Viva Cristo Rey!
Acknowledging the Kingship of Christ in the Modern World
Ending our Liturgical year, we come to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The readings provide us a glimpse of Christ’s coming, and an encounter that tells us of what kind of kingship Christ holds as opposed to the world’s view of kingship.
We are first given a glimpse of Daniel’s vision of how the Son of man received , being presented before God the Father, receives dominion, glory, and kingship. It is one that is indestructible, everlasting, and can never be taken away. The Responsorial Psalm, then, provides us a description of the kingly stature of Christ, of the firmness of his throne, how holiness forever emanates from him, and whose decrees are to be trusted for all eternity. The Second Reading which is taken from the book of Revelation shows to us how Christ will appear when he comes again, and why he is truly worthy to be our king.
Coming to the Gospel, we are now brought to a part of the Passion narrative, when Christ was presented before Pilate. It might seem like a contradiction, as here we are on an important celebration that is about the kingship of Our Lord, and yet the Gospel presents Jesus on his way to his most difficult moments, in the process being riled, mocked, and ridiculed.
But the conversation between Pilate and Jesus speaks volumes, perhaps a theological treatise could even come from it.
We could note how Pilate starts by asking if Jesus is the King of the Jews. Looking at this question, we can see that Pilate is acting based solely on claims that have come from the Pharisees and the Jews alike. It is why Christ responded by asking him as well:
“Do you say this on your own
or have others told you about me?”
This could serve as a starting point for our reflection. Do we own up to our relationship with Christ, or are we simply enamored by what’s written or said about him without truly, deeply embracing him in our life? Christ is beyond mere writings and theological discussions and treatises. Christ is a someone. As a someone, Christ longs to build that relationship with us and be intimate with us. No matter how much we know of Christ through writings, discourse, and treatises, all of these will be for naught if there is no true relationship or union with him.
Pilate continued , as his next words indeed confirm that he is merely acting according to the claims of the Jews and the Pharisees. Yet Christ further adds to the mystery, as he said:
“My kingdom does not belong to this world.
If my kingdom did belong to this world,
my attendants would be fighting
to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.
But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
It is here that Pilate, being the prefect or governor of the province of Judea and acting on behalf of Emperor Tiberius, actually ended up admitting on behalf of the Roman Empire by asking,
“Then you are a king?”
This point is crucial, because this admission from Pilate is what shows to us how Christ’s kingship extends beyond geographical divides, political affiliations and ideological differences. His kingship is universal, and any possible perceptions we may have on a king are completely quashed by his form of it. Christ points to the very core of his kingship, which is truth, and we are invited to share in his kingship if we also embrace the truth that Christ gives.
It’s very fitting, that as we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe, we are brought to the crucial precipice in the history of the Philippines, the 2022 national elections. In a time when we are called once more to elect the leaders of our country, it would be paramount to approach Christ who is the wellspring of truth. From this truth of Christ, we may truly discern the right people. In a time of individual voices crying out, with political leanings and affiliations seemingly fracturing the country, we ought to first go back to the truth of Christ. It is only through the truth of Christ that we are able to truly discern, to find the wisdom that we need to vote in a way that’s truly best for our country.
May we embrace the truth of Christ, and be one in his kingship.
Ave Maria!
