The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe
(Daniel 7: 13-14; Revelation 1: 5-8; John
18: 33-37)
A tale about the French monarch Louis XIV
shows a characteristic of earthly kings. One day two peasants found the king
hunting in the field near their lands. One commented to the other that the king
was not wearing gloves. The second replied that kings don't need gloves. He explained,
“They always have their hands in people's pockets.” In the gospel Jesus
testifies that he is not this kind of king. In fact, he says that his kingdom
is not of this world.
This phrase does not mean that there are no
features of Jesus’ kingdom here. It simply says that the righteousness of the
kingdom of Jesus has not yet permeated the earth. The lack of the kingdom of
Jesus is seen not only in the increasing number of homicides but also in the
lies and disgusting comments found on the Internet. People often criticize each
other there not with the intention of correcting but of destroying.
However, the peace of Jesus’ kingdom is
found in the hearts of the righteous. A lovely priest shares freely brochures that
he bought of the dialogue between Our Lady of Guadalupe and the indigenous Juan
Diego. He intends to sow peace on earth by reminding everyone of God's mercy in
sending our Lady. We also hope that the
spirit of Jesus’ kingdom has penetrated the walls of our homes. In one parish
the priest claims that he has convinced a dozen families to pray the rosary
together daily. It is certainly not just by saying the Lord's Prayer and Hail
Mary that we find peace. But let us never doubt that such a practice continued
for months and years brings countless blessings.
Jesus adds that he has come to "be a
witness to the truth." He has in mind the truth of his kingdom. Yes, he
says, there exists his realm of love despite the human experience of struggle
and resentment. Jesus has come from on high to inform those of the truth that their
hope for peace is not in vain. He said earlier in this Gospel of John that all
of the truth hear his voice. Unfortunately, Pilate does not listen to him
because he is not of the truth.
Hopefully, it is not so with us. May we be
people of the truth believing in Jesus Christ and the destiny of life in its fullness
that he has won for his followers. We show ourselves as people of truth by
preparing this world for the coming of Jesus Christ. In a week we will be entering
the Advent season. Among other objectives the purpose of Advent time is to
prepare us for Christmas. People of the truth do so by much more than hurrying about
buying gifts. They regularly calm down
to meditate on the mystery that will be celebrated. They also think about how
they can support the less fortunate as Jesus has supported us with his coming.
In this world of struggle and resentment,
some will say that we believers are not of the truth. They will raise the
criticism that we believe in a myth. Debating with them would be as futile as
banning the sale of turkey during Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, we can
always show them that we are of the truth. We do this by praying together at
home and at Mass. We also do it by telling the truth even when doing so costs
us dearly. Finally, we show that we are people of truth by supporting the
unfortunate. We want them also to have the hope of eternal life.
