Rev Fr Stevenson Olowolagba unpacks the true meaning of Christ the King Sunday
A Profound Message on Eternal Kingship
The Parish Priest of St Dominic Catholic Church, Ifewara, in the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba, has delivered a deeply reflective and theologically enriched message for this year’s Solemnity of Christ the King, providing the faithful with a renewed understanding of Christ’s eternal and spiritual kingship. His reflection, drawn from the liturgical readings of 2 Samuel 5:1–3, Colossians 1:12–20, and Luke 23:35–43, invites Christians to contemplate the abiding reign of Christ in the hearts of believers.
In a message obtained by Akahi News, the cleric emphasised that this solemn feast — which concludes the Church’s liturgical year — serves as a reminder that Christians are pilgrims journeying towards a heavenly homeland, guided by the eternal reign of Christ, whose kingship transcends earthly structures.
Christ’s Kingship Beyond Earthly Thrones
Fr Olowolagba began his reflection by highlighting that the kingship of Jesus Christ “is not of this world.” According to him, while the first reading presents David being anointed King over Israel — a moment of unity, triumph, and divine fulfilment — Christ’s own kingship surpasses human political authority.
Drawing from the symbolism of Jerusalem, the priest explained that David’s conquest of the city transformed it into the visible centre of God’s presence. Within Christian theology, Jerusalem becomes more than a geographical location; it becomes an image of the Church and a prototype of the final destiny of believers — the new, heavenly Jerusalem, as revealed in the Book of Revelation.
Akahi News gathered that the cleric used this parallel to deepen the faithful’s understanding of Christ’s reign as eternal, spiritual, and universal.
Three Great Works of God for Humanity
At the heart of the priest’s exhortation are three profound divine actions that, according to him, “explode human imagination” and shape Christian existence:
1. The Gift of an Eternal Inheritance
Rev. Fr Olowolagba reminded the faithful that Christians are heirs of eternal life, salvation, and divine glory. Citing Titus 3:7, Hebrews 1:14, and Romans 8:17, he emphasised that God’s generosity elevates believers into a heritage far beyond earthly riches.
2. Deliverance from the Dominion of Darkness
Referencing Ephesians 5:8, the cleric explained that darkness symbolises ignorance, sin, and spiritual blindness. God’s saving power, he said, rescues humanity from this realm, bringing believers into the light of truth.
3. Redemption and Forgiveness of Sins
According to him, God’s mercy — revealed fully in Christ — grants the forgiveness that restores humanity. Through redemption, the faithful encounter divine love in its purest form.
Christ: The Visible Image of the Invisible God
In a message obtained by Akahi News, Fr Olowolagba described Jesus Christ as “the perfect manifestation of God,” the One through whom creation came into existence.
He noted:
- Christ exists before all things.
- He is the supreme Being of the universe.
- All creation is His inheritance.
- His sovereignty stretches across time, space, and eternity.
By highlighting the prologue of John’s Gospel and the Christological hymn in Colossians, the priest reinforced the Christian doctrine that Christ is not merely a king, but the King of Kings, the eternal Word through whom all things were made.
The Repentant Thief: A Model of Genuine Conversion
Turning to the Gospel reading, Rev. Fr Olowolagba reflected on the repentant thief — often referred to as St Dismas — who, in his dying moments, recognised Christ’s divinity and pleaded, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
The cleric described this as:
- A true picture of repentance
- A model for every believer
- A testament that salvation lies within Christ’s domain
According to Akahi News, the priest emphasised that Christ’s response — “Today you will be with Me in paradise” — reveals the immediacy and generosity of divine mercy.
The Eternal Reign in the Hearts of Believers
Fr Olowolagba concluded by stressing that Christ’s kingship is not limited to liturgical celebration but is meant to be lived daily. He affirmed that:
“Christ reigns forever. His reign is in the hearts of all believers.”
He encouraged the faithful to step into the new week with confidence, trusting that the reign of Christ will manifest in their lives, families, and communities.
The reflection by Rev. Fr Stevenson Olowolagba offers the faithful not only theological insight but also pastoral encouragement. As the Church prepares to enter a new liturgical season, his message challenges Christians to recognise, embrace, and reflect the kingship of Christ in their spiritual journey.
For more uplifting faith reflections and Catholic updates, readers can always stay connected with Akahi News.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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