Feast of Christ the King

 

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING


We always conclude the liturgical calendar by celebrating this feast of Christ the King. We focus upon his other attributes as we navigate through each phase of the church year: he is the Suffering Servant; he is the Bread of Life; he is the Good Shepherd; he is Emmanuel, etc.  Nevertheless, we wrap it all up by acknowledging his sovereignty—his absolute sovereignty as King of all creation, as King of the universe, as THE King of all kings (1st Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16). 


Pilate goes so far as to identify Christ as “King of the Jews” (LK 23:38). Clearly, however, the inscription betrays an element of mockery. Likewise, with the “bad thief,” we can also detect a tone of mockery: If you’re such an important man, then you should be able to save yourself, and also us (LK 23:39)!! And yet, in contrast, we hear words of reverence from the “good thief.”  He both acknowledges and submits to the Lord’s authority—and this gesture on his part will pay an unparalleled dividend (LK 23:40-43). 


The good thief’s tribute can be described as rather brief. A significantly more comprehensive tribute can be found in Colossians chapter one. It comes across as a densely theological message, but essentially this is Paul’s way of submitting to the authority of Christ. He has his way of acknowledging Christ. Pilate has his way. And the thieves have their own way. This leaves us with one question that has not yet been explored: What about our way? How do we acknowledge Christ? 


For our part, we’re more than ready to acknowledge Christ as Good Shepherd, as the Bread of Life, as Emmanuel. But we hesitate when Christ is being presented to us as King. It has to do with the fact that this means submission. It means transferring authority from yourself to the Lord. Can you do that? Can you associate yourself with St. Paul and with the Good Thief? Or is that too much to ask? It’s not that you are aligned with Pilate or with the bad thief. It’s simply that you find yourself being drawn to a kind of “middle ground.”  


You know where it is that you ought to be. But you’re not there yet. You need more time. Your situation resembles that of the Northern Tribes. They warm up to David, but not right away. David will be acknowledged as king in the territory of Judah, but only later will he begin to receive support from the other tribes (see 2nd Sam. 5:1-5). It happens “belatedly.”  Perhaps your tribute to the Lord will follow a similar time-table. Your intention is to submit. As for the time-frame, you’re thinking: better late than never! You’re in the process of emulating St. Paul and the Good Thief. It has to be understood as a process. 


Suppose it finally does happen. You bring yourself to submit. You’re giving Christ his due, even if belatedly. He’s being given his due. Meanwhile, let’s consider whether or not anything is being done for you? Recall the interchange between Christ and the Good Thief. Initially, it’s the Good Thief offering something to Christ—namely, a tribute. In response, the Lord subsequently does something for the Good Thief. We spoke of it as a “dividend.”  


Back in the middle part of the 20th century, you would open up an account at a local bank. By opening the account, you would be giving the bank, not just custody over your savings; you would also be giving them your trust. How do they respond? The practice back then was to give you a brand new toaster. In other words, you offer them a pledge of trust; they in turn give you the gift of a toaster. See it as a type of “dividend.”  That’s what the bank was prepared to do for you. The Lord is prepared to do so much more. In the meantime, he’s [patiently] waiting for you to give him his due. 

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