Homily of Christ the King,
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43
Today, we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King of the universe. He remains supreme over all that exist, because through him, all things are made. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16. If Christ is our Lord and we accept him as the King of the Universe, then we are called to develop special interest in every matter of global concerns. This helps us to overcome every form of division and keep us above racism, ethnic bigotry and tribalism.
However, celebrating Christ, the King amounts to celebrating our own kingdom dominion. We are called to learn the pattern of dominion far different from how the world perceive sovereignty or supremacy. The authority of Christ is seen in his choice to surrender his will to his eternal Father. It is manifested in service and the total sacrifice of himself for the salvation of the world.
The Lord Jesus is a king who reigned on the cross for our liberation. While on the cross, “the rulers scoffed at Jesus, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” The Lord found his glorification in the cross. That was why he said in his Priestly Prayer; “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.” John 2 John 17.
Kings live in the palace, but the Lord in his earthly life, chose to spend his days in the streets, attending to the needs of the suffering humanity. Instead of reigning in the palace, he prefers to reign in our hearts through love and service.
Likewise, by the virtue of our baptism, through the chrism anointing, we share in his kingship. Hence, the test of the exercise of our own kingship comes from the way we lead our lives. Our Christian dignity is judged by the beauty of our character. With Jesus, we reign in light. We lose our kingship when we pay allegiance to any kingdom of darkness or submit our will to systems which stand against the kingdom of God’s love.
Moreover, any nation or leader who takes the security or welfare of his citizens as a priority is a true mirror of Christ’s reign. Oftentimes, see leaders who spend huge amount of money on personal security outfits but neglect the call to protect the citizenry. Our King is a shepherd king, who takes the safety of his subjects seriously. He is ready to fight fierce wolves as to protect his sheep. He will keep all who remains in his kingdom. He has the power to protect all who belong to him.
Learning from Jesus, we understand that the best way to exercise our sovereignty is by being at the service of those in need, giving light where darkness is looming and providing succour in dare times. We can’t make our kingship felt by beautiful phrases or lording it over others, but rather by making relevant contribution in solving global problems.
May we always be open to make impact in the world as we exercise our kingdom dominion. Amen.
