Christ the Servant King: A Call to Authentic Discipleship and Hope

The Solemnity of Christ the King: November 24, 2024

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2,5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/VkSTgMyeOFQ

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, a feast that calls us to recognize and honour Jesus as the King of the Universe. It also marks the end of the liturgical year, inviting us to reflect on the journey of faith we have traversed and prepare for the Advent season—a time of waiting and hope. At Baptism, when we are anointed with Chrism, the words used are: "As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body." These powerful words are a true reminder that we too take part in Christ's kingly functions.

1. Christ the Servant King

Unlike earthly kings, Jesus’ kingship is rooted in humility and service. He reigns not with power and might but through love, mercy, and sacrifice. His throne is the cross, and His crown is made of thorns. This image of Jesus challenges us to embrace servant leadership in our lives. A good number of us may not even like the word "King." Having lived in democratic countries, and a constitution, we love everyone to be treated equally. However, we must learn from Christ not as a King who runs the affairs of the world just like secular rulers but as a King who serves and becomes a model for us.

In this context, we can draw inspiration from the Spiritual Exercises (Nos136-148) of St Ignatius of Loyola. He gives a wonderful image of Christ as King in a meditation called the "Two Standards." Here the King is not focused on riches, power or pride. Instead, here is a King, a leader, who brings his troops to virtue. Ignatius' chivalrous depiction of the King calling his noble knights to service becomes one of the high points of his Spiritual Exercises. 

2. The Call to Authentic Discipleship

Christ’s kingship demands allegiance to his mission of love, justice, mercy, peace and truth. To be an authentic disciple means it is to live following his teachings, even when it challenges our comfort. As the liturgical year ends, it is a time to assess: Have we lived as faithful citizens of His Kingdom? An authentic discipleship requires an ardent passion to follow Jesus with unwavering faith, love, and humility. It means inculcating one's life with His teachings, embracing selflessness, and serving others with compassion. An authentic disciple seeks to reflect Christ's light in the world, living a life rooted in truth, justice, and a deep relationship with God.

The Feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 in response to an increasingly secular world. In his letter establishing this feast, Pope Pius XI seems to express thoughts that we have said about St Ignatius’ meditation: “This kingdom (of Christ) is spiritual and is concerned with spiritual things …. This kingdom is opposed to none other than to that of Satan and to the power of darkness. The Kingdom of Christ demands of its subjects a spirit of detachment from riches and earthly things, and a spirit of gentleness. They must hunger and thirst after justice, and more than this, they must deny themselves and carry the cross.”

3. Preparing for Advent: Living in Hope

The Solemnity of Christ the King bridges the end of the liturgical year with the hope of Advent. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, both in remembrance of His birth and in anticipation of His return, we are invited to renew our hearts in hope.

The enigmatic answer of Jesus to Pilate, that we see in today's Gospel must prepare us to think and act wisely. This is not a message of fear but an invitation to live a life of charity and compassion. Pilate must have decided the fate of Jesus by handing him over to the Jews and be crucified. History shows us that Pilate did not live long his happiness of being a ruler but was called back to Rome by Emperor Tiberius to answer many of the questions. Being exiled from his own land, Pilate had to live a solitary life and take his own life according to the historical accounts of  Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews), and Philo of Alexandria and Eusebius of Caesarea (Early Church Historian). Whatever may be the fate of others who bossed over Jesus, indeed, Jesus is truly the King of the universe for eternity. Let us renew our commitment to live as authentic disciples, heralding His Kingdom of love, peace, and justice in the world. 

Questions for self-reflection

1. How do I embrace Christ’s model of servant leadership in my daily life?
2. In what ways can I detach myself from worldly desires and focus on spiritual values as a faithful disciple of Christ?
3. Do I reflect Christ’s love, humility, and compassion in my relationships and interactions with others?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, King of the Universe,
Reign in our hearts and in our lives.
Teach us to serve as You served,
To love as You loved,
And to hope as You hoped.
As we prepare for Advent,
May our hearts be ready to welcome You anew. 

We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

22 November 2024