Nov 21: To Reign is to Serve

Hugo van der Goes: The Calvary Triptych (central panel)

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Gospel: Lk 23:35-43

“There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews (NRSV, Lk 23:38).’ ”

Lord God, how often I wonder what life with you in eternity will be like. I dare not with James and John ask for a place of honor but the answer which Jesus spoke to them is equally the answer for everyone: All he has to offer is a cup of suffering. For those of us who look to be honored, Jesus, your Son, chides us: "For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Today, Father, we celebrate the closing of the liturgical year with the Solemnity of Christ the King. Jesus is indeed king but in a very new and different meaning of the word. For Jesus, to reign is to serve and he challenges us all to share in that reign and to follow him.

Pontius Pilate had the inscription, “This is the King of the Jews,” placed on the cross over Jesus’ head. Your evangelist Luke well describes the kingship of your Son Jesus in focusing our attention on the power and healing that went out from him to all of those around him. Jesus comforts the women of Jerusalem who had come out to mourn over him. He prays for those who nail him to the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” He comforts the good thief, promising to take him to paradise, and moves the pagan centurion in charge of the Roman guard to proclaim his innocence.

Father, your son Jesus invites all of us to share his kingship and that means to place ourselves, as he did, in the service of others. The gift of your divine life which you offer us at every moment is a gift not to be hoarded up but to be shared. We are truly a royal priesthood when your goodness and love, shared freely with us, goes out from us to all of our sisters and brothers.

Alleluia. Amen.