A Reflection for the Christ The King (Year C).
2Samuel 5:1-3 – Colossians 1:12-20 – Luke 23:35-43.
Dear friends in Christ, today we are gathered to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the whole universe. He is the lamb of God who reigns over all – the King of kings and the Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14), and we are all His people.
In the flesh, Jesus is a descendant of King David (Matt. 1:1), who was installed King of Israel, as we heard in the first reading. But Jesus’ kingship and dominion extend far beyond that of his ancestor David. As David’s Kingship was for the salvation of the Israelites from their enemies, Jesus’ reign was and is for the salvation of all humanity.
We recognise who He is for us, which is why we declare that he is more than the King of Israel or the Jews, as Pilate had written, but He is the King of the Universe. In the second reading, St Paul showed us that this Jesus descended in the flesh from David, is also the Son of God, the King in whose kingdom we belong.
He is the Word of God and God Himself, who became man (John 1:1-14). Jesus is the Creator King of all the earth who reigns over all the nations (Ps. 47:7,8), and he is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). He is the beginning, our deliverer and redeemer. He is the reconciler of all things, the merciful Lord who forgives our sins. He is our Saviour.
The kingship of Jesus is different from the kingship of the world. Kingship, in the worldly understanding, is characterised by the flaunting of power, authority, and wealth. But Jesus’ kingship is characterised by service for the weak, the poor, and the powerless. He does not seek any authority like kings of the world and politicians, yet all feel his reign through the power of his love, and they are drawn to Him. He doesn’t exact domination over people or try to control them, but he rules the world in love and justice. He is the servant King who serves us so that we learn from him and serve others (Matt. 23:11; John13:14).
He is our King who lives for us, His people. He exemplified that in his self-emptying for us on the cross of Calvary. Jesus is the gentle King who conquers the world, not with the force of arms, but with the instrument of love, justice, and peace. Jesus is the prince of peace; He opposes violence and has taught us to do the same (Mtt.5:39; Luke6:29; Matthew 26:52). He has made us understand that the use of force is an expression of weakness. If earthly rulers pay attention to Christ’s pattern of reign, the world would be a much happier place; and all unnecessary and unhealthy rivalry will cease.
Being Christians and citizens of the kingdom of God and His Christ, we are called to live according to those principles of Christ’s kingdom. We are called to conquer the world with love, gentleness, and peace. That is how we crown Jesus as the King of our lives.
Jesus reigns as the King of all, but His reign manifests more in those who accept him, as the Israelites did David. His salvific help is available to those who would ask him for it, as evident in Jesus’ response to the prayer of the repentant thief.
Let that prayer be our prayer: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
As Jesus could forgive those who crucified Him, He can do more for us. We should be confident to pray for the forgiveness of our sins, our negligence of duty, the times we failed to love as Christ taught us, and the times we didn’t allow him to rule our hearts. We should try to stand up for Christ when some people make fun of him and spite him. From the depths of our hearts, let us proclaim that Jesus is our King, the King of our lives, our families, and the universe; He is the King of kings who reigns forever and ever. Amen. God bless you.