November 20, 2021 // Perspective
The kingdom of the Almighty God has no end
Feast of Christ the King
John 18:33b-37
This weekend, in great joy and thanksgiving, the Church closes its year. As it looks back through the days and months of 2021, it gives thanks for salvation achieved in Christ the Lord. He is king, and justice and peace only occur when Jesus truly is acknowledged as Lord.
The Book of Daniel supplies the first reading. When this book was written, God’s people were experiencing many trials. The book includes a certain literary exaggeration among its techniques, impressing upon readers the depth of the troubles being faced by God’s people at this time but also dramatizing God’s redemption and protection. God subdues every evil force.
In this reading, a certain unnamed representative of God appears. He is identified by his title, “Son of Man.” He is not always eagerly received, however. Still, His forbearance clearly is a model to follow. He will prevail. In the New Testament, Jesus was called the “Son of Man.”
For its second reading, the feast’s liturgy looks to the Book of Revelation. Of all the New Testament books, none is as dramatic and indeed mysterious as Revelation.
This reading is straightforward and bold, leaving no question as to its message that Jesus rose from the dead, rules the world and vivifies with eternal life and with strength all who love God. Jesus has no equal. He has no substitute. His way is the only way. His example alone is worth imitating. He gives life. He is victorious.
St. John’s Gospel furnishes the last reading. It is a bittersweet reading for this great, joyous feast. In this scene, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the Holy Land, called “Palestina” at the time of Jesus, went immediately to the heart of the charge against Jesus. Was Jesus a king? Did he rival the mighty emperor of Rome?
Jesus replied, but by referring to a reality very different from what Pilate has in mind. Pilate was interested in the political and social stability of the Roman Empire. Jesus spoke of a kingdom much more profound, that of human hearts — an eternal kingdom.
Jesus affirmed kingship. He was indeed the king, anointed by God to bring all people back to the Father in heaven.
He is the sole provider of everlasting life. He gives peace of heart and strength of purpose. He provides direction. He is Lord.
Reflection
The earthly high and mighty come. They also go. Politicians, athletes, entertainers gleam like shooting stars, but they vanish. Enduring on the public stage for almost 70 years, however, has been Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Consistently, she has been among the world’s most respected women. Her claim to fame has not been about sheer power, but rather it is about inspiring patriotism and high ideals through example. She has come to be a symbol of devotion to responsibility naturally.
Elizabeth II grew into adulthood during World War II, when her parents, the late King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, were treasured examples of the highest national and human values. They inspired the people, and this inspiration uplifted British hearts.
In the war’s darkest days, rumors circulated that the king and queen, or certainly their daughters, would flee to the safety of Canada. Once, a man shouted at the present queen’s mother, “Are you going to Canada?”
Her mother turned, and in her legendary poise and quickness of thought, said, “My daughters will not go without me. I will not go without the king. And the king? The king? The king will never, ever, ever leave you!”
The Royal Family never left. Their steadfastness earned for them the British people’s love. Elizabeth II enjoys it still.
Christ the King will never, ever leave us.
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