Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Fr. Leo
We could say, “Once upon a time there were Kings and kingdoms, rulers and subjects, slaves and free.” But in all honesty has that really changed. We still have the governed and those that govern. We still have bosses and employees, the rich and the poor. So the world we live in today has as many or more kingdoms than at the time of Jesus. There are many to claim authority and many we subject ourselves too, whom we make authorities. There are some people who are valued more than others. Hierarchy is part of society today as much as it was in Jesus’ time.
As Christians, we claim to be part of another hierarchy; the Church. In many ways, we are like any other institution, but what sets us apart is that ultimate authority in our church is to be God as revealed through Christ in the Holy Spirit. Ideally, this means that each member of the Church is under God, or is a part of the church through his or her own personal relationship with God through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
God’s truth dwells in our hearts. The Church simply tries to promote the experience of the Truth within our hearts through her teachings and particularly through her rituals; the sacraments being primary. We each have a conscience which is our guide and the life of Christ to teach us wisdom and truth. It is God’s truth and wisdom we are called to live.
Being a part of the Church can set up tensions in us between being faithful to God’s truth and the truth as defined by any other “kingdom” we are a part of. So, when our boss at work says, “I need you to work all day Sunday.” Is that Ok? We can’t make confirmation class because of an extra basketball practice. What’s our choice? You work in a clinic and a doctor wants you to assist in a procedure that is not inline with your faith. Do you assist? A fellow employee, or even your boss, is clearly harassing someone. Do you report it?
As Christians, God is always our authority, being faithful to God in every aspect of living in this world is going to be a challenge. Today we celebrate Jesus as the King of the Universe. So let us keep Christ’s example of kingship in mind. Let us be willing to be faithful to the Father, giving our lives totally to God, knowing that God will raise us up into the only Kingdom that matters. The Kingdom of God which is now and forever. May God graciously help us, that we may live in God’s truth and love whatever the cost. Amen.