Christ the King – Ruler of Hearts!

Sunday, November 26, 2023

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Ez 34:11-12,15-17; 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46

Today, our Mother Church celebrates the universal kingship of Jesus.

How is Jesus a King? 

We understand Jesus’ kingship in expressions like ‘Jesus coming in glory,’ ‘angels with Him,’ ‘sitting upon glorious throne,’ and ‘nations assembling before him.’ While all these point to the royal court, the Gospel also reads, ‘The ‘King’ will say to those on the right.’ And the two groups address the King as ‘Lord.’

These are explicit kingship titles.

But do these titles make Jesus a King? If so, why did he not cling to them and instead choose to lead an ordinary life? 

If so, we understand that Jesus is a different kind of king, and his kingdom is not of this world. In the Gospel, we find Jesus’ kingship and kingdom manifesting some exclusive characteristics. 

A King who cares: Jesus’ kingdom puts forward uniquely different ideals. It does not propose achieving extraordinary feats. It is not about waging a battle and winning wars against empires. Rather, it is about caring for the neglected and attending to the marginalized. Jesus is king because he cares for the least of the society. 

A King who does not tolerate sins of omission: Often, we think only ‘sins of commission’ (what we do) are bad. But Jesus highlights the ‘sins of omission’ (what we fail to do, ignore, or overlook). According to Jesus, we cannot bisect moral life. Avoiding sin is not just enough. Doing the good is more important. As such, in Jesus’ Kingdom, indifference is scandalous. Apathy is immoral. Insensitivity is sinful. To be disciples of the Kingdom is to grow in responsibility toward the needy neighbor.

A King who does not judge: More often than not, it is not Jesus who judges, but we stand judged by what we do. Jesus is a merciful and compassionate king. Hence, it is not that the judge is against us, but our sins are. We stand condemned by our own sinfulness. 

A King who makes the least his representatives: Jesus equates himself with the least when he says, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Those who are disadvantaged represent the disadvantage of the King himself. Such radical identification is the hallmark of Jesus’ kingship. 

A King who shares his privileges with the good: By extending blessedness to those who are good and making them partakers of the joys of his kingdom, Jesus makes the good his equals. If we are faithful in following Jesus, we have the surety that we will be made sharers of the blessings that are exclusive to the King himself. 

In the first reading, God reveals Himself in the image of a caring shepherd. Paul, in the second reading, speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus in renouncing his throne to redeem sinful humanity. 

In short, Jesus reveals his kingship in his care, humility, and service. 

Then, what kind of kingship is that? 

Jesus, the King, is the ruler of hearts. His kingdom is founded on compassion, mercy, and justice. The law of his land is the law of love. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar