the Way for the Kingdom of Peace and Justice

Readings: Is. 11:1-10; 2nd: Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this second Sunday of Advent comes with a message of consolation for a world battered by poor leadership. It brings us the promise of a king unlike the rulers and governments we have known on earth—a king whose reign will be marked by global peace and justice for the poor and for all humanity. It also invites us to prepare the way for the arrival of this king in our lives.

The first reading today presents God’s response, through the prophet Isaiah, to the people of Israel whose faith was weakened by the bad examples of their kings and leaders. Recall that the reign of King David was marked by prosperity, peace, victory in battle, and justice for the people. Yet after David’s death, his successors failed to uphold his legacy. They abandoned peace and justice, choosing instead corruption, pagan worship, and alliances contrary to God’s will and the counsel of the prophets. These unfaithful practices eroded the people’s loyalty and trust in God, leaving many to wonder whether He would ever intervene in their troubles.

It was in the midst of this doubt, weakened faith, and suffering that Isaiah delivered the prophecy we hear today. He dispelled the people’s fears and rekindled their hope by announcing the coming of a new Davidic king from the root of Jesse—a king greater than David. Isaiah described his qualities: the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon him; he would possess wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. He would establish peace and justice, judging the poor and the whole world with righteousness.

The Psalm echoes this vision, portraying the beauty of the king’s reign: “He will judge the people with justice and the poor with right judgment. In his days justice shall flourish and great peace till the moon is no more. He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. He shall save the needy when they cry, the poor and those who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the needy.”

Isaiah also painted a vivid picture of this kingdom: a realm of peace and tranquility where natural enemies live together in harmony—the wolf with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, the calf with the lion. It is a kingdom where the strong relinquish their power to dwell alongside the weak, where privilege is not used to oppress but to uplift.

We can do the same in our homes and society, transforming our families and relationships into places where the strong do not use their abilities to oppress or look down on others, but to help and uplift them.

Dear friends, this kingdom envisioned by Isaiah was inaugurated by Jesus, the Son of David, when He walked the streets of Jerusalem preaching the good news of peace and love, and ultimately consummated it through His death on the cross. To prepare the people for this kingdom, John the Baptist proclaimed repentance and forgiveness of sins, as we heard in today’s Gospel: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” He warned the Pharisees and Sadducees to abandon their hypocrisy and embrace true repentance.

This same message is given to us by the Church this Advent as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth and His second coming. Christ has already established the kingdom of Isaiah’s vision, but our sins obstruct its full realization in our lives and in our world. When we repent, embrace authentic Christian living, forgive those who have offended us, and abandon pretense, we open our hearts and homes to the kingdom of peace, love, justice, and righteousness that Christ established on earth.

In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that true reformation of life is essential for the reign of peace and justice in society. He prayed for the Jewish Christians in Rome, that they might live in harmony with their Gentile brothers and sisters, accepting them as equals while awaiting Christ’s return. Dear friends, when we live in harmony with our neighbors, friends, and family, we create space for peace, love, justice, and tranquility. Indeed, when we live in harmony with others, the kingdom of Christ reigns in our midst.

The vision of Isaiah urges us to live harmoniously, not using our strength or privileges to oppress, but to support the weak among us. It calls us to use our gifts, natural abilities, and resources to uplift our brothers and sisters. This, dear friends, is a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 2^ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING

(Matthew 3:1-12)

As we anticipate the cry of the Bethlehem babe that brings salvation to the whole world, a voice is heard in the wilderness crying. It is not the voice of the anticipated child but of his emissary. It is not the cry of joy but the cry of warning, it is not the cry of carols but a prophetic cry. It is never a call for jubilation but a cry for self-examination and introspection. It is like the cry of a town crier. He has sounded his gong. He wishes to draw attention. He has broken the silence of the night. He wishes to awaken the sleepers who enjoyed the morning sweet sleep. He disturbs the peace of those who are in erroneous comfort zones.

 

WHO IS THE CRIER?

His name is John. He is known with what he was doing: baptising and preaching. He was not materialistic pointing to the fact that his message is more of spiritual. He was not a heavy eater reminding us the spirit that should precede the coming of Christ which should involve mortifications. He was seen moving around crying.

 

WHY WAS HE CRYING?

He was disturbed about the present state of his people. He was troubled about what the people have created themselves to become leaving aside what God made them to be. He was saddened by the fact that those created in the image of God has turned to become vipers. The viper is a kind of serpent. The serpent was the figurative creature that lured man into losing his initial place in the mind of God which necessitated the need for salvation. The viper bites. He is condemned to attack the heels. John cries for the already inflicted injuries the world was suffering and he cries aloud. He cries for the sins of mankind. He cries for those who have made themselves agents of the devil.

