(Source from The Word Among Us)

He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25)

The kings who ruled over Israel and Judah were charged with defending their people from neighbouring enemies who wanted to destroy them. Many kings had failed in this regard, which is why the people were waiting for a Messiah-King, a son of David who would again build a great nation as David had. Then along came Jesus, a Messiah who told people to love their enemies and turn the other cheek. What kind of a king was this?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul shows us what kind of king Jesus is—One who has conquered our true enemies: Satan, sin, and death. Jesus didn’t come to win a battle between nations; instead, he came to win a cosmic battle with everlasting consequences. That’s why we celebrate him today as “King of the Universe.”

Unlike an earthly king, Jesus did not engage his enemies with armaments of war. No, he defeated them by dying on a cross. Through his death and resurrection, he saved not just Israel but all who believe in him (1 Corinthians 15:22). Out of his great love for each one of us, Jesus offered himself up, disarming the devil and draining sin of its power. Now we are forgiven, redeemed, and given the grace to love and forgive others as he has done for us. And though we still see evil in the world, we know that Jesus will destroy “every sovereignty and every authority and power” when he comes again (15:24).

Today at Mass, let’s recommit ourselves to living under the reign of this great King. Let’s tell him that we are ready to join him in rescuing his creation from the powers of darkness. Our King has already shown us how to do this: by offering ourselves in love to one another. Because without a doubt, love is the most powerful force in the universe!

“Jesus, King of kings, reign in my heart today and always.”