Walking with Jesus: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

For Sunday, November 24, 2024

Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 1:5-8, John 18:33-37

This week's Gospel is from the 18th chapter of John. The Last Supper has ended and Jesus has led His apostles outside the gates of Jerusalem, down and across the Kidron valley to the garden of Gethsemane to await Judas with a band of soldiers. In three more chapters we read of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. The soldiers seize Him forcefully and lead Him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest, and then to Caiaphas himself where his trial begins before Pilate. Standing before Pilate, Jesus would not appear to be a king to many. Today we are invited — called, really — to envision our King and our God. Have you ever thought about Jesus as our King and our God? He appears defeated yet He is in complete control of His fate, His destiny. They will try to humiliate Him and reduce Him to a quivering prisoner pleading for mercy, acknowledging His dependency on the chief priests, the Sanhedrin, the rulers of Israel and its Roman occupiers — for they are in control. But they are not God: They may seem that they “are or want to be,” but God is our creator who created each person out love, and He has a place in heaven for all and invites each of us to our eternal home in heaven. Do I choose to say “yes” to this invitation? Or am I avoiding it because I’m not worthy? It’s not about worthiness, it's about God’s love which is constant and forever for each and all of creation. Do I let God be God to me, and follow His invitation and graces to get to heaven?

Starting point: There is absolutely no doubt that Jesus is crucified for pretending to be a messiah. There are many things about Jesus’ trial and condemnation that are uncertain or disputed, but it is totally clear that both Jewish and Roman authorities condemn Jesus as messiah and king. “King” is the Roman equivalent of “messiah.” The title posted on the cross — “King of the Jews” — is the actual charge, not an invention of Pilate. Today’s readings give insight into what the “kingship of Jesus” means.

The prophet foresees the coming of one who will have dominion over all peoples. It is easy for us as Christians to see this as Jesus Christ the Universal King. Yet on reflection this title would seem to be all the kinds of things He rejects: a palace, a throne, great power, great wealth, total prestige, servants, an army, and so many more accoutrements. Yet God is the Lord of all, King of the universe, the Ruler and Judge of all … all the while loving each of us every moment of our lives. Daniel anticipates this “mysterious” figure as being installed by God as ruler over the entire universe. He is not scary; He leads us closer to Himself and heaven. His reign has begun on earth. This “Son of Man” may have received His commission in heaven, but His kingdom belongs on earth where each of us can see and live His life of love.

The Apocalypse or Revelation to John — the last book of the Bible — is very difficult to understand because, as in Daniel, it is loaded with unfamiliar and extravagant symbols. Symbolic language is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature. We also see this in Ezekiel, Zechariah and Daniel. Were their visions real experiences of the author, or literary constructs used to deliver a question to ponder and reflect on? Jesus is the subject and is leading us in love to the Father, the Lord of all. It totally confirms Jesus’ being sent by God purposely to tell you, me and all of creation that God is not a vengeful ruler but a loving Father — and to listen to Him. Do we? He is leading us not to fear but to learn that our goal is heaven with Him forever and for everyone.

The trial of Jesus before Pilate revolves around the theme of Jesus’ kingship. Jesus does not answer but declares: “My Kingdom does not belong to this world.” [John 18:36] Think of it this way: Jesus is not ruling over us to control us or to wield strength, power and triumph, but declares to all, forever, that God's plan is heaven for everyone. Each has the choice to realize this or reject it. The overall call to holiness is seen in Jesus’ images: His power of compassion, His caring in the transformative healing of those begging for help, His urgent call for mercy and His total self-giving of love. Jesus doesn’t just announce change, He is the change — our model for living God’s love with the absolute promise of eternal love. Can we read the scriptures in this way? Can we see that total enlightenment is God’s love, and that the total goal is our call to BE WITH GOD FOREVER IN HEAVEN? THIS COMES FROM GOD TO YOU AND ME. COME FOLLOW THE LORD.

So I reflect on:

• We grew up with kings and queens … good guys/gals vs. bad ones. We dreamed and imagined. How did these visions color our understanding of Christ the King? How does our understanding of Christ as King affirm or alter that vision?
• Today’s feast of Christ the King is the end of the liturgical year. Next week we begin the season of Advent, getting in touch with God’s plan for Jesus in the world and in our lives. What should I be thinking about and reflecting on in preparation for Jesus’ coming?   

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Jesus was a king of a different kind, as was His kingdom, not being of this world. He was a spiritual leader who came to bring the fullness of life to His followers. Lord, you desired Your way of love to rule our hearts so that we may be one in You and with You.

“Pilate’s image of a king was of one of the earthly realm, with power and glory. Jesus’ kingdom was where the way and word would find a home in the human heart and give direction to life. May that kingdom of Jesus come, one of love and peace that will transform our lives and relationships.”