Solemnity of Christ the King, : November 20, 2022
Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1–3; Psalm 122:1–5; Colossians 1:12–20; Luke 23:35–43
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| A traditional depiction of Christ the King (Credit: Wiki commons.) To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/DP85QuvMcjA |
We celebrate on this Sunday the Solemnity of Christ the King. This great feast of the Church brings to the culmination of the whole liturgical year. With this celebration, in fact, we end the liturgical year which we started with Advent a year ago. We have spent a whole year by dwelling on the mystery of the person of Jesus Christ in our lives, Church and society at large. Because Jesus is a God of history. He became one among us and then left behind a great legacy to imitate him in every way of our lives. Therefore, Jesus is regarded as the King of the Universe. The liturgical readings for this feast of Christ the King emphasize how this person of Jesus is truly our King and King of the Universe.
1. Minding our words when someone suffers
One of the disputable questions Pontius Pilate asked Jesus was "Are you the King?" The soldiers who listened to Pilate questioning Jesus and the subsequent answer of Jesus made them curious about his kingship. In the most vulnerable situation, the soldiers begin to taunt Jesus by ridiculing with the same question asked by Pilate, "are you the king?" "He saved others, let him save himself," and "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Perhaps the uncompassionate and unmerciful humiliating questions of soldiers does not deter Jesus to be mindful and focused on what he was trying to communicate even to the criminals hanging next to him. Through his excruciating suffering, Jesus teaches us that a King or leader is the one who suffers with his people. Moreover, Jesus leads others by example and especially to all those who occupy positions of power and responsibility.
In vulnerable situations, the uncompassionate behavior of people can be treacherous, brutal and cruel. For many, such things are natural and common and do not feel anything of what they have uttered from their boneless tongue. Often such incidents happen in our lives and we feel enraged. This makes us to think that we live in a feelingless, bullying, macho and unkind world. It gives a feeling that might is right. However, when the same person gets into depression, goes into an extreme form of suffering, or even to the point of collapsing then he or she realizes one's mistakes and misdemeanors. Therefore, it is better that we are mindful of what we utter or write.
2. Being kind even in our sorrow and suffering
When you imagine the scene of Jesus hanging on the cross in between the two criminals, you might wonder what made Jesus be open-minded and kind towards others. Jesus was truly the Son of God. He was suffering with a purpose. He is a king with a difference. The mocking words from one of the criminals next to him, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us" are truly painful to listen. Only a heartless person can speak such things. But the response of Jesus is of kindness and mercy. He shows kindness in place of hatred, goodness in place of wickedness, truth in place of falsehood, and love in place of cruelty. In fact, the other criminal hanging next to Jesus rebukes his co-criminal and requests for help. He knew what Jesus has to offer him, that is the forgiveness of sins and mercy. He knew salvation is at hand and is ready to accept it. Jesus immediately grants his wish saying, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
When you ask earnestly, God grants our wish. God likes the desire of the person to be good and be reformed. Often jealousy and insincerity takes away even the slightest good that we can achieve. Our own self-centeredness and ego take away all the graces God wants to give us. Because of our inability to see good in others. Moreover, one's lack of openness to see the beauty and truth in others makes one be sad and crippled psychologically. That is why we see so many people unhappy about themselves and others. They are never satisfied and content. They are always grumpy and unfulfilled creatures. They think that others are their enemies and that nothing good can come from others. We see in the life of that repentant criminal a real sorrow at the suffering of others and utter humility to seek assistance from those who can give him.
3. Jesus is a King forever at our service
Even though many may not appreciate the langauge of King or Kingship, yet we must understand the times of Jesus. The beautiful thing that we notice on this feast of Christ the King is that Jesus was always at the service of others. The titles that Jesus adorned were with a purpose that is to touch the lives of people. St Paul in his epistle to the Colossians says these heartwarming words: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible...For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him" (Colossians 1:15–16). In Jesus everything is fulfilled to reach God.
At the end of this liturgical year, we adore and revere Jesus with a sense of joy that he is our model, protector, and peace. In him everything is merged, glorified and brought to perfection. In Jesus, we are brought to completion to reach the heavens. Because, Jesus brought 'redemption,' 'forgiveness of sins,' 'light' and 'deliverance.' In Jesus, we see light in our darkness. In Jesus, we walk in the path of righteousness. In Jesus, we find peace, truth and justice. It is all because, Jesus is the Chosen one, the Messiah of God, therefore he is our King.
Questions for reflection
- In what way, do you consider Jesus your king?
- What has been your experience when people maltreated you when you were suffering?
- Imagining the repentant criminal on the cross next to Jesus, what would you want to say to Jesus in your last moments?
5 comments:
Thought provoking reflections that's full of deep insights on the theme. I'm very excited to start my day with the Spiritual nourishment of this life transforming message. Best wishes... Jesus Christ, The King of Heaven and Earth.
Thank you so much for the beautiful reflection once again!
Minding others when they are in difficult times. Being at the service of people, even when we are going through testing times. The attitude of Christ, the True King.
Thought-provoking reflections.
Thanks a lot for the very good homily reflections and insights
Thank you for the inspirational homily
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