S e n t i r e C u m E c c l e s i a

"To keep ourselves right in all things, we ought to hold fast to this principle: What seems to me to be white, I will believe to be black if the hierarchical Church thus determines it. For we believe that between Christ our Lord, the Bridegroom, and the Church, His Spouse, there is the one same Spirit who governs and guides us for the salvation of our souls..." - Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius [365]

Saturday, November 24, 2007

A Different Kingdom

We celebrate today the last Sunday of the Liturgical year, the Sunday of the Solemnity of Christ the King. I think it is fitting that we end the liturgical year with this celebration, acclaiming the Kingship and the Kingdom of Christ Jesus. But what exactly is His kingship and kingdom?

We remember Jesus saying to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. In other words, Jesus' kingdom is of a different kind, a totally different flavor. We all know that kings and royalties are served, and as they rule over their domains, they are put on a pedestal. But Jesus' kingship and kingdom are far far different from this type. Jesus' kingdom is of service, of giving and not counting the cost, and of love, that is of loving till it totally hurts. Those are the ideals of His Kingship and Kingdom; and rightly so, He was the perfect model. He came to serve and was never served; he loved to the very end, even to the point of death.

As we celebrate Christ the King, let us remind ourselves of this kingship and kingdom that Jesus espouses. Are we really ready and willing to embrace Him as King?!