Today we Celebrate Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast is a fitting moment to remind ourselves that we are travelers in this world, but not of this world. Let us reflect on the difference between earthly kings and Christ the King.
Earthly kings enslave their subjects by force, ruling over them with power and strength. They live in constant fear of betrayal, executing those who betray them, and ultimately, their reigns end—whether peacefully or violently.
Christ, on the other hand, enslaves no one, nor does He compel anyone to be His subject. Instead, He offers His kingdom to all who desire it. He loves and accepts us, even knowing He will be betrayed—Peter on Good Friday being a prime example. Ultimately, His kingdom has no end.
The symbols of earthly kings are a golden crown, signifying wealth, and a scepter, representing power. In contrast, Christ’s crown is made of thorns, symbolizing suffering, and His throne is the cross, a sign of complete self-giving for those entrusted to Him—even unto death on the cross.
Thus, Christ does not rule by force over those entrusted to Him but instead gives His entire self for them, even to the point of death on the cross. This is the fundamental difference between earthly kings and Christ the King.
What does this mean for us?
We know that we are not of this world but merely passing through it. Our kingdom is not of this world but the eternal Kingdom of Christ the King. If we wish to inherit His kingdom, we must follow the example He has set for us.
We are called not to dominate others but, like Him, to rule over our own desires and serve others. We are to love not only those who love us but also our enemies and those who persecute us. We should not live selfishly for ourselves and our own achievements but live for others, to the point of being willing to give our lives for them.
Let this feast be a call from Christ to more willingly and resolutely follow the example of self-giving and service to others that He has left us.
