True King on the Cross

Solemnity of Christ the King

[November 20, 2016]

Luke 23:35-43

 “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luk 23:43)”

The liturgical celebration of Christ the King is a recent development in the Church. It was Pope Pius XI who instituted the feast day in 1925 in October. Pope Paul VI in 1969 dedicated the last Sunday of the Ordinary Time in the Church’s liturgical calendar to our Lord Jesus Chris, the King of the Universe. Though it was a recent practice in the Church, the truth was revealed in the Scriptures.

Jesus opened His public ministry by proclaiming the Kingdom of God. If God is the King and Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, Jesus was the natural heir to the throne of this Kingdom. Yet, the kingship of Jesus Christ was more pronounced in His passion and death. Some Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy because Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God, even God Himself (see John 8:58). However, instead simply stoning Him to death, the leaders wanted a more painful and shameful death for Jesus. They decided to bring Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader of Judea. Since Pilate did not judge on the religious quarrel, the Jewish leaders accused Jesus to be the self-proclaimed the King of the Jews. To be a king in rebellion against the Caesar was considered a high treason, and deserved the crucifixion. Jesus was then condemned to death, and on the cross, the accusation was nailed: Jesus from Nazareth, the King of Jews, in Latin, Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum or INRI.

In today’s Gospel, we read from St. Luke who wrote beautifully the event on the cross. For the enemies of Jesus, the crucifixion was an utter mockery of Jesus being a king and the Messiah. One of the main duties of a king and Messiah is to save his people, but then, Jesus was nailed on the cross, and unable even to save Himself. The hostile Jews mocked him as a useless Messiah, while the Roman soldiers jeered him as a good-for-nothing king. Even one of the criminals added insult to the injury. Indeed, Jesus was helpless, extremely weak and bearing extreme and prolonged pains. His friends and disciples left him. His followers abandoned Him. Death awaited Him. It was a moment of apparent total failure.

However, in this hour of darkness, when everyone thought that it was the end of Jesus’ reign, Jesus performed the supreme kingly act. He forgave and saved the repentant criminal on the cross. Instead of nagging, complaining, or cursing, he uttered blessing. Instead of condemning and seeking revenge, He healed. Instead of falling into despair, He gave hope. His rule was not based on brute force and violence, but on justice, mercy and love. This is the true King, Jesus is our King.

If we acclaim Jesus as our King and we are sharing His Kingship in baptism, it is proper for us to exercise this same kingly power. At a time when we are facing many difficulties, when we are hurt, and when we feel so weak, we are empowered to do kingly acts: to bless, to heal, and to give hope. Yes, it is difficult, but if we have a King who is able to love despite all ugliness, so we are also able to love in the midst of brokenness.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP