Happy Feast of Christ the King: King of our Heart! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Feast of Christ the King: King of our Heart! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Feast of Christ the King! Polycarp, the second-century bishop of Smyrna, was brought before the Roman authorities and told to curse Christ; if he did, he would be released. He replied, "Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong: how then can I blaspheme my King, Jesus Christ, who saved me?" The Roman officer replied, "Unless you change your mind, I will have you burnt." But Polycarp said, "You threaten a fire that burns for an hour, and after a while is quenched; for you are ignorant of the judgment to come and of everlasting punishment reserved for the ungodly. Do what you wish."
Thirty-Fourth Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King! In 1925, Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King at the close of the liturgical year, and he proclaimed: “Pax Christi in regno Christi” (“The peace of Christ in the reign of Christ”). This feast asserts the sovereignty of Christ the King. The disciple of Christ, the citizen of His Kingdom, is called to obey the commandment of love: love the Lord your God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31).
In the first reading from the book of Samuel, all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, David made a covenant with God, and he was anointed as the King of Israel. Saul was the first King, and he disobeyed God, so God chose David. David was anointed King of Israel with all the tribes united under him. In this role, he was the type of Christ who all bear the title “King of Israel,” although his Kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36).
The Gospel reading (Lk 23:35-43) reminds us that Christ’s kingship in this life is manifest through the suffering of the Cross. Jesus willingly accepted the punishment of humanity’s offense and, through his sacrifice, brought us redemption. Our King is he who laid down his life for his people. Throughout the Old Testament, we can read the messianic prophecies. At the royal entrance to Jerusalem, the people shouted, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). Later when Jesus was arrested the same people shouted, “Crucify, Crucify him” (Luke 23:21). Based on the Gospel of Luke one of the criminals who were hanged railed at Jesus, but in the Gospel of Mark 15:32, both railed at him. However, the penitent thief receives salvation through Jesus, who was crucified. Jesus’ words to the repentant thief reveal that the destiny of the Christian is “to be with Jesus.”
Jesus invites us to establish His kingdom in our hearts, in our homes, in our churches, and in our communities. It is an invitation to live in the presence of God. The curtain in the Temple separated the presence of God in the Holy of Holies from the people. It tears from top to bottom, signifying that the sacrificial death of Christ opens the path for people to the very presence of God. While we are here, we are called to establish his kingdom in our hearts, but through our union with the resurrection of Christ, the gates of paradise is open for us.
There are corporal and spiritual works of mercy. When we celebrated the Year of Mercy, we reflected on this in detail. On November 17th is the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who is known for her corporal works of mercy. She is the patron saint of Catholic charities. Our deeds that provide for the physical or spiritual needs of others are called works of mercy. These works of mercy are an extension of the second commandment of love – love our neighbor. As we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we reflect on the Last judgement. It will be according to our corporal and spiritual works of Mercy. Works of Mercy is the Eucharistic life. Let us ask God to bless us so that we can live this gift He shares with us – the Eucharist- and share it with many.
This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the unending blessings God pours into our lives. We gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the highest form of Thanksgiving prayer. Let us offer thanks for what He has given, and for who He is: our King, our Savior, and our constant Hope.
Mother Teresa shared a life story. One evening, a gentleman told Mother Teresa that there was a Hindu family with eight children who had not eaten for a long time. Do something for them. She took rice and immediately gave it to them. Then the mother took the rice, went inside, returned with a small bag, gave it to one of her children, and said something. That child took off with the bag. Mother Teresa was curious and asked the mother where the child had gone. She told Mother Teresa that her next-door neighbor, a Muslim family, didn’t have anything for a couple of days. So, she shared half of the rice she had received from her mother with them. Give thanks for the blessing and share the blessing with others. Happy Thanksgiving!