November 22, 2009 Christ the King Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 1:5-8; Jn. 18:33-37 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/112209.shtml   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   The truth we celebrate today is that Jesus was and is to this day a unique king, who reigns over a unique kingdom. Jesus is the servant king. Jesus was not and is not a king who rules through raw power, greed and manipulation at the expense of others. He did not conscript any army to dominate the minds and hearts of people by force. He lived and modeled a far different style of leadership in life among His people. Jesus' reign as king is revealed in humility, self-emptying and service to others. According to the world's standards, Jesus is a very strange king, one who serves, heals, and uplifts His followers.   To celebrate Christ as king is to enter into the deepest mysteries of faith. All who belong to the truth will be followers of this king and will hear his voice. This truth is not revealed in dominating power but by suffering witnesses.   Jesus is “the friend” who gives his life for others and washes their feet as a symbol of that loving service they are to embody. He is the Good Shepherd who not only seeks the lost, as in the Synoptic Gospels, but lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus’ kingdom does not belong to this world because it rejects the way of violence and domination and the pretensions.   The liturgical year is a kind of journey through the mysteries of salvation. The end of the year, which we mark today, brings us to the end of the journey, and here we find the victorious Christ enthroned in glory. In faith we believe that he has indeed conquered the forces of sin and death, and he is already enthroned with God. In anticipation, we look forward to his final glorious appearance.   So much in this world could lead to hopelessness. Besides the usual pitfalls that we always find on the path of life, today we have come to realize that in no place on the globe are we really safe. Furthermore, our confidence in both religious and political leadership has been shaken. Finally, job security has collapsed; poverty has eaten away the fabric of many communities; and crime seems to be rampant. For many, circumstances appear to be going from bad to worse. This feast, with its apocalyptic themes, could not have come at a better time. It reminds us that the battle has already been won; Christ is really triumphant. Now it is up to us to make his reign present in our world.     <<   Previous: 33rd Sunday of the Year  |   Next: First Sunday of Advent (C) >>     Go Back to SERMONS (Year B)