The Nazareth Page- A gospel meditation for your home
November 24, 2024 – Christ the King -John 18:34-37
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The feast of Christ the King was created as a contrast to the many royal systems of command and leadership that were common in Europe at the time. Kings, and other so-called royals, ruled over their people with power and might. Sometimes they were good and sometimes not. They had power over others, often exercised with an iron hand. So, to give Jesus a position above all, even the kings of that time, the Church created this feast.
Of course, the kingship of Christ was unlike any other at that time, or ever! I appreciate the title “servant king” as one more suited to the one who came to serve humankind, rather than be served by all. Images of absolute power and might do not fit Jesus. He invited us to be meek and humble of heart and no one exemplified that more than he did.
In today’s gospel we see the contrast between the two contrasting styles of kingship. Jesus is falsely accused violating both civil and religious laws of his time. He is brought before the local Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, who alone had the power to administer capital punishment. The Romans often publicly crucified their “enemies” as a sign of their absolute political power. Some of the Jewish leadership, fearing that the followers of Jesus would question their own use of power, sought his death. We know how that all turned out.
In this gospel account, we hear some of the final words of Jesus where he said that while he can be called a king, his kingdom was not created for this life and this world. It is much more extensive, and it will not be measured by the insular and self-serving values of this world.
Pope Francis is aware that unhealthy and unchristian forms of leadership can even slip into the life the Church. He has often pointed to the evil of clericalism where some church leaders use their position in ways that do not imitate the ways Jesus exercised leadership in his ministry. Clericalism exists when church leaders use their position in the Church for personal gain or power. I have witnessed the ministry of many Christlike bishops and priests, but I have also seen the opposite. Jesus is always the model for how to live as his followers whatever our role in the Church.
The kingdom of God had begun with the coming of Jesus, the Son of God in our midst. It will last forever. And yes, Christ will be its king, but he will rule as one who values and loves all its members. God’s kingdom welcomes all, serves the needs of all, and welcomes all into eternal life with God.
David M. Thomas, PhD