Today marks the opening of the final week of Ordinary Time. Through these readings the Church directs our gaze to the Jesus, to His return in glory, His Kingship, and His Kingdom.
Often times people are afraid when someone talks about Jesus' second coming to earth - however it was not that way with the Apostles and the first disciples! Jesus' return was a perpetual source of hope and joy! They knew He would return to give His disciples justice, peace, and salvation. There are many reasons why we might not look forward to His return, or why we might be afraid of such a thought. If we reflect on these reasons with the Lord we can find new light and freedom for our lives.
Today also offer us the opportunity to purify our concept of Christ's kingship, and the Kingdom of God in general. In the readings we hear how Christ suffered, shed His blood, and we see that His discourse with Pilate about being a king falls within the greater context of His passion and death. Christ's kingship is clearly different from our image of a king!
If we are to understand this solemnity properly we must place the image of Christ the King next to other images Christ used in the Gospel - Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, and even the hen (Mt 23:37)! His kingdom is not of this world, and neither can his kingship be reduced to an earthly kingship. He conquers hearts by serving and laying down His life, and it is principally within the heart of man that He desires His kingdom of grace, truth, justice, and holiness to flourish. These qualities ought to shine in the life of every disciple.
At the risk of being too long winded in this first post(!), I'd like to mention another interesting point. Jesus is brought before Pilate with the accusation of being the "king of the Jews," a politicized concept which Jesus categorically refuses (see also Jn 6:15). It is rumored that Liberation Theology is now finding a new audience in the seminaries of Mexico. In the Gospel, however, the person and mission of Jesus cannot be reduced to this world, or said to revolve around politics or social action. The solemnity of Christ the King ought not pass us by as if it were a loud, speeding Roman bus! It holds many treasures that are vital for our own times.
Let us reflect upon Christ's kingship throughout the week, the qualities of His Kingdom, and turn to Him in gratitude for all the blessings we have received through the sacraments during this past liturgical year. In this Year of Priests, we also thank the Lord and pray for all the priests who have celebrated the sacraments for us. Let us celebrate this solemnity throughout the week with our lives. God bless you!
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