Solemnity of Christ the King: Jesus Christ is Our King and God

11-13-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

King Saul was the first king of Israel; though the prophet Samuel was not enthusiastic about anointing one for them, he acceded to their clamor. The prophet knew that although this benefited the people, he forewarned them that a king would demand loyalty and service (like God) from his subjects. The warning proved true when the kings of Israel eventually became rivals of Yahweh, more concerned with enriching themselves; of their status and glory than leading people to be God fearing.

King Saul was the first king of Israel; though the prophet Samuel was not enthusiastic about anointing one for them, he acceded to their clamor. The prophet knew that although this benefited the people, he forewarned them that a king would demand loyalty and service (like God) from his subjects. The warning proved true when the kings of Israel eventually became rivals of Yahweh, more concerned with enriching themselves; of their status and glory than leading people to be God fearing.

In the Gospel, the ruler sneered at Jesus while the soldiers mocked Him:If you are the King of the Jew, save yourself. Atthe trial of Jesus, Pilate used the same title in Lk. 23:3 to mock Jesus. The inscription:King of the Jewsfound its place on the cross, and the Romans paraded this in front of the convicted criminal, in this case, Jesus, on His way to Calvary to announce the crime He was accused of and condemned. The mockery of Jesus continued, and they offered Him a sour wine(oxos). Not knowing that they fulfilled scriptures in the Psalms about the passion of the Messiah: For my thirst, they gave me vinegar. (Ps. 69:22)

Jesus is more than the King of the Jews; He is the King of Kings. How did they treat their true King? The rulers, the soldiers, and even one of the accused thieves mocked Jesus while the other rebuked his coaccused:Have you no fear of God? The repentant thiefacknowledged that both of them deserved their punishment, and his fear of God moved him to seek the mercy of God. With all humility, he recognized His kingship:Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom. The condemned thiefexperienced themoment of his conversion and asked Jesus for redemption from all his sins and not from the imminent death on the cross while the other thief continued to mock Jesus:Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us?

At the Solemnity of Christ, the King, the Gospel described the last moments of the life of Jesus, how He was misunderstood, insulted, and rejected by the very people, He came to serve and save. The people had no idea that His kingship was not of worldly power. Looking back during the temptation in the desert, Jesus opposed that kind of power because His KINGDOM is about love, mercy, and goodness. Sadly, the people and the Jewish leaders did not recognize their King and God.

Today, it is easier to be misunderstood or misjudged; and rejected when one engages actively in social media. Some people on social media platforms are there to gain followers, advance their advocacies, promote products, enrich themselves, and many other motives. They exposed themselves to the variables of the platforms, becoming famous or notorious, being good or bad, and the vast majority lost in the zone of insignificant. Surprisingly, even the noblest ideas and intentions receive the harshest bashing from those who perceive them as a threat or an obstacle to their agenda, ambitions, and plans. When this happens, do not take it too personally; Jesus experienced it first, so let it pass and pray for them. Focus on your King and God, and serve Him faithfully.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your KINGDOM.Remember the penitent thief. It is never too late to repent and change hearts because Jesus is our King and God. Pray that the Lord remembers the goodness, kindness, and mercifulness we extended to our brothers and sisters.

This Nov 24 is Thanksgiving Day. Shouldn't it be that every day is a Thanksgiving Day? Let us live the attitude of gratitude, humility, and understanding that everything we have comes from God. Let us continue to be grateful and hopeful through it all.

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