Solemnity of Christ the King
(Cycle “B" – November 26, 2006)

Q. 399: The word “King” doesn’t do much for me today, as an American. How can I relate the gospel (Jn 18:33-37) to my own life?

A. 399:
I sometimes wonder what image the “average” person calls to mind when he hears the word “King.” Dictators and monarchs are mostly a reality of the past, and now seem to be simply a link to a time of ancient glories and conquests. No offense is intended in the view that a modern “king” is simply a memory to cling to, akin to our “national historical sites” – to be carefully preserved but not used. It is part of our heritage, and in some quarters a source of national pride. Kings had several things in common: they were rich; they didn’t “mix” with the common hoi-polloi; and unlimited power was their instrument for stability.

With Christ the King we encounter a quite different kind of king. By his very life and manner of death he showed the world that the only riches that count are the riches of selfless love. This king also spent all of his public life mingling with the hoi-polloi, the common folk, showing us that every person has equal dignity in the eyes of God. Finally, this king also had unlimited power – he worked miracles, healed the marginalized, and promised to share his power with us.

In the gospel story (Jn 18:33-37) Jesus sets Pontius Pilate straight, when he told him he had the wrong view of king and kingdom when it came to the Messiah. THIS king came to speak the truth; his followers will “hear” his voice, if they are committed to the truth.

Today we “hear” the voice of Jesus when we read Holy Scripture, and when we study how the Magisterium (teaching office of the Roman Catholic Church) applies Jesus’ words to modern life. Are you “listening” to both, and then acting on those truths?

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Every baptized Catholic is called to profess the truth whenever a witness to the faith, to the truth, is required (CCC #2471). Our Church teaches that it is an obligation, indeed a joyful one, to witness to their faith by the example of their lives and the witness of their words (CCC #2472).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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