The solemnity of Christ the King ends the liturgical year by reclaiming that it all belongs to Christ
Discussions are happening in our country about what kind of ruler and political structure are best. So much of the debate has to do with individuals and their impact on existing structures. In response to some people’s concerns about political allegiance, Jesus gave a famous answer that we should pay attention to this weekend: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”
We have to make sure we have our priorities straight, that first we give to God what is God’s and then pay attention to what belongs to Caesar. We are never to give over our minds, hearts, choices and dedication to anyone before God. Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is at hand, and we don’t need to wait for the future to find out what the reign of God looks like or how we are expected to act as disciples of Jesus.
The feast of Christ the King reminds us that we end our celebration of the Church year by reclaiming that it all belongs to Christ. In the shadow of recent elections, we need to remind ourselves that we belong to Jesus and not to a political party or other structure that would draw us away from Him. We also need to be cautious to guard our hope and joy. Our source of hope and joy should always be, first and foremost, the love that God gives to us without condition.
This yearly reminder to recollect and recommit comes at a great time for us. We are entering into our grand season of civic celebration and remembrance of the birth of Jesus. And giving thanks, let us remind ourselves that the many things we take for granted are not ours to do with whatever we wish. They’re not the result of our hard work but often an unearned gift from God, given without strings attached. The level of love God gives us has the power to free our hearts to love others in return, even our enemies.
For most of us, Thanksgiving is celebrated with a table of plenty. I hope that that table of plenty begins in your own parish church. Take the time to celebrate the Eucharist as we give the ultimate worship and thanksgiving to God, who is the source of all blessings. As we gather around the table of plenty with family, make an extra effort to reach out to those who have been estranged or with whom there is an unhealed hurt. Make sure that the table of plenty is not just filled with food, but with compassion, generosity and forgiveness.
Advent is meant to be a season of preparation. It is a short season, and we try to celebrate it amid early Christmas celebrations. We will have several weeks during Advent to reflect together on what in our lives, our Church and our nation needs to be prepared for the daily coming of Christ and the final full element of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is at hand, today and always, for us to partake in and contribute to.
Father Donald Wester is retired and serves as lecturer of homiletics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
