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.