 

WHAT WAS HE CRYING?

REPENT

The voice calls for metanoia. The voice calls for total turnaround from evil to good. The voice calls for conversion, the voice cries out for a change of lifestyle. What in you do you need to change? Change everything that is not Divine, change everything that is mundane, change from everything that is diabolic. Change from everything that has changed you from good to bad.

 

PREPARE A WAY FOR THE LORD

Let Him enter the king of glory. The voice reminds us of the one who comes just as we are reminded of the pastoral visit of the bishop, the coming of the president into a state etc. If people prepare for these comings with great magnitude, why wouldn't John cry that the people of his time did not take the coming of the Christ seriously? Let's level the high mountains of pride and straighten the crocked ways of deceptions.

 

NEVER BE PRESUMPTUOUS

Presumption is a great vice. The voice of John warned against all forms of claims and connections that served as alibi for evil. John condemned all acts of making religion a 'refugium pecatorum' thereby covering up one's evil deeds with the garb of religion. He warns against effortless religiosity and thinking that anything gives you licence not to do good. He warns against the abuse of divine grace, he cries about spiritual laziness and what James will call 'faith without good works'. He warns against nominalism; answering a Christian, a priest, a catechist, a Christian Man or Woman, A Catholic youth or Mary League and thinking that these are enough to connect us to God without good works.

 

DO NOT BE MERE CHAFF

Who will not cry when he comes to observe that what he has in his barn or store is nothing but chaff? Chaff is worthless. Jesus wants to meet us with worth. We've got to make ourselves worthy of his coming. What are those things that have rendered us worthless before God?  John cries and urges us to take up our meaning and usefulness from God by paying heed to his word.

 

APPRECIATE YOUR BAPTISM

John pointed them to the baptism they were to receive in Christ. We that got the privilege of being baptised in the name of Christ are we living as those reborn? Has the introduction of Christ made any impart in us? Have we actually rejected the sins we promised to reject?

Let us troop to the confessional and ask God to forgive us. Let us welcome Christ in a state of grace. Let us not relax thinking there is still time to make up. Let our conversion and  repentance be today.

May God bless His word in our hearts

 

LET US PRAY

Thank You Almighty Father for opening our ears to hear Your word today.

May that lonely voice crying in the wilderness not be in vain. May we troop out en mass with our families and friends to welcome Christ today, at Christmas and always for You live and reign forever and ever. Amen

 

Happy Sunday to you (Second Sunday of Advent Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 1st Sunday of Advent – Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: What to Do as We Wait for Christ’s Coming

Readings: Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14a; Mt 24:37-44

Dear friends in Christ, this Sunday marks the beginning of a new liturgical year (Year A) and the season of Advent. Advent is a time of special preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ. It is a four-week journey leading up to Christmas, and it prepares us in these three distinct ways:

• First, to celebrate the historical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem – His first coming in history at Christmas.
• Second, to welcome Christ’s daily coming into our lives through the Sacraments, the Scriptures, and the worshipping community.
• Third, to be ready for His glorious Second Coming at the end of time, when He will judge the living and the dead and reward the just.

1. Preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth

The birth of Christ changed the course of history, inaugurating the reign of God’s kingdom. Christmas is not simply a cultural festivity; it is the celebration of the Saviour who freed us from darkness through His love and sacrifice. The Church dedicates Advent to prepare us spiritually for this celebration so that we may be renewed in grace and filled with God’s blessings. To share in the blessings of Christmas, we must prepare spiritually: through prayer, repentance, and good works.

Sadly, many people focus only on material preparations – decorations, gifts, parties – while neglecting the spiritual. This is why they miss the deeper joy and grace of Christmas. The Church calls us to prepare spiritually: cleansing our hearts, healing broken relationships, opening our arms to the poor, and reconciling ourselves with God if we want to share in the deeper joy and grace of Christmas.

2. Welcoming Christ’s daily coming

Advent also reminds us that Christ comes to us every day in mystery. He visits us in the Sacraments, in the Word of God, and in the community of believers. He comes into our families and workplaces to bring peace and blessing. Yet, too often, we turn away because of indifference or sin. Advent is a reminder that Jesus is near, that He comes to us every day, and that we must prepare ourselves for this daily encounter.

