FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My Dear Parishioners,
Stories of kings and queens are often relegated to fairy tales or medieval gallantry. Sometimes, of course, we see modern royalty in the media. Many might remember the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana decades ago, and more recently their son Prince Harry to Megan Markel. But modern royals tend to be figureheads rather than political heads of state. So it can seem a bit odd to celebrate Christ the King. He is certainly more than a figurehead. Jesus was in fact king, but He was a king in a way unforeseen.
The Gospel reading for today brings us into the scene between Jesus and Pilate. Of course, we know how it will end, ultimately with the crucifixion and the antagonizing sign proclaiming Jesus, “King of the Jews.” But hear in the midst of the conversation we hear eternal questions to cause us to consider, “What is truth?” Jesus makes a straightforward claim that He is a king, and He has been sent to testify to the truth. Pilate is wrapped up in a semantic argument about the nature of truth. He doesn’t see the incarnation of truth, the King of Kings, standing before his eyes. And in Pilate’s blindness, he will put to death Jesus as the King of the Jews.
On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King, the anointed one of God who comes to reveal the truth of God’s love for all of us. In the figure of the gospel Jesus, we realize the essential truth of life: that we are loved by a God who created us to a degree we cannot begin to fathom; that we are loved by a God who refuses to give up on His creation; that we are loved by a God who humbles Himself to become one of us in order to make us like Him. It is that very truth that stands right before Pilate, and he is unable to fathom it. To be a faithful disciple of Christ is to be a servant to the truth that is the complete and unconditional love of God for mankind: love that liberates and renews, that gives and sustains life and hope, that illuminates our vision and understanding to enable us to see our world in the intended design of God.
So the early Christians, even us today, continue to proclaim Jesus as King. He is no mere figurehead. Instead He shares the title with Yahweh, “great King over all the gods.” What Pilate said in mockery was utterly true. Jesus Christ is King.
Let me end with this question: How does your life make it known that you serve Christ the King of the Universe?
Peace,
Fr. Monteleone
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