The Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Jn 18:33b-37
November 21, 2021

“Harry and Meghan” are among the best-known couples in the world. Their story has spread around the globe.

For the sake of love, freedom, and privacy, the prince disengaged from his “royal duties” to take up life as a commoner. But the couple certainly did not step out of the spotlight; neither is theirs a “riches to rags” story. Still, there were consequences to their decision to move from a palace to a mere mansion.

To some, this soap opera seems like a beautiful romance. Others see the decision to reject his royal birthright as an egregious breach of duty.

While it might seem a little silly to compare and contrast The Lord Jesus Christ with earthly royalty, it makes it a little easier to use a story from our lived experience as the starting point for our reflection on the Greatest Love Story ever told.

Disclaiming any aspirations for…or rights to…political power, Jesus affirmed His desire to be a “commoner”…totally human, just like every other person born into time, except the Lord was free of all sin.

The truth is that, by rejecting earthly power, He was definitely not shirking His duty. Quite the opposite! By choosing The Cross over a throne, Jesus of Nazareth was claiming His birthright as Messiah. Rejecting the title of an earthly king, the Lord claimed the title of Savior of the World.

The very brief exchange between the Roman governor and this humble rabbi was proof of His total and perfectly selfless love for us. The Lord rejected what He could easily have claimed…political power…because of an infinite love for all of humanity and the desire that we should live in freedom…freedom from the ravages of sin and the fear of death.

The historic Jesus fully embraced human nature as the “perfect commoner” so that all humanity has the opportunity to become “royalty.” People of good will embrace that opportunity by doing their best to live a Gospel life.

In spite of His rejection of political power, Jesus of Nazareth did not step out of the spotlight. Actually, Jesus is THE LIGHT…the most powerful Light that draws people of good will to The Truth. And so, we turn to the title Jesus of Nazareth did not and could not reject: CHRIST!

Think of it this way: After all the press conferences, interviews, and statements from Buckingham Palace, Harry was still Harry. Just so with Jesus. At the conclusion of this encounter with Pilate, Jesus of Nazareth was still Divine. Jesus of Nazareth, the “perfect commoner,” rejected political power. But the Living Word of God…Who existed from the beginning…residing with God…always was and always will be.

He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1)

And that is the truth with which we conclude this liturgical year on this Feast of Christ the King. It might make it a little easier to use a story from our lived experience as the starting point for our reflection on these Sacred Mysteries. But it is just that…a starting point…because even the word “King” fits Christ small…very, very small.

Christ is much, much more. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Christ is The Power that holds the universe in existence. Christ is The Love Force that existed in the beginning and will never end, drawing all creation to the Divine Self.

As we enter another year of uncertainty…it is important to remember that Christ IS King…and through Him, someday, there will only be CHRIST.

He is everything and He is in everything.

As it was in the beginning, is now…and ever shall be…AMEN!