3. Preparing for Christ’s Second Coming

Advent also points us to Christ’s glorious return at the end of time when He will judge the living and the dead, rewarding the just with eternal life and punishing the wicked with eternal separation. This first Sunday of Advent renews our hope that our Saviour will come again, and that we will meet Him at the end of our lives.

The Gospel reminds us that this second coming will be sudden and unexpected, just as in the days of Noah. People were busy eating, drinking, marrying, and working—necessary activities of life—but they ignored the warning of the flood. Their mistake was not the activities themselves, but their neglect of spiritual preparation.

In the same way, our daily work is necessary for survival, but we must not forget our souls. The Church warns us not to live as the people of Noah’s time, distracted by material concerns. Vigilance is the key: we must remain spiritually awake, knowing that our earthly life will one day end and we will meet Christ face to face. So, what shall we do?

Walking in the light of the Lord

The prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, exhorts us to walk in the light of the Lord as we prepare to welcome Christ. He calls us to transform instruments of destruction into tools of peace – swords into ploughshares. Practically, this means using our resources for life‑giving purposes—feeding the poor instead of funding conflicts, promoting community development instead of violence, and using our words to build peace rather than destroy families. We cannot prepare to welcome Christ while planning harm to our neighbours.

Casting off the works of darkness

St. Paul, in the second reading, speaks to us directly, urging us to abandon the works of darkness and live as children of the day. He reminds us that salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Death can come at any time; therefore, readiness is essential.

Paul exhorts us: “Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light… put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This means rejecting gossip, drunkenness, jealousy, immorality, and violence, and instead clothing ourselves with love, righteousness, peace, charity, and truth.

So, as you prepare your Christmas garments – coats, dresses, festive attire – remember also to “sew” spiritual garments of love, forgiveness, humility, and holiness. These are the true clothes of a Christian.

Conclusion

Dear friends, Advent is a season of vigilance, hope, and joyful preparation. Let us not be distracted by material concerns alone but prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming – in history, in mystery, and in glory. If we remain awake, walking in the light and casting off darkness, then when He comes, He will find us ready, and our joy will be complete.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: BE ON THE WATCH OUT, JESUS IS COMING

(Matthew 24:37-44)

Advent is here again. A period of joyful expectations.  A time we wait in hope for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A time we put ourselves in the shoes of those who did this waiting more than two thousand years ago. A time we ask ourselves how ready we are for the second coming of Jesus Christ in glory. It is a time we appreciate the more the daily coming of Jesus as our Eucharistic guest. 

The word Advent is of Latin origin, from 'advenire' which means to come to, to approach, to arrive, to reach.

Who is coming? Jesus the Son of God, 'advenire' also is defined as 'arise'. Thus, the Sun of justice arises to shine in, among and around us. Ours is to go out and welcome the awaited Saviour. Let us prepare for Christmas.

 

HOW WILL THE COMING BE?

This is the question taken up by the Gospel of today. The day of the Son of Man is likened to the day of Noah. There may not be anything extraordinary. It will be just as other normal days. People will be eating as usual, drinking and marrying. What makes the difference is awareness. How aware are you about the divine as you journey along the way to meet Lord. The secrete is whatever one does, let it be done to the glory of God. Those who fail to realize that God is in-charge of the world and will certainly come to see the work of his hands may be lost in the ocean of materialism, hedonism, sexual and sensual exploitation, extortion, lustfulness without love etc. They will be like Adam and Eve who lost sight of Divine visitation and went their different ways and God came and found them not waiting. The wise will be like Noah and enter the ark of holiness, of justice, of peace constructed with Divine directives.  Waiting demands obedience. The tendency to leave will be there. It is an active wait, the tendency to sleep is there. Let's wait and never be swept away.

 

BE READY AT ALL TIMES

We do not know the hour. Jesus never revealed the day of the coming. We've got to wait in prayers, in virtuousness and in joy. Let's not do that grudgingly. Life may not be very fair to us but Jesus insists that we wait.  Waiting demands a lot of patience. Waiting on the Lord is not wasting of time. It is a thing worth doing. Jesus did not disappoint those who waited on Him, He will not leave you to wait in vain. One may lose out in this wait by being in wrong company, being in the wrong places, comparing oneself with those who are careless with Divine instructions, entering into dialogue with the enemy of your saviour and salvation.

