Today, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, a day to reflect on the true nature of kingship.
Just a few months ago, the world watched as King Charles III was crowned in a ceremony filled with tradition and splendor. Yet, in today's Gospel, we encounter a different kind of king - Jesus Christ, whose throne was a cross and whose crown was made of thorns.
In his coronation, King Charles offered a prayer that echoes the message of Christ our King:
"God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (Emphasis added by me)
This prayer beautifully captures the essence of Christ's kingship - a reign not of power and dominion, but of service and sacrifice.
In a similar vein, our first reading from Ezekiel and Psalm 23 present God as the ultimate Shepherd, caring for His flock with a deep, personal commitment. This shepherd imagery resonates with the kingship of Jesus, who leads not from a throne of power, but through walking alongside us, guiding and nurturing.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear Jesus Himself tell us, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
This is the royal law of Christ the King: to serve with compassion, to love without boundaries, and to find in this service our truest freedom.
As we honor Christ our King today, let us remember that His kingdom is not of this world.
It is a kingdom where the humble are lifted up, the hungry are fed, the strangers are welcomed, and the lost are found. In a world that often values power and prestige, let us embrace the gentle kingship of Jesus, who calls us to a life of service and love.
May this Feast of Christ the King inspire us to follow in the footsteps of our Servant King, finding in His path of loving service the true freedom and peace that He promises.
"God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that we may find in your service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that we may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (Emphasis added by me.)