Reflections for Sunday
Feast of Christ the King - November 23, 2003
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first born from the dead and ruler of the kings of earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his own blood, who has made us a royal nation of priests in the service of his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever.Revelation 1: 5-6
Lord of My Life
Human life is an endless struggle. We try to put down roots, to bring our world under control, and to make it a place of security and peace. But nothing on earth lasts. Our security is threatened on every side by forces that would prevail against us and steal our freedom. Our every attempt to hold our own in the world will eventually end in defeat. For even if we meet every other challenge, we must succumb in the end to the final struggle with death.
We need a powerful protector in the struggle of life. Many would step forward and claim our allegiance. But no earthly ruler can protect us against the forces of sin and death. They too will go down in defeat with us. Our life would end in bitter despair were it not for faith. For in faith we look to the One who alone can save us in the final confrontation with death.
We cross the threshold of faith when we are willing to let Jesus be the Lord of our life. He alone is the one who can save us. He came from God. He emptied himself of his oneness with God that he might be one of us, and thus he showed the way for man to be one with God. His way is different from everything human. His power over the forces of evil is shown in weakness. He laid down his life to the powers of this world to show that the weakness of God surpasses any power of man. He overcame the forces of evil by the power of the cross. He subjected himself to evil to bring the reign of love into the world. He will lead all who answer the call of love into the kingdom of peace.
Jesus, you are the Lord of my life. You rule my life with the power of love. I give you my heart and soul, and I place my trust in you. I will heed your word and follow you in faith, for you alone can lead me to eternal life.