Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Nov. 24, 2013
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
We are in a very skeptical age, especially in regards to politics and those in public life. Some statistics have shown that as little as 25% trust the politicians. No matter what the party or political persuasions. There is a cynicism in the air. And who could blame people? We are bombarded with daily with scandals from misuse of funds, to lying, and indecent behavior.
Is this a new problem? Well, it may be a bit worse now, but it is not really unique to our age. We are today a much more connected society. There are dramatically faster and more efficient ways of communicating today. It is not new to have leaders fall or at least not to live up to our expectations.
They wanted a king
Israel begged God in the Old Testament to give them a king like the other nations. Through the prophets, the people were reminded that God alone was their King and the Law (10 Commandments) was a sure guide for their lives. Eventually, the Lord gave Israel what they asked for in King Saul. It wasn’t long before Saul fell from grace. He disappointed God and the people through his jealousy and lust for power. Next, Samuel anointed David king of Israel. David was called to “shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.” He was a man of immense talents and gifts, yet he too fell victim to sin.
Even the great king David became unworthy of his office. He had an affair with a married women, Bathsheba, and then had her husband killed in battle. David did repent, but God promised through the prophets to bring a True King from his own line. This would be the Messiah who would raise Israel to heights previously unheard of.
A different type of king
But who could blame Israel for being skeptical? Who could blame us today for being skeptical? Fallen human nature does not mix well with absolute power. The Messiah, though, was to be a much different type of king. We see in the Gospel today just how dissimilar Jesus’ reign will be. Our Lord will be the “Suffering Servant” prophesized in Isaiah. He will rule by laying down His life for His flock and giving an example to all Christian leaders. This deeply affects Dismas (the good thief) who is watching Jesus as he too bears His cross. Dismas likely has heard of Christ’s powerful example, words, and miracles. But now Jesus humbly bears the cross like a criminal. Dismas is profoundly affected by the humility and dignity with which the Lord carries the cross, though He “has done nothing criminal.”
Jesus is the Innocent Lamb led to be sacrificed for all of Israel. It takes a humble and contemplative man to look beyond the shame and see the unthinkable sacrifice. This is a new kind of love, which is sacrificial. Dismas recognizes that only God could do this!! So the Good Thief is converted on the spot and guaranteed a place in paradise.
It is in incomprehensible that God “whom all fullness was pleased to dwell” would lay down His life to free His people in a way that is beyond our image of leadership. Jesus’ kingdom is a “kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.”
Our Servant Leader
Our King is not like all other rulers. He is the Servant Leader. Jesus gives each of us an example of leadership as parents in family, as priests, as teachers, as managers… What a powerful witness it is to be a servant of those who look to us! May we follow Christ the King by laying down our lives for those entrusted to us. Then one day our Servant Leader will lead us to heaven where we will enjoy His benevolent rule forever.