Christ our eternal King

Submitted on November 21, 2001

Send to friendSome of the great saints, including Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier, who had served in the courts of powerful earthly monarchs, were inspired by the concept of serving the almighty king of heaven and earth. In our day the notion of kingship is more difficult to grasp. We tend to think of kings as aloof and far removed from the concerns of everyday men and women. And yet, Our Lord did say he is a King. He declared that although his kingdom is not of this world, it does begin here and now and is in fact among us. To understand the kingship of Jesus, it is helpful to reflect on the Old Testament portrayal of kingly office. Among the people of Israel the role of king was vastly different from that among pagans. The people of Israel were God's people, and they belonged to him alone. The king's function was transitory - to lead and direct God's people according to his law. The king was a manifestation of God's presence and power. Thus, if the king wins a victory, it is really God who wins it. At the same time, the office of king is a sacred one for he is the anointed of the Lord. Through him God manifests his presence to the people. The king is also a symbol of God's sovereignty, power and glory. He also serves as a visible reminder of Israel's trust and hope for the future. Individual kings are mortal and subject to criticism, but the kingship itself is a guarantee of God's presence to his people. At his birth, angels, shepherds and magi came to reverence the newborn king. At his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus consecrated himself to do the Father's will, and was anointed by the Father and the Holy Spirit for his priestly and kingly mission. Before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate, Jesus declared his messianic and royal identity. The inscription over the cross, in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, read; Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews! In response to the good thief's plea: Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom, Jesus promised: "This day, you will be with me in paradise." Jesus is a king like no other. Far from being remote or uncaring, He urges us: "Come to me, all who are heavily burdened and I will refresh you." Like the ancient kings of Israel he is the constant manifestation of God's presence among us, especially in the Eucharist and other sacraments. He has made his victory over sin and death our own, and he calls us to share his life in heaven. When we reflect on the many facets of the kingship of Jesus, we can understand why the last words of many holy martyrs were: "Long live Christ the King!"