THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, CHRIST THE KING, 2025 BY FR. MARTIN EKE, MSP

 

2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43

The feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, not long after the end of the First World War. The pope established the feast as a statement of faith against the prevailing ideologies of communism and secularism at that time. The two ideologies attempted to exclude faith, religion, and God from humanity. This feast is even more relevant to us nowadays that we are facing many anti-Christian and anti-Catholic ideologies, and persecution of Christians. By celebrating this feast, we are upholding the teachings of the Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and continue to proclaim Jesus Christ as our leader and king, no matter the direction the world is moving to.

In the first reading, all the tribes of Israel came to David and recognize him as their savior, their shepherd, and their king. Our celebration today is a re-enactment of what took place in the first reading. Jesus Christ is our new King David. We are celebrating him as our Savior, our Shepherd, and our King.

Jesus’ disciples and followers misunderstood his kingship. They expected Jesus’ kingship to be political. Even on his last day on earth they still asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They forgot that Jesus had said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Although Jesus was not a political king, Christianity has a universal influence and impact on world’s civilization, history, discoveries, philosophy, theology, geography, history, literature, science, medicine, and development more than any religion. The birth of Jesus brought about the categorization of world history to “Before Christ” and “After Christ.”  From a few followers in Judea, Christianity has spread to every part of the world. Christians are one-third of the world’s population and Christianity the world’s largest religion. This is a fulfillment of Daniel prophecy, “He received dominion, splendor, and kingship; all nations, peoples and tongues will serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, his kingship, one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14). Also, Zechariah (9:10) prophesies, “His empire shall stretch from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth.” We are not surprised, therefore, why Christianity is in the remotest corners of the world.

In the second reading, St. Paul explains Jesus’ kingship, “… For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. …   that in all things he himself might be preeminent (all surpassing) … whether those on earth or those in heaven.” In this reading, St. Paul calls us members of Christ’s kingdom. St. Peter calls us, “kingly people” (1 Peter 2: 9). Since we are members of Christ’s kingdom and kingly people, St. Paul challenges us to die with him, to live with him, to persevere in him, and reign with him (2 Timothy 2:11).

The universe is not remote in a distant land, or in the heavens, or across the sea. The universe is our home, our parish, our church, our neighborhood, our society, our work place, our business place, our market place, our gatherings, and those in need of our help. As his disciples, he has bestowed on us the authority over snakes, scorpions, and all powers of the enemy (Luke 10:19). It is through our discipleship and witnessing Jesus that we reign with him.

Psalm 98:9 says, “The Lord comes to govern the earth, to govern the world with justice and the peoples with fairness.” The Lord does not appear as human being and a political king to govern the world. Rather, he governs the world with justice and fairness through us who are his followers. It is sad where many Christians in positions of leadership and responsibilities are silent, or are accomplices, or are perpetrators of injustice and all kinds of evil in our society. 

Finally, I cannot give to the world what I do not have! For me to proceed to govern the world in the name of Jesus, I have to, first, allow Jesus to govern me, transform me, and empower me. This can only be possible when I do as St. Paul advises, “Let the word of God rule in your heart” (Colossians 3:16), and “… have the same attitude as Jesus had” (Philippians (2:5). It is when the word of God becomes the guiding principle that rules my decisions and actions that I am transformed into the attitude of Jesus. It is then that Jesus, through me, governs the universe selflessly with authority, love, compassion, truth, justice, and fairness.

THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C, 2025 FR MARTIN EKE, MSP

 Malachi 3:19-20; Psalm 98:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19

The Church’s Liturgical Year ends next Sunday with the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. As the Church’s year ends and as the calendar year draws to a close, today’s readings invite us to reflect on the end of time, judgement, and afterlife.

In the first reading, Prophet Malachi addresses two facts. First, those who lived wicked lives while on earth would not go unpunished. Second, those who lived righteous lives will receive heavenly reward. For them, “there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”

There are people who do not believe that there is life after death, or there are judgement and reward at the end of earthly life. We know the fundamental truth; our actions have rewards or consequences. Is it not foolishness to exclude this fundamental truth to what happens at the end of our earthly life? Scripture clearly states, “For we shall stand before the judgment seat of God … So then each of us shall give account of himself[herself] to God” (Romans 14:10-12).  For us who believe the Scripture, since we look forward to meeting God at the end of life, and seeing him as he truly is, let us make effort to live life that leads us to him.

In the second reading, some Thessalonians misunderstood the meaning of the second coming of Christ. They took the “coming soon of Christ” literally; and for that reason, felt that there was no need to work. Since “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” they were conducting themselves in disorderly manners. It is for that reason that St. Paul warned them, “If anyone was unwilling to work, neither should he eat.” It is true that there are people who want to eat but they refuse to work. There are people who reap where they did not sow. There are people who want to get rich quick without hard work. There are people who cheat, steal, rob, and kill to acquire wealth. It is to such people Jesus says that they will perish, unless they repent (Luke 13:3).

In the gospel, Jesus prophesied about the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem; “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”  This prophecy of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem by the Romans took place in 70 A.D.

When we hear about the end of the world, it does not necessarily mean the day when the entire universe will come to an end. Our attention needs to be on the end of the individual’s life which we know can be at any moment. We all know that every life has an end (“when there will not be left a stone upon another stone”). The important question is, do I prepare myself spiritually and physically?