Let us make ourselves ready for the Lord by overcoming temptations to outward preparedness devoid of in-depth repentance, confessing our sins, by dining at the holy table, and by standing firmly on the solid rock of the word of God.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Thank You Lord God for the bringing us into this new season of advent, into the year of the Church. As we prepare for Your Son's coming,

Make us ready to welcome Him, May we receive Him daily and be joyful at His glorious coming whenever it will be through Christ our Lord.  Amen

 

Come Lord Jesus, make us worthy of you. Amen

Happy First Sunday of Advent (Yr A)

You're welcome to the new year of the Church

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Solemnity of Christ the King, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Acknowledging and Accepting the Kingship of Christ

Readings: 2 Sam. 5:1-3; Col. 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. This solemnity marks the end of the Church’s Ordinary Time. So, with this feast, we reach the end of Ordinary Time in Year B, and we proclaim Christ as the Alpha and the Omega—the King of kings and Lord of lords. In today’s Mass, let us pray that Christ may truly reign in our words, our actions, and our hearts.

This feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, at a time when nationalism, secularism, and modernism were eroding faith and moral values. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were marked by upheaval—religious intolerance, anti‑clericalism, and ideologies that dismissed God and exalted man as the measure of all things. These currents contributed to the devastation of the First World War, reminding us that when faith and respect for life are cast aside, human dignity itself is endangered.

Our own age faces similar challenges. Voices today argue that religious and traditional values are outdated, promoting practices such as abortion, euthanasia, same‑sex unions, sex reassignment surgery, and in vitro fertilization. These trends risk undermining the sacredness of life and the moral order. We must remain vigilant, for the rejection of God’s law always diminishes humanity.

Modernism’s effort to banish God from public life and enthrone man in His place led to the spread of atheism. Against this tide, the Church established this feast to reaffirm Christ’s sovereignty—not only in the privacy of our hearts but also in the public sphere. So, this solemnity was instituted at a time when the world exalted man as the measure of all things, a period when secular currents sought to render the Church irrelevant in public life. A time when political, social, and cultural institutions increasingly suppressed the mention of Jesus Christ and denied His kingship over nations and hearts. In Europe especially, prevailing ideologies promoted a worldview that sought to banish God from daily life, encouraging people to organize their lives as though He did not exist. The feast was therefore established as a remedy to the challenges posed by Modernism, intended to reaffirm and promote the worship of Christ both within the privacy of our hearts and in the public sphere.

Originally titled Jesu Christi Regis (Jesus Christ the King), Pope Paul VI later, in his 1969 motu proprio Mysterii Paschalis, renamed it Iesu Christi universorum Regis—Jesus Christ, King of the Universe—and elevated it to a solemnity celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year.

This title is profoundly relevant today. We live in a world where evil is often glamorized, where faith is ridiculed, and where believers are dismissed as irrelevant. Yet Christ remains the King of the Universe, the King of kings, and His reign endures forever. Today’s readings affirm this kingship.

The first reading recalls Christ’s royal lineage from David, Israel’s great king. The kingdom of David was great and powerful to the extent that the people of Israel yearned for a king who would rule them again like David. In Jesus, God gives us a king greater than David, one whose reign is eternal.

Today’s Gospel affirms the kingship of Christ. While the rulers and people gathered at the foot of the cross denied His kingship and mocked Him, one of the thieves crucified alongside Him recognized His true majesty and pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingly power.” Ironically, those who rejected His kingship also acknowledged that He had saved others, though they claimed He could not save Himself.

Christ, however, is not like our earthly kings. He is the King who takes upon Himself the suffering meant for His subjects, the King who dies so that His people may live and be saved. He is a compassionate King, one who values His subjects more than His own life. Unlike earthly rulers, who often sacrifice their people to protect themselves or pursue selfish interests, Christ the King offers His own life for His subjects. Earthly kings demand that their people die for them; Christ, our King, died for us.

The second reading also talked of the kingship of Christ. It proclaims that God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. In Christ’s reign we find peace, justice, mercy, love, and truth.

The purpose of today’s celebration is to acknowledge and worship Christ as King of the Universe and King of our lives. His reign must begin in our hearts and extend to our homes, our families, our workplaces, and our society. Only then will the world reflect His kingdom of justice and peace.

This solemnity challenges each of us personally, and we must ask ourselves these following questions: Is Christ truly the King of my life? Do I give Him the rightful place in my heart? Are His teachings the path that directs my choices?

If Christ does not reign in our lives, then today’s celebration risks becoming an empty ritual. But if He is enthroned in our hearts, then His kingdom will shine through us into the world.

Christ the King is also the Good Shepherd. Let us trust Him, follow Him, and allow His reign to transform us so that His kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.

Happy Feast Day and have a blessed week.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima