Sunday.blog
The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 21, 2004
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122:1-5
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
I didn't get very far reading today's First Reading when it occurred to me that there's something in human nature that "wants a king." Maybe it's just some kind of childish desire that makes us want to think about someone who is rich and exciting, someone different, better than ourselves. Yet, we also know enough stories about kings who were cruel, inept, silly and just plain evil. What then is the fascination?
Perhaps it's an innate awareness that even though we're freedom-loving creatures we understand our limitations and desire the security of knowing that something or someone is bigger than us and might be in charge to rescue us if we fail.
So, we construct governments, appoint committees, elect officials. Invariably, we're disappointed, even though the right 'king' got elected. We start to see their shortcomings, recognize their limitations and their penchant for wrongdoing. And, we question: were all our longings infantile and silly?
The answer is noooo--except that the king we're looking for, isn't of this earth, though just as real and even more capable than we could ever desire or imagine. There is only One who can satisfy our desires--be they of a child, or of a cogent, world-wise adult. That King is Christ Our King and He's ready to accept the homage of His people, work His power on their behalf, destroy their enemies. But,unlike any other king, He doesn't impose His right to rule, but seeks the loving fiat of every subject at every moment.
Let us give Him then, that mandate to be King of our life. Let Him know all the things we ever wanted or desired or feared and then believed as a child believes in a fairy tale king that this King can accomplish it. But He is no fairy tale king. This King, is the Beloved Son of the Father, our Brother and Redeemer, the Word Made Flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit, my King, my Lord and my God: Jesus Christ the King!
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)
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