Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we are invited to contemplate the kingship of Christ the Savior. Jesus is King, and at the end of the liturgical year we will celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Yes, He is King, but His kingdom is the “Kingdom of truth and life, the Kingdom of holiness and grace, the Kingdom of justice, love and peace” (from the Preface of the Solemnity of Christ the King). A surprising kingship! With our secular mindset, we are not accustomed to this type of king.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we are invited to contemplate the kingship of Christ the Savior. Jesus is King, and at the end of the liturgical year we will celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Yes, He is King, but His kingdom is the “Kingdom of truth and life, the Kingdom of holiness and grace, the Kingdom of justice, love and peace” (from the Preface of the Solemnity of Christ the King). A surprising kingship! With our secular mindset, we are not accustomed to this type of king.

He is a good, gentle king who looks after the wellbeing of souls: “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (Jn 18:36). He allows evil things to happen to him. He is asked in a tone of contempt and mockery, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so” (Mt 27:11). He endures more mockery still as he is compared to Barabbas, and the people are urged to choose the release of one or the other: “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Messiah?” (Mt 27:17). And ... they choose Barabbas! Meanwhile, Jesus remains silent and offers Himself as a holocaust for us!

When He had arrived in Jerusalem shortly before, Jesus was received with unbridled enthusiasm: “The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest’” (Mt 21:8-9). But now, those same people shout, “Let him be crucified!” Pilate asked, “Why? What evil has he done?” And the crowd only shouted louder, “Let him be crucified!” (Mt 27:23). And Pilate verifies their intent, “Shall I crucify your King?” and the chief priests answer, “We have no king but Caesar” (Jn 19:15).

This King does not impose Himself; He offers Himself. His kingship is all about service, sacrifice and love. “He comes without pomp or ostentation. He will not dispute or raise his voice to make it heard in the streets. He will be meek and humble. Let us run to accompany him as he hastens toward his passion, not by covering his path with garments, olive branches or palms, but by doing all we can to prostrate ourselves before him” (Saint Andrew of Crete, Bishop).

All the best...in Christ,

Father Wilson

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