Reflection for The Feast of Christ the King
As we come to the end of our liturgical year, this weekend we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. How does one sum up the “love story” that unfolds for us in this year-long journey? Our scripture readings present to us “the last word” about our God who has come to us and remains with us. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe:” a title, not of domination, royalty, or servitude, but of total love and service.
We do honor and revere Him (Our entrance antiphon proclaims, “How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor.”) Yet, through Jesus, God has bestowed on us these very gifts. “God has transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son.” His reign is a total reversal of the roles we usually assign to royalty and servitude. His title is displayed for us on the cross: Jesus from Nazareth, King of the Jews. His power is displayed in his laying down his life for us. (St. Ignatius says that this is the greatest sign of God’s love for us.)
Centuries before the coming of Jesus, his ancestor David was chosen as a king: “Here we are, your bone and your flesh…and the Lord said to you: You shall shepherd my people.”
The Lamb of God reigns as our Shepherd. The words of this familiar hymn sum up in a beautiful way the One we celebrate and revere on this Solemnity:
The King of love my shepherd is whose goodness fails me never.
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever…
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with you, dear Lord, beside me.
Your rod and staff my comfort still, your cross before to guide me.
And so, through all the length of days Your goodness fails me never.
Good shepherd, may I sing your praise within your house forever.
Len Kraus, S.J.
No comments:
Post a Comment