Do we recognize
and accept Jesus Christ as our King?
To call Christ our King is to recognize in him a myriad
of attributes, some of which may seem odd when juxtaposed. In the Second Book of Samuel, David’s role both
as commander and shepherd of the Lord’s people
make him a logical choice to be anointed
king of Israel. Not only was David a
good leader of Saul’s army, he also brought the Israelites back safely. As shepherd,
the king must lavish care on Israel, protecting the people; they in turn will recognize
and follow him because there is intimacy and trust between them. David will be a strong and dedicated leader,
uniting the tribes with power and authority. Psalm 122 adds to this portrait of David as
king with its reference to the judgment seats
set up for the house of David: David, Jesus’ forbearer, is also a just king,
basing his judgments on wisdom from God, and acknowledging his responsibility
to serve the people with justice.
All of the
attributes given to King David will be Jesus’ attributes as well, but in their
most perfect form, because, as Luke’s Gospel reminds us, Jesus, King of the Jews, is crucified, suffering
humiliation and death for the sake of his sheep, conquering death by dying out
of love. The cross is God’s love made
visible, making entrance for all possible with Jesus’ death. As he embraces the criminal crucified next to him – today, you will be with me in Paradise, he tells him – Jesus embraces
all of creation, forgiving all and opening access for all to that Paradise, to his beloved kingdom with God the Father. Paul adds to this portrait of the king of forgiveness by reminding the Colossians
that Jesus is the image of the invisible
God who rules over all creation; Jesus
is the origin and keeper of creation, head
of the mystical body, yet for all
that, remaining in intimate relationship with all those joined to him in faith
and baptism, that we too might share in
the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
Jesus’ words to the good thief are the last words of our liturgical year
and should resonate for us as well: today you will be with me in Paradise. May we hold to that truth as we celebrate Our
Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe!
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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