The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” When I hear or see the word “command”, it usually stands out for me. It captures my attention quickly and stops me dead in my tracks. I guess it is because I tend to think of a command as an order that I must bow down to and have no other choice. I command you! It is a direct order. It is not voluntary or optional, it is more of an obligation; and we do not appreciate being told what we can or cannot do. However, Jesus, our King of kings, and our Lord of lords says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” He is our Good Shepherd and Commander.  He graciously commands us to do one thing; the one thing we are made for and created to do – to love one another as God has loved us. In doing so, we will be following the King’s gracious orders. This Shepherd King also reminds us of the grace of being invited into his kingdom and the lowliness of how he rules; by serving, by being a slave, by being an obedient son and a faithful friend. Jesus simply asked us to do what is in our nature to do which is to love. In God’s Kingdom, love is found in service. Before we can serve the King, we must love him and before we can love him, we must know who he is and all the wonderful things he has done for us simply because he loves us. In prayer, I have heard the questions; “Why do you do what you do?” “Why do you follow Jesus?” My heart is moved.  I direct my response to the Father. “Because of love. Because in loving me, I am compelled to love others. I love others because in doing so I experience your profound love ever more deeply inside of me. It seems so simplistic, but it is that simple and beautiful.  I continue to find so much strength in your Son’s Cross.” This is the model of love we are all invited to participate in. This is our King; vulnerable, open, available, obedient – love poured out for the other. To enter the Kingdom is to know and experience this kind of love and service towards one another. This is how Christ conquered my heart. This is how he wants us to help him conquer the world – by loving one another. “This I command you, love one another.”

 

Reflections from the Heart – December 12, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - December 12, 2021
Third Sunday in Adventby Fr. Ivan Olmo The angel Gabriel came to Mary and said, “Hail, full of grace! The ...

Reflections from the Heart – December 5, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - December 5, 2021
Second Sunday in Adventby Fr. Ivan Olmo “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called ...

Reflections from the Heart – November 28, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - November 28, 2021
First Sunday in Adventby Fr. Ivan Olmo “Be vigilant at all times and pray.” To know the Lord, to love ...

Reflections from the Heart – November 21, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - November 21, 2021
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “You say I am a king ...

Reflections from the Heart – November 14, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - November 14, 2021
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass ...

Reflections from the Heart – November 7, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - November 7, 2021
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” ...

Reflections from the Heart – October 31, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - October 31, 2021
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” Who ...

Reflections from the Heart – October 24, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - October 24, 2021
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “Master, I want to see.”  Lord, I beg you - I really ...

Reflections from the Heart – October 17, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - October 17, 2021
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “What do you wish me to do for you?” Usually, we do ...

Reflections from the Heart – October 10, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - October 10, 2021
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and ...

Reflections from the Heart – October 3, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - October 3, 2021
Twenty-seventhSunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" A wedding is ...

Reflections from the Heart – September 26, 2021

Reflections from the Heart - September 26, 2021
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Timeby Fr. Ivan Olmo “Whoever is not against us is for us.” The Cross remains for ...