Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
In our reading, we hear how Jesus is a good leader or king: First to rise from dead at Easter, a faithful witness (he told people about God even though some didn’t love him), ruler of Kings on earth (at Epiphany we hear of 3 kings looking for Jesus), he freed us from sin by dying for us (resurrection at Easter, forgiveness in sacrament of reconciliation), made us priests in a royal kingdom to serve God (he calls each of us to serve others).
In our gospel, Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus questioned why he was asking. His kingdom is not of this world. Jesus admitted he was born to give witness to the truth. Anyone who lives by the truth will listen to him and follow him.
Special Saint: St. Catherine of Alexandria – November 25
Catherine was the daughter of a wealthy pagan couple of Alexandria, Egypt. She was very beautiful and had a great interest in learning. He loved to study philosophy and religion. One day, she began to read about Christianity and she soon became a Christian.
Catherine was only eighteen years old when Emperor Maxentius began persecuting the Christians.
She fearlessly went to him to tell him what she thought of his cruelty. She explained to him that the pagan gods were false.
Maxentius sent 50 of his best pagan philosophers to Catherine and she convinced them all that she was right. Maxentius had them all killed. He offered Catherine a queen’s crown but she refused and was sent to prison. There, the wife of Maxentius and 200 soldiers were also converted after speaking with Catherine. They were also put to death.
Eventually, Catherine was beheaded.
St. Catherine of Alexandria appreciated the beauty of her Christian beliefs. That’s why she could so effectively convince others. We can ask St. Catherine to help us grow in love for the truths of our faith as she did.