Jesus is no king. Kings however, would like us to believe he is. The king of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, instituted a feast day in 1925 proclaiming Jesus a king. Pope Pius XI did so in an attempt to encourage disciples to transcend earthly kings and the nationalism they were ratcheting up in the world at the time. The pope is to be commended for his intention, but kingship itself needs to be transcended by disciples.
Kings, and those who aspire to hierarchy in its many forms, be they presidents, CEOs, rulers, priests, chieftains, head honchos, or the man of the house all arrange and maintain a system of domination. Jesus challenges their system. He witnesses to a new way of relating. Jesus lives in conscientious communion. He encourages that same conscientious communion from others. It is a communion of equals who learn from each other and share their gifts with each other. Kingship is different. Kings reign. They impose their will over others from the top down. Jesus lives with others who are creating a still growing community that blooms from the bottom up. Kings kill other people. Jesus was one of the people kings kill. Even the “good thief” from today’s Gospel understood the irony in labeling Jesus a king. The title was put atop the cross upon which Jesus was precariously hanging.
As disciples, our best relationship with kingship is to transform the system of domination kings maintain. We needn’t be surprised as to the possible consequences. We may find ourselves in precarious places.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, my heart feels the pain of all those living and dying under the domination of kings.
Question: What are the big and little steps I can take to transition away from kingship and towards communion?
November 24, 2013 Gospel Luke 23:35-43 Christ the King