Feast of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Here in the United States we sometimes associate kings with the abuse of power and control and it is hard for us to think about a suffering king or a self less king – a king who cares so much that he literally dies for his people. 
 
When Pope Pius XI instituted this feast he wanted to address a world that was, and still is, suffering under the illusion of false gods, the gods of consumerism, exploitation, racism, and mass injustice. He envisioned Christ as a “King of Peace who came to reconcile all things” who came not to be served but to save and serve all. This feast is meant to help us understand that we are all called to truly be Christ’s hands and feet.  To dedicate ourselves to the service of the Lord and others. Let us take time to reflect and ask ourselves what false gods do we worship?   With Thanksgiving just a few days away it is good to examine our priorities.  Thanksgiving helps put into perspective what truly is important to us. Is it spending time with family? Visiting a neighbor or relative that is sick or shut in. Is it reaching out and serving others in need?  The important question is: how do we spend our time, what do we worship, what do we allow to rule our lives?  We are called by our faith to be Jesus instruments of service, compassion, peace and justice.
 
This feast of Christ the King marks the conclusion of the liturgical year. We stand at the cusp of Advent. The closing of the liturgical year reminds us of the many cycles and seasons of our lives.  These cycles and seasons have significant impact on our lives.  As we move toward Advent and the celebration of Christ’s birth.  We stand at this threshold.  Advent and the celebration of the birth of Christ stands before us. And as we look back at the past year we remember the trials, tribulations, the joys, and celebrations. At this threshold let us take a moment to ponder the direction God is calling us.  Time to put aside the allure of the false gods that attempt to pull us away from God and the Gospel values.  The Gospel calls us to reflect on the true meaning of Jesus’ dying on the cross for our salvation. 
 
As we stand at this transition, on the cusp of Advent, the Gospel beckons us to encounter Jesus.  God made man, creator of the universe is hanging on the cross.  A sign hangs on His cross. And this sign is meant to mock him; it reads “This is the King of the Jews”.  In utter irony, the very sign that is meant to insult Him does just the opposite.  It proclaims for all time that Jesus is not only King of the Jews!  He is King of all the universe!
 
What is meant to degrade and humiliate Jesus and his followers, now and for all of history gives testimony to Jesus being our Lord and Savior, the one true King. Jesus is King, like no other ever seen on earth.  What earthly king would allow his subjects to crucify him and allow it when it was within his power to stop this from happening?  This saving action is a reflection and demonstration of His overwhelming love for us.  As humans we can’t fully understand the depth of God’s love for us.  If we could, even in part, embrace this love our lives would be truly transformed.
 
The Gospel underscores Jesus’ great love as He encounters the two criminals who are also being crucified together with Him. They acknowledge their guilt but only one of the criminals understands who Jesus really is.  He acknowledges Jesus’ innocence and asks for Jesus to remember him.  And despite his guilt Jesus reassures him “today you will be with me in Paradise”.   I find this passage so amazing and reassuring at the same time.  If Jesus while he is dying on the cross can forgive this criminal and invite him to heaven. Then it gives us great hope that despite the fact that we are sinners Jesus will invite us to live with Him forever in heaven.  
 
As we reflect on Christ’s love and compassion for us, we also look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends this coming week.  Thanksgiving is a time to gather, encounter, and share a meal and fellowship.  To gather at table.  The Eucharist today is a very real thanksgiving celebration. Like the celebration coming on Thursday, it asks us to make preparations in our lives. It draws us to encounter, to encounter more fully our faith, one another and to more fully understand the call and the demands of the Gospel. These meals draw us nearer to one another, they encourage us to share our faith and to fully encounter one another, they help make us family.
 
Jesus offers God’s loving mercy to sinners, He takes up the cause of those who suffered religious and social discrimination.  He attacks the use of political and religious power to avoid the demands of Gospel’s call to charity, peace, and justice.  As we look forward to Advent and the coming of Christ let us consider what might we want to change in our own lives?  Like Christ as King we are called to put aside values and things that are not of God.  To question what society tells us is important. We are called to reject and speak out about, violence, greed, racism, and consumerism.  To put an end to measuring success by the amount of power or number of things we have.  We are called to live out Jesus’ values in our everyday lives. To reach out to together to those in need those in our community who are hungry, sick, or homeless.  We are called to look beyond ourselves, to use our gifts in the service of others. Are there neighbors and friends that we have been too busy to visit or spend time with? Let us work to create a world where Jesus is truly King.  We are called to reach out to others.  Consider in Advent taking time to be present to those who may be isolated or alone.  Is there someone in our lives we have been neglecting as we have been caught up in our busy day to day routine? 
As we look forward to the coming of Advent and celebrating the Eucharist together today let us ask ourselves:  Are we allowing Jesus to rule our lives?