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Day 8
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Theme: United in the Reign of
Christ
Text: To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne (Rev 3:21) |
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Readings
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I Chr 29:10-13
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It is in your hand to make great
and to give strength to all
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Ps 21:1-7
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You set a crown of fine gold on
his head
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Rev 3:19b-22
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To the one who conquers I will
give a place with Me on My throne
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Jn 12:23-26
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Whoever serves me, the Father will
honour
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Commentary
Jesus Christ is the first born from
the dead. He has humbled Himself and been exalted. Christ is not covetous of
His victory, but shares His reign and exaltation with all people.
David’s hymn, born of the joy of the
king and the people before the Temple was built, expresses the truth that
everything happens by grace. Even an earthly monarch can be an image of the
reign of God, in whose hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
The king’s psalm of thanksgiving
continues this idea. Christian tradition also gives it a Messianic sense;
Christ is the true King, full of blessing and life, the perfect presence of God
among people. In a certain sense this image can also refer to people. Are not
human beings the crowning achievement of creation? Does not God want us to
become ‘co-heirs with His Son’ and ‘members of His royal household’?
The letters in the Book of
Revelation to the seven local churches constitute a message to the Church in
all times and places. Those who admit Christ into their homes will all be
invited to share with him in the banquet of eternal life. The promise regarding
sitting on thrones, previously announced to the Twelve, is now extended to all
who are victorious.
Where I am, there will my servant be
also. We can link Jesus’ I am to the
unutterable Name of God. The servant of Jesus, whom the Father honours, will be
where his Lord is, who has sat on the right hand of the Father in order to
reign.
Christians are aware that unity
among them, even if requiring human effort, is above all a gift of God. It is a
share in Christ’s victory over sin, death and the evil which causes division.
Our participation in Christ’s victory reaches its fullness in heaven. Our
common witness to the Gospel should show the world a God who not limit or
overpower us. We should announce in a way that is credible, to the people of
our day and age, that Christ’s victory overcomes all that keeps us from sharing
fullness of life with Him and with each other.
Prayer
Almighty God, Ruler of All, teach us
to contemplate the mystery of Your glory. Grant that we may accept Your gifts
with humility and respect each person's dignity. May Your Holy Spirit
strengthen us for the spiritual battles which lie ahead, so that united in
Christ we may reign with Him in glory. Grant this through Him who humbled
Himself and was exalted, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit, forever and
ever. Amen.
Questions for reflection
- In what ways do false humility and a desire for earthly glory manifest themselves in our lives?
- How do we express together our faith in the Reign of Christ?
- How do we live out our hope in the coming Kingdom of God?
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