Daily Reflection on the feast of Christ the King


MY KINGDOM IS NOT HERE
Do you recognize Jesus' sovereignty over heaven and earth? Jesus was crucified because He claimed to be the Messiah and the King of the Jews Who would rule not only over Israel, but ultimately over all nations as well. What is the significance or meaning of Jesus' Kingship for us? Kingship today seems antiquated in a democratic society where everyone is treated equal and free.
I recently read about St. John Cantius who was born in Poland in 1390. As a boy he was bright and good to those around him. When he got older he became a priest and taught Sacred Scripture at the University of Cracow and also served as a pastor for several years.  He is remembered for his learning and his devotion to the poor. He made four pilgrimages to Rome, on foot, while carrying his luggage on his back. On one of these trips a gang of robbers took his purse, and then asked if he had any more money. Fr. John Cantius said that was all he had, so they sent him on his way. He had not gone very far when he remembered that he had several pieces of gold sewn into his clothes. He hurried back and gave the gold to the robbers, begging them to forgive him for telling a lie. The thieves were so dumbfounded and pleased that they returned all the money they had taken from the Saint!
Today we honor Jesus Christ as our King. We hear Jesus telling Pilate, "My Kingdom does not belong to this world" (Jn 18:36). Jesus admitted that He was a King, but not the kind of king this world knows. He was not a political or military leader. He was not a king of wealth or glamour or power.
What kind of king is He then? Where is His Kingdom? What is His Kingdom? The Preface for today's Mass answers these questions: "... so that, by offering Himself on the altar of the Cross as a spotless sacrifice to bring us peace, He might accomplish the mystery of human redemption and, making all created things subject to His rule, He might present to the immensity of Your majesty an eternal and universal Kingdom, a Kingdom of Truth and Life, a Kingdom of Holiness and Grace, a Kingdom of Justice, Love and Peace." Every time we work for these precious things - Truth, Life, Holiness, Grace, Justice, Love, and Peace - we are working for Jesus, making Jesus Christ our true King.
Truth:  Like St. John Cantius, we need to tell the truth no matter what it costs. Thus, we serve Christ, the King of Truth.
Life: Jesus came that we might have life. His followers, in turn, must promote life. For example, do everything possible to prevent the killing of millions of innocent babies through abortion.
Holiness and Grace: Whatever we do to increase God's life in us, for example, assisting at our parish church, at Mass, and in our community. To hear the call of service as Jesus did - He came to serve, not to be served. Service is a true Icon of Who Jesus is.
Justice:  When we try to be honest in our dealings with God, our neighbor, and ourselves, we are casting a vote for Christ as our Leader and our King.
Love:  Every time we try to please God and help others we are truly showing the outstanding mark of Who we are really subject to - Christ the King!
Peace:  Make every effort to promote peace everywhere and show that we belong to Jesus' Kingdom of peace.
"Thy Kingdom come," we pray in the Our Father. On this Feast of Christ the King, let us all pledge to promote - in our personal lives and in our communities - these inner, spiritual qualities that really make Christ our King.