Unfortunately, some people are afraid or reluctant to reflect about death or make some necessary preparations concerning their death. Reluctance or fear does not remove the reality which faces all of us; everyone will die, sooner or later. Philosopher Martin Heidegger says, “As soon as we are born, we are old enough to die.” Therefore, getting oneself ready for this reality cannot be over emphasized. Is there a Will to be written? Are there records to be made straight? Are there information to be shared? Are there properties or monies to be allocated? Are there arrangements to be made? Are there issues to be resolved or attended to? And so on. Physical preparation is, equally, very important so that at the end of one’s life, those left behind are not left in the dark.

The Lord says to each one of us, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). “‘Behold, I am coming like a thief.’ Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his clothes ready, so that he may not go naked and people see him exposed” (Revelation 16:15). 

Jesus warns us in the gospel about the emergence of false ‘prophets’ and fake ‘men of God and ‘women of God’ who would use the various disasters and afflictions which occur to people and in places as weapons to frighten and deceive people. Jesus says, “See that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them….” They prophesy in Jesus’ name, cast out demons in his name, and do mighty works in his name but they are agents of the Evil One (Matthew 7:22-23). St. Paul warns us, “Even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. So it is not strange that his ministers also masquerade as ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15). Nowadays, false prophets and fake pastors are everywhere deceiving the gullible who do not listen to the warnings.

Jesus encourages us that afflictions, disasters, and persecution should lead to our giving testimony. Jesus says in the gospel, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” For those who persevere, trials are channels of blessings. O Lord, grant to us the grace of perseverance in times of trials and temptations. Grant to us also a repentant heart, the wisdom, and the courage to prepare for your coming to take us to our eternal home. Amen.

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA, 2025

 Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22

We begin with differentiating between a cathedral and a basilica. Cathedral: The word's origin comes from the Latin word “cathedra,” meaning “chair,” which refers to the bishop's chair. It is the principal church building of a diocese that contains the bishop's throne or seat. Basilica: The word originated from the Greek word “basilike” meaning “royal house.” It is a church building that has been granted special privileges by the pope as a center of worship due to its historical or spiritual importance.

According to history, when Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, he donated the royal Lateran family land to the Catholic Church. While the emperor constructed the building, Pope Silvester I oversaw the construction and consecrated it in 324 AD. The basilica is called Lateran Basilica because it was built on the Lateran land.

The Lateran Basilica is known as the “Mother Church” because it is the official cathedral of the pope who is the Bishiop of Rome, making it the seat of papal authority and the symbolic head of all Catholic churches worldwide. The frontage of the basilica bears the inscription “Most Holy Lateran Church, Mother and Head of all the Churches in the City and the World.” The Lateran Basilica is the first basilica and the only church building which the commemoration of its dedication is celebrated as a feast.

Throughout its history, the basilica has been severely damaged or destroyed multiple times by earthquakes, fires, and military sackings. As a result, it has undergone numerous repairs and complete rebuilds. For instance: The basilica was plundered during the sackings of Rome by the Vandals and Visigoths in the 5th century. It was devastated by earthquakes in 896 and in 1349. It was ruined by fires in 1308 and in 1360.  It was damaged by mafia bombing in 1993. This is why the basilica church building is celebrated as an enduring symbol of the Universal Church.

The feast is a celebration of the unity of the Universal Church under the leadership of the Pope. The Lateran Church building is a symbol of the Catholic Church’s resilience, strength, and unity. The celebration teaches us strength, resilience, and rebuilding after crises, losses, and setbacks.

The first reading is Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of live-giving water which flowed from the threshold (entrance) of the temple. The water flowed into salt waters and made the salt waters fresh. The flowing waters made creatures live, grow, and bear fruit. By the power of the flowing water, some creatures become food for others, while some become medicine for others.

This image represents Jesus, the Temple and the Head of the Church. We are the Body of the Temple. Jesus is the source of all graces and the Church is the conduit through which the graces flow into the world. And it is through us, the People of God, that the graces reach every man and every woman and all corners of the earth. The church building does not move or preach or minister to the people. We are the feet, the hand, and the mouth of the church building. St. Paul says in the second reading, “You are God’s building.” “…you are the temple of God.” Today, we are reminded and empowered so that we do not fall short of becoming channels and conduits of God’s graces and blessings to our neighbors and the world. The end of the Ezekiel’s vision is, “Their fruit serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.” We are charged with these responsibilities. We are the life-giving waters. We are the food. We are the medicine.

When Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem, what he saw was a complete opposite of Ezekiel’s vision of the temple. “He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, ‘Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.’” Matthew and Luke are not as mild as John. In the two Gospels, Jesus says, “It is written: ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13; Luke 19:46).

We must not shy away from these words as if they do not speak to truth about us and about the situation of the Church in many places. Commercialization and monetization of religion, whereby financial gain and profit supersede spiritual meaning and salvation is a big problem. If Jesus walks into our parish, will he see graces and blessings flowing or will he walk into a marketplace and den of thieves? St. Paul gives another explanation of “marketplace”/“den of thieves,” “…. envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction, … people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain” (1 Timothy 6:4-5).

On a personal level, if Jesus walks into my life or my family, will he see graces and blessings flowing or will he walk into corrupted minds and a marketplace?

Today, with the Lateran Basilica as a symbol, we celebrate the Catholic Church’s resilience, strength, and unity. The celebration teaches us unity, strength, resilience, and rebuilding after crises, losses, and setbacks. We are reminded that we are conduits and channels of God’s graces and blessing to our neighbors and the world. We are supposed to be life-givers and life-changers. Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me, …‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him’” (John 7:38). May these words be fulfilled in us.

May Jesus visit us and cleanse every ‘marketplace’ situation in our Church and in our lives. Amen.