Are You Actually The King? A Royal Examination
Well, well, well, dear brothers and sisters! We find ourselves at the end of the liturgical year, and what better way to wrap up than with the Sunday of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe? I mean, if that doesn’t scream “let’s throw a party”, I don’t know what does. Imagine Jesus, surrounded by fireworks and confetti, wearing a crown of thorns just to keep it real! It’s like the ultimate plot twist in a royal drama.
The feast of Christ the King was kicked off by Pope Pius XI back in 1925, which, let’s be honest, was a time when people had bigger worries than whether Jesus was king or not. Picture it: flappers, jazz, and then a pope saying, “Hey, let’s focus on Jesus instead of your dance moves.” But here’s the kicker: it’s not your typical royal gig! For years we’ve mistaken this occasion as some sort of divine tea party, when it’s really about Jesus putting on a show of service rather than strutting around on a golden throne.
So does celebrating this holiday make sense in today’s world? Of course! Because we need reminders that our priorities might just be a little… chaotic. Jesus should reign in our hearts more than the latest celebrity gossip. Seriously, imagine trying to follow someone who conquered death with all his strength and love. Talk about a life coach! Anyone else would have pushed a soapbox to deliver motivational speeches, but no. He chose the cross as his throne, a reed as his scepter, and a crown of thorns? Let’s face it; that’s edgy, even by today’s standards!
Now, a quick flashback! Pilate, bless his confused soul, asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” And honestly, I can’t help but picture Pilate as a sort of confused mall cop—caught in a chaos he didn’t sign up for! Aren’t we all a bit like Pilate? “Jesus, do something! I’ve got bills to pay, relationships to fix, and my Wi-Fi’s down! Are you even king?” It’s almost like a divine sitcom where we keep asking, “Lord, seriously, what’s your deal?”
Let’s talk about the world we live in. It’s like watching a really bad reality show where people are stitched together with greed, cruelty, and a dash of injustice. Where are the hashtags for that? Pilate, seated in his office, reminded me of an executive avoiding real work while sipping on overpriced coffee. He doesn’t care about truth; he just wants to maintain his status quo. How many of us raise our hands in silent prayer, begging God to step up when it feels like everything’s gone awry?
But hold on! Jesus’ Kingdom is not like your average monarchy. He’s not in the business of tossing people into dungeons or declaring decrees that ruin lives. No, this King is out serving the poor, supporting the oppressed, and, oh yes, preparing to die like a hero. Which makes me wonder—what’s our version of royalty? Is it a wooden throne and a servant’s heart? Or is it that cushy job where we just push paper and hide from the real issues?
The Kingdom of Christ isn’t about the size of its territory. It doesn’t need tanks or a frightening display of power. Just look at what we’re called to be! No soldiers, no slaves—just priests living out love through acts of kindness. Kind of makes you wish your boss would hand out promotions based on your ability to spread love instead of just doing the work. “Congratulations! You’ve shared compassion today, have a corner office!” What a time to be alive!
Let’s be clear here—Pilate’s struggle isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s our day-to-day indecision. We question truth in the mirror and shrug as if it’s the world’s worst comedy routine. He saw in Jesus what we often refuse to acknowledge: that power doesn’t demand truth; it twists it. “Will this guy take my job or not?” Somehow, I think Pilate missed the memo about a kingdom that’s all about transforming hearts, not thrones.
But here’s the glorious twist: God’s Kingdom is on the move! It’s like a little surprise party that no one was ready for. Despite all the chaos, God’s got a plan, and trust me, it’s a blockbuster. Jesus isn’t just a king; he’s the King of Kings! And if you’re feeling lost, take a moment to stop and note the signs of love flourishing around you—those are the little breadcrumbs leading to the big reveal!
So, are you in? Are you ready to accept that this quirky, upside-down Kingdom is thriving right now in the midst of our everyday chaos? Buck up, because Jesus isn’t looking for followers; He’s looking for hearts marked by love, compassion, and, let’s face it, a little humanity.
Your brother in faith,
Alejandro, C.M.F.
In this commentary, I’ve infused humor and observational remarks to keep the reader engaged. It explores deep themes while still being playful, mirroring the unique styles of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans in a conversational format.
Are you king?
Dear brothers, peace and good.
