What images come to mind when we hear the word “king”? We may think of great kings through the centuries of human history, such as King David in today’s first reading from the Second Book of Samuel…or maybe of great sports figures, who are the best in their sport. We always get an image of power, supremacy, dominance, authority etc. As Catholic Christians, we celebrate today the Feast of Christ the King. When Pilate asked Jesus if He is a king: Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. (Jn18:36). Every king has a kingdom. Jesus often spoke about the Kingdom of God with parables that began… the Kingdom of God is like… We know that the power of Christ the King is love – the most powerful force in the world…not a surprise, since God is love! Jesus Christ’s loving power is found in His humility and self-emptying – leadership through service, a servant-King!
What did Jesus say about His kingdom? I assure you that whoever does not accept the reign of God like a little child shall not take part in it. (Mk10:15) We must have childlike trust in God. It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. (Mk10:25) We must become rich in what matters to God, using our worldly treasures to help the least of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Seek first his kingship over you, his way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides. (Mt6:33) We make Jesus Christ #1 in our life and everything else falls into a proper perspective. He went on to say: What comparison shall we use for the reign of God? What image will help to present it? It is like a mustard seed…(Mk4:30-31) The Kingdom of God grows through our cooperation with God’s divine grace. Like Mary, Mother of God, we give our “fiat”, our yes to God’s will continuously – seeing His presence and action in our lives. It is God who takes our acts of loving service and multiplies them to bear fruit in souls. I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit. (Jn3:5) We are Baptized with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. At Baptism we first receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We receive from God, our inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
We call Jesus Christ our King. Every king has a queen and Mary, Mother of God is our queen. Mary always leads us closer to her Son. May Mary lead us in loving service to our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe! God bless us all always! Deacon Mike