The King and His Kingdom
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.”
This Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King draws our hearts to the enduring kingship of Jesus, who reigns over all creation with truth and grace. The vision of Daniel offers us an awe-filled glimpse of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man, whose glory surpasses all earthly kingdoms. In this prophetic encounter, we are reminded of the divine promise: a kingdom not of fleeting power, but of eternal justice and peace.
To celebrate this truth, we turn to “Christ in Majesty”, the Romanesque relief in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse. This masterpiece depicts Christ enthroned in radiant splendor, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists. His pose, simultaneously regal and inviting, reminds us that his dominion is not one of tyranny but of grace. His reign draws all peoples, divided and enslaved by sin, into unity under his most gracious rule.
The relief invites us to reflect on the nature of Christ's kingdom: not a kingdom of this world, but a kingdom of truth, as Jesus declares to Pilate in John’s Gospel. In this scene, Christ’s authority is not shouted but radiated, a quiet yet unshakable reality. In gazing upon his image, we are called to trust in his kingship and live as citizens of his eternal kingdom.
For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
–John 18:37
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scriptures
Daniel 7:9–14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:1–8
John 18:33–37
Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No. 5
Charles-Marie Widor’s Toccata captures the triumphal joy of Christ’s reign. Written for organ, this piece bursts forth with energy, symbolizing the victory of the King of Kings. Its cascading arpeggios and soaring melodies evoke the majesty of Psalm 93, where the Lord is depicted as robed in majesty, his throne established from of old.
The relentless, jubilant rhythm of the Toccata mirrors the unshakable certainty of Christ’s eternal dominion. It is music that declares, “The Lord reigns!” with every note, inspiring confidence and joy in the hearts of his people.
Listening to Widor’s masterpiece, we are reminded that Christ’s kingdom is not only a promise for the future but a present reality that reshapes our lives. Just as the music fills the space with its grandeur, so does the reign of Christ fill our hearts with hope and courage.
"The Lord is King; he has put on splendid apparel; the Lord has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength." – Psalm 93:1
As we celebrate Christ the King this Sunday, let us lift our hearts in worship and thanksgiving, remembering that his reign is everlasting, and his kingdom is one of truth, peace, and love. May our lives bear witness to this glorious truth, shining like the brightness of the sky for all eternity.
