We conclude the liturgical year on a triumphant note as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Even in a democracy where we elect leaders, this Feast has much to say to us about Kingship, even as Joe Biden celebrated his first birthday as US president on Saturday, November 20.
We rejoice on this Feast that Christ truly is our King, as depicted in the glorious visions of the first two readings and the responsorial Psalm.
Christ indeed has great power, but not necessarily in the way we humans might understand it.
The Gospel reading has a very profound account of a conversation between Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ. While Governor Pilate has the power to execute Jesus, looking more deeply at this conversation, it is really Jesus Who is in charge and Governor Pilate who is on trial for His refusal to acknowledge the Truth before him.
Jesus makes it clear His Kingdom transcends this world, and as a King, He stands for the Truth. Furthermore, He is willing to lay down His life for His people so that, freed from sin, we can be transformed by that Truth to live in the ways of the Kingdom.
He Who once was slain now lives forever and ever, rightly attaining the great power and glory that is His, as described in the glorious visions of the first two readings as the psalm.
As people of Christ's Kingdom, we follow in His way to greatness by laying down our lives, living in the Truth that He is.
I also think about how November 21 is the day the Mayflower Compact was signed. It was a remarkable event when people came together to freely consent to the formation of a new government, and the Pilgrims did so in the spirit of acknowledging the reality of the Kingdom of God present among them and at work in their new colony.
Normally on November 21, we would celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As the first disciple, we look to her example and present ourselves before God's presence, acknowledging His reign that enters into our hearts as we follow His way.
Indeed, we can participate in the invocation in the Lord's Prayer that His Kingdom come to Earth as it is in Heaven by living the ways of the Kingdom that He imparts to us.
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