November 26, 2017
Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe
On Good Friday we proclaim the Passion according to St. John. Above the crucified Jesus is the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.” The title of “king” seems out of place identifying a man sentenced to death and wearing a crown of thorns. It is hard to believe that Jesus is a King! Yet today we celebrate “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.” It is a relatively recent feast day. Pope Pius XI established “Christ the King” in 1925 in response to growing secularism and the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany and socialism in the Soviet Union. No society, no dictator can demand allegiance that belongs properly to God. The Pope, while addressing Bishops, intended the solemnity to impact the laity in order to engage them in Catholic Action as “instruments of justice.” What we profess must be apparent in the way we conduct our lives.
As we bow and show our reverence to Jesus Christ under the lofty title of King of the Universe we hear in Sacred Scripture (Ezekiel and Psalm 23) that kingship is understood as shepherding. King David is the ideal. The anointed king takes the place of God with a royal task to tend, to care and to protect his subjects. We are surprised to learn in the Gospel according to St. Matthew that the One who resides at God’s right side in glory is also mysteriously abiding in the least, lost and lowly citizens of the realm. When Jesus comes in glory as the Son of Man and nations are assembled before “the King” our place will be determined by whether or not we extended compassion to the “hidden king” disguised in the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick and imprisoned subjects of the kingdom. Salvation will be assured or lost by spiritual and corporal works of mercy show to the least of our brothers and sisters.
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is a special moment when we recognize Christ in the consecrated host. A special grace is also needed to see Jesus in the poor and suffering of the world. As our eyes turn away from gazing on Jesus crucified so we turn away from seeing and touching Jesus in the most vulnerable and broken who are “the host” of the hidden king. We have an opportunity again at the close of and beginning of the liturgical year to brighten Christmas for persons/families in need through Stars of Bethlehem and Boxes of Joy. Your gift is a gesture of kindness.
Previous:
33 Sunday Ordinary
Next:
First Sunday of Advent
