[Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 92; Apocalypse 1:5-8; John 33-37]

Through our baptism we share Christ’s role as priest, prophet and king. Bishop Robert Barron described these roles as follows “as priest, he sanctifies, that is to say, he reestablishes the lost link between divinity and humanity; as prophet, he speaks and embodies the divine truth; and as king, he leads us on the right path, giving guidance to the human project.  You might say that, as priest, he is the life; as prophet, he is the truth; and as king he is the way.”[1]

The baptized serve as priests through their sacrificial efforts to bring people to God. They serve as prophets through their witness to the truth in word and deed. And they serve as kings in their efforts to lead others—again through word and deed—to use their talents to advance the Kingdom of God (see CCC 1241).[2]

In the Gospel today, Pilate is interrogating Jesus, he is acting as judge. He thinks he has the power to let Jesus live or to condemn Him to death. The reality is very different. Jesus died on the cross, not because Pilate said so, but because He had to fulfil God’s plan. By dying on the Cross, He would rise again, destroying death and enabling us to be like Him. This is why we know that our death will not be the end. We will face a final judgement and if we have kept Jesus present in our life; we may be able to stay in His presence for ever. However, if we exclude Jesus from our life, we are guaranteed to be excluded from His Heavenly Kingdom.

During the past few weeks, we have been looking at how to truly follow Christ – by putting our faith into action, serving others with generosity and love – these are qualities which enable us to be citizens of the kingdom. This kingdom stands against the rise in nationalism, the oppression of migrants and asylum seekers, warmongering, injustice and persecution, the accruing of wealth leaving others in poverty, the misuse of the created world, the killing of the unborn, the encouragement of suicide and euthanasia. By standing by the true word which does not pass away we discover how to live in this passing world. Then one day we will share in the glory of the Kingdom where Christ is our Way, our Truth and our Life.[3]

The liturgy used today, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, celebrates Jesus as Lord of Love and reveals God’s love for all whom He has created. There is also a call for His followers to live in that love. Our liturgy for today obliges us to care for the most vulnerable in society. The current focus for this is the campaign against the assisted suicide bill. If you have not written to your MP, it is still not too late to do so. It is encouraging that the MP for Basingstoke is holding a meeting with constituents to share his point of view and listen to the views of those who have written to him on this very important topic. If you have written to him and have had an invite, please respond to his email and attend the meeting, it is next Thursday in Basingstoke.

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

Solemnity of Christ the King: Christ the origin and goal of history

CCC 440, 446-451, 668-672, 783, 786, 908, 2105, 2628: Christ as Lord and King
CCC 678-679, 1001, 1038-1041: Christ as Judge
CCC 2816-2821: “Thy Kingdom Come”

‘Priest, Prophet and King’ by Bishop Robert Barron.

Please keep in your prayers this week

  • The sick and housebound, those who are dying and those who are grieving.
  • Father Jean-Patrice that he makes a full recovery.
  • The fight to protect all life from conception until natural death.
  • People affected by natural disasters, terrorism or warfare.
  • Those who no longer recognise Jesus Christ as their Lord and King.
  • For peace in our world.
  • The deacons and their wives who are attending the Diocesan Diaconate Conference this weekend.

Deacon Tony

23rd November 2024

[1] Bishop Robert Barron, at  ‘Priest, Prophet and King’ accessed 21st November 2024.

[2] Tom Nash at  How Are We Priests, Prophets, and Kings? | Catholic Answers Q&A accessed 21st November 2024.

[3] Mgr Kevin McGinnell VF, Pastoral Review Vol. 20 Issue 4 [Tablet Publishing Company Ltd. London, 2024] 80.