SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM
“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; cf Rv 19:16).
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 of the Catholic Church, 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).
Promise: “See, He comes amid the clouds! Every eye shall see Him, even of those who pierced Him.” —Rv 1:7
Praise: The Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that Jesus will sit on “the throne of David” and “His reign will be without end” (see Lk 1:32-33). All hail, Christ the King!
