". . . today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23: 35 - 43
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112022.cfm
Presently on the video streaming service Netflix, one of
the most popular shows is called “The Crown.” Though it may have elements of a
British soap opera with its display of human foibles and the joys and travails
of the present British royal family, the story is compelling and rich on
history and the life and reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. While privilege
may have some advantages and definite comforts the real-life tragedies of the
English royal family strangely fascinate us all the more. We like the pomp and privilege, the grand palaces, the titles of rank
and the elaborate uniforms and elegant gowns of the women. No one can put on such as display as the British are known for. There is something
about Kings and Queens that holds much fascination. Fairytales come true? Perhaps.
Today we conclude the liturgical year with the
celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It is anything but a fairytale. The exalted
title of King of the Universe may be impressive and not without implications of
grand things. Jesus Christ is Lord and
Savior of all humankind and of all creation.
The bonds of death and the power of evil have lost the battle and will
in the end be destroyed by this “King” of the Universe. Despite the majority who have shunned the imagined
trappings of royalty in our personal lives, we still owe Christ this right
title which implies that in God, all things are under his rule.
The origin of this feast goes back less than 100 years to
Pope Pius XI who guided the Church at a time when Communism, Marxism, and the
terror of the Nazi’s grabbed the world attention. The names of Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin and
Adolf Hitler all ruthless atheistic dictators who had their eye on world
domination are put down by the Church in proclaiming Jesus Christ the only true
ruler above all earthly dictators and powers.
So Pope Pius established this powerful Feast in 1925 for all Christians
to proclaim the Lord’s glory and power over all. The one and only true Lord and
ruler of our lives.
We have journeyed for months with the Lord through the
liturgical Ordinary Time and have reflected on Jesus instructions, parables,
miracle stories this weekend we conclude that long yearly series, by an
acknowledgement of what it all means for us. Now at the end of that long
procession the great King enters. That Jesus, our teacher, wonder-worker, and
Savior is indeed “King” of all that is.
As we say in the Creed he is: “God
from God; light from light; true God from true God . . .”
With an image such as that we may feel more fear and
trembling rather than any desire to gather close to this King. But, the Gospel image this Sunday of this
crucified “King of the Jews” is one that gives us pause. If Jesus is truly a King
he certainly did not behave as one.
In the fourth century of Christianity we find a familiar
quote from St. Cyril of Jerusalem about the reception of the Holy Eucharist: “Make a throne of your hands in which to
receive the King.” Clearly, the
reception of Communion in the hand was a familiar practice among Christians
before these words were spoken. It reminds us that communion in the hand was
not an invention of the Second Vatican Council but rather a return to an
ancient practice in the Church.
The point of the practice is this. In the reception of Holy Communion, and we
must always remind ourselves of this truth, we do not receive a thing – a piece
of unleavened bread or a “wafer” as some have referred to. We receive a person
– the Lord Jesus Christ, our King in his true risen presence as St. Cyril
reminds us. This King now will sit upon the throne of our hands. Of course we don’t thank of that in literal material
sense but rather as a spiritual reality. Have you given that much thought? This
God incarnate rests in your hands and enters your body as food.
He feeds us with his own person for the King is our
food. What sort of King would be so
concerned about his sheep, as we see King David called a shepherd in the first
reading, to be so invested in his subjects as to lay down his life for them?
What King has ever died for his citizens? Not an earthly one to be sure. In a
sense, today’s Feast reminds us that our earthly sense of human power, royalty
and prestige is not fitting when it comes to the fullest understanding of what
God has done for us in Jesus Christ the King.
However, from the cross, this Jesus speaks not words of
judgment or issues edicts and proclamations. Nor does he condemn those who had
tortured him or Pontius Pilate who handed him over to the executioners, or the
crowds who called for his death.
Rather forgives them from his “throne,” the cross, then
he turns to the thief next to him and speaks words of mercy: “Amen, I say to you, this day you will be
with me in Paradise.” It is the food of mercy and forgiveness to an act of
faith in Jesus expressed by the thief: “Jesus,
remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
The cross was transformed to a throne of glory that leads
to the resurrection. It shows us that
this ruler, the Lord of our lives has come to break the hold of death and
through a life of compassionate sacrificial service models for us what it means
to be Lord and Savior. But, like the thief
who hung next to him unless we see ourselves as sinners before this King of
mercy, we will not understand what kind of royalty he is.
This King feeds us with an invitation to gather with him
around an altar of mercy and love. We need him to rule over us and in us as we
seek to be transformed by his love. As Pope Francis has put: “The Church is a
field hospital.” A place for healing and
comfort on the battle field of our lives.
The same is true in the Holy Eucharist, Christ comes to us as the Divine
Physician and invites us to present our wounds for healing but he at the same
time deserves our gratitude for the sacrifice he has made for our salvation. Like
our upcoming Thanksgiving meals, our response is to gather, to be thankful, to
be nourished, and to go and feed others with the good news of mercy and
conversion.
How many are hungry that we never see? Though it may feel
a bit unusual at first, maybe an extra chair around your Thanksgiving tables
this Thursday could be added – a throne for the King who will feed you with
more than any table could ever hold. Make room for this shepherd, this
crucified Lord, this King risen in glory who feeds us.
No comments:
Post a Comment