"seek first the kingdom" (see mt 6:33)
"Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus. 'Are you the King of the Jews?' he asked Him. Jesus answered, 'Are you saying this on your own, or have others been telling you about Me?' " —John 18:33-34
The prophet Daniel, in visions during the night, "saw One like a son of man coming" to God's throne where He received a kingdom which will never pass away (Dn 7:13-14). Jesus is the Fulfillment of this prophecy. He is the King of kings (see Rv 1:5).
Will you accept Jesus as your King? To do so, you must:
- "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand" (Mk 1:15, our transl).
- Seek first His kingdom (Mt 6:33). Building His kingdom must be the priority of your priorities.
- Choose to be a subject of King Jesus by submitting your will to Him in everything (see 1 Cor 15:27-28).
- Joyfully sell all you have to purchase the precious pearl of God's kingdom (see Mt 13:45-46).
- Make "a radical choice" to "give everything" to King Jesus (Catechism, 546).
It is humanly impossible to choose to be in God's kingdom. We have too much selfishness and too little love. Nevertheless, like the good thief, we can receive God's grace to dethrone ourselves and accept Jesus as our King. Today, on this feast of Christ the King, by grace accept Jesus as your King on His terms.
Prayer: Jesus, "remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Lk 23:42, our transl).
Promise: "See, He comes amid the clouds! Every eye shall see Him, even of those who pierced Him." —Rv 1:7
Praise: Praise our crucified and risen King! Come, King Jesus! Maranatha!
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Seek First the Kingdom.)
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003