Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
"Are you the King of the Jews?" (Jn. Jn 18:33b-37)
Today, we celebrate the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. This observance generates some questions for us to contemplate: For starters, what does this mean? We Catholics have always been taught that Jesus is, in fact, our eternal King, the one who came down to earth from his heavenly throne to free humanity from all our sins and assure us everlasting life with him, the angels and saints. So, what’s the impact of such a title in today's society? There are leaders and champions in sports, entertainment, government, religion, politics, and commerce. Their fame tends to block us from recognizing and giving the true King all the love, allegiance, and praise that is due to him. This leads to another question: If we have created these alternative kings or idols, are we still Jesus’ loyal subjects? Now, during this recent election cycle, there were lots of occurrences that were demonstrably contrary to Christ’s teachings and examples found in the Scriptures. We found ourselves in a dilemma where both allegiances split right down the middle in family, church, and secular circles.
Our nation hasn't been this divided since the Civil War. Some people would agree that it actually continues to this day because of institutional failures to address and resolve the issues of white supremacy and white privilege, racism, sexism, and classism. But that debate is for another reflection.
Let’s consider our responsibilities as citizens instead: in the church, in the country we’re in, and in hope for the heavenly world to come. By our baptism, we are anointed to be evangelizers, peacemakers, and disciples of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As his apostles, we are sent out to preach his good news that God loves us all because God made us in His image and likeness. Now, we may find it extremely difficult to love our neighbors because they don’t behave in a lovable way. This becomes problematic whenever we rely only on our own strengths instead of on the power of God’s sweet Holy Spirit. Then who are our neighbors? Any and everyone who God sends to us in our daily encounters. It's as simple as that and as difficult as that.
This Feast of Christ the King is a victorious reminder that we have only one divine King who defeated all the forces of evil and to whom we pledge total allegiance. There are no political parties or ideologies. There are no slogans that will save us. Our salvation comes only from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And that's worth celebrating every day.
When living in today’s world looks really bad, we people of color, especially, know that relying on God is our best and only hope. This reflects the generations of unflinching faith from the lived experiences of our ancestors.
So, when we feel down, when we feel abandoned, when we feel marginalized, when we feel dehumanized. Don’t be afraid. Don’t give up. Don’t let anxiety rule you. Stand on the Lord’s Gospel promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn. 14:27). Let’s allow God’s peace to supernaturally transcend all troubles we face. Happy Feast Day.
Rev. Mr. Al Douglas Turner, MTS
St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church
Archdiocese of Atlanta
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