Once upon a time monarchs wielded incredible power. First century kings like Herod the Great, was renowned for great building projects and for his brutality. He’s remembered for being jealous of a child destined to be a great king, the magi unashamedly ask him “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him“. This is the first of many when kings crossed paths with Christ and his church. At times they grew closer, other times they grew apart from each other. In the 8th century, Charlemagne met Pope Adrian – relations grew stronger.
Later on names like Henry VIII and Charles III charted their own relations with the church. When the Feast of Christ the King was established in the 1920s, monarchs were in steep decline, notably, in Russia where they were overthrown just years earlier. In our modern world, monarchs exercise a different power, soft power through and by ceremonial roles.
In such varied and interesting history of kings, the Feast of Christ the King leaves us with plenty to ponder about. Power was often exercised to further the king’s self interest. The scene of Jesus hanging on the cross to mark this feast turns the understanding of kingship upside down. Christ’s throne is the cross. He exercises power for the interest of the people at his own expense.
As baptised people we share in the kingly office of Christ. Sharing in this office what power do we possess? The greatest power we have is how we choose to respond; we can choose hospitality over hostility, charity over selfishness, a blessing over a curse.
As the liturgical calendar ends on this feast we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. He is the kind of king that the magi nor we ever expected him to become.
By Fr Hoang Dinh
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
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Laura Facci says:
Wonderful homily Father Hoang.