“Off with his head!” This command that William Shakespeare popularized when he put it in the mouths of kings in several of his plays demonstrated the ultimate power that royalty wielded at one time. Those of you who are familiar with the history of western civilization know, however, that rule by royalty came to a bloody end, beginning with the French Revolution in 1789 when so many lost their heads at the guillotine. This revolutionary movement spread quickly through Europe so that today, the few kings left in major western countries are nothing more than figureheads who spend their time dedicating hospitals and promoting charitable organizations. The power to rule is now found in most western countries to lay with the people’s elected representatives. We look askance at power being given to someone simply because of birth right.
So, today, we might feel uneasy about celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. But, if the title fits anyone, it fits him. After all, he is the son of God who is the ultimate power over all of the universe. But what does God’s power look like? If Jesus represents God’s kingship, then divine power is very different from earthly power. Earthly power relies on the capacity to force others by threat or violence to do what you want. Kings are the image of power, dominating their subjects and their adversaries. The kingship that Jesus wielded is quite different. Throughout his earthly life, he never claimed political or physical power. He relied solely on the power of the truth and love. He sought out powerless people, often the victims of the abuse of power: the poor, sick and social outcasts. In his confrontation with the power structures of his own time, he did not resist, but surrendered himself to violent abuse and an unjust death. The evangelists depict his death as a kind of parody of kingship. Jesus is cloaked in purple, crowned with thorns, enthroned on a cross, mocked as the “King of the Jews.” Even today, his crucifix is a sign of contradiction that turns upside down any notion of power and control.
Recognizing Jesus as a king requires that we distinguish his power from earthly power. And, we should not miss the witness of his life in poverty and powerlessness as his way of revealing God to us. As absolute Love, God does not force his divine will on us. God does not threaten transgressors to get them to obey. God does not withhold forgiveness to shame sinners. God does not prevent us from making mistakes or hold our failures over us when we seek repentance.
The power Jesus practiced was self-emptying love and unlimited mercy.
He mirrored perfectly his Father, for God is the source of unconditional love, a never-ending offering of divine life to sinners. This is God’s very nature; after all, God is Love.
What does this love and mercy look like in those who believe in God? Today’s readings offer two views. First, in our reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, God is presented as a compassionate shepherd. And, if we examine the gospels, we see that Jesus used this image often to describe himself. As the good shepherd, he leaves the whole flock to find a single lost sheep. He offers his life for the sheep. What more can he do to assure us of his unconditional love?
And, for those who seek to find Jesus so that we can follow him, Jesus tells us where to find him. The Lord of the Universe is to be found especially among the hungry, thirsty, naked, lost, sick, imprisoned, the alien and persecuted of this world. Our King is most present in the least of our brothers and sisters. The one power he exhibits is to move our hearts to compassion. His very poverty invites us to exercise the power we share with God as his image and likeness — the power to love. The title of today’s feast emphasizes the kingship of Jesus. And, as we listen to the prayers for this Mass, we hear that Jesus is addressed as “King of the universe,” “King of all creation,” and “universal King.” His kingdom is of “truth and life,” “holiness and grace,” and “justice, love and peace.” This is the essence of our royal priesthood, the power to sacrifice ourselves for others. This is how we honor and obey our King.
On this, the Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, let us decide to follow his rule. Our decision is very important because, as we hear St. Paul declare in today’s second reading, Christ has been raised from the dead. We, who like Adam, will die, want to be brought to life in Christ. We want to be among those who belong to Christ. We want to inherit the kingdom prepared for us for it is the only eternal kingdom, the only kingdom where everyone will find true peace and endless joy.