Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kindgom"

Luke 23: 35-43

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm

I recently saw the movie “Nuremberg.” I enjoy such films about true historical events and in my estimation, despite some expected Hollywood “adjustments” for dramatic effect, from what I understand, it stays very close to the actual tragic events and the book upon which it is based.  The Second World War is quickly winding down, Hitler is dead and his Nazi Empire has been defeated.  Now the main generals, directly responsible for horrendous human atrocities in the callous treatment of human beings, and principally the Holocaust the “Final Solution” in which 6 million Jews and others, were systematically exterminated in death camps, are arrested for sentencing. We know the outlines of this dark period in human history, and we pray will never be repeated.However, as I was walking out of the theatre and back to my car, one woman happened to catch up with me. She was a total stranger and wondered if I saw the movie.  I said I did, and then she remarked, “It’s still happening today you know.” Sadly, I agreed with her and said simply, “we have to be extra vigilant.”

I use this example on this Sunday’s triumphant Feast Jesus Christ King of the Universe. That’s quite a title indeed and one the likes of Adolf Hitler and other cold and heartless dictators would have wanted.  The film clearly brought out the shocking arrogance of the general who was second in command after Hitler, Herman Goering. But where is Hitler, Goering, and others like them today? Despite the cries to dispense with any trial and just execute them in the most humiliating way, they were found guilty and then eliminated. Have they conquered their enemies and taken over the Universe? I think not. There is no reason to believe that those today who are in the same mold, will ultimately be any more successful.

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. In our Gospel reading, perhaps like the victims of the Nazi’s, Jesus innocently hangs from a cross and is treated like the most despicable of criminals.  

Yet, by contrast, as victim he rises up and becomes Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of all humankind and of all creation. He has earned for our salvation, this right title which implies that in God, all things are under his rule.

The origin of this feast, which is relatively modern was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI who guided the Church at a time when Communism, Marxism, and the terror of the Nazi’s grabbed the world attention with fantasies of world domination. 

The names of Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler all ruthless atheistic dictators are put down by the Church in proclaiming Jesus Christ the only true ruler above all earthly rulers and powers.  Pope Pius established this powerful feast for all Christians to proclaim the Lord’s glory as the one and only true Lord and ruler of the universe.

We have journeyed for months with the Lord through the liturgical Ordinary Time and have reflected on Jesus’ instructions, parables, miracle stories so this weekend we conclude that long yearly series, by an acknowledgement of what it all means for us. 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.

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.  Have you given that much thought? This God incarnate rests in your hands and enters your body as food. As you receive the Eucharist, whether priest, deacon or minister of communion they are essentially invisible.  It is Christ alone who we encounter under the sign of bread and wine if offered.

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 he 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. We come, repentant for our sin, to encounter the living Christ.

This king feeds us with an invitation to gather with him around an altar of mercy and love. As Pope Francis has put: “The Church is a field hospital.”  A place for healing and comfort on the battlefield of our lives. 

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.

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Let us pray: 

Almighty ever-living God,

whose will is to restore all things,

in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,

grant that th whole creation, set free from slavery

may render your majesty service

and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 

who lives and reigns with you in the unity

of the Holy Spirit, 

God, for ever and ever.

(Collect of Mass)