As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year, we find ourselves on the brink of Advent, a time of preparation and hope. This week, we commemorate the Sunday of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, a celebration deeply embedded in our faith as it marks the culmination of our spiritual journey throughout the year.
The feast of Christ the King, established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, was conceived as a response to the rise of secularism, aiming to reaffirm Jesus Christ’s supreme authority over all creation. In a significant shift, this celebration was repositioned from the last Sunday of October to the final Sunday of the liturgical year, thus symbolizing the apex of our salvation narrative.
This feast remains relevant today, as it invites us to reflect on the need for Jesus Christ to reign in our hearts and lives. Embracing His kingship allows us to follow Him vigorously and experience the fullness of His love. Importantly, a true king exists to serve his people; the essence of kingship reflects a commitment to the welfare of the community. Jesus epitomized this principle, bearing the cross as His throne, a simple reed as His scepter, a humble purple garment as His cloak, and donning a crown of thorns as a powerful statement of His sacrificial love.
When asked if He could be the king of the Jews, Jesus confirmed that while His kingdom is not of this world, it is profoundly relevant for our existence here. Pilate’s skepticism mirrors the contemporary sentiments of doubt and disbelief that many grapple with today. In our search for truth, let us heed the wise counsel of Augustine of Hippo, who encouraged genuine introspection: seek truth within oneself, for the embodiment of truth is Jesus Christ. Allow Him to dispel your darkness and illuminate your path.
The Liturgy today presents us with the prophetic words of Daniel, who speaks of the Son of Man endowed with everlasting royal authority. This prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus, who has paved the way for the reign of God’s faithful. God’s divine plan unfolds meticulously, with every promise being realized with remarkable precision. Thus, it is imperative that we cultivate faith and trust in the assurances God has made regarding our future.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter a poignant moment from Jesus’ trial before Pilate, where pivotal questions arise, prompting deep reflection. The crux of Pilate’s inquiry, “Are you the king of the Jews?” reverberates through the ages as many grapple with their understanding of kingship and divine power.
It is entirely understandable to conceive Pilate’s bewilderment as he contemplates Jesus’ identity. This same inquiry echoes in the hearts of individuals today, many of whom perceive God through a lens shaped by their requests for assistance in times of struggle. We frequently lift our voices to God, beseeching Him for solutions to our most pressing challenges—be it healing during a health crisis, guidance in career choices, or resolution of familial dilemmas. However, we often feel unseen, leading us to echo Pilate’s pressing question: “Are you truly the King? Can you genuinely intervene in our lives?”
As we survey a world beset by turmoil—rampant injustice, violence, and the exploitation of the vulnerable—we cannot help but challenge Christ the King with the question: “So, are you King?”
Contrasting worldly kingdoms, Jesus’ reign embraces a radically different ethos grounded in love and service. He embodies self-sacrifice, indicating that true greatness lies in serving others and uplifted the marginalized rather than aligning with the powerful. Historical kingdoms have perpetuated cycles of violence and tyranny, resulting in continuous suffering. Nevertheless, Jesus overturned this paradigm, establishing a kingdom rooted in love, characterized by profound service and fidelity to the marginalized, thus redefining what it means to reign.
Unlike earthly realms that measure power by territory and might, Jesus’ kingdom transcends conventional metrics of authority. It champions love, not coercion, and invites people to become a holy priesthood tasked with embodying love through their lives and actions. By facilitating opportunities for believers to manifest their love, the presence of Christ cultivates hope and resilience amid challenges, inspiring transformative action within the world.
Pilate’s internal struggle was less a matter of faith and more a concern for maintaining his power. His inability to grasp the depth of Jesus’ message reflects a broader reluctance to fully engage with the truth of His teachings. Ultimately, despite recognizing that Jesus posed no true threat to societal order, Pilate capitulated to external pressures, resulting in the unjust condemnation of the Messiah.
What Pilate failed to foresee was that the Kingdom of God is an unstoppable force, ever-expanding and infused with divine promise. This is the profound surprise of God’s plan—His kingdom takes root and flourishes, asserting its supremacy as the true Kingdom of existence. Indeed, God is the King of kings, the author of life, and the source of our salvation.
Your brother in faith,
Alejandro, C.M.F.
