First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Reflection:
David’s encounter with the leaders of the twelve Israelite tribes at Hebron is a classic story of the establishment of a covenant, this time not between God and humankind, but between a leader and his people. David was able to unite all of the tribes under a single monarchy, despite the strife that had characterized the reign of his predecessor, Saul, and the divisions that remained after Saul’s death. The union of the monarch with his people was expressed in the assurance the elders gave to David that they are his “bone and flesh.” They pledged such great loyalty and devotion to him that they considered themselves his body. They acknowledged as well that he would protect them. David had already distinguished himself as a great warrior against the Philistines (Goliath) while Saul was king, and the elders of the people recognized David as God’s chosen ruler. David would later establish Jerusalem on the border between the northern and southern tribes as his capital city. But for this story, the major city was Hebron, and it was to this city that the leaders came to forge a pact and anoint David as king.
Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20
Reflection:
In this passage, the very mention of God’s beloved Son inspires St. Paul to launch into a hymn which makes the invisible, ineffable (indescribable) God visible through Christ. Paul expresses that Christ has always existed, and through Him, the world was created. In other passages, Paul compared members of the Christian community to different parts of Jesus’ body in order to argue that each person has an indispensable gift to offer to the rest of the community. Paul here presents Christ as the head of that body, its ruler and guiding force. Because of His role as conqueror of death, who makes it possible for believers to experience life eternal (since he is the “firstborn from the dead”), Christ is to be given the foremost place in everything. He is first in life and in death, and is worthy to be honored in eternity. He is the King of Kings! The fullness of God dwells in Jesus. He is both divine and human, so He is able to bridge the gap between God and humanity, despite our inclination to turn away. Through His death, Jesus restored us to a right relationship with God. And by living in the light of Christ we can remain in that right relationship and find salvation from our sins.
Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35-43
Reflection:
There is a certain irony revealed in reading about the crucifixion on the feast of Christ the King. Just as we are proclaiming that Jesus is the exalted Lord, the “first born of all creation,” and the fulfillment of the promises to David, we see Him bruised, beaten, and dying on the cross. It is indeed the supreme irony of the Christian faith that the one who is Lord of all was willing to give His life for all, suffering a lonely, painful, and humiliating death. The gospel of Luke is fond of presenting such paradoxes (obvious internal contradictions). All our expectations about society, personal responsibility, the role of religion, and our relationship with the things of this world are turned on their head in this gospel. The lowly are exalted, sinners are called righteous, the one who dies gives life. We close the liturgical year this week with the ultimate paradox: the one to whom we offer glory and honor and praise is lifted high for all to see—powerless, hanging on the cross. The inscription on Jesus’ cross proclaimed that He is king of the Jews. What his tormentors deemed a mocking joke was indeed the truth. And, in another example of irony, a convicted criminal hanging on the cross next to Jesus was the one who recognized Jesus for who He is. As a model for all people, the criminal acknowledged his own guilt and Jesus’ innocence, and confessed that Jesus would soon enter the fullness of the Kingdom. The jeers directed at Jesus saying, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself,” are also ironic. Jesus is the not only the King of the Jews but, as we celebrate this Sunday, he is the King of the Universe. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus could have saved Himself! As God in the flesh, Jesus could have come down from that cross. But He chose to remain. He chose to die for our sake. As one saying goes, “It was not the nails that held him to the cross but his love for us.” Jesus’ love was expressed on the cross as He offered Himself freely for our sins, so we can have salvation.
Application:
Jesus died for you, will you live for him? Will you respond to His love with love for Him? Will you say ‘yes’ to His invitation to salvation? Will you allow the King of Kings to reign in your heart? Take time to reflect on those questions this week and ask God to help you live with Jesus as the king of your life. He is not a tyrant. His reign is one of humility and love. He wants what’s best for you. Will you trust him and follow Him as your king?
