Long Live the King!

Sunday, November 24, 2024

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Dn 7:13-14; Rv 1:5-8; Jn 18:33-37

Today’s feast highlights the need and relevance of Christ the King and his kingship. 

A look at the world governments will help us understand that monarchy is not a preferred form of political organization or where it exists, it only exists for its namesake. When democracies have replaced monarchy almost everywhere in the world, is it not an irony to celebrate the feast of Christ the King? In what way are we justified to hold on to the kingship of Christ? What hope do we offer to the human community through our celebration of Christ the Universal King?

If we approach the readings against these disturbing questions, we find answers from the readings. 

The first reading from the book of Daniel presents his vision in which he finds four fierce beasts that represent the world’s kingdoms. Written in the context of the 2^nd century BCE during Israel’s oppression by a foreign power, the vision that symbolizes the universality of power shows also how the beasts are progressively stripped of their authority. After their fall, a divine figure, described as ‘one like a son of man,’ is given rule by God, the ‘Ancient One.’ This vision, rich in symbolism, was later interpreted by early Christians as a depiction of the eternal Kingdom of God. Thus, Daniel 7 becomes a key text revealing the nature of God’s reign. The core message of the reading is that God will decimate the oppressive power to establish His lasting Kingdom, where people will enjoy a divine righteous rule. 

The second reading highlights the inauguration of a new age with the resurrection of Jesus. Here, John, the author of the Book of Revelation, shows that the resurrection of Jesus is equivalent to his installation as universal King. Being under God’s Kingdom also means that Satan’s rule has come to an end. The return of Jesus as judge will both be a source of awe and mourning for people. The passage concludes with God’s affirmation of eternal sovereignty, as He declares, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ the beginning and the end, emphasizing His eternal and unchangeable nature. In sum, the passage is about the full manifestation of Christ’s kingship being revealed to all people on earth. 

In the Gospel, we find Jesus being questioned by Pilate about his kingship. Jesus answers Pilate by highlighting the nature of his kingdom, which is not of this world. Instead, Jesus affirms that he was born to testify to the truth and that those who are of the truth will listen to his voice. Jesus essentially acknowledges his kingship but emphasizes that it is not a worldly, political reign but a spiritual one, grounded in truth.

When we reflect on Christ the King, we should also reflect on how Jesus will exercise his kingship. We certainly believe that Jesus, the Messiah, will exercise his kingship in a manner consistent with his life and teachings: through compassion, justice, and effectiveness. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus contrasts his style of leadership with that of worldly rulers, who exercise authority through domination and control. He tells his disciples that true greatness is found in serving others, not in lording over them. He exemplifies this servant leadership, saying that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus’ model of leadership, rooted in humility and sacrificial love, becomes the ideal for how the church is to live out its mission, embodying a kingship that is both just and compassionate. Thus, the kingship of Jesus will be unique, one that will be known for justice, peace, and prosperity. 

Having reflected on Jesus’ kingship, we can now assert its relevance for our times. 

The Corrective: The corrupt governments of the world are strong proof that Jesus’ kingship founded on love and justice will never fall out of its relevance. Jesus’ life becomes the touchstone for the world powers to align their vision and action. As such, Christ the King becomes the corrective that the world badly needs. 

The Alternative: Oftentimes, political power is established by victimizing the voiceless and marginalized. But the real power of Christ the King lies in his ability to rule the hearts of people. His kingdom, made up of the least of the society, provides the alternative model thanks to its foundation on compassion and love. Jesus and his Kingdom are the only alternatives. 

The Revolutionary: The revolution of Jesus’ kingship began not when he exercised his authority but when he laid out his hands on the cross. His kingship was conceived in humility. The ruler of the world became the suffering servant of his people. Only the king who made himself a servant of all can teach us what altruism truly means. Hence, Christ the revolutionary king is our only hope. 

Thanks to all these reasons, we need our Christ the King and his model of kingship more urgently than ever. 

Let us pray that we may belong to Christ’s eternal kingdom, shouting in joy, ‘Long live the King.’

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar