Solemnity of Christ the King (B) There are three key figures in Old Testament society. The priest heals and sacrifices. The prophet teaches and preaches repentance. The king protects society from invasion and rightly orders life within the city.

We often think of Jesus as priest or as prophet. Today we focus on Jesus as King. Jesus tells Pontius Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world." How is Jesus different from the kingdom of this world? The kingdoms of this world use violence to enforce their will. Jesus allows people to choose or reject his kingdom. This world's kings want to control the truth. Jesus is the truth, and all who are of the truth hear his voice. Earthly kings want to be the highest power. Jesus submits himself to his Father. Kings sacrifice others; Jesus sacrifices himself. Jesus is a king who is also a servant. The kingdoms of this world are passing away; Jesus' kingdom is eternal.

We don't get to vote on the King, which is good, because we have a terrible track record when it comes to picking good leaders for ourselves. We do get to vote ourselves into his kingdom or out of it. When we let Jesus be the Lord of our life, he protects us and rightly orders our lives.

Blessed Franz Jägerstätter was convinced that serving the true King meant he could not participate the Nazi German war of aggression. He has been recognized as a martyr. Jesus is the Priest, the Prophet, and the King. When we let him be our King, we enter here and now into the Kingdom that is not of this world.

(24 Nov 2024)

Going Deeper: How does Jesus protect his people? Have you experienced his order within your inner world and also among his people?

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