The Sovereign Standard

Christ the Ruler

Christ the Ruler

Jubilee Preaching Aid for November 23, 2025

In the Roman Catholic tradition this Sunday is called Christ the King. Of course, we see and hear news of what King Charles is doing in the United Kingdom. For instance, his breaking with tradition recently and praying with Pope Leo. But if we were to google search the word ‘king’, I think the search would identify the more dynamic movement against Donald Trump and his desire to act as King of the United States.

History gives a context to everything, especially reactionary expressions. Even though the United States became a union in the 1780s, the foundation of the country came as a rejection of European rule. Kings do not have as much influence in the lives of ordinary people as they once did.

In the Jeremiah passage, we hear the voice of God who demands accountability from the shepherds who have not acted in good faith to care for God’s people. God is displeased and offers pastoral care for his own. Loving care will restore the flock and bring it fruitfulness. God anoints David as King to reign and David will deal wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land. David will not be a perfect ruler but he will care for God’s flock as a good shepherd.

The passage in Luke, chapter one, is a prophetic proclamation of Zechariah at the birth of his son, John the Baptist. It is prayed daily as a canticle in the Morning prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. This prophecy acknowledges the coming of the Saviour, Jesus, who will rescue us from our enemies and we will serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days. The type of death that Jesus will suffer is not foreshadowed here, only that we will be treated mercifully by our God and we will be guided into a way of peace.

On this day, we celebrate the reign of Christ with the reminder of how Jesus died for our sins. He is crucified with two thieves. He is mocked and scoffed at, beaten and humiliated. He does all of this out of love for us. He returns us to a covenant of grace with the Father. And to the repentant thief, he promises a place in paradise.

How does this feast relate to the Jubilee 2025’s call to Turn Debt into Hope? The crucifixion is the ultimate act of turning debt, our debt to God, into Hope, a hope of loving salvation. Our debt has been paid by Jesus. As disciples of this loving sovereign, we must follow his example to care for our brothers and sisters. It is God’s will that the earth and her people be cared for with justice and righteousness.

We thought that our efforts in 2000 to have debts of the poorest nations cancelled would reset financial burdens. Now we understand that this work can be undone in twenty-five short years. As an example, Development & Peace points out: “The Philippines’ external debt, which exceeds $111 billion was exacerbated by borrowing after Typhoon Haiyan.”[i]

That’s why we need to put a global debt framework in place in the United Nations: so countries can negotiate fair loans and conditions, within a framework where there is oversight by agencies who want to assist in collaboration with these countries. A fair share platform is needed so richer countries pay the countries most affected by climate crises. Then those countries can use the resources to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate events.

By signing the global Jubilee petition, you show your support for the establishment of a debt resolution mechanism within the United Nations. We can work collectively to prioritize the earth and all its people.

Pat Carter, a Sister of St. Joseph, a disciple, and an advocate for the poor.

[i]Development & Peace Solidarity Calendar for Lent 2025