Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. At the end of the liturgical year, we will also soon begin the Advent season, during which we are invited to reflect on Christ the King who came into the world to give new life to all things.

Jesus told Pilate: “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). His Kingdom is different because His kingship is different. Jesus tells us, “For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10: 45). Christ is the King who sets an example of simplicity and love of neighbor. During the time of Advent, in the four weeks before Christmas, we are invited to look at Christ the King who was born in a manger. Christ the King who lived among the poor, the sick and sinners and who proclaims: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

We are invited to reflect on the degree of our simplicity and poverty: Do we trust the Lord completely? Let us ask Christ that He will reign more and more in our hearts, so that we can prepare ourselves to welcome Him, poor and humble, at Christmas. May Christ reign in our world, so that there may be peace, joy, service, charity, forgiveness and love throughout the new year. Long live Christ the King!

– Angélica Silvestre
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Brazil)