King? King!

Gospel          
November 22, 2009
Solemnity of Christ the King         
Jn. 18:33b-37

by:  Charles Edric T. Co

It is easy for us to notice the contrast that exists between today’s Gospel and the Solemnity we are celebrating this very day.  After all, why is He whose kingship we celebrate today being interrogated by Pilate in today’s Gospel?  And why did the Church use today’s Gospel reading on this very occasion of the Solemnity of Christ the King?

In response to these questions on the seemingly contradicting themes of today are two complementing ideas:  one on the essence of kingship, the other on Christ’s kingdom.

The essence of kingship (or, for more modern minds, leadership) is reflected in Christ’s deeds and actions.  It lies neither in being served nor in being honored, but in serving and honoring the people one leads.  Through His ultimate example, Jesus showed us that service is the true essence of kingship—that it is through service that one is able to truly lead his/her flock.  This serves as a call for everyone who leads—government officials, company executives, Church leaders, organization heads, heads of the family, etc.—to follow the way of Jesus, the true King, in leading his people.

Also in today’s Gospel, Pilate asks Jesus if He is a King, claiming ignorance because he is not a Jew.  Through His response to Pilate’s question, Jesus tells us that His kingdom is not of this world.  By doing so, he does not only tell Pilate that his unbelief in His Kingship does not change the fact that Jesus is the King, but he also tells us that His kingdom is not only limited to the Jews.  Instead, His kingdom consists of every person who believes in the truth to which He testifies and for which He came to this world.

Even though Jesus is King whether we believe Him or not, He asks each of us to welcome Him into our hearts and make Him the King of our lives.  Is He your King?