Jesus Christ the Universal King

AN “ORDINARY” KING

Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33b-37

Readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King

Arthur was the first-born son of King Pendragon of England. Since they lived in troubled times, Merlin, the wise magician, advised that the baby Arthur should be raised in a secret place without anyone knowing his identity. Merlin sent Arthur to be raised in the countryside. Arthur grew up as an “ordinary” lad; he lived among his people unspoiled and unsullied by the grandeur of royalty. That experience stood him in good stead—when he became king, he was kind and loving; he embodied loyalty, strength, boldness, and faithfulness.

Arthur is, perhaps, a legendary figure! But his story is like the story of our Universal King: Jesus. 

Jesus was born to a humble carpenter and a lowly maiden in obscure Nazareth; he grew up as an ordinary lad and did the ordinary things that other ordinary lads did. For much of his life, few knew his true identity.

Jesus grew up to be king but unlike any other. In his conversation with Pilate, he states: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. 

- His kingdom was not for the nobility; it was for all people, especially the poor, the lost, the marginalized. His kingdom has no boundaries and goes beyond nationality; it is an everlasting kingdom (see the first reading from Daniel);

- His kingship was not of power and domination; it was the way of powerless and freedom.

- He had no palace; he was born in a manger, had no place to lay his head during his public ministry, and he was buried in a borrowed tomb. 

- His crown was made of thorns; his throne was the cross.

- His authority is that of humble and loving service. He did not have servants waiting on him; he put on a towel and became a slave to his apostles. 

- It is a kingship in which the king does not expect people to die for him; rather he goes to his death for them (see the second reading from the Book of Revelation).

We are subjects of this “ordinary” king who is extraordinary. To be subject to him is to experience love and acceptance, liberation and peace. Will I be his true subject? If so, how will I imitate this ordinary and servant king?